Detailing Tools
From DetailingWiki
Detailing Tools
In the interest of full disclosure, I am in no way affiliated with, employed by, have any vested interest, or in any way receive compensation from the sale or distribution of the product lines reviewed or the company that manufactures or markets it.
These articles are not intended to warrant or guarantee any results with any of the products mentioned. No endorsement of companies or their products mentioned is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar companies or their products not mentioned. The author does not provide, nor guarantee and is not responsible or liable for any third-party products or services. Brand, product and company names used throughout these articles are trademarks of their respective companies and are used for product identification purposes only.
A paint film surface is a delicate thin coating, easily dulled and very easily scratched, so be very selective of any advice you listen to and/or act upon. The detailing methods set out here have been adapted for special use and may not be the same as those recommended by the product manufacturer, and you may experience different results from those stated. When in doubt always use common sense.
Visit your local auto parts store or large retailer and you will find a plethora of car detailing tools, most of which are just brightly coloured cheaply made gimmicks. Innovation in the automotive detailing industry has made quality purpose-built tools for the professional and serious enthusiast detailer available.
List of Tools
- This listing is of the detailing tools I use, they are well suited to my needs and produce the high standards I expect
Vehicle Washing Buckets - Grit Guard ®
Ironically, washing your vehicle can actually damage the paint finish because grit in the wash brush or mitt can leave scratches in the paint film surface, but with a Grit Guard ® in place at the bottom of the wash bucket, you simply nib the brush or wash mitt across the grid type surface to remove any damaging grit.
This grit / debris will settle through the grid to the bottom of the wash bucket and your brush or wash mitt remains grit free. It makes this bucket is ideal for use as the rinse bucket in a two-bucket wash system; the other bucket contains the wash concentrate solution
Water Filtration - The CR Spotless
DI100WM provides approximately 100 gallons of mineral-free, de-ionized water that will provide spot-free vehicle washing and remove hard water minerals, based on your water input quality. It consists of two 10-inch de-ionization housings that feature replaceable cartridges that simply slide into the watertight tubes. This unit can be mounted next to your hose bib and comes with pre-drilled mounting holes.
Using a cation/anion mixture; you get twice the filter life than the mixed bed which comes with the unit. The cationic resin goes in one chamber and the anion resin goes in the other. You won't get the 0 PPM reading that you would get with the mixed bed, but it'll be around 5 PPM (spotless if less than, 25-30PPM)
The unit has a water purity indicator light that, when plugged into any normal (I would advice the use of a Ground fault indicator AC outlet) TFI illuminates when the de-ionization resin is still active, when the light no longer activates, it's time to replace the resin. (Includes two 10-inch cartridges, unit weight 30 Lbs.
Washing Brush – Oxo Feather Tip Wash Brush
This wash brush is made with extra-long, soft, feathered bristles that will not scratch any finish. The split ends create hundreds of fine bristles that gently loosen stubborn dirt so that it rinses away. As with all OXO products, the Wash Brush features an 8 ½” soft, contoured handle that fits snugly in your palm so that you can comfortably wash your vehicle for as long as it takes. The non slip handle allows you easily grasp it, even if your hands are wet.
Drying Towel – Micro fiber waffle weave
Drying off your vehicle can be a tedious task but doing it right makes all the other steps go a lot easier. It is important to remove all the water off your vehicle so there is no streaking or water marks. The micro fibre waffle weave drying towel is designed to quickly remove large amounts of water from open surfaces and joints. The waffle weave design allows the this towel to absorb so much water that the towel can be up to ten times heavier when wet. Many fine scratches can be added during the drying process with improper drying materials. This towel won’t scratch the surface because it uses a great plush micro fibre material, no tags and silk edges for maximum safety.
Drying Blower - The Metro Vac N’ Blo
After washing and rinsing, use the powerful air blower to dry the outside of the vehicle.
