Craftsman 12 in Surface Cleaner

I recently had the opportunity to test the Craftsman 12 in Surface Cleaner (model CMZPWSC100), and it certainly brought a mix of impressions. Designed to effortlessly clean hard surfaces with its high-pressure rotating jets, this attachment for electric cold water pressure washers up to 2400 PSI seemed promising from the outset. Here’s my detailed take on its performance, ease of use, and overall value.

First Impressions and Setup

Straight out of the box, the surface cleaner felt light, weighing in at just 2.8 pounds. The primary components are plastic, which initially raised some concerns about durability. The brass nozzles, however, added a touch of reliability to the design. Attaching the cleaner to my pressure washer was a straightforward process, thanks to the 1/4-inch quick connect wand. It clicked into place without any hassle, making setup a breeze.

Performance and Cleaning Efficiency

Once connected, I began testing it on my driveway, which had accumulated a fair amount of grime over the years. The 12-inch diameter of the cleaner allowed me to cover a significantly larger area compared to a standard pressure washer nozzle. The two high-pressure rotating jets did an admirable job of blasting away dirt and stains, leaving a polished finish behind.

One of the standout aspects was how quickly it spun, maintaining a consistent speed throughout the cleaning process. This made the task much less labor-intensive, as I didn’t have to apply much pressure to get it moving. It essentially hovered on a cushion of water, which made it easier to maneuver.

Handling and Ease of Use

While operating, I noticed that the surface cleaner required a gentle touch. It’s not designed for commercial-grade use, and the plastic construction means you need to handle it with care. Sudden or forceful movements could potentially snap the main plastic boom, so I found it best to move it around slowly and steadily.

One tip I discovered was to occasionally lift the cleaner slightly to keep it moving smoothly across the surface. This method prevented it from getting stuck or slowing down, which could otherwise leave uneven lines on the cleaned surface. The addition of an extension wand made a significant difference in comfort and ease of use, allowing me to stand upright and guide the cleaner without straining my back.

Durability and Build Quality

Durability is where the Craftsman 12 in Surface Cleaner shows some weaknesses. Despite its efficient cleaning capabilities, the plastic components feel somewhat fragile. After a few uses, I could see potential wear points, especially around the joints and the connection to the pressure washer wand.

During one of my sessions, I experienced a minor leak from the plastic molding, which was a bit disappointing. While it didn’t significantly impact the cleaning performance, it’s an indication that the build quality might not stand up to extended or heavy use. The brass nozzles, on the other hand, performed well and showed no signs of wear, which is a positive note.

Value for Money

Considering its price point, the surface cleaner offers decent value, especially for homeowners looking to tackle occasional cleaning tasks around the house. It’s not a commercial-grade tool, but for light to moderate use, it gets the job done effectively. The time saved by using this attachment instead of a standard pressure washer nozzle is substantial, making it a worthwhile investment for those large cleaning projects.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

In conclusion, the Craftsman 12 in Surface Cleaner is a competent tool for residential use. It excels in covering large areas quickly and leaves a polished finish that’s hard to achieve with a standard pressure washer nozzle. However, it requires careful handling due to its plastic construction, and there are some concerns about long-term durability.

If you’re a homeowner with occasional cleaning needs for your driveway, patio, or sidewalk, this surface cleaner is a good addition to your toolkit. Its ease of setup and efficiency in cleaning make it a time-saver, and the results are impressive for a tool in this price range. Just be mindful of its limitations and handle it with care to ensure it lasts.

For those needing a more robust, commercial-grade cleaner, this might not be the best fit. But for the average homeowner looking to maintain their outdoor surfaces with minimal effort, I would recommend the Craftsman 12 in Surface Cleaner for its convenience and effective performance.