Preferred Tools of the Car Detailing Trade

Your tools and equipment are critical to your success.A local distributor should offer better pricing than direct
You need to know the reasons why certain tools arefactory pricing in most cases. You also benefit from
preferred over others.help with training and support.
There are two main buffer types that a detailer willYou are more likely to be able to order parts for
use: an orbital buffer and a high-speed rotary buffer.immediate repair so the machine won't need to be
They come in a variety of shapes, sizes, weights,shipped out to be repaired.
colors and speeds.Features
The Orbital PolisherHeat provides maximum performance of the extractor
This essential detailing tool was made to eliminate swirlas well as the chemicals used.
marks, mars, or burns from being put into the paint byThe temperature of approximately 185 degrees works
the common use of speed, heat, and friction. This isbest. Too much heat could destroy carpet fibers and
associated with the rotary action buffers.warp rubber backing.
The orbital concept came from the success of theHeat Sources
classic floor polisher, which is used to bring up a highIn-line Heaters
gloss shine on marble or wood flooring. The orbitalYou don't need to warm up or preheat cleaning
polisher does not leaving swirl marks.solution. Produces vibrant heat immediately.
The orbital polisher is very effective. It creates anYou must use two power cords due to the high
oscillating effect; produces zero rpms and recreatesamperage draw. You may need to plug into two
the motion of hand waxing at 1700 oscillations perseparate shop circuits. This can be inconvenient if one
minute.power cord goes in one direction and the other goes
The Orbital Polisher:across the shop to an independent circuit.
* Leaves no swirl marksIn-tank Heaters
* Does not require the use of glazesTurn on the machine to preheat the cleaning solution.
* Provides consistent results.Once the machine is warm and if it has a stainless
The High Speed Rotary Polisher:steel tank it will work fine throughout the day. Use the
* Best choice for auto body shop to strip/preparepreheat setting between details.
vehicle for new paint jobIn-tank heaters draw less power and require only one
* Best for heavy duty compoundingcord to operate.
* Is lighter in weightUsing Chemicals
* Offers variable speed options.Extractors use fewer chemicals than manual cleaning.
Both types of detailing polishers provide specificUsing a spray bottle, spot spray grease or heavy
advantages when used appropriately according to thetraffic areas for best results. Avoid putting a more
customer's need.aggressive cleaner through the extractor pump.
Skill Level in PolishingClean your pump with a 3:1 solution of white vinegar
Using the high-speed rotary requires considerable skilland water. Run this through the machine once a
learned over time and experience. A beginning detailermonth. This will keep your machine in prime condition
who is still learning would not be able to manage thisand it will perform expertly.
highly skilled machine. Furthermore, they could doHighly Efficient
considerable damage to a customer's car.Your extractor machine easily replaces cleaning by
The orbital polisher, on the other hand, is perfectly safehand with a bucket and brush. You are much more
to use for all skill levels of detailers. The orbital isefficient using this method of cleaning.
weighty, but it also exacts a deeper, more brilliant shine.Extractor Cleaning Instructions
If you find the weight an issue you can also buy aTo begin, vacuum the interior and remove all debris. No
plastic model.need to get the small, lint type dirt, as the extractor
Brush motors can burn out quickly with regular use,removes all of the smaller, lint type particles as well as
while the ball bearing capacitor motors (no brushes, nothe really deep dirt.
gears) won't.Spray the cleaning solution throughout the area to be
The orbital polisher works great for maintenance oncecleaned. Use a pre-spotter with heavy soiled stains
the car has been stripped, repainted, and compounded.and allow this solution to penetrate well.
To convert your high speed and avoid the need forGo for a small, short bristled brush to help dislodge the
glazes, buy an orbital adapter kit. These will screw intotoughest stains and ground in dirt. Use the solution/vac
top of any high speed.to remove the dirt.
Extractor MachineYou will find that drying time is quicker using this
A professional detail shop will use an extractormethod compared to hand vacuuming.
machine.To make your time more efficient, use the various
You will not exact the same results by performing anstyles of tools available. They are made of both
interior detail by hand with a bucket, brush, and wet/drystainless steel and plastic.
vacuum.The standard upholstery wand is used more than any
A good quality extraction machine supplies the heat,other is. Use it to clean some 95% of the work on
water pressure, and vacuum lift and does ayour average customer's car interior.
professional job that delights the customer'sUse the crevice tool to clean in between seats and
expectations.areas that cannot be reached with the standard
Using an extractor, the customer is guaranteed aupholstery tool.
professional job every time!The floor wand is a detailer's preferred tool. Use it for
Investing in an Extractorvans and in your showroom. Some shops take their
Buy the best! You will receive back years of solidshow on the road using this tool and clean carpets in
performance when you spend a little bit more.restaurants, offices, and other venues.