Hey folks, welcome back to Backroad Reviews! If you’re like us—spending your weekends tearing up trails on ATVs, hauling gear in your Jeep, or maintaining farm equipment—you know how quickly dirt, mud, and grease can build up. That’s why we’re excited to dive into our review of the SIMPSON Powershot 3500 PSI 2.5 GPM Cold Water Gas Pressure Washer. This beast has become our go-to for keeping everything spotless, and after putting it through its paces, we’re hooked. We even shot a detailed unboxing and setup video (check it out below or on our channel), where we walked through the whole process from box to blast.
Unboxing and Setup: Built Like a Tank
Right out of the gate, this Simpson unit screams quality. As we noted in our video, Simpson is a staple in the power washing world, with parts readily available worldwide, a solid warranty, and easy-to-reach customer service—huge wins compared to some off-brand washers we’ve dealt with over the years. Assembled in the USA with a premium engine, it’s clear this isn’t your average homeowner model.
Unpacking was straightforward. The frame is powder-coated for durability, with hard industrial rubber stoppers on the bottom and pneumatic tires that we pumped up a bit for better maneuverability. We loved the rubber nozzle holders (not those flimsy plastic clips that snap in cold weather), and the high-quality kink-resistant hose rated for up to 3,700 PSI. The wand is brightly colored with a safety guard, and everything from the double O-rings to the large soap pickup line (perfect for a 5-gallon bucket) feels pro-grade.
One pleasant surprise? It came with AMSOIL synthetic oil, which we weren’t expecting but greatly appreciated. As fans of American-made products (shoutout to Superior, Wisconsin!), we run AMSOIL in all our high-performance engines anyway—it’s top-tier for longevity and doesn’t play nice if you switch brands mid-stream. We topped it off, added some fuel stabilizer like Mechanic in a Bottle to keep things gum-free, and followed the video’s tips: lightly pull the cord to circulate oil before the first start, purge air from the system to avoid vapor lock, and give it a gentle break-in period. Fired right up on the first pull—no choke needed!
Power and Performance: Cleaning Everything from Mud to Machinery
With 3500 PSI and 2.5 GPM, this cold-water gas washer delivers serious punch without overwhelming you. In our video, we highlighted how it’s carbureted (not fuel-injected) for easy maintenance, with an easy-to-access air filter that’s lightly pre-oiled and replaceable numbers right at your fingertips. It handles up to 10% ethanol fuel, but we stick to non-ethanol with stabilizers for longevity—pro tip from years of small-engine headaches.
We’ve used this bad boy extensively on our backroad fleet, and it’s been a game-changer. It blasted caked-on trail mud off our motorcycles in minutes, stripped road salt from the car without a hitch, and powered through grease on the Jeep’s undercarriage. Our ATVs and UTVs came out looking showroom-new after off-road adventures, and it even handled the tractor and its implements like a champ—think plows and mowers coated in field grime. The five included spray tips give versatility for everything from gentle rinses to high-pressure stripping, and the quick-connect system makes swapping them effortless. No leaks, no fuss, and it runs cool even after hours of use. If you’re prepping for a big job, like washing a concrete driveway, this unit’s flow and reliability shine.
What Others Are Saying: Online Reviews Roundup
We’re not alone in our praise—online feedback echoes our experience, with an average rating around 4.5 out of 5 stars across sites. Users rave about the impressive power and cleaning speed, noting how it tackles tough jobs like driveways and home exteriors with ease. Many highlight the easy assembly and startup, especially with the reliable engine (variants include Honda GX200 or Simpson CRX210, both praised for performance). Pros often include the professional-grade build, PowerBoost technology for extra nozzle pressure, and value for the buck—great for contractors or heavy DIYers. Folks appreciate the pneumatic tires for mobility and the overall durability, calling it “the best power washer one can get” with “plenty of power.”
On the flip side, some users mention minor gripes. A few noted missing parts lists or user manuals in the box, making initial setup a tad frustrating if you’re not video-savvy. Others wished for a longer wand to reduce bending, and accessories like pump guards can feel pricey. Rarely, brand-new units had small issues like needing adjustments, but these seem isolated, with most reviews emphasizing long-term reliability over cheaper alternatives. Overall, the positives far outweigh the cons, especially for those who value American engineering and pro-level performance.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Have for Backroad Warriors
If you’re in the market for a pressure washer that can handle the rigors of rural life—from vehicle maintenance to property upkeep—the SIMPSON Powershot 3500 PSI is a winner. It’s powerful, user-friendly, and built to last, making quick work of our motorcycles, car, Jeep, ATVs, UTVs, tractor, and implements. Pair it with good fuel practices (like we did in the video), and it’ll serve you for years. We give it a solid 5 stars—grab one from Lowe’s and thank us later!
