Spray Lances

About Spray Lances

Spray lances are essential gardening tools designed to extend your reach when watering plants, hanging baskets, and hard-to-access areas. These versatile accessories connect directly to a standard garden hose, transforming a basic watering system into a precision irrigation tool. Whether you're tending to elevated hanging baskets, watering deep borders without stooping, or reaching plants at the back of flowerbeds, a quality spray lance provides the extended reach and control needed for efficient garden maintenance.

The selection at Tooled-Up.com includes both fixed-length and telescopic spray lances, with many models offering adjustable spray patterns ranging from gentle mist for delicate seedlings to powerful jets for cleaning patios and washing down garden furniture. Premium models feature ergonomic handles with flow control triggers, rotating heads for accessing awkward angles, and soft-grip materials for comfortable extended use. Telescopic variants typically extend from around 670mm to 1300mm, allowing gardeners to customise the reach according to the task at hand.

Tooled-Up stocks spray lances from trusted gardening brands including Gardena, Hozelock, Draper, Karcher Home and Garden, Kew Gardens, and Spear and Jackson. These manufacturers have developed spray lances with features such as multi-pattern spray heads (typically offering between 4 and 7 settings), articulating joints for greater flexibility, and durable construction using corrosion-resistant materials designed to withstand years of outdoor use.

Jargon Buster

• Telescopic Lance: An extendable spray lance with adjustable length, typically featuring a twist-lock or push-button mechanism to secure the desired extension. Allows users to reach varying heights without needing multiple tools.
• Multi-Pattern Head: A rotating spray head offering multiple water flow patterns, commonly including settings such as mist, shower, cone, jet, flat, and soaker. Users rotate the head to select the appropriate pattern for different watering tasks.
• Flow Control Trigger: A lever or trigger mechanism integrated into the handle that allows users to start, stop, or regulate water flow without returning to the tap. Often features a lock-on function for continuous watering.
• Articulating Joint: A flexible or pivoting connection point on the lance that allows the spray head to be angled in different directions, particularly useful for watering underneath hanging baskets or around obstacles.
• Soft-Grip Handle: An ergonomically designed handle covered with rubber or foam material that provides comfort during extended use and prevents hand fatigue, whilst also offering better grip when wet.
• Water Wand: An alternative term for a spray lance, particularly common when referring to longer, more slender designs primarily intended for reaching elevated plants rather than high-pressure cleaning tasks.

Who Uses Spray Lances?

• Gardeners and Horticulturists: Professional landscapers and garden maintenance specialists who require efficient watering solutions for multiple properties and diverse planting schemes
• Homeowners and DIY Gardeners: Residential users maintaining their own gardens, patios, and outdoor spaces who want to avoid ladders when watering elevated plants
• Allotment Holders: Vegetable growers and allotment gardeners who need to water raised beds, greenhouse plants, and tall crops without unnecessary bending or stretching
• Garden Centre Staff: Retail nursery employees responsible for watering large quantities of stock plants displayed at various heights
• Grounds Maintenance Teams: Council workers and commercial grounds maintenance contractors caring for public gardens, parks, and municipal planting displays
• Care Home and School Groundskeepers: Facilities maintenance staff responsible for watering flower displays and maintaining attractive outdoor spaces
• Conservatory and Greenhouse Owners: Gardeners growing plants in protected environments who need precise watering control for container plants and hanging displays

How to Choose the Right Spray Lances

Length and Reach: Consider the maximum height you need to reach. Fixed-length lances typically measure between 670mm and 900mm, whilst telescopic models extend from 900mm up to 1300mm or more. Telescopic options offer greater versatility but may be slightly heavier than fixed models.

Spray Patterns: Determine how many spray patterns you require. Basic models offer a single shower pattern suitable for general watering, whilst multi-pattern lances provide between 4 and 7 settings including mist, jet, cone, and flat patterns. More patterns mean greater versatility for different plants and cleaning tasks.

