A Guide to Trigger Sprayers

October 5, 2021

Plastic trigger sprayers were first used to allow various commercial and domestic liquid products to be distributed to households through retail outlets. Water-based and chemical-based liquids can be used with Trigger sprayers as the sprayers are usually made from a variety of plastics to cater for both liquids. The relevant trigger sprayer (attached to the correct size spray bottle) allows the contents to be dispersed when the pump handle on the trigger is squeezed by the user.


Trigger sprayers are most commonly used with household cleaning products such as disinfectants, floor and surface cleaners. The benefit of spray triggers has highlighted lately in the past year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been an enormous increase in demand for trigger sprayers with regards to disinfecting and cleaning products.

The Benefits of Trigger Sprayers

When needing to control the amount of the product that is to be dispensed, making use of a trigger sprayer can be extremely beneficial. The nozzles can be adjusted for a fine spray or for a jet stream when dispensing liquids. Another benefit of trigger sprayers is that they come in a variety of sizes and colours. This makes the association of using different colours for different products easier for the consumer.

Things to Consider with Trigger Sprayers

Referring to the diagram below, the overall trigger sprayer system consists of 12 components. Many of these components are made from a variety of materials, depending on the consumer's needs. To make sure you select the best system for your product, it is beneficial to review each of these components.

The Anatomy of the Trigger Sprayer

  • The Output of your Product

    What type of product you will be dispensing with the trigger sprayer, should be your first consideration? Certain ingredients can only be used with specific materials when considering components such as the ball, dip tube, etc. You will also need to determine what output will be needed from the sprayer. The output typically ranges from 0.7cc to 1.6cc.

  • The Dip Tube

    Another important component of the trigger sprayer that should not be overlooked is the dip tube. The length of the dip tube will need to tailored to work with the size of bottle you intend to use.

  • Which Nozzle to Use?

    The nozzle is an important aspect to consider when it comes to the consumer's needs. The nozzle gives the consumer control on how the product will dispense. There are several options available to the consumer. These options are:


    • A nozzle that allows your product to spray
    • A nozzle that allows your product to stream
    • A nozzle that allows your product to mist
    • A nozzle that has an off position
    • A nozzle that simply twists open
    • A spout nozzle
  • What Neck Finish to Use?

    A neck finish that is compatible with your bottle and your product will also need to be considered. Most cleaning products use a bottle with a 28-400 or 28-410 finish. If you are making use of harsher chemicals such as a lawn pesticides etc., you may need a ratchet finish to keep the cap and sprayer securely to the bottle.


    Another option is the bayonet/Snap-on trigger sprayer. These sprayers are very difficult to remove and can only be used with very specific bottles, therein making them a save alternative for products that should be kept out of the hands of children.


    Trigger sprayers have various size screw caps to fit different bottlenecks. The popular sizes you will find are

    • • 28/400
    • • 28/410
    • • 20/410
    • • 24/410

How do Spray Bottles Pump Fluid?

October 5, 2021
Spray bottles are an extremely useful type of machine and an excellent demonstration of basic plumbing principles. A spray-bottle head is made up of only a few parts. It has a trigger lever, which activates a small pump. This pump is attached to a plastic tube that draws cleaning fluid from the bottom of the reservoir. The pump forces this liquid down a narrow barrel and out a small hole at the gun's muzzle. The hole, or nozzle, serves to focus the flowing liquid so that it forms a concentrated stream.  The only complex element in this design is the fluid pump, and it's about as simple as they come. The main moving element is a piston, housed inside a cylinder. Inside the cylinder, there is a small spring. To operate the pump, you pull the trigger back, pushing the piston into the cylinder. The moving piston compresses the spring, so when you release the trigger, the piston is pushed back out of the cylinder. These two strokes of the piston, into the cylinder and out again, constitute the entire pump cycle.

What is an Atomizer and Why Should I Use It?

October 5, 2021
Atomizers convert streams of liquid into fine sprays. They’re used in everyday applications to control the amount of liquid being released and dispersed from a container. Used frequently in homes for everyday cooking and cleaning, they’re also good for a variety of other purposes. The most basic components of an atomizer are a bottle filled with liquid and a tube that connects to a nozzle. The nozzle always has a screen inside. That screen disperses the liquid particles to create a mist.