Spray Guns

About Spray Guns

Garden spray guns are essential accessories for connecting to standard garden hoses, transforming a simple water flow into a versatile tool for a wide range of outdoor tasks. These ergonomic devices put complete control at your fingertips, allowing you to adjust water pressure and spray patterns to suit different applications around the garden, patio, driveway and exterior of your home. From nurturing delicate seedlings with a gentle mist to blasting away stubborn dirt from garden furniture or vehicles, a quality spray gun makes outdoor watering and cleaning tasks considerably more efficient and comfortable.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes spray guns with multiple pattern options, typically ranging from 3-pattern models for basic watering needs up to comprehensive 8 or 9-pattern versions for maximum versatility. These patterns include fine mists for sensitive plants, shower settings for general watering, powerful jet streams for cleaning, and everything in between. Most garden spray guns feature trigger mechanisms with flow control, allowing you to maintain a constant spray or apply intermittent bursts as needed. Construction materials vary from lightweight plastic bodies ideal for occasional use, through to heavy-duty aluminium and brass models built for professional gardeners and landscapers who demand long-term durability.

Tooled-Up stocks spray guns from trusted gardening brands including Gardena, Hozelock, Draper, Faithfull, Karcher Home and Garden, and Sealey. Many models feature ergonomic soft-grip handles to reduce hand fatigue during extended use, whilst brass or metal fittings ensure reliable connections to standard half-inch garden hoses. Complete spray gun kits are also available, bundled with quick-connect couplings and hose connectors to provide everything needed for immediate use.

Jargon Buster

• Spray Pattern: The shape and intensity of water distribution from the nozzle. Common patterns include jet (concentrated stream), shower (wide gentle spray), mist (fine droplets), flat (wide sweeping pattern), cone (circular coverage), and soaker (gentle saturating flow).
• Flow Control: A mechanism, usually integrated into the trigger or handle, that allows adjustment of water pressure and volume without returning to the tap. This enables quick switching between tasks without wasting water.
• Quick-Connect Coupling: A snap-fit connection system that allows rapid attachment and detachment of spray guns, hoses and accessories without tools. Also known as hose-end connectors or quick-release fittings.
• Soft-Grip Handle: An ergonomic covering made from rubber or thermoplastic elastomer (TPE) that provides comfortable, non-slip handling during prolonged use and reduces hand strain.
• Brass Fittings: Connection components made from brass alloy rather than plastic, offering superior durability, corrosion resistance and reliable sealing against leaks, particularly important for frequent users.
• Trigger Lock: A locking mechanism that holds the trigger in the 'on' position, allowing continuous water flow without maintaining pressure on the trigger, reducing hand fatigue during extended watering sessions.

Who Uses Spray Guns?

• Gardeners and Horticulturists: For watering plants, lawns, flower beds, vegetable patches and greenhouse cultivation with appropriate pressure for different plant types
• Landscapers: Professional ground maintenance requiring versatile watering and cleaning capabilities across multiple client sites
• Allotment Holders: Managing vegetable plots and maintaining tools and equipment in outdoor growing environments
• Car Valeting Professionals: Pre-wash rinsing and general vehicle cleaning as part of mobile or fixed valeting services
• Window Cleaners: Rinsing windows, frames, conservatories and exterior building surfaces
• Property Maintenance Contractors: Cleaning patios, driveways, garden furniture, bins and exterior building surfaces
• Caravan and Motorhome Owners: Washing vehicles and maintaining pitches at campsites
• Pet Owners and Kennels: Washing dogs, cleaning kennels, runs and outdoor pet areas
• DIY Enthusiasts: General garden maintenance, car washing and exterior cleaning around the home
• Agricultural Workers: Washing down equipment, vehicles and yard areas on farms and smallholdings

How to Choose the Right Spray Guns

Number of Spray Patterns: Consider how many different tasks you'll be performing. A basic 3-pattern gun suits simple watering and light cleaning, whilst 7 to 9-pattern models provide maximum versatility for everything from delicate seedlings to power washing patios. More patterns mean greater flexibility without needing multiple tools.