Flow Control Features: Look for lances with ergonomic trigger controls that allow you to regulate water flow without returning to the tap. Lock-on triggers are particularly useful for extended watering sessions, preventing hand fatigue from constant squeezing.

Build Quality and Materials: Premium spray lances feature corrosion-resistant materials such as brass fittings, stainless steel components, and UV-stabilised plastics that won't degrade in sunlight. Check for reinforced connections at stress points where the lance attaches to the hose.

Handle Comfort: If you'll be using your spray lance for extended periods, prioritise models with soft-grip handles and balanced weight distribution. Ergonomic designs reduce wrist strain and provide better control when watering overhead.

Connector Compatibility: Ensure the spray lance is compatible with your existing garden hose system. Most UK models feature standard snap-fit connectors that work with Hozelock-type fittings, though some premium brands use proprietary connection systems.

Special Features: Consider additional features such as articulating heads for watering underneath baskets, rotating collars for changing spray patterns with one hand, or integrated hanging hooks for convenient storage when not in use.

Popular Accessories

• Garden Hose Pipes: Quality reinforced hoses in various lengths to connect your spray lance to the outdoor tap, available in standard and kink-resistant varieties
• Hose Connectors and Fittings: Quick-connect couplings, tap adaptors, hose repair connectors, and Y-connectors for splitting water supply between multiple accessories
• Hose Reels and Storage: Wall-mounted or freestanding hose reels to keep hoses and lances organised and protected when not in use
• Watering Timers: Automatic tap timers that control watering duration, useful when using spray lances with the trigger locked in the on position
• Spray Nozzles and Heads: Replacement or alternative spray heads offering different patterns and flow rates to customise your lance's performance
• Pressure Regulators: Devices that reduce water pressure for delicate plants or to comply with specific watering requirements
• Hanging Basket Brackets and Hooks: Complementary products for displaying the plants you'll be watering with your spray lance
• Watering Cans and Roses: Traditional alternatives for plants requiring gentler watering or when hose access isn't available

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What's the difference between a spray lance and a standard hose nozzle?
A: A spray lance features an extended handle or shaft, typically 670mm to 1300mm long, providing significantly greater reach than a standard nozzle that attaches directly to the hose end. This extended reach eliminates the need for ladders when watering hanging baskets and reduces bending when watering ground-level plants. Many spray lances also incorporate ergonomic handles with flow control triggers for better comfort during extended use.

Q: Can I use a spray lance with a pressure washer?
A: Standard garden spray lances are designed specifically for use with regular garden hoses operating at mains water pressure (typically 3-5 bar). They are not compatible with pressure washers, which operate at much higher pressures (100+ bar) and require purpose-built pressure washer lances with appropriate seals and construction. Using a garden spray lance with a pressure washer would be dangerous and would likely damage the lance.

Q: Are telescopic spray lances as durable as fixed-length models?
A: Quality telescopic spray lances from reputable brands like Gardena, Hozelock, and Draper are engineered to be highly durable, though they do contain additional mechanical components compared to fixed models. Look for telescopic lances with secure locking mechanisms (twist-lock or push-button systems) and reinforced extension tubes. With proper care and storage, a well-made telescopic lance will provide many years of reliable service.

Q: How do I prevent my spray lance from leaking at the connections?
A: Ensure all connections are properly seated and fully clicked into place if using snap-fit connectors. Check that rubber washers inside connectors are present and in good condition – these can perish over time and should be replaced annually. Avoid over-tightening threaded connections, which can damage seals. Store your lance indoors during winter months to prevent frost damage to seals and fittings.

Q: What spray pattern should I use for different gardening tasks?
A: Use a fine mist setting for delicate seedlings, young plants, and fine foliage. A shower or rose pattern works well for general garden watering and established plants. Cone patterns provide focused watering for individual pots and containers. Jet settings are ideal for cleaning patios, washing garden furniture, and reaching maximum distance. Flat patterns efficiently water large areas like lawns and vegetable beds. Experiment with your lance's settings to find what works best for each task.