How to Choose the Best Nozzle

Step One - Determine Your Task

Most nozzles fit two task types - watering and cleaning. 

• Watering nozzles feature a pre-set selection of patterns with a rotating nozzle top, allowing you to choose the a pre-set pattern for each watering task.  For example, a "shower" pattern provides a gentle, rain-like spray, great for watering flowers and container plants. 

• Cleaning nozzles feature an adjustable nozzle top that rotates to change the spray pattern from a blasting stream, to a more gentle, rinsing mist.  These nozzles are a great choice for washing the car, or washing down outdoor objects during spring cleaning.

• Power Jet nozzles, like the Ray Padula Tiny Giant, are designed for outdoor washing and cleaning only, and provide a blasting jet stream of water.  These nozzles are a great selection for spring and fall cleaning.

If you will primarily be watering with your nozzle, and doing some light outdoor cleaning, choose a pattern nozzle.  These nozzles offer the best of both worlds, as most include a jet-stream pattern as well.

Step Two - Choose a Trigger Style

The next step is to choose a trigger style.  There are many different styles of trigger designs available on most nozzles.  The most popular, and most comfortable style to choose is a Thumb Control nozzle.  These nozzles have a thumb controlled lever that allows you to turn the nozzle on, off, and adjust flow without needing to squeeze a traditional trigger.  This is a great choice if you have limited grip strength.  Other trigger styles are front trigger, rear trigger, and twist.

• Thumb Control nozzles don't have a trigger at all.  These nozzles have a lever that you can easily push up and down with your thumb to turn the nozzle on, off, and adjust flow.  This design allows for reduced hand fatigue and the need to keep a trigger squeezed while watering.  Ray Padula Thumb Control nozzles come in many different styles and designs.

• Click Control nozzles have a click button design.  Click the button once, and your nozzle is turned on, and click it again and your nozzle is turned off.  Just like a thumb control nozzle, these nozzles do not have a trigger to keep squeezed, however flow control is adjusted with a separate dial.

• Front trigger nozzles have a traditional lever trigger located in the front of the nozzle.  This trigger can be pulled down to turn the nozzle on.  A clip on the bottom of the nozzle is designed to hold the trigger in place if you are watering for a long period of time.

• Rear trigger nozzles have a traditional lever trigger located in the back of the nozzle.  The trigger is pushed down with the palm of your hand as you squeeze the nozzle to turn the water on.  

• Twist nozzles are some of the most common nozzles.  This design allows you to rotate the entire nozzle to change the watering spray from a gentle mist to a blasting stream.

• Jet nozzles don't have any trigger at all, and simply provide a powerful, blasting stream.  These are a great choice for outdoor cleaning.  Some models, like the Ray Padula Power Jet have a built in flow control dial as well.

Step Three - Finally, Choose your Durability

Picking the right durability for your usage is key for choosing a nozzle that's going to last and perform as expected.  Typically, most nozzles are offered in plastic, metal, and brass construction.

• Metal and brass nozzles are a great choice for frequent use throughout the season.  These nozzles are built to withstand harsh conditions, daily or weekly use, and the occasional accidental drop on the sidewalk.  Usually a little more expensive than their plastic alternatives, investing in a quality nozzle is one of the best purchases you can make for your garden.

• Plastic nozzles are a perfect choice for light, in-frequent use.  These nozzles are built of durable plastic, and offer a light-weight design.  Unlike metal and brass nozzles, it's best to make sure you're extra careful when using a plastic nozzle, since their lighter materials might not stand up to tough or rough use.

Other Things to Keep in Mind

Once you've narrowed down your nozzle selection, keep a look out for other features and benefits that can help make the most out of your hose nozzle.  Features like comfort grip coatings are a great option! These are specialized rubber grips found on nozzle bodies and triggers that offer a no-slip design, and provide more a more comfortable feel while holding your nozzle. 

Choose a Quick Connect set to easily click your nozzles on and off your hose.  These little adapters provide tremendous convenience while watering, and changing your nozzles on and off your hose.  Ray Padula Quick Connects are usable with all of your watering products, and the system easily expands as you purchase new items.