Construction Material: Plastic-bodied spray guns offer lightweight handling and affordability for occasional domestic use. Aluminium bodies provide enhanced durability for regular users, whilst brass fittings significantly improve longevity and reduce the risk of leaks or connection failures. Professional gardeners and frequent users should prioritise metal construction for reliability.

Ergonomics and Comfort: Soft-grip handles and well-balanced designs reduce hand strain during extended use. If you'll be watering or cleaning for prolonged periods, look for models with cushioned grips and trigger locks that maintain water flow without constant pressure on your hand. Weight is also a consideration – lighter models reduce fatigue but may sacrifice durability.

Connection Type: Most spray guns fit standard half-inch garden hoses, but verify compatibility with your existing equipment. Quick-connect systems make switching between attachments effortless, whilst threaded connections provide traditional reliability. Some spray gun kits include all necessary adaptors and connectors for immediate use.

Flow Adjustment: Quality spray guns feature precise flow control mechanisms that allow fine-tuning of water pressure independent of the tap setting. This prevents damage to delicate plants and conserves water whilst still providing powerful jets when needed for cleaning applications.

Brand Reputation: Established brands like Gardena, Hozelock and Draper offer proven reliability backed by warranties and readily available replacement parts. Professional-grade models from these manufacturers typically feature superior materials and construction compared to budget alternatives.

Popular Accessories

• Garden Hoses: Essential for connecting spray guns to outdoor taps, available in various lengths from 15 to 50 metres to suit different garden sizes
• Hose Reels and Carts: Convenient storage solutions that prevent kinking and tangling whilst keeping hoses tidy and accessible
• Quick-Connect Sets: Complete coupling systems including tap connectors, hose joiners and equipment adaptors for tool-free connections
• Hose End Connectors: Brass or plastic fittings that attach to hose ends, enabling quick attachment of spray guns and other watering accessories
• Tap Adaptors and Timers: Convert various tap types to standard hose connections, with automatic timers for scheduled watering
• Spray Gun Kits: Complete sets bundling spray guns with hoses, connectors and multiple attachments for comprehensive watering solutions
• Replacement Nozzles: Additional or upgraded spray heads for changing patterns or replacing worn components
• Hose Repair Kits: Connectors and mending sets for fixing splits or leaks in existing hoses
• Wall-Mounted Hose Hangers: Space-saving storage brackets for keeping hoses and spray guns organised and off the ground

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a spray gun with a pressure washer?

No, garden spray guns are designed specifically for standard garden hose connections with typical domestic water pressure. Pressure washers operate at vastly higher pressures (70-150 bar) and require their own dedicated lances and nozzles. Using a garden spray gun with a pressure washer would result in immediate damage or failure of the spray gun.

What's the difference between aluminium and plastic spray guns?

Aluminium spray guns offer superior durability and longevity, making them ideal for frequent use or professional applications. They're less prone to cracking from drops or impacts and generally feature higher-quality internal components. Plastic models are lighter and more affordable, perfectly adequate for occasional domestic gardening but may degrade faster with regular use or exposure to UV light.

How do I prevent my spray gun from leaking at the connection?

Ensure you're using appropriate hose-end connectors that match your spray gun's inlet size (typically half-inch). Brass fittings generally provide better seals than plastic alternatives. Check that rubber washers inside connections are present and in good condition – these small seals are critical for preventing leaks. Hand-tighten threaded connections firmly but avoid over-tightening which can damage threads or crush washers.

Which spray pattern is best for watering different types of plants?

Use mist or gentle shower patterns for seedlings, delicate flowers and newly planted specimens that require moisture without disturbing soil or damaging tender growth. Established plants, lawns and shrubs tolerate standard shower or cone patterns for efficient coverage. Reserve jet patterns exclusively for cleaning tasks rather than watering, as the concentrated pressure can damage plants and erode soil around roots.

Can spray guns help reduce water consumption?

Yes, spray guns with flow control and trigger mechanisms significantly reduce water waste compared to uncontrolled hose flow. The ability to start and stop water instantly means you only use what's needed, whilst adjustable patterns ensure water goes precisely where required rather than splashing onto paths or driveways. Models with trigger locks allow continuous flow for large areas whilst preventing accidental water waste when moving between locations.