When it comes to car detailing and pressure washers, compatibility is everything. Many customers run into problems when trying to connect a hose from their pressure washer to an aftermarket short trigger gun. This guide will walk you through how to make the connection correctly, what adapters you need, and the difference between fitting types.
At The Detail Store, we support the most common hose outlet types for car detailing pressure washers. Each outlet type requires its own adapter to connect properly to a 3/8″ Male Quick Connect Gun.
Hose Outlet Types and Measurements
Before choosing accessories or adapters, it’s important to know which hose outlet your pressure washer uses. The chart below outlines the common outlet types for Kärcher, Gerni, Ryobi, Kranzle, and Active, along with their key measurements. Use it to match your machine to the correct fitting and avoid compatibility issues.
Brand-Specific Compatibility Table
Here’s a quick reference for the most common brands and the adapters you’ll need:
| Brand | Hose Outlet Type | Connection Gender | Compatible Adapter | Notes | Pressure Washer Models |
| Kärcher | Quick-Connect (click-in style) | Male | CS014 | Karcher Quick Connect (M) to 3/8″ (F) Quick Connect Coupler. | Karcher K1 to K7 |
| Gerni | Quick-Connect (click-in style) | Male | CS015 | Gerni/Stihl/Nilfisk Quick Connect (M) to 3/8″ (F) Quick Connect Coupler. | Nilfisk, Stihl, Gerni, Bosch,, Bigboi WashR FLO |
| Ryobi | Quick-Connect (click-in style) | Male | CS016 | Ryobi Quick Connect (M) to 3/8″ (F) Quick Connect Coupler. | Dawoo, Patriot, Some of AR, Black Decker, Ryobi RPW140-G, Ryobi RPW140SC, Ryobi RACPWS3, Ryobi RACPWS1, AR 491 / Ozito HPW2030 |
| Kranzle (M22) | Threaded (14 mm M22 x 1.5) | Female | CS003 | M22 (M) to 3/8″ (F) Quick Connect. | Ryobi RPW190BL-G, RACPWS4 |
| Active (M22) | Threaded (14 mm M22 x 1.5) | Female | CS003 | M22 (M) to 3/8″ (F) Quick Connect. | Ryobi RPW190BL-G, RACPWS4 |
Why Compatibility Matters with Electric Pressure Washers
Unlike professional petrol washers that often follow industry-standard fittings, electric pressure washers are mostly brand-specific. This means:
- A Kärcher hose won’t fit a Gerni gun without the right adapter.
- A Ryobi outlet won’t connect directly to a Kranzle gun.
- Even threads (like M22 connections) differ in size, depth, and design.
To avoid leaks and mismatched fittings, you’ll need the correct adapter for your machine.
Male vs. Female Fittings Explained
Every pressure washer connection involves two parts: a male fitting and a female fitting.
- Male fitting → a plug or protruding end that inserts into another part.
- Female fitting → a socket or threaded port designed to receive the male fitting.
For example, a short trigger gun typically has a 3/8″ Male Quick Connect. To attach your hose, you’ll need a 3/8″ Female Quick Connect Coupler adapter that matches your pressure washer brand.
How to Connect the Hose to a 3/8″ Quick Connect Gun
Here’s a simple step-by-step:
- Identify your hose outlet. Check your washer brand and match it to the table above.
- Choose the correct adapter. For example, Kärcher → CS014; Gerni → CS015; Ryobi → CS016; M22 (Kranzle/Active) → CS003.
- Attach the adapter to your hose.
- Threaded hoses (M22) → screw the adapter on firmly.
- Quick Connect hoses → snap the adapter onto the male plug.
- Connect to your gun. Push the adapter’s 3/8″ Female QC onto your short trigger gun’s 3/8″ Male QC until it clicks.
- Test the seal. Run the washer and check for leaks around the adapter. Tighten if necessary.
Note: All our trigger guns come with standard ⅜” Quick Connect Short Trigger Gun at The Detail Store.
Important Disclaimer
This guide only covers connections where the gun has a 3/8″ Male Quick Connect fitting. If your gun or hose has a different fitting size, thread, or proprietary connector, please contact your pressure washer manufacturer for the correct adapter. All our trigger guns at The Detail Store come with standard ⅜” Quick Connect Short Trigger Gun.