Is this an OK upholstery tool?

[gimmeagig]

Hi,
I'm just starting out with my business.I took the upholstery class a while ago and I would like to get set up to do upholstery and car interiors.The upholstery tool I'd really like to have is out of reach for me . I really only have limited funds,
So I'm looking for a tool that isn't going to be 400.- and that still is good enough to use on a job without too much worry.
I was told that a 3.5" tool with an internal jet and a 45 degree angle would be the best all around one to have.
I found this one on e-bay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Easy-Grip-3-5-Detai ... 41506495d1

What do you guys think? Is this usable? Anybody here have one of these?
I would prefer to buy a used tool that is maybe a little more high end if I could find it, but I suppose used ones are hard to come by.

 

[gimmeagig]

The Drimaster but like I said, I don't have the money for it.

 

[Mikey P]

crap :!:


Sapphire and Prochem are the ways to go

 

[juniorc82]

crap :!:


Sapphire and Prochem are the ways to go

The way to go when your getting them for free!! Ya dude thats a good everyday upholstery tool.

 

[Mikey P]

Good if your a minivan cleaning specialist like Lance from San Diego.

POS flexy trigger is a real treat at 300+ psi, at 500 you'll want to kill the jerk who told you it "will do"..

If you plan on being a professional Upholstery cleaner you'll need a high flow tool and a low flow/no over spray tool, that one is trying to be both.

 

[Tony Neville]

I wouldn't do it, you will hate to spend the money, but you do GET what you pay for. I like the Prochem and the dri master, twice the money (or better) but three times the tool.

Tony

 

[Erik]

crap :!:


Sapphire and Prochem are the ways to go

The way to go when your getting them for free!! Ya dude thats a good everyday upholstery tool.

I hope so, have three Prochems and my Sappire will be here Tuesday.

 

[Art Kelley]

I was told that a 3.5" tool with an internal jet and a 45 degree angle would be the best all around one to have.
I found this one on e-bay

http://cgi.ebay.com/Easy-Grip-3-5-Detai ... 41506495d1

.

I use a tool just like that, modified by removing the trigger guts to make it continous flow. In addition I put on a ball valve by the quick connect with the handle removed, adjusted so the water flow comes up just to the end of the vacuum chamber so is no overspray. It is a simple and durable tool that has been in hard everday use for many many years.
You can use the tool just as it comes with the trigger intact, but you need to reduce the water pressure way down at the machine because it blasts out too much water. You'll do fine with it. No need to spend $500 on a tool that will only last four or five years at best.

 

[Shorty]

.

 

[daniel@procarpet]

This is the best all around tool. If I had to choose just one tool, this would be it.
http://www.pmftools.com/prodUpolstery19.php

No overspray
Works great at 50 psi or 500 psi
If you want to mist and vac, no problem.
Easy to use

The downside is it is not as hot as tools with a bypass feature or continuous flow, but you can stick your solution line in the vac hose and bleed water while prespraying etc to get the water HOT.

You can always add tools. I would not want to clean a diry microfiber with a low flow solution tool. This tool will will get the job done with great results FAST.

 

[CarpetKING]

Love the Sapphire tool we got recently - I was able to get a pretty good deal through Jon-Don. They are willing to haggle a little if you are willing to ask for a discount.....

 

[Art Kelley]

[quote="Shorty Down UnderI must live in a different world, I have no problem with spending that much on a decent upholstery tool.

I would look at the Hydrokinetic or Sapphire tool.

Ooroo,[/quote]

I wouldn't mind paying the much higher price for a less durable tool if it worked better than this internal jet PMF tool (when properly adjusted), but they don't. I tried the tools mentioned at Jim Pembertons class at the MF, plus all the other cool tools he brought. I didn't find one that did anything better than the one I currently use.

 

[ruff]

Great Tool.
Do not let the price mislead you.

I have the hydra dry, kleenrite, used the prochem tool, used the hydokinetic and this is still my go to tool.

Long lasting, durable, cleans great , with the right technique dries extremely fast and does not put a dent in your pocket.

I would get the 4.5" it will save you time and can still get to all the nooks and crannies.

Great tool, great price- second to none.

 

[Dolly Llama]

I'm another fan of the internal jet upl tool

an excellent tool


..l.T.A.