Fireman's style nozzle
An ideal nozzle for all your detailing needs, it won't rust or break, adjusts from a gentle fan spray to powerful jet stream; machined aluminum body, rubber comfort grip, stainless steel spray cap. Fiberglass reinforced nylon stem, aluminum hose connect for a tight fit and rust-resistance, 2-way shut-off for water-saving convenience
Wheel Cleaning Brushes
a)This non-scratch, very flexible, E-Z Detail Brush is 18 inches long, 4-1/2 inches in diameter and is super-soft with Nylex bristles, a material that combines the softness of a natural bristle with the strength of nylon. There's a vinyl tip bonded to the top of the brush and a knuckle guard on the handle but the most impressive feature of this brush is the flexible, inner core. This vinyl-coated wire core will bend in every imaginable direction which allows the brush to get into areas where few other brushes can reach. Proper Auto Care-
b)Lambs wool wheel cleaning brushes - called Wheel Woolies; these brushes drastically cut the amount of time it takes to clean almost any kind of wheel. Each brush is 12- inches long with a chemical resistant handle and a bonded wool head.
c)Spoke & Slot Brush - Simple, safe, and effective, ultra-soft bristles squeeze into wheel crevices.
d)Lambs Wool Spoke Brush - it replaces those awkward spoke brushes that never seem to be the right size and lack soft bristles on the tip. This tapered ultra soft tool is completely covered with 100% lambs wool and is small enough to squeeze between spokes, slots and around bolts 6 1/2" long, 1/2" to 2" in diameter
e)Microfiber Cleaning Wand - the special micro fibre thick nap cleans tight spaces in; (0.5"x1.5"x12") wheels use dry or moisten with water for extra cleaning power - no chemical cleaners are needed Machine washable, air dry, and no fabric softener. Refills are available
f)Large Power Stick - 15 inch, 3/8 diameter rod with 9 inch brush area. Cloth diameter 3-3/8 inches
g)Mini Power Stick - 15 inch, 5/16 diameter rod with 4.5 inch brush area. Cloth diameter 2-13/16 inches. Power Sticks are designed to be used with your cordless drill
Tyre Cleaning Brush - OXO Wheel & Tire Brush
Cleaning your tyres has never been easier; the shape of the brush provides extra handle clearance for reaching recessed areas without scraping hands and knuckles. The extra-long bristles are super effective in cleaning stubborn dirt, brake dust and grease, they’re stiff yet supple
Tyre Dressing Applicator - The Tire & Trim Applicator
Well-dressed tires are the envy of those who know cars, but attaining them is easier said than done. Tire dressing is inherently a messy product, but you don’t have to sacrifice tidiness to get great tires anymore. This applicator thankfully takes the mess out of the dress. Sturdy, durable foam is securely housed in a palm-sized, rectangular handle with finger grooves to eliminate slippage. This particular grade of foam was selected for smooth, even application without dripping. The design of the applicator makes it easy to control and target specific areas. Achieving good-looking tires have never been easier or cleaner. This applicator also is terrific for attending to your trim.
Interior Vacuum - The Metro Vac N’ Blo
A combination industrial vac and power blower in a convenient lightweight unit, this compact 17" long x 7" diameter, 4.0 peak horsepower unit, 100 –inch water gauge (water lift sealed suction measurement) comes with a 6' flexible hose, 2- 20" extension wands, crevice tool, inflator adapter, dust brush, Pik-All nozzle, a 4-piece micro cleaning tool kit, shoulder strap, 4 wheel dolly and blower nozzle. Now the Vac N’ Blo also comes with a swivel carpet and floor attachment. Use this mighty vac on your vehicle's carpeting and upholstery; then add the crevice tool to get into all the crevices- door mouldings, a/c vents, stereo and control panel
The Metro Vac N Go Hand Vac
Cordless models just don't do the job and when a shop vacs is too bulky. This is the perfect tool for the job Features: 500 watts of power with a new state of the art fan enclosed motor (110 volts at 4.5 amps) produces 60 –inch water gauge (water lift sealed suction measurement) yet weighs around 2.7 pounds 36-inch hose, 12-foot power cord. All steel construction with Stainless Steel finish, with a five year motor warrantee. Includes upholstery tool, crevice tool, dust brush, upholstery nozzle, flexible hose, shoulder strap are included at this price
Hot water extractor - Mytee Lite II 8070
No serious detailer should be without a hot water extractor for cleaning carpets, and fabric upholstery, it offers a hot water extractor in a lightweight 3 gallon body. With a weight of only 60 lbs. an incredible 85 inches water gauge that powers out the toughest carpet and upholstery stains. Features like a lift-off vacuum tank, clear view lid, and built-in storage basket make it convenient to use for both professionals and enthusiast detailers.
