Quick verdict
Choose the orifice from pump flow and pressure, then choose the spray angle for the surface. Test every setup.
The nozzle sets system pressure by restricting flow. A tip with the wrong orifice can overload the pump or leave weak cleaning. A narrow jet can cut skin, wood, paint, seals, and soft masonry.
Image note: The product image is an unbranded editorial scene. It is not proof of hands-on testing and does not show the named products.
Top choices
| Product | Best fit |
|---|---|
| 1. 0-degree red tip | rare pinpoint work on hard material |
| 2. 15-degree yellow tip | hard concrete and metal prep |
| 3. 25-degree green tip | general wash and rinse work |
| 4. 40-degree white tip | gentler rinsing and broad passes |
| 5. Turbo nozzle | fast cleaning on hard, sound surfaces |
Best for: rare pinpoint work on hard material
0-degree red tip
A zero-degree tip makes a tight stream. It can reach a spot that a fan misses.
Tradeoff: This is the highest-risk standard tip. Many crews should leave it out of the daily kit.
Best for: hard concrete and metal prep
15-degree yellow tip
A narrow fan adds bite while covering more area than a zero tip. It can help on sound, hard surfaces.
Tradeoff: It can etch wood and weak concrete or lift paint fast.
Best for: general wash and rinse work
25-degree green tip
The medium fan is a useful daily choice for many hard surfaces, vehicles at safe distance, and equipment.
Tradeoff: Distance still controls force. Do not treat the color as a safety pass.
Best for: gentler rinsing and broad passes
40-degree white tip
The wide fan spreads force and suits siding rinse, windows at safe range, and light soil.
Tradeoff: A wide fan may be slow on deep soil and still can drive water behind siding.
Best for: fast cleaning on hard, sound surfaces
Turbo nozzle
A rotating zero-degree jet covers a larger path than a fixed red tip. It can speed concrete and metal work.
Tradeoff: The rotating jet can scar surfaces and fail if dirt reaches the internal seat.
What matters before you buy
Orifice size
Use the pump flow and desired pressure to select the right orifice. Color is not the size. Mark each tip so the crew can read it.
Distance and angle
Start farther away and move closer only when the test spot is safe. Aim down and away from people, glass edges, vents, and electrical gear.
Wear and storage
A worn orifice can lower pressure. A clogged tip can push pressure up. Store clean tips in a labeled holder and replace damaged seals.
How I built the shortlist
I grouped the standard spray angles and the turbo pattern by common service use, surface risk, and pump fit. The machine manual and nozzle chart remain the final authority.
I checked maker material on July 16, 2026. Models, plans, stock, and safety marks can change. Confirm the exact item, manual, and terms before paying. A named pick is a research choice, not a claim that I used it on a job.
Run a crew-fit check
- Write down the common job, site, and hazard.
- Set the must-have size, rating, fit, or workflow.
- Check the exact model and included parts.
- Price the full setup, not just the main item.
- Try one unit or one team before a larger buy.
Use eye and foot protection. Never check a tip with a finger. Shut down, release pressure, and lock the trigger before a nozzle change.
What the first week should prove
Start with one unit, one worker, and a normal job. Check setup time, carry weight, storage, noise, cleanup, and the small parts that can get lost. Ask what felt slow and what felt safer or clearer.
Inspect the item after each shift. Look for heat, leaks, loose parts, wear, wet liners, weak charge, or damage from the van. A product can look good in a clean shop and still be a poor fit on the route.
Keep the box and return terms until the trial is done. Do not change the tool, boot, or safety gear in a way that blocks a return. If the first item works, write down the exact model and kit before buying more.
Full cost
The sale price is one line. Add the parts needed on day one, spare wear parts, bags or oil, batteries, chargers, training, support, and lost time during repair. A lower price can still cost more when the item sits out of service or does not fit the crew.
Current maker information
Simpson lists current tip kits and rated accessories in its official accessories catalog. Those pages are the right place to confirm current details.
For a close match, read our surface cleaner comparison. The buying-guide library has more crew-focused comparisons.
Frequently asked questions
What color nozzle is safest for siding?
A 40-degree white tip is often a gentler start, but distance, pressure, siding type, and water entry points still matter.
Can the wrong nozzle hurt a pressure washer?
Yes. An orifice that is too small can raise load, while one that is too large can leave weak pressure.
Are turbo nozzles safe on concrete?
They can work on sound concrete. They may scar weak, new, painted, or damaged concrete, so test first.