Clean It Up

UK Window Cleaning Forum => Window Cleaning Forum => Topic started by: Pete Thompson on March 30, 2025, 12:59:50 am

Title: Slick Connect
Post by: Pete Thompson on March 30, 2025, 12:59:50 am
I picked up some slick connect fittings at the show, put them on my poles and hoses today.

First impressions are really good, I like how easy they are to connect and disconnect.

BUT they seem a little delicate? Will they survive being dragged around on the ground?
Title: Re: Slick Connect
Post by: Spruce on March 30, 2025, 09:11:27 am
I picked up some slick connect fittings at the show, put them on my poles and hoses today.

First impressions are really good, I like how easy they are to connect and disconnect.

BUT they seem a little delicate? Will they survive being dragged around on the ground?

The ridges do wear  over time. I would say the first one on my pole hose lasted about a year. Funnily enough, the hose reel connector hasn't been changed and is still going.
Title: Re: Slick Connect
Post by: richard connett on March 30, 2025, 01:40:05 pm
I’ve used them but I don’t think they are as durable as they should be for the price. I’ve gone over to  rooteks tuff connectors , now they are tough
Title: Re: Slick Connect
Post by: Scotty1 on March 30, 2025, 08:04:59 pm
I’ve used them but I don’t think they are as durable as they should be for the price. I’ve gone over to  rooteks tuff connectors , now they are tough

Same here

One thing I didn't like about the slick connect was grass getting stuck in the slits and then splaying out then catching on everything.  Plus they are easier to break and less streamlined than the tuff rookec or whatever they are called lol 😂
Title: Re: Slick Connect
Post by: Pete Thompson on March 31, 2025, 10:56:02 pm
Thanks for the feedback. I used them for the first time today, and I really liked them! So easy to connect and disconnect (yes I know, that’s the whole point!).

A little bit scuffed from being dragged around, but only time will tell how long they last. I’m considering wrapping them radiator hose to protect them.

A more pressing concern is that if one were to break while I’m out working, the chances of me being able to get the pole hose over that barb (without a cup of boiling water to sit the end in first) are probably nil.
Title: Re: Slick Connect
Post by: Spruce on April 01, 2025, 06:34:32 am
Thanks for the feedback. I used them for the first time today, and I really liked them! So easy to connect and disconnect (yes I know, that’s the whole point!).

A little bit scuffed from being dragged around, but only time will tell how long they last. I’m considering wrapping them radiator hose to protect them.

A more pressing concern is that if one were to break while I’m out working, the chances of me being able to get the pole hose over that barb (without a cup of boiling water to sit the end in first) are probably nil.

I think it's the outer casing that would break first and would be because you stood on it which is easily done. It's this out casing or shell that will wear thin over time.

I do carry a couple of spare ones on the van. A cigarette lighter could be the best option to warm up plastic pipe if you are out and about.
I have used the hot air from my diesel heater's exhaust before.

I also purchased a few o rings but have never needed to replace one yet.
Title: Re: Slick Connect
Post by: robert mitchell on April 07, 2025, 03:59:07 pm
I used them for a while and found them far too delicate, splitting and leaking from around the base of the hose spigot , i do use hot water though so maybe the plastic is not up to the heat . Steven did say are they are fine with hot ......but he would say that!
Title: Re: Slick Connect
Post by: Scotty1 on April 08, 2025, 08:40:30 am
I used them for a while and found them far too delicate, splitting and leaking from around the base of the hose spigot , i do use hot water though so maybe the plastic is not up to the heat . Steven did say are they are fine with hot ......but he would say that!


What do you use now then mate as a matter of interest?  ;)
Title: Re: Slick Connect
Post by: robert mitchell on April 15, 2025, 08:24:57 pm
I used them for a while and found them far too delicate, splitting and leaking from around the base of the hose spigot , i do use hot water though so maybe the plastic is not up to the heat . Steven did say are they are fine with hot ......but he would say that!


What do you use now then mate as a matter of interest?  ;)

I have gone over to using exceeds gotubeless system , works pretty well to be fair .
Title: Re: Slick Connect
Post by: the king on April 19, 2025, 08:58:52 pm
been using them for years now find them good they could do with making the plastic a bit stronger on the barb on the female part as they crack i use hot water weather that is the issue im not sure
Title: Re: Slick Connect - UPDATE
Post by: Pete Thompson on October 25, 2025, 09:34:13 am
Update on my experience of using the Slick Connect fittings for 8 months.

I absolutely love them and I’m very impressed how long they have lasted! But you must use O-Ring lubricant.

After about 2 months I found it was getting harder and harder to connect them, and thought “uh oh these didn’t last long”. I replaced the “O” rings and all was well for a few weeks, then the same thing happened.

So I bought some “O” ring lubricant from Amazon (https://amzn.eu/d/h6a6LPf) £4.29 for 2 tubes, so not expensive.

I applied a bit to each O ring. PROBLEM SOLVED!

I did this back in August and have not had to do it again. They are all working perfectly.

As I was reeling in a few weeks ago, some numpty car driver didn’t want to wait the 10 seconds it would have taken for me to finish and just drove over my hose (no problem, it happens!)

But I watched in horror as the car wheel drove directly over the female slick connector, certain that would crush it.

It didn’t. And I was able to carry on working with no problems.

I’ve only just replaced the two female ones I have on each reel as the outer casings were a bit scuffed.

All in all, I’m very impressed. A great product that has been well thought-out and works exactly as it should!
Title: Re: Slick Connect
Post by: the king on October 29, 2025, 06:59:12 pm
been using them for years there prity good i find they snap on the stem that goes in to hose reel  hose after time the male end that goes on pole hose lasts for a long time