Best detailing tools according to redditors

A car detailing kit is always a good go.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G55048-Ultimate-Car-Care/dp/B005A2R628/ref=sr_1_17?ie=UTF8&qid=1482155396&sr=8-17&keywords=car+detailing+kit

Or a 2 bucket car wash system.

https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-HOL121-Bucket-Items/dp/B017W5JS3K/ref=sr_1_37?ie=UTF8&qid=1482155428&sr=8-37&keywords=car+detailing+kit

or a dual action polishing system that attaches to a drill.

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G3500-Power-System-Tool/dp/B009OBVRY4/ref=sr_1_41?ie=UTF8&qid=1482155428&sr=8-41&keywords=car+detailing+kit

I'm reposting some suggestions I made from a previous similar thread, hope it works out for you (the last person's budget was $100; not sure what yours is, but you can pick and choose!)

 

Optimum No Rinse: Concentrated and capable of being diluted as a wash, quick detailer, clay lubricant, window cleaner, light interior cleaner, and more.

Optimum Opti-Seal: Incredibly easy to use sealant (wipe on and walk away!), can be used in place of RainX on windows, good drying aid, and useful as an interior dressing as well. Opti-seal ALL the things!

Detailing brushes: Because every detailer can use more brushes!

Nanoskin Autoscrub Sponge: Makes the process of decontaminating your paint much faster. Much longer life than clay and can be used even after dropped on the ground! Use the ONR as lubricant and you save tons of money.

The Rag Company Eagle Edgeless Towels, 4 pack: These will be the best towels he's ever used.

The total for all of this should be $97.96, just under your budget :)

 

A couple other suggestions if you want to mix and match:

Smaller Opti-Seal: Since it's the biggest budget item here and a little goes a long way, you can go with the small one to include more items in your bundle.

Adam's Wheel Cleaner: The least terrible smelling wheel cleaner, but extremely effective as well. Good if that truck throws a lot of brake dust.

CarPro PERL: For protecting exterior plastics as well as dressing them, and for use as a satin look tire dresing.

Wheel Woolies: Makes cleaning wheels a much nicer experience, and won't fling brake dust into your face like the brushes do.

Hope this helps! If you want any more specific recommendations for any category, feel free to ask! As for things to avoid, Armorall, Turtlewax and Chemical Guys in my opinion.

WARNING: The post above is full of referral links.

Here's a copy with all of OP's referral links removed:

CART

• WEN 7300 Utility Cart
  
• Tornado Hooks of Various Sizes
  
• Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer
  
• Basic Wood Screws
  
  
  PRODUCTS
  
  
• CG Best Selling Products Kit
  
• CG Honey Dew Snow Foam
  
• CG Butter Wet Wax
  
• CG Diablo Wheel Gel
  
• CG V7 Hybrid Quick Detailer
  
• CG Jet Seal
  
• CG VRP Dressing
  
• CG Bug and Tar Remover
  
• CG Glossworkx Glaze
  
• CarPro Iron X
  
• Shine Society Glass Cleaner
  
• Black Mamba Black Gloves
  
• Zwipes Waffle Weave Towel
  
• 50 Pack of Microfiber Towels
  
• Detailers Brush
  
• Wheel Brush
  
• Viking Wheel Brush
  
  EQUIPMENT
  
  
• Sun Joe SPX3000 Pressure Washer
  
• Sun Joe Pressure Washer Extension Cord
  
• MATCC Snow Foamer
  
• Extension Cord 50ft
  
• TORQ Orbital Polisher
  
  
  

Meguiars makes a drill attachment that is actually Dual Action. It uses gearing to convert single axis power into DA.

Meguiar's G3500 DA Power System Tool https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009OBVRY4/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_OXdaBbE38GF39

https://youtu.be/Ev4XCdQS4Ss

Didn't know this was a thing! I just checked my Auto Detailing list on my Amazon and noticed the clay bars I had dropped from $14.99 to $12.99! Lowest it has ever been.