Technical Specifications:
Vac Motor: Single 2-Stage
Pump: 100 PSI
Water Lift: 85 inches water gauge
Heater: 1000 Watt
Housing: 3 Gallon Solution and Recovery Tanks
Dimensions: 16" x 24" x 37"
Weight: 60 lbs.
Tools: 15 ft. vacuum and solution hose and 3 inch stainless steel upholstery tool
25 ft. power cord
6 inch non-marking back wheels
Carpet Brushes - The Carrand Deluxe Interior Brush
Almost all carpet and upholstery cleaners need a little agitation to loosen tough spots and stains. This brush has super stiff bristles to deep clean carpet and upholstery. Remove old, ground-in mud and food from interior carpet, mats, and fabric seats using your favourite carpet cleaner. This brush features stiff, sturdy bristles capable of loosening ground-in dirt from carpet fibres and upholstered seats. The comfortable, GRIP TECH™ TPR handle gives you a lot of leverage to scrub stubborn spots. The flared bristles enable you to clean where you can’t quite reach.
Upholstery Brush - Swisswax upholstery brush
This cleaning brush allows efficient but gentle cleaning. It provides immaculate and powerful cleaning results when combined with a water-based leather or fabric upholstery cleaner
Set of Small Detailing Brushes - Cobra Detailing Brush Kit
These brushes from Cobra for those who demand the greatest attention to details; Cobra have assembled a brush kit intended for those who demand the best for their car. If so, you’ll need these three versatile brushes in among your detailing supplies to attain your goal. The well constructed brushes, all with half inch bristles, have finger grooves for non slippage use.
(a) Nylon Brush - designed for removing wax residue around emblems, moulding, and anywhere else it may collect. Of course this is only one of its many uses. It also is handy to use for interior detailing.
(b) Horsehair Brush - is great for all interior detailing needs. It whisks away all traces of dust, dirt, and crumbs from the tight spaces that you couldn’t otherwise touch. Its soft, gentle bristles reach into cracks, crevices and crannies to dislodge the particles that make their home in the most inconvenient places.
(c) Nylon Brush - designed for removing wax residue around emblems, moulding, and anywhere else it may collect. Of course this is only one of its many uses. It also is handy to use for interior detailing.
(d) Brass Brush - has extra sturdy bristles for cleaning the most baked-on, caked-on grime on engine parts. You can’t find a better tool for getting at those hard to reach places under your hood.
(e) Poly-Foam Tipped Swab - with a 5” handle is included for good measure. You’ll find 101 different uses for it.
High Speed Circular Polisher - Makita 9227C
Excellent for avid detailers who don’t trust their vehicle to anyone else, its variable speed control and powerful motor make this polisher easier to use than many circular polishers, but still very effective. In skilled hands a circular polisher will eliminate scratches, swirls and blemishes to restore the smooth, uniform finish to your vehicle. Speed 1 – 600 RPM, 2 – 900, 3 – 1500, 4 – 2100, 5 – 2700 and 6 - 3000
- FEATURES:
Variable speed with pre-set maximum speed dial; ideal for ultra slow polishing
Pre-set speed setting dial for maximum control
Electronic speed control maintains constant speed under load
3-prong plug to prevent static electricity accumulation
Fast and powerful polishing for clear coat finishes
Lock-on button for continuous use at one speed
Wax Applicators
a) Lake County (LC) Concours Gold Foam- this wax/sealant 4-inch x –1 inch applicator is reticulated (exploded) foam with a 99% open cell structure. It literally glides over the surface applying a thin, uniform coating of glaze, wax or sealant without swirls or hazy patches. These hand application pads incorporate the same Closed Cell Structure (CCS) Technology used at the OEM level by the world's automakers. This technology uses strategically placed dimples pressed into the foam to slow the rate of wax or sealant absorption, gradually releasing product as needed. These dimples keep the wax or sealant on the surface of the pad. This maximizes coverage allowing you to use less wax or sealant to cover a given area -
b) This DF Towels micro fibre - applicator is made from 100% cotton micro fibre and unique in that you can remove the foam pad so you can easily wash the applicator in a washing machine. Remove the pad and you also have a handy detailing finger glove for those hard to reach places. The fabric will absorb just the right amount of moisture to help you in applying wax and polish
For a list of detailing product vendors see – Detailing Supply, Equipment and Chemical Manufacturers article
Information resource
Automotive Detailing Inside & Out, A Knowledge Base for the Perfectionist– by Jon Miller
