Lances & Nozzles

About Lances & Nozzles

Lances and nozzles are essential accessories that transform standard pressure washers into versatile cleaning powerhouses capable of tackling everything from delicate vehicle paintwork to heavily soiled commercial surfaces. These precision-engineered components control water pressure, spray pattern, and delivery method, allowing operators to customise their equipment for specific cleaning applications. Whether removing stubborn driveway grime, cleaning commercial vehicles, or maintaining building exteriors, selecting the appropriate lance and nozzle combination dramatically improves cleaning efficiency whilst protecting surfaces from potential damage.

Tooled-Up.com stocks an extensive selection encompassing everything from basic replacement lances and adjustable nozzles to specialist attachments including foam lances, turbo nozzles, and angled spray heads. The range features leading manufacturers such as Kärcher, Bosch, and Draper, offering both brand-specific accessories designed for seamless compatibility and universal options that work across different pressure washer models. From homeowners maintaining their property to professional contract cleaners requiring heavy-duty commercial equipment, the selection caters to all applications, budgets, and intensity levels.

Modern pressure washer lances and nozzles incorporate intelligent design features including quick-release fittings for rapid attachment changes, adjustable spray patterns eliminating the need for multiple nozzles, and ergonomic grips reducing operator fatigue during extended cleaning sessions. Specialist options such as angled nozzles provide access to challenging areas like wheel arches and undersides, whilst multi-function nozzles deliver comprehensive versatility in a single attachment. Understanding which lance and nozzle combination best suits your cleaning requirements helps achieve professional results efficiently whilst preventing costly surface damage from inappropriate pressure settings.

Jargon Buster

• Vario Nozzle: An adjustable nozzle allowing operators to alter the spray pattern from a concentrated jet to a wide fan spray by twisting the head, providing versatility without changing attachments between different cleaning tasks.
• Turbo/Rotary Nozzle: A specialist nozzle that rotates a concentrated water jet in a circular pattern, delivering up to 50% more cleaning power than standard static nozzles, ideal for removing stubborn dirt and algae from concrete, paving, and heavily soiled hard surfaces.
• Bar Rating: The measurement of water pressure output, with domestic pressure washers typically operating between 100-150 bar whilst professional models can exceed 200 bar. Nozzles must be compatible with your machine's maximum bar rating to ensure safe operation.
• Quick Connect Coupling: A standardised fitting system allowing rapid attachment changes without tools. Common types include bayonet fittings and click-connect systems specific to manufacturers like Kärcher's bayonet mount or Bosch's AQT connection system.
• Foam Lance: A specialist nozzle with an integrated detergent reservoir that creates thick foam by mixing cleaning solution with pressurised water and air, allowing chemicals to dwell on surfaces for improved cleaning effectiveness, particularly popular for vehicle valeting.
• Degree Rating: Nozzles are often colour-coded and measured in degrees (0°, 15°, 25°, 40°, 65°), indicating the spray angle—lower degrees provide concentrated power for stubborn stains, whilst higher degrees offer gentle, wide coverage for delicate surfaces and general cleaning.

Who Uses Lances & Nozzles?

• Professional Cleaners: Window cleaners, contract cleaners, and exterior cleaning specialists requiring versatile equipment for varied commercial applications across multiple client sites.
• Vehicle Valets: Mobile and static car valeting services needing foam lances, detailing nozzles, and angled attachments for professional vehicle cleaning and preparation.
• Groundskeepers and Gardeners: Landscape maintenance professionals cleaning patios, pathways, decking, outdoor furniture, and removing moss from hard surfaces.
• Facilities Managers: Those responsible for maintaining commercial properties, car parks, loading bays, and public spaces requiring efficient cleaning equipment.
• Agricultural Workers: Farmers and agricultural contractors cleaning machinery, buildings, livestock areas, and equipment used in demanding outdoor environments.
• Construction Workers: Site operatives cleaning equipment, removing cement residue, maintaining plant machinery, and preparing surfaces for finishing work.
• DIY Enthusiasts: Homeowners maintaining their property exteriors, vehicles, garden areas, and outdoor spaces with domestic-grade pressure washing equipment.
• Tradespeople: General builders, landscapers, maintenance contractors, and mobile tradesmen requiring versatile site cleaning equipment for varied applications.

How to Choose the Right Lances & Nozzles

Compatibility: The most critical consideration is ensuring compatibility with your specific pressure washer brand and model. Kärcher, Bosch, and other manufacturers often use proprietary connection systems, though adaptors are available from Tooled-Up to enable cross-brand compatibility. Check your pressure washer's manual or examine existing lance connections before purchasing. Some universal lances fit multiple brands, offering flexibility if you operate different machines or upgrade equipment regularly.

Pressure Rating: Match the nozzle's maximum bar rating to your pressure washer's output capacity. Using nozzles rated below your machine's pressure can cause component failure or dangerous separation under load, whilst over-rated accessories simply won't perform optimally. Most domestic machines operate at 100-150 bar, whilst professional equipment may exceed 200 bar. This specification should be clearly marked on both your pressure washer and replacement accessories.

Application Requirements: Consider your primary cleaning tasks when selecting accessories. Adjustable vario nozzles offer versatility for general-purpose use, turbo nozzles provide aggressive cleaning power for driveways and patios, foam lances excel at vehicle washing and applying detergents, and angled nozzles access confined spaces. Multi-purpose nozzle sets provide comprehensive solutions for operators tackling varied applications across different projects.

