The Snubby Pressure Washer Gun Made My Pressure Washer Even More Powerful

I tried out Chemical Guys’ short pressure washer gun. It was simple, fun, and (for some uses) a significant improvement over standard wands.

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Snubby Pressure Washer Gun: At a Glance
Rating: 4/5

For most of us, the water pressure from outside spigots isn’t sufficient to fully clean cars, sidewalks, and decks, so we turn to pressure washers for a powerful clean. 

I find a standard pressure washer wand unwieldy for cleaning places such as the undersides of wheel wells and too aggressive for wood decking or siding. So, I was intrigued by the idea of testing a snub-nose pressure washer gun, and I wasn’t disappointed. 

I used Snubby—a short little pressure washer gun—to clean automobiles, power-wash a wood gate, and refresh my sidewalks and siding. Ahead, find out what I liked about this snub-nose wonder and what I think would make it even better. 

Snubby Pressure Washer Gun Review
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila
What We LikeWhat We Don’t Like
Easy to maneuver in tight spacesDoesn’t come with spray tips or foam cannon
Swivel connector reduces tangled hosesWon’t replace longer wand for reach
Padded, nonslip ergonomic grip
Compatible with pressure washers up to 5,000 pounds per square inch (PSI)
Snub-Nose Pressure Washer Gun
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

Snubby Pressure Washer Gun Specs
TypeSnub-nose 
Included adaptersQuick-release coupler, quick-release connector, twist-and-plug connector
Max pressureUp to 5,000 PSI/10.5 gallons per minute (GPM)
CompatibilityGas and electric washers
Safety featuresSafeGuard trigger lock

Testing the Snubby Pressure Washer Gun

Snubby Pressure Washer Gun Review
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

Trying out the Snubby was seriously fun. Before this, I’d only used long pressure-washer wands, and while they have their place, I like the compact feel of a shorter pressure-washer gun. The Snubby came with three adapters: a quick-release coupler, a quick-release connector, and a twist-and-plug connector. I attached the coupler to the front of the Snubby and alternately tried out both connectors. A thoughtful gesture from Chemical Guys was plumber’s tape already applied to the connector threads, so I didn’t have to hunt down a roll. 

After connecting Snubby to my pressure washer, I got busy cleaning. I washed a motorcycle and a car, rinsed off some dusty siding, and then power-washed sidewalks and an exterior cedar gate. I attached a foam cannon (not included) for washing the car and tried various spray tips (also not included) to get the spray pattern I wanted for each. Chemical Guys could improve their Snubby package by including a couple of their own tips. As it was, I had to borrow tips from my pressure washer. 

Features: Compact Design for Tight Spaces

Snubby Pressure Washer Gun Review
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

The most significant advantage Snubby has over a long pressure-washer wand is control. Long wands offer the reach necessary for cleaning under roof eaves or along high walls, but they’re clunky and awkward when used to clean in restricted spots. If you get the spray tip of a wand too close to the wood you’re washing, you can damage wood decks and furniture. With a snub-nose washer gun, you naturally stand back a ways.

With Snubby, I still had ample water pressure to blast away dirt, mud, and stains, but I could more easily maneuver the short washer gun around details like the undersides of fender wells to get the spray right where I wanted it. 

Design: Ergonomic Grip and Swivel Connector

I’m a big fan of swivel connectors on air compressor and power washer hoses, so I was pleased to find little Snubby came with one. This allowed me to turn and rotate the pressure-washer gun in any position without the hose getting tangled. 

Additionally, the Snubby is just downright comfortable to use. It has an easy-pull ergonomic trigger and a lock on the bottom of the gun that can be used to lock the water pressure on when you’re using it or lock it in the off position to keep children from accidentally using it. And it comes with a padded, nonslip grip. 

Although it’s small, the Snubby, which is compatible with pressure washers up to 5,000 PSI, produces enough pressure to cut bare skin, so the safety lock is a smart idea.

Snub-Nose Pressure Washer Gun
Photo: Glenda Taylor for Bob Vila

Competitively Priced But Not a Steal

As of this writing, the Snubby sells for $39.99 from Chemical Guys. While I tested a new gray and yellow version of their pressure-washer gun, it’s the same model as the company’s black and red version that sells for $39.99 on several sites, including Amazon

That puts Snubby in a similar price range to other snub-nose pressure-washer guns, although some competitor models include pressure-washer soap, a foam cannon, and extra spray tips. Overall, I found the Snubby a pretty good deal for the price point since it’s well made and comfortable to use. 

Buy the Snubby pressure washer gun at:

Product Comparisons

SnubbyTool DailyWeosmiraMcKillans
TypePressure-washer gunPressure-washer gunPressure- washer gunPressure- washer gun
Price$39.99$35.99$28.39$59.88
AccessoriesNoneFoam cannon, 5 spray tips5 spray tips, extra 0-ringsNone

So, is the Snubby right for you?

If you’re a car or motorcycle enthusiast who regularly cleans and customizes your ride, the Snubby will come in handy. Not only is it easier to maneuver over, under, and around wheels and fender wells, but it also offers a higher level of control than you’ll get with an extended pressure-washer wand. It’s also well suited for cleaning wood fences and patio furniture without damaging the wood. 

However, it doesn’t completely replace a long wand, which is still a good pick for washing areas that are high or out of reach. Plus, it doesn’t come with spray tips or a foam cannon. Those sell separately, but if you already have a pressure washer, the Snubby is an excellent add-on for many around-the-house washing tasks. 

Meet the Tester

Glenda Taylor is a product tester and writer specializing in construction and remodeling. She co-owns a general contracting company and tests a wide range of power tools as well as other home improvement, household, and lawn-and-garden products.

Glenda Taylor Avatar

Glenda Taylor

Staff Writer

Glenda Taylor is a BobVila.com staff writer with a background in the residential remodeling, home building, and home improvement industries. She started writing for BobVila.com in 2016 and covers a range of topics, including construction methods, code compliance, tool use, and the latest news in the housing and real estate industries. 

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