Chapin 20000 1-Gallon Lawn and Garden Sprayer
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List Price: Our Price: $9.72 You Save: $7.27 (43%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Category: Lawn & Patio See more product details |
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Tools and Hardware Reviews of Chapin 20000 1-Gallon Lawn and Garden Sprayer
Customer Review: Beware of durability issues - failed after 4 days
Summary: 2 Stars
This is a good price for a no-frills garden sprayer. I'm not expecting a miracle at this price point and because of its all plastic construction, durability may be an issue. For $10, I can live with ordering a replacement if it breaks down after a 8 months to a year, but hopefully it won't. [Product has now failed. Please see update at end of review.]
I was looking for a labor-saving way to hydrate the more delicate plants and flowers in my garden and maybe administer some plant food through foliar feeding. I had been using a spray bottle and all that squeezing was very tough on the hands, so I finally decided to do the right thing and get a sprayer. Assembly is very easy. Attach the hose to the wand, attach other end to bottle. Fill with water or your desired mix of fertilizer or bug killer, insert and screw on the pump/handle and you're ready to rock 'n' roll. Flow rate is very satisfactory and you can adjust the spray pattern from a single stream to a fine mist by twisting the nozzle cap. Fully pumped, the stream reaches approx 25 ft out.
Design Flaws
I don't like that the carrying handle and the pump action are one and the same. There's a little notch that the handle locks into when you rotate it clockwise. This secures the handle in place so that you can carry the sprayer. To pump again, you have to twist it 1/4 turn counter-clockwise so you unlock the handle. Once fully pressurized, dissipation rate is good, but I didn't like the extra step of having to lock and unlock the handle each time. I have to set the sprayer down, unlock, pump, lock again, pick up, then spray. Another minor issue is the squeaking sound of the pump, which I don't really mind, but just pointing it out in case you do.
A secondary problem is the length of the hose (about 3 ft.) With the sprayer being held in a relaxed position in one hand (hanging straight down like a shopping bag), I can only bring my other hand to about mid-chest height in front of me. I can't raise my wand hand above my head to mist tall trees and objects. On mist mode, you can comfortably spray anything from ground height to about 8 ft without having to raise the bottle higher.
Thirdly, there's no caddy or snap-in clasp to keep the wand secure when the sprayer is not in use. I am expecting a random mishap to snap the wand because of this-- either someone walking by and the wand snagging on some clothing, or it being stepped on. The wand looks especially fragile and susceptible to cracking. It is this product's weakest link. Some sort of loop for attaching a shoulder strap to wear the sprayer would also be a welcome addition.
Overall, the Chapin 20000 is easy to use, but not without some design annoyances. For what I paid, I am satisfied with this product so far.
UPDATE: DIY Strap Add-on Modification
I was able to fashion myself a strap for the sprayer out of 2 key rings and a camera bag strap. Stamped onto the vertical support vane on either side of the neck is a circular identation (visible in product blowup). You can punch it out with a screwdriver and insert the key rings, then attach a shoulder strap. I now have a wearable sprayer that leaves my other hand free for other gardening tasks. It's a bit clumsy and looks funny, but it works.
UPDATE 8/28/10
I am downgrading this product to 2 stars because after 4 days, the spray release mechanism has now unexpectedly snapped off. I had concerns about the durability of this product because of its all-plastic construction and did not expect it to last for very long, but less than a week is unacceptable, with less than 4 gallons of use out of this sprayer. The handle is reattachable via snap pegs, but it won't stay on due to the force of the spring in the release value. The clamp had become worn. When pushed down, the lever pops back out. Buyer beware! Not recommended.
Customer Review: Cheap mechanism
Summary: 2 Stars
I purchased this item because it got excellent reviews. I was very disappointed when the spraying mechanism failed within 15 minutes. I wasn't able to get through my small lawn before I had to rig the mechanism to work. Do not buy this device. Spend the extra money and get a professional unit.Customer Review: Cheap, Works for Me.
Summary: 5 Stars
I use this to spray rinseless car wash on my cars. Pump pump pump, spray spray spray, everything works the way it should.Customer Review: Cheap, but cheap.
Summary: 4 Stars
Quick review:
+Cheap
+Does the job (for the most part)
-Trigger handle keeps failing - popping off
Full review:
I'll start with the good. It sprays properly, and the construction of the tank seems to be very sturdy. Compared to other sprayers, this one was very inexpensive. It's pretty straightforward and easy to use.
Now, the bad. Every single thing is made of plastic. This is fine of course, except for the "shut off handle" a.k.a. sprayer handle a.k.a. the trigger. It's basically a plastic lever that needs to use a fairly large amount of force to pull the plunger upwards, causing the spray. Apparently nobody told the designers that plastic bends with force, and therefore the little "forks" slip off the plunger very easily.
Since this was the first time I used it, I sent a message to customer service on the company's website asking if there was a fix or replacement for the one part. I have yet to hear anything back at all.
EDIT: They were slow, but did finally get a response. They are sending a replacement. I'm adjusting the rating up a star because of this.
To fix the problem, I brushed the plastic in a thin layer of JB weld. Now, it doesn't slip off.
Since most of the other reviews are positive and don't have this problem, I'm thinking it may be a certain batch with weaker plastic or something of that nature. So, good luck with yours.
Customer Review: Dangerous Sprayer...
Summary: 1 Stars
This sprayer exploded in my face as i was pumping the handle to pressurize it. It was only about 75% pressurized when (it appears)a seal around the shaft failed spraying approx. 12-16 ounces of roundup weed/vegetation killer mixture straight up soaking my shirt, neck, face and hair. Fortunately i was able to turn my head away in time to avoid being hit in the eyes but i could taste it afterwards and my nose stung.
The sprayer was one year old and used without incident about 8 times prior. I emailed Chapin about my incident and product safety concerns and so far have received no response.
The sprayer will no longer pressurize and i must buy a new one...not a Chapin.
If you buy this sprayer be careful not to have any body parts above it when you pump the handle....Roundup doesnt taste very good.