Dramm 22311 Heavy-Duty Brass Sweeper Nozzle

The only Dramm valve I've used that doesn't leak! All the plastic ones begin leaking in various ways after a couple months. This one has lasted more than 5 years of daily use.My only complaint is that when you screw it onto a hose - the tighter you screw it on the harder the valve is to use. Meaning that the replaceable hose gasket is interfering with the nylon valve assembly. In order for it to be easy to use the lever it has to be semi-loose. I was able to find a sweet spot where the gasket did not leak and the valve lever was easy enough to use.

This valve works great. Easy on and off even with wet hands. If you are frustrated with plastic valves that are difficult to turn on and off and break in one season's use, this is the product for you.Some of the criticisms are not well thought out. The "aluminum" ball is designed to work against the nylon surfaces inside the valve body. This is an improvement over the older metal on metal design, not cheaper construction. Brass against brass moving parts wear fairly quickly under constant use. Note that the ball is easily replaced, as testified to by the people who complained about it "falling out." The steel nut that "discolors" is likely an improved strengthening of a critical part, not a cheap substitute. It should be stainless steel, but discoloring and even rusting does not affect its function. If it drives you crazy, replace it with a stainless one from your local hardware store.While people certainly CAN use this valve as a shut-off at the male (delivery) end of a hose, it's size and weight suggest that it is intended to be used between the faucet and the female (entry) end of the hose, most likely with a multiple splitter of some type to allow shutting off some lines while using others. The complaints of the levers getting in the way or catching on things when using the product in ways for which it was not designed are not flaws in the product, but limitations in using it in ways other than primarily intended. Those wanting a shut off at the male (delivery) end of a hose might find the aluminum version of this valve somewhat lighter. Users should note that the on/off lever can be re-positioned 180 degrees, if needed, to avoid hitting against a device to which the valve is connected. Remove the holding screw, change the position of the lever, and replace the screw. There may be problems with using the valve, as intended, in some individual situations, but the manufacturer cannot be expected to anticipate every individual application. One of my faucets was placed much too close to the ground and it caused problems with using the valve as I had hoped. I managed a "workaround," but the problem was the faucet, not the valve.The complaint that the female end has "too few threads" makes no sense. As long as there are sufficient threads to hold the connecting pieces together, the number of threads on the female end of any "garden hose" connector cannot be "too short" in a way that would make the connection leak. The seal is provided by the washer not by the tightening of the threads against each other (as with tapered threads on iron pipe). The only thing that could cause a leak by a female end would be it being so LONG that a standard size male connector could not reach and seat against the washer. A MALE end (perhaps what another reviewer meant?) so short that it can not seat fully against the washer in the female end of a particular hose or other garden device COULD cause leaking. Either problem can usually be resolved by using an additional washer (or washers).Above all, people should follow instructions and know that, with this and any other garden hose connector, you should not over tighten the fitting. Tempting as it is to put a crescent wrench on the hexagon shaped body and get it "really good and tight," don't. You will likely displace the washer into the throat of the male connector and cause the valve to leak. Hand tightening, with the connectors and your hands dry, is always recommended with all these type products. If using a wrench, only tighten the connector until it stops leaking. If the valve does not leak when the faucet is open and the valve is closed, but leaks AT THE FEMALE CONNECTOR when the valve is then opened, the problem is almost always a poorly seated washer. If you have leaks and cannot see a flaw in the casting or a damaged or displaced washer, try placing a second washer in the female connector, and, again, HAND tighten. If the additional washer is not a snug fit, you may need to pry out the washer that comes with the product and place the additional washer under the original one to get the best seal. In short, spending a little time trying to figure out why a seemingly good product is not working properly might reveal that there is nothing wrong with the product, only with the way you are using it (mia culpa). I allow that any product has some defective samples, but judging by the number of positive reviews, I do not believe this is a common problem with this valve.

I have used these for years https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07Q3PBRRF?ref_=ppx_hzsearch_conn_dt_b_fed_asin_title_2&th=1 but as most everyone complains about is the screw on the lever backing out regularly until it finally snaps. It works well besides that and I have used 4 of them over the last 6 years.This one, although 2.5 x the price is solid and I don't think it will be an issue where I'm having to tighten all the time. I'm guessing it will last 4 times longer. Also, it's full flow, not 1/2.

If you need a shut-off at the business end of a hose, this is the only one to consider.

High quality, smooth action, but a bit expensive for what it is

Dramm you are the best when it comes to gardening shut off valves, wands, nozzles, etc.

As a semi-retired Horticulturist I often feel like I’ve spent half my life with a watering wand in my hand.For decades I’ve bought the brass shut-off valves for myself, clients and friends. Recently I needed a brass shut-off valve ASAP so I ordered a Dramm and a HQMPC from Amazon and an AM Leonard house brand brass shut-off simultaneously.Here’s my thoughts:Dramm is the gold standard and won hands down for quality. Dramm has a locknut to hold the lever. The washer is thicker and a better material to stand up to seasonal weather. The action of the lever is very smooth and easy to operate. Important when you could be moving it on and off hundreds of times an hour. The threads are beautifully machined and free of burrs.(If you’re wondering why well made threads matter, you’ve never watered for 3 hours straight in a cold morning with a steady stream of dripping water soaking your shoe and pants.)At $26.00 Dramm is the priciest, but a good deal for a reliable tool that can last years.HQMPC failed in all category. Their brass shut off has a regular screw holding the lever which will continuously need tightening every time it’s used. The washer is thin and flimsy. The threads are poorly machined and the overall body is the poorest quality of the three. The lever is impossible to operate with just your thumb. Very stiff action. For $17.00 it’s not a bargain. But one of the other two brands.The AM Leonard house brand brass shut-off valve came in second place. It’s a good solid workhorse. It has a locknut holding the lever, an O-ring, good machining on the threads and smooth lever motion. On sale at $19.99 but regularly priced at $25.99 it’s a solid choice. IF you get it on sale or order enough items from AM Leonard to get free shipping and can wait for a week or two for it to arrive. (There’s the Amazon advantage).Hope this helps other gardeners make an informed decision on such an integral tool.

The gold standard of ship-off valves. I think it will last forever. Works great.