 

[gimmeagig]

crap :!:


Sapphire and Prochem are the ways to go

You know I always appreciate all of you taking the time to help a "Greenhorn" like me out, but seriously, it's like I'd be asking you "Hey I'm just starting to drive and I'm wondering if this is a good car" ?
Then I'd be posting a picture of a Toyota Camry on the site and I would get responses like
"Oh, you have to get a Ferrari or a Porsche" ! shiteatinggrin
I know I'm exaggerating a bit here but I really can't spend 500.00 bucks on a Sapphire. I really wish i could and i can imagine it's the greatest tool for the job.
Maybe one day I'll be able to get one, but right now I would like to stay around 200.-.
Is it not possible to get something usable for that price?

 

[Mikey P]

the broke DORK mentality here kills me.


spend 499 on a tool that will clean a thousand $150 sofas and bitch when you need a new.$299 part for it.


go head and use that PITA POS tool, get carpal tunnels for all I care.


you'll be 300 dollars richer in 10 years and can go on ICS and get Con Schultz to pat you on the back about it.

 

[Mikey P]

since when does a Porsche cost 400 bucks?

 

[ruff]

Good if your a minivan cleaning specialist like Lance from San Diego.

POS flexy trigger is a real treat at 300+ psi, at 500 you'll want to kill the jerk who told you it "will do"..

If you plan on being a professional Upholstery cleaner you'll need a high flow tool and a low flow/no over spray tool, that one is trying to be both.

So now you are cleaning an 1/12 of an inch deep fabric at 500 psi?

You did inhale, didn't you?

 

[Doug Cox]

Roxy- That would be a good starter tool. I personally like a tool where the slot is closer to my hand but that will work. Don't listen to all the big dollar cleaners, they have dick size to compare. You're good with that.

 

[Doug Cox]

the broke DORK mentality here kills me.


spend 499 on a tool that will clean a thousand $150 sofas and bitch when you need a new.$299 part for it.


go head and use that PITA POS tool, get carpal tunnels for all I care.


you'll be 300 dollars richer in 10 years and can go on ICS and get Con Schultz to pat you on the back about it.

Can you please point out the 299.00 part on that tool, Mikey. Maybe you don't remember when you had to watch the pennies to survive. Good God, you're here to help the starters as well as the veterans.

 

[gimmeagig]

This is the best all around tool. If I had to choose just one tool, this would be it.
http://www.pmftools.com/prodUpolstery19.php

No overspray
Works great at 50 psi or 500 psi
If you want to mist and vac, no problem.
Easy to use

The downside is it is not as hot as tools with a bypass feature or continuous flow, but you can stick your solution line in the vac hose and bleed water while prespraying etc to get the water HOT.

You can always add tools. I would not want to clean a dirty microfiber with a low flow solution tool. This tool will will get the job done with great results FAST.

They sell this tool here in Spokane at LPM for about 140.-.Right in the price range I was shooting for. Besides I love these guys, they always have been really helpful to me and I would much prefer to spend my money there as opposed to e-bay. I just want to make sure I'm getting the best tool possible for my money.The e-bay tool has the pressure line inside the hose which I like and other than that it looks very similar.
But I don't really know how to spot the differences. I'm just looking at the internal jet as the most important feature.Other that that I can't tell.
If I only have one tool, 3 1/2 is too small?

 

[Mikey P]

I meant 2.99 Doug.



Some of the internal fittings will wear out over time and the glide may need replacing each year if you bang out a lot of sleeper sofas in the hood.


I've never endorsed buying crap equipment.


Do you have ANY idea how cheap the good stuff is in the perspective of things.

Go talk to a few shop owners in town and ask them what it costs every month to own a ice creak shop, bike shop or Subway Sand which franchise and see if you can get a feel for just how little they take home.


You winy ******* babies bitching about a $499.00 tool is ludicrous.