Try some APC and a brush like this
https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-ACC_S90-Boars-Detail/dp/B00N8RI67Q
If that doesn't help, you might have to disassemble and clean

Edit. Obviously apply to APC to the brush sparingly. Don't spray the console directly.

Wow. I should get into paint correction. <$250 for all the tools and polish and waxes. As a car guy, I don't mind waxing my car every 6 months (or 4 months if you're in the frigid north or are anal). I also feel it's foolish to drop $2k-4k on these nano-quartz-bullshit schemes that a lot of car guys swear by nowadays. If you want to drop $4k on paint protection, go for it, but I can get a full window-out repaint for the same price!

Here's what I learned:

Buy the equipment:

https://www.amazon.com/PORTER-CABLE-7424XP-6-Inch-Variable-Speed-Polisher/dp/B002654I46

https://www.amazon.com/Dual-Action-Hook-Flexible-Backing-Plate/dp/B0008G1RDK

https://www.costco.com/Kirkland-Signature-Microfiber-Towel-Case%2C-324-count.product.100341124.html

https://www.amazon.com/Collinite-Liquid-Insulator-Wax-845/dp/B000JK2D06

http://www.autogeek.net/lake-country-beveled-pad-kit.html (MIN: 2 orange, 2 white, 1 black, 1 blue -- I prefer doubling this order; Autogeek almost always has 10-25% off coupons on their mailing list)

You will also need an extension wire with the appropriate gauge (too thin/cheap cables might cause you to burn your Porter Cable motor!)


Buy the compounds (start with UC; if swirls aren't getting cut, move up to 50%/50% UC and 105 on the pads; finish with 205 regardless):

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G17216-Ultimate-Compound-15-2/dp/B001O7PNNM (medium aggressive)

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirror-Glaze-Ultra-Cut-Compound/dp/B003LMGDHI (most aggressive)

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirror-Glaze-Finishing-Polish/dp/B001O7PNXC

Wash your car with this, and the two-bucket method:

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G7164-Class-Shampoo-Conditioner/dp/B0009IQXFO

https://www.amazon.com/Zwipes-Chenille-Microfiber-Premium-Scratch-Free/dp/B002J7KCOG

Claybar the car:

https://www.amazon.com/YGDZ-Quality-Detailing-Claybar-Shipping/dp/B01MF4BVVS

It took me about 5-6 relaxed hours on a Sunday with a few beers for the full correction. Now I simply top up the wax every few months (and that only takes 30 min).

The thing is, once you do the full correction and get rid of all your swirls and scuffs and whatever clearcoat damage (wash + claybar + M105/UC + M205 + wax), then you don't have to do the FULL correction ever again.

Ever again meaning, if you wash the car properly thereafter with the two-bucket method. You'll simply need to top up the wax once it stops beading -- the wax will protect the clearcoat from damage and swirls.

My wax lasted 6+ months being daily driven in the California sun with three coats of Collinite 845 -- I assume if yours will see more snow and ice and rain, perhaps it'll only last 3-4 months. But since a bottle costs <$20 and you'll get at least 36+ layers out of it, I always recommend this versus the "nano coatings" that people are shelling out $2-4k for.

Here's the Collinite fanboy thread:

https://www.autogeekonline.net/forum/how-articles/40243-collinite-845-definitive-how-guide-legendary-wax.html

Any other questions, feel free to ask. Good luck!

Is this a good deal? (Look at the subscribe and save price.)

Good choice!

I used this brush for the larger area's: Brush #1

And I used part of this brush set to get into the nooks and crannies: Brush set #2

They seem to be these ones but I'd rather let my (currently anonymous) santa chime in :P

Check hobby stores. A lot of ones around me sell brushes that would work perfectly well for detailing.

