FHB Logo Facebook LinkedIn Email Pinterest Twitter X Instagram Tiktok YouTube Plus Icon Close Icon Navigation Search Icon Navigation Search Icon Arrow Down Icon Video Guide Icon Article Guide Icon Modal Close Icon Guide Search Icon Skip to content
Subscribe
Log In
  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Restoration
  • Videos
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House
  • Podcast
Log In

Discussion Forum

Discussion Forum

Pressure washers

tb1472000 | Posted in Tools for Home Building on May 21, 2006 01:11am

Northern Tools has a good sale going for pressure washers.  I’ve always wanted one and wondering what pressure would be usefull.  Normally I’m a more power kind of guy.  I’m sure none of you would understand that:)  Anyway, if you get a 4000 lb one, is there a way to lower the power so you don’t blow the paint off the car?  Is that even a concern?  I suppose if you don’t get too close, it would be okay??? 

Any other thoughts on what to look for?

 

Thanks for your help,

 

Bruce

Reply
  • X
  • facebook
  • linkedin
  • pinterest
  • email
  • add to favorites Log in or Sign up to save your favorite articles

Replies

  1. brownbagg | May 21, 2006 01:15am | #1

    the problem with Northern tools is the shipping and handling will kill you

  2. User avater
    zak | May 21, 2006 04:34am | #2

    Just don't use a 0 degree tip with that monster to wash your car.  From what I've heard, a 2500 psi unit does most things you would want.  That's what I've used before, and it was enough to write my name in the cedar shingles on my house, had I wanted to do so.

    zak

    "so it goes"

  3. florida | May 21, 2006 04:38am | #3

    Unless you have a real need for 4000 PSI opt for 2500 instead. It will cost less, last longer, run smoother, require less maintenance, less gas and do everything you need done. The pressure comes from the size tip you use, not the pump.

  4. jc21 | May 21, 2006 04:50am | #4

    "Any other thoughts on what to look for?"  GX series Honda motor - its their commercial ohv engine- with a little care they'll last a very long time. Honda also has a "residential" (their term) GC series ohc engine- not a bad motor but the GX is the one to have. Cat pump- imho the best pump; reliable and long lived. Separate spray nozzles for the lance  (spray wand) will give you a much wider variety of spray patterns vs the single adjustable nozzles of less expensive pressure washers. A longer hose saves some moving of the pressure washer especially when washing houses; generally the lower end washers have only a 25' hose. Chemical injection is nice to have; you can spray what you're washing with a cleaning solution (there's generally a low pressure nozzle for that), change to the appropriate nozzle and rinse. As far as pressure goes 2500-3000psi has done anything I've needed to do. Too much pressure too close and you can do some real damage to wood, mortar, brick, blow decals off your vehicle etc. Pressure generally can be adjusted on more expensive washers but if you don't need 4000psi why buy it? If the washer won't be used for long lengths of time use a fuel stabilizer and if you live where it freezes store the washer in a heated area or run non tox antifreeze through the washer before storage.

  5. QCInspector | May 21, 2006 08:36am | #5

    The pressure washer will likely come with several colour coded fan tips that you put in the end of the wand. They have a size rating for the flow and pressure of your machine. If you buy the next size larger you will drop the pressure by about 20%, maybe more. I don't know what the pressure drop would be if you bought two sizes larger, but eventually you will end up with a of soap dispenser tip. The principal is the same as when you were a little kid and put your thumb over the end of a garden hose to change the spray. Your other option is to retrofit an adjustable pressure regulator (at a greater cost that some larger tips).

  6. VTNorm | May 22, 2006 02:56am | #6

    A guy with a pressure wash biz told me that gpm was more important to him than psi. If you look at the consumer/entry level commercial models the psi range runs the same; usually from 2500-3500. But if you want higher gpm's be prepared to pay.

    I picked-up an Excell at a HD clearance sale back in March. 2800psi, 3.0gpm, Honda GX200 5.5hp engine, CAT pump, & chemical hose. I can't imagine needing anything stronger. Holy cow, this thing etched lines in my marble walkway with the white 40' wand tip (the lowest pressure one after the soap sprayer). I can adjust the pressure by throttling down the engine. I use for cleaning mud from beneath the truck & the dump trailer, cleaning the tractor, washing out the mower decks...a useful tool.

    Most of the ones I looked at came with most everything; wand, high pressure hose, multiple tips...nice features not all units had are on-board hose reel, wand holster, hooks for hanging cleaner bottles; bells & whistles things.

    -Norm

    1. Scooter1 | May 22, 2006 04:22am | #7

      I got the high end Craftsman with the Honda engine--something like 3700 psi. We use it for graffiti removal and preping paint jobs. Have to be real careful with the o degree tip. Too clumsy to use to wash a car.Regards, Scooter"I may be drunk, but you're crazy, and I'll be sober tomorrow." WC Fields, "Its a Gift" 1934

  7. rasconc | May 22, 2006 04:30am | #8

    I bought the 2550 2.3 gpm Troybuilt from Lowes.  The same basci one it $300 at Northern Tool.  I trust they have a local store near you.  Otherwise as said earlier shipping gets out of hand. 

