Dramm 12353 Heavy-Duty Brass Shut-Off Valve

As a semi-retired Horticulturist I often feel like I’ve spent half my life with a watering wand in my hand. For decades I’ve bought the brass shut-off valves for myself, clients and friends. Recently I needed a brass shut-off valve ASAP so I ordered a Dramm and a HQMPC from Amazon and an AM Leonard house brand brass shut-off simultaneously. Here’s my thoughts: Dramm is the gold standard and won hands down for quality. Dramm has a locknut to hold the lever. The washer is thicker and a better material to stand up to seasonal weather. The action of the lever is very smooth and easy to operate. Important when you could be moving it on and off hundreds of times an hour. The threads are beautifully machined and free of burrs. (If you’re wondering why well made threads matter, you’ve never watered for 3 hours straight in a cold morning with a steady stream of dripping water soaking your shoe and pants.) At $26.00 Dramm is the priciest, but a good deal for a reliable tool that can last years. HQMPC failed in all category. Their brass shut off has a regular screw holding the lever which will continuously need tightening every time it’s used. The washer is thin and flimsy. The threads are poorly machined and the overall body is the poorest quality of the three. The lever is impossible to operate with just your thumb. Very stiff action. For $17.00 it’s not a bargain. But one of the other two brands. The AM Leonard house brand brass shut-off valve came in second place. It’s a good solid workhorse. It has a locknut holding the lever, an O-ring, good machining on the threads and smooth lever motion. On sale at $19.99 but regularly priced at $25.99 it’s a solid choice. IF you get it on sale or order enough items from AM Leonard to get free shipping and can wait for a week or two for it to arrive. (There’s the Amazon advantage). Hope this helps other gardeners make an informed decision on such an integral tool.

This valve works great. Easy on and off even with wet hands. If you are frustrated with plastic valves that are difficult to turn on and off and break in one season's use, this is the product for you. Some of the criticisms are not well thought out. The "aluminum" ball is designed to work against the nylon surfaces inside the valve body. This is an improvement over the older metal on metal design, not cheaper construction. Brass against brass moving parts wear fairly quickly under constant use. Note that the ball is easily replaced, as testified to by the people who complained about it "falling out." The steel nut that "discolors" is likely an improved strengthening of a critical part, not a cheap substitute. It should be stainless steel, but discoloring and even rusting does not affect its function. If it drives you crazy, replace it with a stainless one from your local hardware store. While people certainly CAN use this valve as a shut-off at the male (delivery) end of a hose, it's size and weight suggest that it is intended to be used between the faucet and the female (entry) end of the hose, most likely with a multiple splitter of some type to allow shutting off some lines while using others. The complaints of the levers getting in the way or catching on things when using the product in ways for which it was not designed are not flaws in the product, but limitations in using it in ways other than primarily intended. Those wanting a shut off at the male (delivery) end of a hose might find the aluminum version of this valve somewhat lighter. Users should note that the on/off lever can be re-positioned 180 degrees, if needed, to avoid hitting against a device to which the valve is connected. Remove the holding screw, change the position of the lever, and replace the screw. There may be problems with using the valve, as intended, in some individual situations, but the manufacturer cannot be expected to anticipate every individual application. One of my faucets was placed much too close to the ground and it caused problems with using the valve as I had hoped. I managed a "workaround," but the problem was the faucet, not the valve. The complaint that the female end has "too few threads" makes no sense. As long as there are sufficient threads to hold the connecting pieces together, the number of threads on the female end of any "garden hose" connector cannot be "too short" in a way that would make the connection leak. The seal is provided by the washer not by the tightening of the threads against each other (as with tapered threads on iron pipe). The only thing that could cause a leak by a female end would be it being so LONG that a standard size male connector could not reach and seat against the washer. A MALE end (perhaps what another reviewer meant?) so short that it can not seat fully against the washer in the female end of a particular hose or other garden device COULD cause leaking. Either problem can usually be resolved by using an additional washer (or washers). Above all, people should follow instructions and know that, with this and any other garden hose connector, you should not over tighten the fitting. Tempting as it is to put a crescent wrench on the hexagon shaped body and get it "really good and tight," don't. You will likely displace the washer into the throat of the male connector and cause the valve to leak. Hand tightening, with the connectors and your hands dry, is always recommended with all these type products. If using a wrench, only tighten the connector until it stops leaking. If the valve does not leak when the faucet is open and the valve is closed, but leaks AT THE FEMALE CONNECTOR when the valve is then opened, the problem is almost always a poorly seated washer. If you have leaks and cannot see a flaw in the casting or a damaged or displaced washer, try placing a second washer in the female connector, and, again, HAND tighten. If the additional washer is not a snug fit, you may need to pry out the washer that comes with the product and place the additional washer under the original one to get the best seal. In short, spending a little time trying to figure out why a seemingly good product is not working properly might reveal that there is nothing wrong with the product, only with the way you are using it (mia culpa). I allow that any product has some defective samples, but judging by the number of positive reviews, I do not believe this is a common problem with this valve.