You could also buy a set of the Solo Horton ones, which used to be free shipping over $30.

http://www.amazon.com/RaceglazeUK-Ltd-Brush-Detailing-Set/dp/B0059AGSAW I've been using these for three years and I like them a lot too, but I would have bought cheaper ones if I had to do it again - the smallest one is all but useless to me.

This is VERY similar, I'm guessing he just had a new bottle designed but he must have a bulk discount. The Adams one is probably a better buy, i have used both, i nether prefer one over the other.

Lol. Here's the kit I used, the wedge+razor+liberal amounts of GooGone worked like a charm for me. Good luck!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079KPDN5X/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_S7rRCbXXT4XAR

If you decide to go street wash route, I suggest you consider this foam sprayer as well. Worked great for me. I may not need to use sponge.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07MWHSLMY/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

I really like these babies
https://www.amazon.com/Brush-King-Shine-Applicator-Detailing/dp/B00VXRT636/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1478990463&sr=8-2&keywords=brush+king

I never took a class, just watch a lot of videos. If you do decide to get a polisher, mare sure its a DA polisher. The one I use is proven to not burn the paint. At lease if you don't hold it down in one section for 20 minutes lol. It is the Porter Cable 7424 xp. I attach a 6 inch backing plate to it and use it with some of Meguiar's Polishing pads. Here is a link if you want to learn more: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002654I46/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B002654I46&linkCode=as2&tag=perfautodet0a-20
Now that I think about it, Chemical Guys also sell like a complete kit that looks like a reasonable price. Here is a link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UW1IQU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B003UW1IQU&linkCode=as2&tag=perfautodet0a-20

I actually got mines from a local store and got rip off. This old lady sold it to me for 180 with pads only... bummer.
I think all you really need to do is clean the area well, clay it, mask it, and start with your polisher depending on the condition of the clear coat. edit: I can't spell lol

This one?

you can look into a water containment mat. Lets you wash the car on it and the water collects in the mat, then you can do with the water as you deem appropriate.


https://www.amazon.com/Water-Containment-Wash-Mobile-Detailing/dp/B0147PTIWY

sounds like need one of these
https://www.amazon.com/Carrand-94001AS-Professional-Automotive-Polisher/dp/B0038YNA16/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1484612620&sr=8-4&keywords=buffer+polisher or a pressure washer.

You want to use a cutting compound, then a polisher, then a wax and polisher mix, then a wax. It can be done by hand but it'll be tedious work, a polisher is recommended. you can get a 6 inch polisher on Amazon for cheap

[Cutting compound] (https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Mirror-Glaze-Ultra-Cut-Compound/dp/B001O7PNW8/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2X258V2JG0MWL&keywords=cutting+compound&qid=1570408658&sprefix=cutting+compound%2Caps%2C213&sr=8-3)

[Polisher compound] (https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-Clear-Coat-Polishing-Compound/dp/B006FUT154/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2GPHAWV9X86T2&keywords=polishing+compound&qid=1570408671&sprefix=polish%2Caps%2C203&sr=8-5)

[Wax] (https://www.amazon.com/Turtle-Wax-Polishing-Compound-Scratch/dp/B0009JKGJ2/ref=sr_1_7?crid=1QLIV2CDVRQM8&keywords=wax+compound+for+cars&qid=1570408763&sprefix=wax+compo%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-7)

[Orbital Polisher] (https://www.amazon.com/DECKER-WP900-6-Inch-Random-Polisher/dp/B000077CPT/ref=sr_1_5?crid=PM4UWG6DWJ5C&keywords=polisher+machine+for+car&qid=1570408680&sprefix=polisher%2Caps%2C196&sr=8-5)

I also recommend you completely clean the spot with a clay bar as well so you don't scratch the paint more with crud that's already imbedded in the paint.

[Clay bar] (https://www.amazon.com/IPELY-Detailing-Magic-Cleaner-Clean/dp/B0753FSQN6?ref_=fsclp_pl_dp_5)

Good luck!

