DO you use swivels on your guns, if so, which is best?

[soonermajic]

Who does & who does NOT use swivels on their guns? I thought everyone did, but ran into a guy who takes care of 11 washes & he said many of his customers do NOT use swivels.
If you do use them, which one is the #1 choice for you guys?

 

[Randy]

I can’t believe that anyone would not use a swivel on there high pressure gun, well maybe if they are a cheapster. We use a 3/8” Fluid Controls Ball Bearing Swivel (KR #SW060) https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-1549-fluid-controls-ball-bearing-swivel-38fxm-brass-2000psi.aspx They turn easy and last a long time.

 

[Robert2181]

They must go through a lot of hoses. We use the same swivel.

 

[Eric H]

I used to use the one Randy listed but switched to these years ago https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-1541-straight-swivel-38mxf-ss-5000psi.aspx I think they last longer. They do come in brass if you want to save a few $$.
I used to rebuild the ones Randy listed. I would have 6-7 spares and once I got a pile of broken ones I would rebuild them all on a slow rainy day.

Stay away from these https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-1557-smc-ball-bearing-swivels-38-mxf.aspx If the swivel seized up the body would unscrew in the middle and if it was on a boom it would drop onto the customer or car. I never had a customer complain but I did find the hose laying on the floor in the morning on more than 1 occasion.

BTW I think you may have misunderstood when the guy told you that a lot of his customers do not use swivels. Can't imaging trying to use the hose without them!

 

[slash007]

I can’t believe that anyone would not use a swivel on there high pressure gun, well maybe if they are a cheapster. We use a 3/8” Fluid Controls Ball Bearing Swivel (KR #SW060) https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-1549-fluid-controls-ball-bearing-swivel-38fxm-brass-2000psi.aspx They turn easy and last a long time.

I started using those same swivels based on a recommendation from here, but they have been nothing but trouble. I had two just break apart in the last week and have replaced a few due to leaking after a short time.

 

[copperglobe]

I use swivels at the gun and at the boom.

I have been using these for years: rebuildable very easily, last forever- https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-1541-straight-swivel-38mxf-ss-5000psi.aspx

In the past few months I've tried these: they "swivel" much better than the others I mentioned above. No problems in six months- https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-1549-fluid-controls-ball-bearing-swivel-38fxm-brass-2000psi.aspx

I've had great success with swivels at both ends of the bay hose.

 

[cebo]

The old SW 504. I've tried a bunch of different ones but in 26 years this this is the best. Not worth rebuilding imo.

 

[Car_Wash_Guy]

Does anyone buy hose with the swivel fittings? I mistakenly bought a few from Kleen-Rite to replace the hoses in my wash, only got around to putting one up, and noticed it leaking @ the crimped swivel fitting within weeks. Now I'm reluctant to install the rest...

 

[Waxman]

I just buy the swivels that Eric gets. I wouldn't buy a hose with a swivel end because the swivel wears faster than the hose and I don't like wasting money.

 

[I.B. Washincars]

Does anyone buy hose with the swivel fittings? I mistakenly bought a few from Kleen-Rite to replace the hoses in my wash, only got around to putting one up, and noticed it leaking @ the crimped swivel fitting within weeks. Now I'm reluctant to install the rest...

Any crimped on swivel fitting that I know of is only meant to swivel for installation, not as an everyday function. That would explain the quick failure.

 

[loewem]

I use mosmatic swivels at the gun. Have not had one fail in four years. I use reusable fittings with built in swivel at the boom.

 

[Kevin James]

I started using those same swivels based on a recommendation from here, but they have been nothing but trouble. I had two just break apart in the last week and have replaced a few due to leaking after a short time.

We use the 3/8” Fluid Controls Ball Bearing Swivel (KR #SW060) https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-154...s-2000psi.aspx or everything with no problems what so ever. Foam brush, on top on the foam brush boom and at the gun. They probably last longer than you think.

 

[MEP001]

Does anyone buy hose with the swivel fittings? I mistakenly bought a few from Kleen-Rite to replace the hoses in my wash, only got around to putting one up, and noticed it leaking @ the crimped swivel fitting within weeks. Now I'm reluctant to install the rest...

Those crimped on swivel fittings are not meant to be used as a working swivel even though Kleen-Rite says they are. They won't last, they'll either seize up or leak (or both) in a very short time. I've spoken to the manufacturers of three different brands and they've all said the same thing.