I was initially quite impressed with how heavy duty and the weight of this product when it first arrived. I was actually concerned that the weight might be too much because this is used at the front of a hose. I'm in Texas so we don't really have freezing temperatures here too often. For that reason, my hoses stay outside for the vast majority of time. I need something that can take some abuse by being exposed to the elements 24/7. This shut off valve is built like a tank so I'm sure it will survive and continue to function for me for years to come. The level makes it very easy to turn off and on. I knew that Dramm makes quality product so I hope that I won't have any issues.

After going through numerous cheap plastic valves through the years that may last a season or two, I purchased two of these biting the bullet with the higher cost to try them out. Upon receiving them, I was surprised as to how well they were built. I used them for a season now, and they have worked perfectly. I am happy with the ease at which they can be turned off or on, and they don't leak all over the place either. I am here to say that these are the best darn valves you can get. They are well worth the higher cost, and I am sure they will last for years to come making them much cheaper on the pocketbook in the long run. I was so happy that I purchased two more at the end of the growing season to have them next year. Now for the company, Dramm. One of the two of my latest purchase arrived missing a nylon and rubber part on one side. I thought about just returning them to Amazon, but instead decided to contact Dramm directly, and found their customer service genuinely interested in my problem. Their representative was very familiar with the item and the parts that I needed. Four days later I had the exacts parts that I needed at my doorstep. I can not say enough about this valve or Dramm as they obviously stand behind their products.

I happen to like shut-off valves. I put them on the end of my hoses in both the front and back yards to make it easy to change nozzles, sprinklers, etc. In recent years it has been tough to find a good replacement for my old valves. I won't even consider the plastic ones as they start leaking almost immediately. Most of the brass units come with cheap plastic knobs which quickly deteriorate. Many are hard to operate and require two hands: one to grasp the body of the valve, and the other to firmly twist the valve handle. Not this one. It is superbly engineered of solid brass. It has precision threads which make it a snap to change hoses, nozzles or sprinklers. The valve handle is solid and easy to open and close with just one finger. Unlike every other shutoff valve I have ever seen, the valve opening is very large. This provides for increased water flow which is important when trying to water large areas with a lawn sprinkler. Perhaps what I love most about it is that it doesn't leak anywhere. And when you shut it off, it shuts off completely and stays off. I have used brass shut-off valves for years but nothing compares to this one. I was so impressed with the first valve, I ordered a second one. Unlike all the others I have used, this one promises to last a lifetime.

Unfortunately with shutoff valves for your garden hose the adage is true: You get what you pay for. So when you pay nearly $20 for a shutoff valve you get the absolute best shutoff valve in the market. Straight forward design, perfectly executed. The product's title says "Heavy-Duty" and I'll stand by that. This Valve has been dropped from my roof, dragged across cement and stone countless times, dragged across the lawn so the handle pulls up tufts of grass... The only thing I haven't done to it yet is hit it with a train (I currently harbor no plans to). It's a little beat up surface wise but still performs flawlessly every time. The handle is still tight and the ball is still perfectly seated. Having purchased various brands/kinds of shutoff valves over the years I can attest this is by far the best one available. If I were to rate this shutoff valve versus all other shutoff valves this Dramm 12353 would be a five star and all others would be ones and twos. However I have to rate this item on it's own and - in lieu of two minor setbacks - I'm going to rate it 4 stars because of the following: ~Price In a market of shutoff valves that equally perform well a fair price for this item should should be around $13. On the high side but fair for what you're getting. Unfortunately for your wallet Dramm controls the market on working shutoff valves (ie the ONLY working shutoff valve). I purchased one last summer and two more this summer. I'd purchase more but having already spend over $50 for three I can't rationalize buying more. ~Handle size/layout Despite the handle providing excellent leverage there's one little thing that's not perfect about it: You can't connect this valve in a restrictive area. It works perfectly at the end of the hose as the handle never protrudes past the male end. As you can see in the stock picture: the handle does protrude past the female end (the source of water). I'd like to connect these to the beginning of the hose on my four way splitter but then I wouldn't be able to fully open the valve.