 

[gimmeagig]

the broke DORK mentality here kills me.


spend 499 on a tool that will clean a thousand $150 sofas and bitch when you need a new.$299 part for it.


go head and use that PITA POS tool, get carpal tunnels for all I care.


you'll be 300 dollars richer in 10 years and can go on ICS and get Con Schultz to pat you on the back about it.

thathurts thathurts thathurts thathurts thathurts thathurts thathurts thathurts thathurts thathurts
what are you really trying to tell me? :roll:

 

[ruff]

[quote="Mikey P":26fb3ami]the broke DORK mentality here kills me.


spend 499 on a tool that will clean a thousand $150 sofas and bitch when you need a new.$299 part for it.


go head and use that PITA POS tool, get carpal tunnels for all I care.


you'll be 300 dollars richer in 10 years and can go on ICS and get Con Schultz to pat you on the back about it.

Can you please point out the 299.00 part on that tool, Mikey. Maybe you don't remember when you had to watch the pennies to survive. Good God, you're here to help the starters as well as the veterans.[/quote:26fb3ami]

Doug, it's a good point.
And yes, we all know from previous discussions that upholstery tool choices are very personal.
However, as you can tell from the remarks above, many experienced cleaners actually find this tool to be their tool of choice regardless of money.

I wouldn't use the HydroKinetic even if they paid me, too many flaws imho.
Talk about carpal tunnel? That prochem tool will guarantee it. Again imho- durable as a tank though. Great for those that clean upholstery and do carpentry on the side. The best dual use upholstery tool and hammer on the market.

 

[daniel@procarpet]

You won't go wrong with the tool I recommended.

What are you going to do if you invest in a small spotting machine to use for small upholstery jobs as well?

With an internal spray tool you will be SOL. The pressure needs to be at least 250 for one of those to work properly.

The tool I recommended will work with low pressure or higher pressures as it is enclosed spray not internal.

Dealing with overspray is a PITA. With this tool you will not have to worry about that.

If you are cleaning pillows etc, you can mist them and vacuum them off.

It is just a real verstatile tool.

You can always do a few jobs and get the saphire tool later which I recommend, but you will use the enclosed spray tool for many years to come. I have had mine for eight years and use it daily. I have had to rebuild the valve a few times and replaced the jet once. That is all.

 

[Doug Cox]

Ofer- I have been saying the same thing about the Prochem tool for a few years. It's like cleaning upholstery with a cinder block. Heavier than shit.

 

[lust1kiddo]

Also it depends on what type of equipment you have. A continuous flow tool wont go well with a porti. I have a pretty simple $90.00 external spray upholstery tool..i forgot the brand name, it has a clear head on it so I can see the color of the water i pull off the upholstery. Honestly and this is just my opinion, all the fancy upholstery tools don't really matter too much. The fabric is not even an inch thick so you don't need to pound water into it to clean it properly. work on getting your chemistry right and you can just pre spray, agitate with horse hair etc..and then just mist the area and extract. the stuff will be barley damp to the touch when your done and you can pull a lot of dirt out with the right combination of chems. Plus you wont make much of a mess..Think of yourself as a surgeon and not just some caveman carpet cleaner. If done properly, you could probably do all upholstery with the right spotting machine. As long as you have enough suction..lol. Good Luck, and you will learn a lot here from asking questions like this. A year ago, I burned a sofa with 3 scoops of formula 90 and some browning..lol. Now i have an idea of whats going on. This method works for me and other clowns may diss it, but you will find what works for you.

Good Luck !!
Jarred...who just celebrated 1 year on my own.

 

[gimmeagig]

You won't go wrong with the tool I recommended.

What are you going to do if you invest in a small spotting machine to use for small upholstery jobs as well?

With an internal spray tool you will be SOL. The pressure needs to be at least 250 for one of those to work properly.

The tool I recommended will work with low pressure or higher pressures as it is enclosed spray not internal.

Dealing with overspray is a PITA. With this tool you will not have to worry about that.

If you are cleaning pillows etc, you can mist them and vacuum them off.

It is just a real verstatile tool.

You can always do a few jobs and get the saphire tool later which I recommend, but you will use the enclosed spray tool for many years to come. I have had mine for eight years and use it daily. I have had to rebuild the valve a few times and replaced the jet once. That is all.

That makes a lot of sense, thanks Daniel.I'm obviously aware of the fact that there are much better tools out there but I just want to have something acceptable to help me get started. I think this one will be it.

 

[Mikey P]

you could do a lot worse.

 

[Mikey P]

3]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nfLEc09tTjI3]