Remove the seats. Use compressed air. Use brushes made for this.

It is normally 9.99 but currently on sale

Good to know, thanks for the info! I'll skip the DA for now and just keep using it for my impact wrench and blowing stuff out of the interior. I just saw the price of the DA and it looked appealing.

I think my compressor should be able to handle something like a Tornador maybe. I looked at some of the knock-off ones on Amazon. Not sure if they are worth it or total junk and a waste of money however. Not a necessary tool, just a wish list I was looking at.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0716XRHZ8/

You could try one of these, hooks up to an air compressor. Got a lot of dust out of my cars vents.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PVG2CH2/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_jOimDbPND18D9

https://www.amazon.com/ABN-Automotive-Interior-Detailer-Detailing/dp/B011J4H9EK

I like this stuff.

https://www.amazon.com/Detail-Buddy-Premium-Interior-Leather/dp/B01CWP9UC4/ref=lp_14334740011_1_2?srs=14334740011&ie=UTF8&qid=1500185602&sr=8-2

It was like this one http://www.detailedimage.com/DI-Brushes-M51/Vent-and-Dash-Boars-Hair-Detailing-Brush-P750/

but I remember the black part being red...maybe it is the swissvax one.

Edit: These are the ones http://www.amazon.com/RaceglazeUK-Ltd-Brush-Detailing-Set/dp/B0059AGSAW/ref=sr_1_9?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1413233910&sr=1-9&keywords=swissvax

I remember the Raceglaze name.

You have quite the garage going there, and a good list of car care items. I was keeping up with a family and 3 cars, so my extra detail time was never quite abundant over the last few years. I previously had an arsenal of products like you, but narrowed it down to 3 to simplify and ease my busy life. I really liked the Nu Finish Liquid Polish and then gravitated to the wash last to cover was the plastic, rubber, and leather protectant. I had a couple different products, but the NuVinyl did all, including leather, that armor-all (basic) does not. As mentioned, I just had to simplify for many reasons and this worked for me. It may not be the professional kit of choice, but 3 products help keep my 3 cars in great shape.

And as far as applying compounds, polishes, or waxes, I spent years doing it by hand until I gave Meguiar's DA Power System a shot. Costs more then by hand (initially), but it goes quicker and produces a better product. This is the only product I tried, I am sure there are plenty of other options out there. Good luck cleaning!

These are the ones I have used. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B071J3S3ZY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_q-tBDb6JH6PNX

Looking for a polisher kit that includes everything (or most everything) to get started. Just going to be doing my wife’s and my cars.

I was looking at this:

TORQ TORQX Random Orbital Polisher Kit (9 Items) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BKT63XM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_ErWnDb13D7XC

And this one:

Chemical Guys BUF Porter Cable 7424XP Detailing Complete Detailing Kit with Pads, Backing Plate and Accessories (13 Items) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003UW1IQU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_090nDbCAYX4JA

Looking to spend $200 and under if there are any other recommendations. Thanks much.

Has anyone used The no-name clays from random sellers on Amazon? Any opinions?

http://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G3500-Power-System-Tool/dp/B009OBVRY4

Turns your drill into a DA and comes with a pad. I've heard from two people that used it and really liked it.

I really like this brush its for car detailing, but it's designed to not scratch surfaces and be really good at removing dust. Its got a great handle that is comfortable to use, bristles long enough to get in-between knobs and its small enough to keep on your desk and not be too obnoxious. https://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-Acc_S90-Boars-Detail/dp/B00N8RI67Q/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=chemical+guys+brush&qid=1567088098&s=gateway&sr=8-3

I picked up these similar brushes, and they're nowhere near as nice as these that I get at Lowes.

anyone tried this clay bar? thoughts?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076VL1MQD/

So i need help lowering some costs here:

https://www.autogeek.net/griots-garage-paint-perfection-kit.html

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07C39H9YX/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_4?smid=A1VBNNXVDKAOR1&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0753FSQN6/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_5?smid=A2OL7M5KSKZXGD&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B076GF1XFW/ref=ox_sc_saved_title_1?smid=A2J3ZGD7X9V212&psc=1

Hey Larry, love your videos.

