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Concept:
Welcome to my review of the McKillans
pressure washer Automatic Quick Connects.
I have been using Automatic “Push-to-Connect” style quick connect fittings on my Air Compressor setup for over 10 years now.
I have always wanted this same type of quick connection fitting for my pressure washer setup as they have proven to be incredibly effortless
to use. I began to envision just how much smoother the automatic type connectors could make the process on my pressure washer.
Not only would they offer the same one handed convenience as my air tools, but they would also reduce the frustration of getting
nozzles or accessories fully seated. In some cases, if a nozzle isn’t attached securely, there’s even the risk of it shooting off
under pressure which could damage the vehicles paint if not careful. This is something which the automatic locking mechanism would
help to prevent.
Unfortunately these Automatic type of connectors were not available for pressure washers until late in 2025 when finally McKillans
brought them to market. The switch to automatic push-to-connect fittings just made sense for both safety and ease of use,
bringing the premium feel and functionality I was used to from my air setup into my detailing workflow.
Benefits of quick connect style pressure washer fittings:
The benefits of upgrading to quick connect style pressure washer fittings include faster attachment and removal of hoses, spray guns,
or accessories compared to standard screw on M22 connections, which often require multiple turns and tools to secure properly.
Quick connects save time during setup and swaps, ensuring secure leak proof connections, and contributing to a more efficient and
enjoyable cleaning experience, especially in applications where frequent changes are needed like switching between foam cannons and wands.
This design reduces frustration from threading issues, minimizes wear on fittings over time, and improves overall performance by
avoiding potential leaks that can occur with improperly tightened M22 threads.
Three quick connect quality levels:
Budget:
For budget setups, fittings are often made of brass construction, which provide a cost effective option that is great for
easy installation, offers mild corrosion resistance in standard cold water applications, and handles moderate heat well without weakening.
Brass is affordable and widely available, making it suitable for entry level or occasional use where high pressure, harsh chemicals
or looks are not a primary concern.
Back when using my budget pressure washer setup featuring the Karcher 2100 pressure washer,
I quickly upgraded to MTM Veloci Brass quick connects for convenience while remaining budget conscious.
Mid-Level:
All stainless steel quick connect fittings represent an upgrade to a mid level choice, delivering superior durability,
better resistance to rust and corrosion in humid or salty environments, and enhanced strength for high pressure systems,
along with compatibility for hot water or acidic conditions that could degrade brass over time. They also offer a much nicer
and more modern look.
When first moving to a prosumer level pressure washer setup featuring the Active 2.0 pressure washer one of the first upgrades I made
was to install all stainless steel quick connects made by the
Essential Washer company.
Premium:
The "Automatic" or "Push-to-Connect" style fittings elevate the pressure washer setup to a premium high end level, featuring internal
upgraded o-rings made from Viton for excellent temperature and chemical resistance with zero leak connections under pressure,
one handed tool free operation for the ultimate in convenience. They include a robust 304 stainless steel build that ensures long term
reliability in demanding professional or frequent detailing scenarios.
Finally in 2025 as soon as McKillans released their Automatic "Push-to-Connect" style stainless steel quick connect fittings, I upgraded
to them for the ultimate setup.
Automatic vs. Manual quick connect couplers:
The key difference between automatic and manual quick connect couplers is how the connection is established.
Automatic: To connect, you simply push the male plug into the female coupler.
The internal locking mechanism automatically engages without needing to manipulate the sleeve.
The sleeve is only retracted to disconnect.
Manual: You must first pull back the sleeve on the female coupler to insert the male plug.
You then release the sleeve to lock the plug in place.
You must then check and verify that a secure connection was made.
Why Choose McKillans?
McKillans has earned a solid reputation in my detailing arsenal with past products that I have already tried such as their
short swivel gun and their extension wand, which I praised for their robust build and reliability on my general
pressure washing webpage many years ago.
McKillans is a small, family-run business operation specializing in pressure washer upgrades for automotive detailing.
I like to feature and support companies like this, especially one that comes up with new and innovative products
such as the Automatic "Push to Connect" type quick connect pressure washer fittings.
