With a water thief you can "steal" water for your garden hose even from taps that have no thread. The adapter is particularly practical for campers, but can also be useful in your own garden. Find out what to look for when buying a water thief!
With a water thief, the garden hose can be connected at any time
Our recommendations
our recommendation
Carl Kammerling International Limited CK G7919 C.K Irrigation Systems Tap Adapter Smooth 10-20mm diameter
12.04 EUR To the product| outer diameter | 10-20mm |
|---|---|
| Corrosion resistant | Yes |
| Material wing screw | metal |
| Material hose connection | Solid brass |
| Tool-free assembly | Yes |
| handling | medium |
The water thief from C.K deserves first place in our comparison for two main reasons: It is the most convincing in terms of material quality and, at least according to the manufacturer, offers the widest range in terms of the outside diameter of the faucet. With the individual parts made of solid brass and robust metal, the model proves to be very stable and durable. The manufacturer specifies ten to 20 millimeters for the outer diameter. However, customer reviews indicate that only about 13 to 17 millimeters fit really well and safely.
our recommendation
Kärcher 2.645-256.0 external tap adapter (without thread)
7.49 EUR To the product| outer diameter | 15-20mm |
|---|---|
| Corrosion resistant | Yes |
| Material wing screw | stainless steel |
| Material hose connection | plastic |
| Tool-free assembly | Yes |
| handling | medium |
The hose connector on the Kärcher water thief is made of plastic, which has a slightly (more) negative effect on the general quality. Nevertheless, the majority of reviewers on Amazon describe the design as being of high quality and very functional. The thief is said to fit “most connections” and thus “save a lot of trouble”. Especially for camping it seems to be ideal. But here, too, the limited elasticity of the rubber sleeve is criticized from time to time. However, this seems to be a fundamental problem with the product category water thief. But in itself the model apparently does “what it should”.
our recommendation
Gardena water thief: Universal tap adapter for connecting the Gardena garden hose to a tap without a thread with an outer diameter of 14-17 mm, corrosion-resistant (2908-20)
8.99 EUR To the product| outer diameter | 14-17mm |
|---|---|
| Corrosion resistant | Yes |
| Material wing screw | metal |
| Material hose connection | plastic |
| Tool-free assembly | Yes |
| handling | medium |
The Gardena water thief is something of a classic among these very special adapters. In terms of quality, it largely corresponds to the Kärcher model - the two variants are also on the same price level, while our comparison winner is a little more expensive, which is mainly due to the material-specific differences. The Gardena water thief satisfies most users if you read the reviews on Amazon. But here, too, there is the typical limitation: This adapter is probably only recommended for very small diameters of up to 15 millimeters.
Purchase Criteria
Outside Diameter of Taps/Fitness
Basically, a water thief is designed to act as a connector between a plain unthreaded faucet and a water hose. However, not every water thief is automatically suitable for every threadless faucet. It depends on the outside diameter of the faucet and the elasticity of the rubber sleeve which water thief goes well with which faucet. Take a look at the manufacturer's information on the outer diameter. The adapter usually covers between ten and 20 millimeters, sometimes 20 to 30 millimeters.
our recommendation
C.K Snap On Faucet Connector G7928
To the productElasticity of the tap connector (the rubber sleeve)
Unfortunately, the manufacturer's information about the outer diameter is often only half the truth. Ultimately, the elasticity of the rubber sleeve (i.e. the tap connector) also determines how much is actually possible. Not infrequently, the information provided by the manufacturer is too high or can only be implemented with the most intensive effort. Be sure to read reviews from other customers in advance to get an impression of the outer diameters you can actually turn inside out with the respective water thief with some ease.
Corrosion resistance and frost resistance
Of course, the basic material and processing quality is also important. The water thief should definitely be corrosion-resistant and ideally also frost-proof so that it does not break down immediately under difficult conditions or unfavorable external influences. Even if the adapter causes comparatively low costs, it can be durable. For the purpose of robustness and stability, water thieves with elements made of brass or stainless steel are preferable to pure plastic solutions.
Material of the wing screw
In particular, the wing screw, with which you fix the water thief to the pipe of the faucet so that the adapter can withstand the water pressure, must be made of an extra robust and resistant material. Plastic definitely doesn't make sense here - instead, the component should at least be made of metal, better still steel. Fortunately, this is the case with most models.
Tool-free assembly and good handling
It is important that you do not need any tools to assemble the water thief. In addition, the handling should, to put it bluntly, not result in a broken finger. From many reports on popular products, it is evident that attaching the water thief to the faucet can be challenging. Of course, the rubber sleeve shouldn't be easy to slip around the tap, otherwise the system wouldn't be stable, but sweating from all the exertion doesn't have to be either. Deal with several customer reviews.
Manufacturer
When buying a water thief, we recommend that you bet on the version of a popular brand, as long as the basic characteristics of the product meet your needs. Our research has shown that, in addition to the Gardena and Karcher designs, you can also rely on the C.K water thieves, especially if you are faced with a tap that has a larger outside diameter.
youtubefrequently asked Questions
What is a water thief?
A water thief is a special adapter. It allows you to connect your garden hose to non-threaded taps, such as those often found on campsites. The term 'water thief' is creative and also chosen appropriately. Campers benefit particularly from the small utensil, which can sometimes make the seemingly impossible possible in their own house and garden.
How does a water thief work?
Every water thief has a more or less flexible rubber sleeve that you put over the outlet of the respective water tap. Then tighten the mounted wing screw to fix the water thief to the pipe of the tap - after all, the utensil has to withstand the water pressure. Finally, connect your water hose to the adapter and turn on the water.
Which brands offer good water thieves?
Water thieves are now available from a number of well-known brands. These include the market leader Gardena and Kärcher. The C.K (Carl Kammerling) brand, for example, offers high-quality alternatives in a slightly higher price range. Note: If you enter "water thief" on Amazon, some normal adapters with a thread will also come up. So always look carefully during your research to see if you are dealing with a real water thief.
Where is the best place to buy a water thief?
You will usually find what you are looking for in well-stocked hardware stores and garden centers such as OBI, Bauhaus, hagebaumarkt, Hornbach, toom or Dehner. At least one model (Gardena or Kärcher) is usually waiting there. Amazon offers a slightly larger selection. Basically, however, a water thief is not a utensil that would be available in abundance.
How much does a water thief cost?
A water thief usually costs no more than 20 euros. Most versions, including those from the leading brands Gardena and Kärcher, are available in almost all shops for less than ten euros. In short, the adapter is a fairly small investment that can give you a great deal of relief under certain circumstances.
How do I properly care for a water thief?
Most water thieves are very easy to care for. If you regularly remove any dirt, that's almost enough. It is also advisable to lubricate the rubber sleeve of the adapter with a little Vaseline from time to time to prevent it from becoming hard and brittle.