Two questions:

1. What's good starting entry level steam cleaner or water extractor for those who detail on a budget?
   
2. What about this for a starter DA Polisher?

is there any way to polish without the a polishing tool. If i had to I was about to get the Meguiar's G3500 in order to polish it.

EDIT: my dad said he did wet sand it. But what do you mean by compound, like clay?

I just bought this on Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003UW1IQU/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Used it today,worked REALLY well.

Like this one, it's very inexpensive.

What do you guys look for in these things, It's been years.

Has anyone tried Meguiar's DA Power System Polisher?

It attaches to the drill, says its dual action. Has anyone tried it? Its $70 at my local Canadian tire and I was thinking it would be a cheaper alternative to the $200 Power Cable DA Polisher.

I'm not a professional, I'm only doing my car.

1. I'd try this brush with some Nextzett Cockpit Premium
   
2. Like Beast said, Badgeskins sells a sticker to cover that.
   
3. For the steering wheel, I'd recommend Lexol. I also use that to clean my leather seats, followed by their leather conditioner every now and then.

I have a few small scratches and many swirl marks on my instrument cluster cover (Jeep Grand Cherokee). I have tried to buff them out by hand, which helped with the big scratches, but not the swirl marks. I know the DA Power System Tool attachment isn't popular around here, but it fits my budget well, and I think it would work well for removing those swirls. What do you guys think of that tool, with PlastX, to clean up the instrument cluster? (https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G3500-Power-System-Tool/dp/B009OBVRY4/ref=sr_1_8?s=automotive&ie=UTF8&qid=1523631233&sr=1-8&keywords=DA+polisher)

Thanks guys!

I agree but man even my cheapo corded da polisher outlasts me on a day’s work. I just throw the cord over my shoulder and it keeps on kicking. I think you’d almost be better off getting a really long extension cord or even a cheaper generator. If you’re in range to charge the batteries while you’re using the other one, you’re in range for an extension cord. You could always do something like the meguiars DA attachment for drills and just use a cordless one. It’s a direct drive system for like $80 maybe?

Edit: Meg’s power system

Meguire's makes a DA attachment for a drill, https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G3500-Action-Power-System/dp/B009OBVRY4/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=meguires+da&qid=1569435857&sr=8-1
Would this be a bad alternative?

​

I have a corded TorQ DA so I do not want to shell out the $250 for the milwaukee.

Is there a larger alternative to this? https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G3500-Action-Power-System/dp/B009OBVRY4

I like it, but is rather slow to get through the whole car because it is small.

http://www.amazon.com/Chemical-Guys-ACC406-Detailing-Brush/dp/B00ABYVTZK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1452267280&sr=8-1&keywords=chemical+guys+brush+kit

I used this one IPELY 4 Pack 100g Car Clay Bar Auto Detailing Magic Clay Bar Cleaner For Car Wash Car Detailing Clean https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0753FSQN6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_OROLBbS6H1ESK

Seems to have worked great. Was able to get rid most of the deep embedded spots on my bumper.

It's a single speed. That's not a good sign. For under $50, I'd rather you use something like this, assuming you already have a drill.

If you want a paint correction including a chip fill and compounding, you’re going to pay a lot more than $200. I’d recommend getting a Porter-Cable 7424 and pads for about that amount of money and watching a bunch of YouTube videos. It’s nearly impossible to screw up the paint with that tool.

Paint chips are much harder and require a very special skill set. However, the skill is learnable and doesn’t require any special tools.

Unfortunately, a DIY approach is the only way to get a good result anywhere near this price point. I don’t know of any reputable detail guys who would touch this kind of job for under $1000.

