It's official: when it comes to pressure hoses, size matters

AS THE good weather encourages more people outdoors, a man's head can be turned by some seductive sights.

Envious glances are being cast over the garden fence as males try to match the DIY prowess of their neighbours and mates.

The latest condition to grip the nation is "hose envy" with sufferers on the receiving end of one-upmanship of the pressure washer variety.

According to a new survey, more and more men are splashing out on the powerful washers as the must-have big boys' toy as they try to outdo their friends in the macho stakes.

The powerful washers - used mainly for the car or patio - may appeal to men because, it is said, they are like wielding a giant water pistol or gun.

The research by Tesco even suggests some men deliberately park their car where the neighbours can see it just so they can spray their hose in full view.

The supermarket giants says sales of Karcher pressure washer have risen 70 per cent in their stories over the last year with most of the buyers being men.

The popular tool is now top of poll of top ten big boys' toys.

Tesco DIY buyer Fabio Perrotta said: "When it comes to DIY men want to have the latest, most powerful tools. The pressure washer is definitely one that many men don't want to be without.

"Once upon a time it was the electric drill or screwdriver but now there are a whole range of items men feel they need, partly because their friends have one and also they have become more affordable."

At number two in the macho tools league is the Karcher multi-purpose DIY vacuum which can be used in the garage or car. Its popularity may have been increased as men find an ordinary domestic vacuum cleaner is simply not up to the job.

Power tools continue to be among the most coveted for men's DIY with the Power Forces 3.6V lithium-ion cordless screwdriver in third place.

There was a time when men wanted to impress with electric screwdrivers but the new generation of cordless ones are now the only tools to be seen with.

Circular saws are another new trend - the Evolution multi-purpose saw which cuts steel, aluminium and wood is at number four as men love to be the one with the biggest and toughest DIY gadget.

Fifth place goes to another gun-like gadget, the Heat Gun, which is useful for all household paint stripping needs.

The Tesco survey said: "It seems that gun like gadgets always attract male DIY fanatics."