Features
Automatic push-to-connect design for one-hand operation
Machined in 304 medical grade stainless steel which resists rust and tarnish
Upgraded Viton O-rings which are temperature and chemical resistant
Compatible with all pressure washer guns with a 1/4" NPT female threaded nozzle outlet
Benefits
One-hand push-to-connect speeds up your accessory swaps (foam cannon, wand, rinse gun)
Stainless steel construction improves longevity and resists corrosion compared to cheaper brass or plated connectors
Viton O-rings reduce risk of leaks, swell or crack when exposed to chemicals or heat
Makes your gun output “plug-and-play” compatible with quick connect hose ends and accessories
Builds workflow consistency: swapping between foam cannon, wand and nozzles becomes effortless
Technical Data
Brand: McKillans
Type: Automatic push-to-connect kit
Thread size: 1/4" NPT male (two pieces)
Material: 304 Stainless Steel
O-rings: Green Viton
Maximum Pressure: 5000 PSI
ASIN: B0F5BNFKMT
Accessories: Teflon Tape
Warranty: 1 year residential
Features
Automatic push-to-connect design for one-hand operation
Machined in 304 medical grade stainless steel which resists rust and tarnish
Upgraded Viton O-rings which are temperature and chemical resistant
ONLY compatible with 3/8" NPT threaded pressure washer accessories
NOT compatible with M22 connections
Benefits
Upgrading your hose output to quick connect eliminates the need for threading and unthreading each time, saving time and reducing wear
Stainless construction means fewer issues with corrosion, seizing, or leaks after repeated use
Viton O-rings provide better long term seal performance especially when using chemicals or hot water
Enables modular workflow: you can quickly add and remove short guns, long guns, gauges, etc without tools
Facilitates a cleaner, more professional hose setup (especially useful in your detailing rig where you might swap hoses depending on vehicle size or job)
Technical Data
Brand: McKillans
Type: Automatic push-to-connect kit
Thread size: 3/8" NPT female to 3/8" quick connect female (two pieces)
Material: 304 Stainless Steel
O-rings: Green Viton
Maximum Pressure: 5000 PSI
ASIN: B0DMT9PDQ8
Accessories: 4 spare green Viton O-Rings
Warranty: 1 year residential
Review
This is something I have been waiting a long time for, and McKillans did not disappoint. These automatic push-to-connect style quick
connect fittings allow you to convert your pressure washer gun outlet and hose output to full stainless, creating a faster,
cleaner, and more premium connection system. By improving ergonomics, durability, and workflow, these fittings have elevated my
Active 2.0 pressure washer setup to a more premium level.
The fittings are constructed of quality 304 stainless steel for superior corrosion resistance and long term durability,
offered at a competitive price point. Unlike traditional manual style quick connects, these automatic couplers engage instantly.
Simply push the male plug into the female coupler, and the internal mechanism locks securely without pulling the sleeve back first.
Detachment is just as easy, requiring only a quick sleeve pull. This one handed operation makes accessory swaps such as foam cannons,
wands, and nozzles both quicker and safer, eliminating the need to double check whether the sleeve has latched properly.
Installation and Performance:
Installation was straightforward, and my old fittings came off without much difficulty. Once installed, on-and-off accessory changes became
seamless. The connection feels tight and positive, with zero play, leaks, or pressure loss during operation. The fittings lock confidently
every time and release smoothly when needed. Build quality appears excellent, and the knurled sleeve design offers excellent grip even
with wet hands.
I believe two fittings are included in the 1/2" kit in order to outfit both your gun outlet and wand outlet.
In my setup, I have two short guns and used both there since I keep a dedicated 40-degree nozzle on my 20" extension wand, which eliminates
the need for frequent swaps at that point. Similarly, the 3/8" kit includes two fittings: one for the hose-to-gun connection and one for
the hose-to-pressure washer connection. Since my setup is wall mounted and the hose stays permanently attached, I opted not to install the
latter to avoid unnecessary bulk in a tight space. The 3/8" kit also includes four spare O-rings, while the 1/2" kit does not.
I checked in with McKillans and they said that is because the smaller fittings are less prone to O-ring blowouts.
Final Thoughts:
After years of using traditional manual couplers, the upgrade to automatic push-to-connect fittings feels like a much needed leap forward,
especially since air compressors have had this for a long time now. The speed, efficiency, and confidence they provide during frequent
accessory swaps make them a joy to use, especially for those who wash vehicles often. I noticed no loss in performance, and the
connection quality is at or above that which was experienced using my previous Essential Washer Stainless Steel manual couplers.
These McKillans fittings deliver true premium level convenience at a reasonable cost, making them an easy recommendation for anyone looking
to streamline their detailing workflow.
Watch my YouTube review for a demo of the McKillans Fittings in use with my pressure washer setup!
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