The best valves, been using these for decades and most of the ones I bought almost 25 years ago are still in use. Just needed one more. Awesome product. Update Summer 2021: a lot of Chinese companies copied the design on this valve. But they are bad copies, they have a much smaller opening inside and only give you like half the flow. I had one of my made in the USA Dramm valves I have had for like 20 years in it get a mysterious hole in the brass body. No idea how. Contacted Dramm, they promptly sent a new one and more free repair parts for my other valves. WOW! Show me a company in 2021 that has service like Dramm. They are the best. I keep buying more of their valves, water breakers, water wands and other products. Update October 2018: Still 5 stars for these, I would give them more than 5 if I could believe me! Still the best and well worth the price in my mind. You get what you pay for. I called Dramm last month because I had a couple of these where the hose washers had gotten old and loose and fallen out. You can replace those hose washers with other brands, but in my case when they fell out it had allowed the little white plastic washers which are a custom Dramm part that locks the ball valve in place to also fall out and get lost in the tall grass. I wanted to see if I could buy just a few of those washers without buying the entire kit which replaces all the internals and the handle and so on. I was glad they sell a kit with all that, but I didn't need it all. So I called and the representative I spoke with was so nice, she said she would just send me out what I needed at no charge. I got them the other day and was able to fix up those old valves. Wow. I hoped to be able to buy the parts, but getting sent them free of charge is just above and beyond. Now I feel I am in there debt and will have to buy more of their stuff ASAP. Smart company. I am sure they know that is how I will feel! I will continue to buy US made Dramm valves. They have the best product and the best service too. Just tremendous. And it is good to know that if I ever need to buy a kit to replace all the internals I can do that too. Probably the solid brass valve body will outlast me and my wife and our son will inherit them all and be able to rebuild them. I made sure to show him what I was doing and tell him how good Dramm was to me so he would know this is not a disposable product, more of a family heirloom type of thing, the way many things used to be built but very few are now. They even sent detailed instructions to go with the parts. Just a great company all around.

I have used Dramm products for decades due to their design and high quality. This shut-off valve is no exception. I am embarrassed to admit this but, I did order a few of the cheaper (Chinese) versions of this valve on amazon, only to be disappointed. I also purchased three different (and much less expensive) shut-off valves at my local big box hardware stores, again only to be disappointed. This Dramm valve is designed and constructed the way they used to be 50 years ago (think made in the USA of high quality materials and design). Yes . . . built to function for many years. Is it worth three or four times the cost of the other cheaply made valves out there. DEFINITELY! Purchase it once, and be done with it. F.Y.I., I purchased the full brass version.

I bought two of these shut off valves, one for each of my garden hoses, and I'm very happy with my purchase. - The valve is a solid piece of brass, which you can immediately appreciate after taking it out of the package and holding it in your hand. I thought it was a little expensive before I got it, but I knew I wanted something heavy-duty. Given the quality, it's definitely worth the $28, I don't expect to replace it anytime soon. - The hose's flow rate doesn't feel compromised. - I've had no issues with leaks - The valve opens and closes with minimal effort - It's really easy to swap out nozzles/sprinklers, which I've been doing regularly when switching between watering my lawn and watering my garden. I think this is my favourite feature, since, before I turn the water on, I typically have to adjust the pattern on my Gilmour Pattern Master Circular Sprinkler (I have odd lawn shapes all around my house). I know it's not a lot of effort to walk back to the main valve and turn it on, but it's one of those annoying repetitive tasks that you just wish you didn't have to do every time. - The valve fits on a common garden hose. I personally found this confusing in a lot of listings for hose attachments because you'll often see a listing say it has a 3/4 inch thread, but then a garden hose may say it's 5/8 diameter and not mentioned anything that's 3/4 inch. In my case, my garden hose is 5/8 inch but its couplings are 3/4 inch so the valve and hose will fit together. Anyway, I hope this tidbit helps someone else so they don't worry about whether or not the valve will fit on their garden hose.

Superó mis expectativas. Muy buen material y rápido de conectar y no escurre. Caro pero vale la pena.

I'm impressed with the quality and it functions flawlessly thus far. Price stung a bit, however if this holds up and keeps functioning like it does, worth it. I will update my review if things change from my 5 stars. Seems sturdy and engineered quite well. I had read one review which made me wonder if it would be difficult to operate. Not in the slightest, it is an absolute breeze and glides as smooth as butter. The extra large lever would tend to work for all but the arthritic elderly I would think (probably ideal for them too actually). I used this as a shut off for a flex hose that I ran up to a second level deck to water the planters, replenish the bird bath, and general clean up duty. The flex hose collapses quite nicely into an ABS mailbox I also purchased on Amazon (wish the mailbox had a closure, the wind always pops it off...another small project). You can see I drilled a hole through the side of it for the main hose (red to match brick).

This Dramm attachment means business. It is very well crafted and a real pleasure to use. The item arrived nicely packed. You simply attach as needed on both ends and it makes quick and easy work of your shut off. I have a small drip at my pipe where the hose is connected. I attached this unit to the pipe and my hose to the other end and voila! The drip is gone. The flip switch is very smooth and seals nice and tight. It’s clear that this is an item built with quality in mind. I wish I ordered two because I could certainly make good use of this in other areas around the yard/house. I read the reviews and concerns with lead, but based on my research I believe that to be a California compliance requirement not due to content/manufacturing. When my item arrived (in Canada) it had no such warning label attached. It’s the first time I ordered a Dramm product but it won’t be last.

I have been watering with a hose for over 60 years. This heavy duty shut-off valve is the best I have used. I now garden privately but used to work professionally. This tool is responsive, smooth running, rigid yet has a beauty of its own. It is well made and should last me the rest of my gardening days-which I hope are many! If you are looking for a great shut-off valve that really "Shuts off" and will last for years, then this one is for you.