Check out our full video review below for the step-by-step unboxing and tips. What’s your go-to cleaning gear? Drop a comment!
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-Degree Framing Nailer Review – A Game-Changer for DIY Projects
We’re going to break down the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-Degree Framing Nailer Kit, model 2744-20, which you can find right here on Amazonhttps://amzn.to/4dxRzVk combo pack or just the nailer https://amzn.to/4emHCLV. Now, this baby is an absolute powerhouse for framing projects on the homestead and around the house. First off, let me say, using a framing nailer without the hassle of cords and gas canisters is a dream come true! And with this Milwaukee model, I had a blast testing it out with some home improvement projects.
Table of Contents
For this review, I’ve also included a general overview video where you can watch me and my trusty assistant (or victim of peer pressure) give it a go firsthand. From assembling the nails to firing away, we had a lot of fun getting things done.
Unboxing and First Impressions
Right out of the box, the Milwaukee 2744-20 M18 FUEL Framing Nailer comes packed with the usual high-quality gear you’d expect from Milwaukee. The heavy-duty bag they give you is no joke; you could probably carry around a small dog in there if needed (not recommended, but hey, possibilities are endless!). But just a heads-up, if you’re buying this nailer as a stand-alone tool, it doesn’t come with the battery unless you get the full kit. If you’re already in the M18 family, this is no big deal because those batteries work across their tool range.
It comes with a standard magazine, and you can buy the extended one separately if you don’t want to keep refilling. But even the standard size is solid for most jobs.
Performance and Features
One of the standout features of the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Framing Nailer is the brushless motor. It’s smooth, powerful, and provides great efficiency when you’re working all day. With no gas canisters and no air hoses to trip over, it’s super easy to set up and get to work quickly. Plus, less noise—so your neighbors won’t hate you after those weekend projects!
The tool-free depth adjustment is awesome. You can make adjustments quickly without having to break out any other tools, making it perfect for on-the-fly tweaks as you go. The no-mar tip is great for those delicate pieces where you don’t want to leave marks, which means you can use it on finer projects like installing trim or baseboards without worrying about damage.
It has two firing modes, sequential and bump-fire. The sequential mode is pretty standard—just press the nose to the surface, pull the trigger, and boom, one nail is in. The bump-fire mode? Oh man, this is where it gets fun! You can crank out three nails per second just by holding down the trigger and bumping the tool against your work surface. It’s fast, efficient, and perfect for when you’re doing big framing jobs like roofing or decking. In the video, we put it to the test, and let me tell you, it’s almost too easy.
Battery Life
With the 5.0Ah battery pack, this framing nailer can fire up to 750 nails per charge. That’s a lot of nailing before you even need to think about swapping batteries. The battery life on this thing is fantastic for those larger jobs. No need to be constantly running back and forth to recharge or swap batteries.
And since this tool runs on the Milwaukee M18 platform, if you’ve got other M18 tools (like I do), the batteries are all interchangeable, which is a huge bonus for any homesteader or DIY enthusiast. Just slap in a fresh battery, and you’re good to go again.
Handling and Usability
Weighing in at around 9.6 pounds, this nailer is in the middleweight category, but it feels balanced in hand. Even if you’re working on framing an entire room or putting together a new chicken coop, it’s light enough to use for extended periods without feeling like you’re dragging around a ton of bricks.
The onboard belt hook and rafter hook are lifesavers, especially if you’re working on a ladder or scaffold. You can hook it right onto your toolbelt or hang it up on a rafter if you need to free your hands. This came in handy during our review project, and in the video, you’ll see me putting that hook to good use.
Safety First
As always, safety is key. One of the things I love about the Milwaukee 2744-20 M18 FUEL Framing Nailer is the dry fire lockout, which keeps the tool from firing if you’re out of nails. This feature saves you from unnecessary wear and tear on the nailer itself, and, of course, saves you from firing blanks. And, just like I always tell folks—never leave a battery in a tool if you’re walking away from it. The easy battery removal feature on this tool lets you take the power out of it quickly to avoid any accidental firings.
Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?
In short—heck yes! The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 21-Degree Framing Nailer is hands down one of the best tools you can get for framing without the fuss of gas or cords. It’s reliable, powerful, and built to handle pretty much any job you throw at it, whether you’re working on a full home renovation or tackling smaller projects on the homestead.
A few customers out there have mentioned that it’s heavier than a pneumatic nailer, but honestly, the freedom of no hoses or compressors more than makes up for the extra weight. Plus, Milwaukee’s build quality and their fantastic customer support make this a no-brainer. I’d highly recommend it if you’re in the market for a top-tier cordless nailer.
If you want to see it in action, be sure to check out the video I put together for Backroad Reviews, where I walk you through the unboxing and put this nailer to the test. Spoiler alert: it does not disappoint!
