Introduction
The STANLEY FATMAX 7-Pattern Thumb Control Nozzle is engineered for efficient and versatile watering tasks. Its durable construction and intuitive design provide reliable performance for various outdoor applications. This manual outlines the proper usage, maintenance, and specifications to ensure optimal functionality and longevity of your nozzle.

Figure 1: STANLEY FATMAX 7-Pattern Thumb Control Nozzle
This image displays the overall design of the STANLEY FATMAX 7-Pattern Thumb Control Nozzle, highlighting its black and yellow color scheme and ergonomic shape.
Key Features
- 7 Spray Patterns: Offers a selection of spray patterns to suit various watering needs, from gentle mist to powerful jet.
- Molded Non-Slip Grip: Provides a secure and comfortable hold, reducing hand fatigue during extended use.
- Thumb Control: Allows for easy and precise flow adjustment without needing to return to the water tap.
- Cast Metal Construction: Ensures durability and resistance to wear and tear.
- High-Flow Design: Engineered for maximum water flow with a larger valve and interior bore size.
Setup Instructions
- Inspect Gaskets: Ensure that one or two gaskets are properly seated inside the nozzle's inlet connection to prevent leaks.
- Connect to Hose: Thread the nozzle onto a standard garden hose. Hand-tighten the connection securely. If leakage occurs, use pliers to gently tighten further, ensuring not to overtighten.
- Test Connection: Turn on the water supply and check for any leaks at the connection point. Adjust tightness if necessary.
Operating Instructions
Adjusting Water Flow (Thumb Control)
The nozzle features a convenient thumb control lever for adjusting water flow. Push the lever forward to increase water flow and pull it back to decrease or stop the flow. This allows for precise control without needing to constantly squeeze a trigger.

Figure 2: Thumb Control for Water Flow Adjustment
This image illustrates the thumb control lever located on the top of the nozzle, used to regulate water flow from off to full pressure.
Changing Spray Patterns
To select a desired spray pattern, rotate the nozzle head clockwise or counter-clockwise. The nozzle offers 7 distinct patterns:
- Jet: A powerful, concentrated stream for cleaning or reaching distant areas.
- Shower: A gentle, wide spray ideal for watering delicate plants and flowers.
- Mist: A fine, soft mist for seedlings or cooling.
- Soaker: A heavy, drenching flow for deep watering.
- Cone: A conical spray pattern for general watering.
- Flat: A wide, flat spray for broad coverage.
- Center: A focused spray from the center for targeted watering.

Figure 3: Nozzle Head with 7 Spray Patterns
This image provides a close-up view of the nozzle head, illustrating the seven different spray patterns available for selection.
Maintenance
- Winterization: Before freezing temperatures, disconnect the nozzle from the hose and drain any remaining water. Store in a dry, protected area to prevent damage from freezing.
- Cleaning: Periodically inspect the nozzle head for mineral buildup or debris. If necessary, use a small brush or needle to clear any clogged spray holes. The screw on the nozzle head may allow for disassembly for deeper cleaning, but exercise caution to avoid damaging internal components.
- Gasket Inspection: Regularly check the rubber gaskets at the hose connection for wear or damage. Replace worn gaskets to maintain a watertight seal.
Troubleshooting
| Problem | Possible Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Water leaking from hose connection | Loose connection, worn or missing gasket. | Tighten the connection. Inspect and replace gaskets if damaged. |
| Weak or inconsistent spray pattern | Clogged nozzle holes, low water pressure. | Clean nozzle holes. Check water supply pressure. |
| Thumb control lever is stiff or stuck | Mineral buildup or debris in the mechanism. | Flush with water. If persistent, gentle lubrication may be applied to moving parts. |
Specifications
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Model Number | BDS90014 |
| Brand | STANLEY |
| Material | Metal, Plastic, Rubber |
| Spray Patterns | 7 (Jet, Shower, Mist, Soaker, Cone, Flat, Center) |
| Control Type | Thumb Control |
| Item Dimensions (L x W x H) | 1.12 x 1.35 x 0.69 inches |
| Item Weight | 11.4 ounces |
| UPC | 844841000146 |
Warranty and Support
For warranty information or technical support, please refer to the product packaging or contact STANLEY customer service directly. Keep your purchase receipt for warranty claims.
