Where to buy water blade, california duster OTC?

S

Slinky

New member
I went by Autozone this evening and only left with Megs Hot Wheels, I looked for awhile for a water blade to no avail... anyone have any suggestions on where to get a blade and duster OTC?
 
I've seen both at Walmart. I bought my Water Blade at Sears. I've also seen the Duster at Big Lots, but of course that's an iffy thing.
 
give me your address I'll send you my water blade. That thing is asking for trouble.

And don't get me started on the Cali Duster...
 
sometimes using the waterblade is like claying your car. It will break loose crap that just didn't come off during wash. A good way to see if you need clay...

But the problem is that you end up "claying" with a really not so lubricated car. Sure the car is wet in puddles but its not the same as having an even coating of quick detailing lube.

On a CLEAN car the friction isn't too bad. On a car that should be clayed/further cleaned, its asking for trouble.



As far the California Duster..... no don't.....must fight the urggge...



if you want to 'dust' the car keep a bottle of qd like FK 425, Duragloss, Poorboys SW and a clean MF on hand. Spray the panel and the towel and wipe in the direction of the wind. Flip/fold the towel and do another panel. And don't do this like every day. The less you touch dirty paint the better off you'll be.
 
Slinky said:
Thanks guys, 'went to WalMart and picked up the blade.



Racingbeat: Bad experiences?
Click to expand...



My waterblade put 2 very large uncorrectable scratches into my hood.



This was on a surface that was clean to my eyes and a blade that looked clean.



Plus, I find the waterblade completely unnecessary now with the flood rinse method. All that's usually left on the car is some large "beads" of water that can be easily sucked up with a PVA "absorber" style synthetic chamois.
 
after flood rinising it's smart to blot dry the remaining puddles. That way you are nver really running the towel across the paint surface.



p.s.

The water blade is suitable for windshield, canvas convertible top, windows etc.
 
I AGREE!!!





racingbeat said:
sometimes using the waterblade is like claying your car. It will break loose crap that just didn't come off during wash. A good way to see if you need clay...

But the problem is that you end up "claying" with a really not so lubricated car. Sure the car is wet in puddles but its not the same as having an even coating of quick detailing lube.

On a CLEAN car the friction isn't too bad. On a car that should be clayed/further cleaned, its asking for trouble.



As far the California Duster..... no don't.....must fight the urggge...



if you want to 'dust' the car keep a bottle of qd like FK 425, Duragloss, Poorboys SW and a clean MF on hand. Spray the panel and the towel and wipe in the direction of the wind. Flip/fold the towel and do another panel. And don't do this like every day. The less you touch dirty paint the better off you'll be.
Click to expand...
 
I totally disagree. I use the OXO version of the duster and a water blade all the time and have never had a problem. Its going to come down to each individuals preference but if you are washing your car correctly there is nothing wrong with using either.
 
I guess I was washing my car correctly when my blade caused the problems, you never know when you're going to pick up a bit of crud with it.



If you HAVE to use the blade, at least keep a clean MF handy to wipe the blade with after each panel.
 
Ditto. I neglected to mention that when I wash (on the occasions I don't use QEW) I don't use the Blade anymore. There's really no use for it when it's simpler to flood rinse my nicely waxed car, the water just sheets off. There's barely anything left to finish up with the WW. And I QD with 425 instead of use the Duster anymore.
 
velobard said:
Ditto. I neglected to mention that when I wash (on the occasions I don't use QEW) I don't use the Blade anymore. There's really no use for it when it's simpler to flood rinse my nicely waxed car, the water just sheets off. There's barely anything left to finish up with the WW. And I QD with 425 instead of use the Duster anymore.
Click to expand...



hmm..sound like my regimen :xyxthumbs



p.s.

the absorber is much better on glass, and my canvas top. Those guys should get the nobel prize for detailing.
 
Since my job involve washing LOTS of cars everyday, a waterblade is a real timesaver.



We had a "California Water Blade" version from Carbrite (same color and everything) and I swear that thing was putting scratches in the paint, no matter how careful I was. (Keep in mind this was right after winter, so those scratches might have been there already and I might not have noticed them). I returned it back to CarBrite and got an old fashion style "sqeegee" (like a waterblade but without the fancy "T" shaped edge). Although it's less effective, I like it better because it can't trap dirt as easy, and I haven't noticed any scratches yet.
 
my feeling is the silicone in the dry blade allows dirt to embed into it much easier than harder rubber in a traditional squeegee.



You can see this yourself, just poke the top of the silicone part of the dry blade that doesn't come in contact with the car with something that has a sharp point and you'll see that it can cut into the silicone rather easy.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top