    I have a little electric 1300 psi Campbell Haus. that has earned its keep.  I bought a Craftsman a few years back that is about the same specs as the Troybuilt.   It has some governor problems and I got the new one.  I am on a well and did not want more than 2 to 2.3 gpm. 

    The turbo nozzle really helps.  I cleaned off the sidewalks at out church Fri and ran about three tanks of gas out of it. 

  8. philarenewal | May 22, 2006 06:44am | #9

    >>"is there a way to lower the power so you don't blow the paint off the car? 

    Pressure washer to wash a car?

    I use mine to take loose paint off concrete and stucco.  Also grafitti removal on rare occasion.  Wood carving if I get it too close to any trim.  ;-)

    Wash a car?  ;-)

     

    "Let's get crack-a-lackin"  --- Adam Carolla

  9. glsstep | May 23, 2006 01:02am | #10

    I know I may get some flack for this but here goes...I recently did some comparative shopping and found a great set up.  3000 psi, 5 different tips including the one for siphoning of detergents, the unit stores/holds 2 1-gallon jugs of solution, on-board storage of tips & other things.  The engine was a Suzuki which I've heard are as good as Honda's.  The price was $500.00 which is about the same as many 2300 - 2500 psi units.  This pressure works very well & I have no complaints.  Now here's the kicker... It's a Ryobi from Home Depot.

    I've owned a 2300psi Honda powered Pressure washer before and I can honestly say this one blows the Honda away.

    Anyway... good luck.

    1. VTNorm | May 23, 2006 09:31pm | #12

      I also looked long & hard at the Ryobi, in fact I still have the brochure on my desk. It  is a nice setup - all the bells & whistles I wish my Excell had. The Ryobi engine is a Subaru, they supply engines for some of the high end Karcher washers. When I was shopping around I couldn't find anyone with firsthand experience with the Ryobi so it made me a little apprehensive about being the first kid on the block wth one.

      When it came time to buy one my local HD was bringing on the DeWalt line of washers so they were discounting everything else EXCEPT the Ryobi. My Excell was $200 off plus I had a 20% discount coupon, I asked for another $50 off and got it.

      -Norm

      1. ClaysWorld | May 30, 2006 10:20pm | #14

        ????? Where did you find that beauty eh I mean 20% coupon?

        1. VTNorm | May 30, 2006 11:02pm | #15

          "????? Where did you find that beauty eh I mean 20% coupon?"

          There were a bunch available on ebay a couple of months ago, they expired the end April...there's still 10% coupons on ebay with no expiration date. Buyer beware though, some of them are pretty poor copies or otherwise faked and HD won't take 'em. Best to buy from ebayer with a sterling rep.

          -Norm

           

           

          1. ClaysWorld | May 30, 2006 11:20pm | #16

            Thanks.

             What did it run you for the 20%? just curious.

            Kinda like printing money. I love power shopping.

            Plus if you see 20%ers again the folks here would love to know.

  10. junkhound | May 23, 2006 02:18am | #11

    Have a MTM 3000 psi, 4 gpm, 11 HP Honda;   would get even bigger if could find a good deal.

    As others said, its all in the tip.

    Did once get careless and slice leg open with 15 degree tip, no infection, but infection  is apparently a hazard for anything over 2000 psi.  DW did let it get out of control and cut a gouge in the side of the house also with the 25 degree tip even. 125 ft of hose is about right for my needs.

    Have a 1500 psi 2.2 gpm also, only useful on small jobs but convienient. 

    Get the biggest you can afford, Honda engine of course.  

  11. bc | May 29, 2006 02:49am | #13

    look at the new dewalt ones never see them in the store since they sell out so quickly. 4gpm 3800 psi honda motor. $999

Log in or create an account to post a comment.

Sign up Log in

Become a member and get full access to FineHomebuilding.com

Video Shorts

Categories

  • Business
  • Code Questions
  • Construction Techniques
  • Energy, Heating & Insulation
  • General Discussion
  • Help/Work Wanted
  • Photo Gallery
  • Reader Classified
  • Tools for Home Building

Discussion Forum

Recent Posts and Replies

  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
  • |
View More Create Post

Up Next

Video Shorts

Featured Story

FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes

Could a building code update make your go-to materials obsolete?

Featured Video

Video: Build a Fireplace, Brick by Brick

Watch mason Mike Mehaffey construct a traditional-style fireplace that burns well and meets current building codes.