Am I on the right track? I am currently looking for all the products I need to completely detail my car. I know there is no way I could purchase all of these at once, so I am planning on purchasing the major ones first and adding the others over time. I have spent almost two weeks researching on everything I need to do. There is so much information and so many opinions that it is hard to find a definitive answer on what I need.

> Wheel

Wheel soap:

• Meguiar's Non-Acid Wheel & Tire Cleaner D143
  
  Wheel cleaner:
  
  
• Sonax Wheel Cleaner Plus
  
  Tire dressing:
  
  
• Optimum Opti-Bond Tire Gel
  
  Wheel wax:
  
  
• Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845
  
  > Paint
  
  Paint soap:
  
  
• Meguiar's Gold Class Car Wash Shampoo & Conditioner
  
  Paint soap addition:
  
  
• Optimum No Rinse Wash & Shine
  
  Leaf blower:
  
  
• Worx Turbine WG520
  
  Clay bar:
  
  
• YGDZ Auto Detailing Magic Claybar
  
  Dual action polisher:
  
  
• Heavy Duty Dual Action Variable Speed Polisher from Harbor Freight
  
  Backing plate:
  
  
• Astro 5" PU Velcro Backing Pad
  
  Pad:
  
  
• Lake Country 5.5" CCS Orange Polishing Pad
  
  
• Lake Country 5.5" CCS White Smart Pad
  
  
• Lake Country 5.5" CCS Black Finessing Pad
  
  Compound:
  
  
• Meguiar's M105 Mirror Glaze Ultra-Cut Compound
  
  Polish:
  
  
• Meguiar's M205 Mirror Glaze Ultra Finishing Polish
  
  Sealant/wax:
  
  
• Collinite Liquid Insulator Wax #845
  
  > Interior
  
  Carpet cleaner:
  
  
• Adam's Carpet & Upholstery Cleaner
  
  Dashboard cleaner:
  
  
• Nextzett Cockpit Premium or Meguiar's Ultimate Interior Detailer
  
  Leather cleaner:
  
  
• Nextzett Cockpit Premium or Meguiar's Ultimate Interior Detailer
  
  Leather conditioner:
  
  
• Lexol Leather Deep Conditioner
  
  Glass cleaner:
  
  
• Rain-X Glass Cleaner
  
  There are a bunch of other tools not listed here, but the ones listed above are the areas I am most concerned about.
  
  > Other Concerns
  
  I am still anxious about spraying water in my engine bay, so I decided to use a spray bottle with soap and water and a microfiber towel to wipe down the engine bay while it is still decently clean. Can I use diluted Meguiar's D143 or will I have to purchase Meguiar's D101 instead? Can the Optimum Tire Gel be used on the black plastics of the engine bay, as well as the other black trims of my car?
  
  I want to protect my interior, in addition to cleaning it. I am very confused on what product I need to use to protect my dashboard from the sun. The same goes for the leather seats, where the creases are forming. I have been using a conditioner (although I am unsure of the exact name) to slow down the crease formation. Should I use the same product for both the dashboard and leather seats (with Lexol Conditioner on top of that)? I have heard of Leatherique Leather Rejuvenator/Prestine Clean, but I am unsure of when I should use that.

I was honestly going to go for an offbrand claybar on Amazon since it’s fairly well reviewed, like this one. Seems like its good bang for the buck. Have you tried something like this?

Also, not sure if you’ve encountered this on your white paint, but do you think a claybar would get rid of this?

https://i.imgur.com/fzkOYWh.jpg

It’s the offwhite colored patch I described above which I honestly don’t know where it came from. Won’t come out with a normal wash. Feels a bit rougher than the regular paint work.

I use Sonax on my wheels and clean the calipers with a soft brush like this.

i was planning on this

https://www.amazon.com/Meguiars-G3500-Power-System-Tool/dp/B009OBVRY4/ref=sr_1_10?ie=UTF8&qid=1506519774&sr=8-10&keywords=buffing+tool