Snow Foam Lance & Adaptor FAQs
Fittings and adaptors, stopping leaks, and spare bottles and caps.
Which adaptor do I need for my pressure washer?
It depends on your machine's gun-to-lance ending. Karcher K-series machines (K2 to K7) use a bayonet fitting, so they need a Karcher bayonet adaptor, and AVA machines share that same Karcher-style ending, so a Karcher-fit lance connects to an AVA too. Nilfisk machines use their own quick-release system and need a Nilfisk-specific adaptor. Kranzle machines use an M22 14mm threaded ending. Many aftermarket lances and stubby guns use a universal 1/4" quick-connect (QC). If you're unsure, check whether your lance twists and locks (bayonet), pushes in with a collar (quick-connect), or screws on (threaded).
Can I use my Karcher foam lance on a Nilfisk or Kranzle?
Not directly, as these machines don't share a fitting. A Karcher lance uses a bayonet end, a Nilfisk needs its own quick-release adaptor, and a Kranzle uses an M22 14mm thread, so you fit the adaptor that matches the machine you're moving to. The one easy swap is AVA: AVA machines use the same Karcher-style lance ending, so a Karcher-fit lance connects to an AVA with no adaptor at all. The hoses differ, but the lance end matches.
What is the difference between a bayonet and a quick-release connector?
A bayonet connector twists and locks: you push the lance in, rotate it, and it seats under spring tension. Karcher K-series guns and AVA machines use this style of lance ending. A quick-release or quick-connect connector pushes straight in and locks with a collar, with no rotation. Nilfisk uses its own quick-release system, and the universal 1/4" quick-connect used by many aftermarket lances works the same way. Kranzle is different again, using an M22 14mm screw thread. Because the systems aren't interchangeable, matching the adaptor to your machine is what matters.
How do I stop my foam lance leaking at the connector?
Leaks at the connector are almost always caused by a worn or missing O-ring, which sits inside the connector and creates the pressure seal. Once it deforms or splits from chemical exposure, the connection weeps under pressure. Check the O-ring on both the lance fitting and the gun connector, and make sure the connector is fully seated before pressurising, as a half-clicked quick-connect will always leak.
Do you sell spare bottles and caps for foam cannons?
Yes. Bottle threads and caps take a beating from repeated chemical exposure, so a spare bottle or replacement cap, at a few pounds, saves you replacing the whole lance. This page carries replacement snow foam bottles and spare caps for popular cannons such as the MJJC Foam Cannon S V3.0 and Pro, plus a wall holder to keep your cannon safe between washes.