Related Stories

  • Podcast Episode 692: Introduction to Trade Work, Embodied Carbon, and Envelope Improvements
  • FHB Podcast Segment: Embodied Greenhouse Gas Emissions and the Building Codes
  • Old Boots Learn New Tricks
  • Install Denim Insulation Like a Pro

Highlights

Fine Homebuilding All Access
Fine Homebuilding Podcast
Tool Tech
Plus, get an extra 20% off with code GIFT20

"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Fine Homebuilding Magazine

  • Issue 332 - July 2025
    • Custom Built-ins With Job-Site Tools
    • Fight House Fires Through Design
    • Making the Move to Multifamily
  • Issue 331 - June 2025
    • A More Resilient Roof
    • Tool Test: You Need a Drywall Sander
    • Ducted vs. Ductless Heat Pumps
  • Issue 330 - April/May 2025
    • Deck Details for Durability
    • FAQs on HPWHs
    • 10 Tips for a Long-Lasting Paint Job
  • Issue 329 - Feb/Mar 2025
    • Smart Foundation for a Small Addition
    • A Kominka Comes West
    • Making Small Kitchens Work
  • Issue 328 - Dec/Jan 2025
    • How a Pro Replaces Columns
    • Passive House 3.0
    • Tool Test: Compact Line Lasers

Fine Home Building

Newsletter Sign-up

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox.

  • Green Building Advisor

    Building science and energy efficiency advice, plus special offers, in your inbox.

  • Old House Journal

    Repair, renovation, and restoration tips, plus special offers, in your inbox.

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters

Follow

  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
  • Fine Homebuilding

    Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X
    • LinkedIn
  • GBA Prime

    Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.

    Start Free Trial Now
    • Facebook
    • YouTube
  • Old House Journal

    Learn how to restore, repair, update, and decorate your home.

    Subscribe Now
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • X

Membership & Magazine

  • Online Archive
  • Start Free Trial
  • Magazine Subscription
  • Magazine Renewal
  • Gift a Subscription
  • Customer Support
  • Privacy Preferences
  • About
  • Contact
  • Advertise
  • Careers
  • Terms of Use
  • Site Map
  • Do not sell or share my information
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility
  • California Privacy Rights

© 2025 Active Interest Media. All rights reserved.

Fine Homebuilding receives a commission for items purchased through links on this site, including Amazon Associates and other affiliate advertising programs.

  • Home Group
  • Antique Trader
  • Arts & Crafts Homes
  • Bank Note Reporter
  • Cabin Life
  • Cuisine at Home
  • Fine Gardening
  • Fine Woodworking
  • Green Building Advisor
  • Garden Gate
  • Horticulture
  • Keep Craft Alive
  • Log Home Living
  • Military Trader/Vehicles
  • Numismatic News
  • Numismaster
  • Old Cars Weekly
  • Old House Journal
  • Period Homes
  • Popular Woodworking
  • Script
  • ShopNotes
  • Sports Collectors Digest
  • Threads
  • Timber Home Living
  • Traditional Building
  • Woodsmith
  • World Coin News
  • Writer's Digest
Active Interest Media logo
X
X
This is a dialog window which overlays the main content of the page. The modal window is a 'site map' of the most critical areas of the site. Pressing the Escape (ESC) button will close the modal and bring you back to where you were on the page.

Main Menu

  • How-To
  • Design
  • Tools & Materials
  • Video
  • Blogs
  • Forum
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Magazine
  • Members
  • FHB House

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Podcasts

  • FHB Podcast
  • ProTalk

Webinars

  • Upcoming and On-Demand

Popular Topics

  • Kitchens
  • Business
  • Bedrooms
  • Roofs
  • Architecture and Design
  • Green Building
  • Decks
  • Framing
  • Safety
  • Remodeling
  • Bathrooms
  • Windows
  • Tilework
  • Ceilings
  • HVAC

Magazine

  • Current Issue
  • Past Issues
  • Magazine Index
  • Subscribe
  • Online Archive
  • Author Guidelines

All Access

  • Member Home
  • Start Free Trial
  • Gift Membership

Online Learning

  • Courses
  • Project Guides
  • Reader Projects
  • Podcast

More

  • FHB Ambassadors
  • FHB House
  • Customer Support

Account

  • Log In
  • Join

Newsletter

Get home building tips, offers, and expert advice in your inbox

Signing you up...

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
See all newsletters
See all newsletters

Follow

  • X
  • YouTube
  • instagram
  • facebook
  • pinterest
  • Tiktok

Join All Access

Become a member and get instant access to thousands of videos, how-tos, tool reviews, and design features.

Start Your Free Trial

Subscribe

FHB Magazine

Start your subscription today and save up to 70%

Subscribe

Enjoy unlimited access to Fine Homebuilding. Join Now

Already a member? Log in

We hope you’ve enjoyed your free articles. To keep reading, become a member today.

Get complete site access to expert advice, how-to videos, Code Check, and more, plus the print magazine.

Start your FREE trial

Already a member? Log in

Privacy Policy Update

We use cookies, pixels, script and other tracking technologies to analyze and improve our service, to improve and personalize content, and for advertising to you. We also share information about your use of our site with third-party social media, advertising and analytics partners. You can view our Privacy Policy here and our Terms of Use here.

Cookies

Analytics

These cookies help us track site metrics to improve our sites and provide a better user experience.

Advertising/Social Media

These cookies are used to serve advertisements aligned with your interests.

Essential

These cookies are required to provide basic functions like page navigation and access to secure areas of the website.

Delete My Data

Delete all cookies and associated data