Lance Length: Standard lances typically measure 600-900mm, suitable for most general applications. Extended lances improve reach for high areas like conservatory roofs, building fascias, or vehicle roofs without requiring ladders, whilst shorter wands offer better control in tight spaces and reduce operator fatigue. Consider where you'll be working most frequently and whether working at height features regularly in your cleaning schedule.

Build Quality: Professional-grade lances feature brass or stainless steel construction for durability under heavy commercial use and harsh cleaning environments, whilst plastic-bodied options suit occasional domestic applications. Quality triggers incorporate safety locks and ergonomic designs to reduce operator fatigue during extended cleaning sessions. Invest in robust construction if you're using equipment commercially or for regular intensive applications.

Flow Rate: Ensure nozzles match your pressure washer's litres-per-minute flow rate specification. Restrictive nozzles on high-flow machines can cause back-pressure and potential pump damage, whilst oversized nozzles on low-flow machines won't deliver sufficient cleaning power. This specification should be available in your pressure washer's documentation or on the machine's rating plate.

Popular Accessories

• Pressure Washer Detergents: Specialist cleaning solutions formulated for pressure washers, including vehicle shampoos, patio cleaners, degreasers, and moss removers designed for foam lance application.
• Extension Hoses: Additional high-pressure hose lengths for improved working radius and access to distant areas without relocating the pressure washer unit.
• Surface Cleaners: Rotating brush attachments that clean large flat areas like patios, driveways, and car parks more efficiently than standard lances, reducing cleaning time significantly.
• Wet and Dry Brushes: Rotating brush heads that combine mechanical agitation with pressure washing for improved cleaning of vehicles, cladding, and textured surfaces.
• Gutter Cleaning Attachments: Curved or angled lances specifically designed for cleaning gutters, downpipes, and fascias from ground level, eliminating working at height risks.
• Quick Connect Adaptors: Universal fittings allowing cross-brand compatibility between different pressure washer manufacturers and third-party accessories.
• Replacement O-Rings and Seals: Essential maintenance components preventing leaks, maintaining optimal pressure, and extending the service life of lances and connections.
• Nozzle Storage Cases: Organised storage solutions keeping multiple nozzles protected, readily accessible, and preventing damage during transport between jobs.

Safety Information

Pressure washer lances and nozzles direct highly pressurised water capable of causing serious injury or permanent damage. Never point a lance at people, animals, or yourself—the concentrated jet can penetrate skin and cause deep tissue damage requiring immediate medical attention. Always wear appropriate PPE including safety goggles, waterproof gloves, and protective footwear with non-slip soles when operating pressure washing equipment, particularly on wet surfaces.

Ensure secure connections between lances, nozzles, and pressure washers before starting the machine. Loose fittings can separate violently under pressure, creating a dangerous whipping hazard with the potential to cause injury. Engage trigger locks when not actively cleaning to prevent accidental discharge. Be aware of your surroundings and ensure bystanders, particularly children and pets, maintain a safe distance from your working area and avoid the potential spray zone.

Different surfaces require different pressure settings and nozzle types to prevent damage. Always test on an inconspicuous area first, as excessive pressure can damage paintwork, timber, pointing, render, and soft materials. When working at height or on ladders, use extended lances rather than overstretching, and consider the recoil force from high-pressure jets which can affect balance and stability. Follow HSE guidance for working at height and using pressure washing equipment in commercial settings, and ensure adequate training for operators handling professional equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are pressure washer lances and nozzles universal across different brands?
Whilst some universal lances and adaptors exist, most manufacturers use proprietary connection systems. Kärcher uses a bayonet fitting, Bosch AQT models have their own click-connect system, and other brands differ again. However, adaptors are readily available to convert between systems, and many third-party manufacturers produce universal-fit accessories. Always verify compatibility with your specific pressure washer model before purchasing to avoid connection issues.

What's the difference between a turbo nozzle and a standard adjustable nozzle?
A turbo or rotary nozzle rotates a concentrated zero-degree jet in a circular pattern at high speed, combining the power of a pinpoint jet with the coverage of a wider spray. This delivers significantly more cleaning power than standard static nozzles—typically 30-50% more effective—making them ideal for removing stubborn grime, moss, and algae from concrete, paving, and heavily soiled surfaces. Standard adjustable nozzles offer variable fan patterns but without the rotating action that provides the turbo nozzle's enhanced cleaning capability.

How do I know which pressure rating nozzle I need for my pressure washer?
Check your pressure washer's specification plate or instruction manual for its maximum bar rating. Choose nozzles and lances rated at or above this pressure specification. Most domestic pressure washers operate at 100-150 bar, whilst professional models range from 150-250+ bar. Using under-rated accessories risks component failure and potential injury from separation under pressure, so always match or exceed your machine's maximum pressure specification for safe operation.

Can I use any detergent with a foam lance attachment?
Use only detergents specifically formulated for pressure washers and foam lance application. Standard household cleaners often create excessive foam, potentially damaging the machine's pump and internal seals, and may not perform effectively when diluted through foam lances. Pressure washer detergents are designed for the correct viscosity and foaming properties. Many manufacturers offer approved cleaning solutions optimised for their equipment, ensuring compatibility and performance whilst maintaining warranty coverage.

Why does my pressure washer nozzle keep blocking during use?
Blockages typically result from debris in the water supply, sediment in detergent tanks, or using inappropriate cleaning solutions. Always use clean water and fit inline filters where necessary, particularly when drawing from water butts or static tanks. Flush the system thoroughly with clean water after using detergents to prevent residue build-up. If blockages persist, check for worn seals allowing dirt ingress, ensure adequate water supply pressure to your machine (typically 2-3 bar minimum), and periodically clean nozzle orifices using the pin tool supplied with most pressure washers or a fine wire.