A new handle design for waterblast control guns from Jetstream of Houston LLP features 4- to 6-pound trigger force for reduced operator fatigue and extended valve life. The handle has a narrower grip, ergonomic trigger and textured rear surface for greater comfort. A long dump tube prevents hot water from running inside the trigger guard and onto the operator’s hand, while pins prevent trigger over-travel.

The handle fits the entire range of Jetstream control guns (15,000, 20,000 and 40,000 psi), including models manufactured since 1998, with no modifications required.

Mike Bullard, parts marketing manager for Jetstream, says the redesigned handle addresses high trigger force fatigue.

“What happens is after an hour or two, when the required trigger force is too high, the operator’s hand will get tired and won’t squeeze the trigger all the way,” he says.

When that happens, water leaks past the valve at extremely high speeds and the system loses pressure, quickly destroying the valve, eroding the seating surface and eventually requiring replacement of the valve cartridge. By reducing the trigger force and making the handle easier to hold for an extended period of time, the gun also becomes safer to use.

“When the trigger isn’t squeezed hard enough, system pressure declines,” Bullard says. “In the old system, when the operator standing by the pumps sees the pressure drops, he assumes it’s the result of nozzle wear and needs to turn up the pressure. Then when the gun operator eventually notices the gun is leaking and squeezes the trigger all the way, the system will exceed the desired pressure because the pump power has been altered to account for the leaking water. When water is passing by and leaking, it’s traveling at probably 1,500 fps and that will destroy the cartridge very quickly. The new handle helps you maintain a consistent pressure throughout the day.”

The handle requires no maintenance, Bullard says.

“We’ve actually reduced the maintenance. Our old handles had a plastic bushing to ensure that the trigger rotated smoothly, but it would deform if squeezed too hard and wore over time. Now, we’ve changed the materials and improved the surface finishes of the metals to eliminate the bushing. It’s a more secure engagement that’s not going to wear like plastic.” 800/231-8192; www.waterblast.com.