A Deep Dive: Obsessed Garage Naming System for Fittings and QDs
Any time you search the web for pressure washer fittings, you get hit with a mess of confusing terms, industry jargon, and inconsistent naming. Even on our own site, the amount of options can be a lot to take in. This article will help you understand exactly how we name our fittings and what each part of the title means.
We’ve simplified the naming structure to make your life easier—especially when building or upgrading a setup.
Why We Use Quick Disconnects
Most pressure washer setups involve connecting one piece of equipment to another: hoses, sprayers, wands, nozzles, etc. Sometimes those connections match perfectly. But often, you need an adapter.
That’s where Quick Disconnects (QDs) come in.
- They’re faster
- They reduce wear
- And they make changes easier
So if you’re going to need a fitting anyway, you might as well make it a QD.
The Four Parts of Our Naming System
We organize all of our fittings using these four identifiers:
- Thread Size
- Thread Type
- Thread Gender
- QD Connection Type
1. Thread Size
This shows up first in the product name. Common sizes:
- 1/4"
- 3/8"
- 1/2"
- 3/4"
- M22
Some parts only need the size listed because the thread type is standard for that use.
2. Thread Type
NPT (National Pipe Thread)
- Common in the U.S.
- Comes in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2", 3/4"
- Tapered threads that require pipe tape or sealant
- Seal is created by the tight thread fit
GHT (Garden Hose Thread)
- Always 3/4"
- Found on garden hoses and hose bibbs
- Not tapered
- Uses a rubber washer to seal, not pipe tape
M22 (14mm and 15mm)
- Common on pressure washer hoses, sprayers, and wands
- O-ring inside creates a seal
- No pipe tape needed
- 14mm = Kranzle, Ryobi, Greenworks, gas units
- 15mm = SunJoe, Stanley, AR Blue consumer models
BSP / BSPP / BSPT (British Standard Pipe)
- Occasionally used
- BSPP = parallel threads
- BSPT = tapered threads
- Common on pressure washer inlets before being adapted to GHT
3. Thread Gender
We only use male or female to describe the threads:
- Male = threads on the outside
- Female = threads on the inside
Example: 3/8" Male Plug = 3/8" male NPT threads
We don’t use gender labels on the QD ends—only on the threads.
4. QD Connection Type
We avoid calling QD ends male or female. Instead:
- Plug = the piece that inserts (male side)
- Coupler = the piece that receives the plug (female side)
Example:
- 3/8" Female Plug = 3/8" female threaded NPT + QD plug (inserts into a coupler)
This system keeps things clear and avoids the confusing mashups like “female male plug.”