most used / important tools

ScionDave

ScionDave

New member
i just got a job detailing at a dealership and the kid before me took everything with him, so i need to restock everything.

i am hoping to get a list of the most used and important tools to have.

please dont just repeat a previous post, but add to it so i have the most important tools at the top followed by the rest of them.

thanx!

~ Dave
 
i searched and found lots, im just looking for a list so i know what i need so i can go to my general manager over the next few weeks and get what i need.
 
Lots of good quality microfiber towels, a few good wash mitts, a soft brush for wheel wells, at least two buckets (preferably more), and a good wash.
 
i ordered 6 microfiber towels, and a soft brush for wheels i have a very soft brush for washing the cars too.
 
I am a fairly new detailer, So I will do my best to add to this topic. I used to buy cheap random orbital polishers until I burned up my 5th one, through frustration I decided to just throw money at the situation and purchase the most expensive random orbital that I could find. I ended up with the Cyclo dual head polisher and I love it but it can take a long time to do paint correction so I just purchased a Makita 7227 which I have'nt used yet. I would say it would in my opinion be most important to not mess around with trying to find an inexpensive polisher and just get the best right from the start. From what I see I would say either a flex or a cyclo for random orbital and either a Dewalt, Hitachi or Makita for a rotary. I could'nt do a good job without a good selection of brushes either. For brushes, I look at every brush everywhere I go whether it be the grocery store, dollar store, Auto parts store, flea markets or yard sales. They seem to turn up in the most unusual places. I got by in my first year on dollar store and walmart micro fibers and until I won a six pack of mega plush micro fiber towels from Poorboys, I never knew what a real micro fiber towel was so now I won't buy anything but. Pads for my polishers, I mostly use a light cutting, polishing and finnishing pads but the medium cutting and cutting pads are a must have for me as well although I don't use them as much. I use a one gallon pump up sprayer a lot for clay lube and apc and the like, I find it to be a big time saver. I would recommend various squirt bottles(not spray bottles) to dispense polishes with. Detailing apron to keep your belt buckle off of the paint is pretty important, I have over time collected many tools for scraping off door trim adhesine from missing bump guard on the edge of doors, These are things I just saw at various places and thought " Gee this would work good for" I always keep an open eye for something that might make the job easier. Be creative and I always think "will this scratch the car if I use it?" And if it will I usually don't pick it up. I can not have too many applicators either, All different kinds of applicators, Foam brushes make up brushes work good in a lot of places as well as acid brushes as they are a bit stiffer. A good strong wet/dry vac at least 5 horse power. A good power washer is something that is deffinately on my to purchase list. I know you are looking for the most important tools but every one of these tools that I have listed are all part of "my system of operation" and I would not be without any of them. I hope that this reply gives you some goog ideas, TD
 
I would recommend sheepskin or microfiber mitts for washing - I wouldn't let you wash my vehicle with a brush, and I am not even that anal about it anymore. Just personal preference and all, but brushes are very likely to cause micromarring. But use what is best for you if it works. :bigups
 
ScionDave said:
i just got a job detailing at a dealership and the kid before me took everything with him, so i need to restock everything.

i am hoping to get a list of the most used and important tools to have.

please dont just repeat a previous post, but add to it so i have the most important tools at the top followed by the rest of them.

thanx!

~ Dave
Click to expand...

clone welcomes dave to DETAILCITY first off.tha clone has a couple of questions 1) how long you been detailing cars? what kinda car dealer are you working 4?(mercedes,jag,bmw or chevy,ford,buick) what kinda budget will the G.M. alot you? i am sure poorboy or troy could set the dealership on some type of account(with credit approval)"troy and poorboy are sponsers of this site "they sell any and every product you will need. other than that best of luck to u in your new bisuness venture.:cool::dcrules
 
Not to sound grandfatherly (I don't even know if its a word) but since your working at a dealership I would start with a good attitude. They will try to get you to cut corners and you may have to to meet their demands but do every job as though you are working on you own.

You never know, some of the customers might want you to do their vehicles after the purchase. Perhaps in time you could mention that to some of the sales people and they could pass your name around.

Yes, wool mitts, microfibers and brushes and quality buffers/polishers will make a difference.

Good luck:cheers:
 
thanx Dave, thats helpful, i have a shop vac, mopar polisher, and dewalt buffer, i'll have to look around for different things

and i use the brush because its faster and so i dont get wet, it sucks being wet when its 10º out
 
u hit it spot on grisby, they give me an hour for deliveries so its hard to get them to my standards

and i've had some service customers see my work on showroom cars n ask if i could do their car or truck

how much should i charge? (i dont pay for materials at work)
 
ScionDave said:
thanx Dave, thats helpful, i have a shop vac, mopar polisher, and dewalt buffer, i'll have to look around for different things

and i use the brush because its faster and so i dont get wet, it sucks being wet when its 10º out
Click to expand...

:cool::dcrules Dave tha clones not trying to sound mean. but, your gonna get wet. invest n rubber boots, tha clone does some fly fishing so maybe a set of waders & rain coat. or if you really want to get attention do as clone does. show up n WETSUIT. :cool::dcrules
 
Wash- Wash Mitts, Wheel Brush, Lug Nut Brush, Fender Brush for Wheel Wells, Car Wash Soap
Dry-Chamois or waffle weave towels
Clay
Polish
Micro Fiber Towels- Interior, Door Jam, Exterior, All Purpose, Glass Towels
Glass Cleaner
APC
Leather Cleaner
Carpet Extractor
Plastic Razor Blades
Regular Razor Blades
Wax Applicators
Buffer- pick your poison
tire dressing
Interior dressing
Various and Many brushes of different shapes and sized
Wet/Dry Vac

I can go on and on
 
I have to ask myself what is my time worth and when I figure that out then I add to it the cost of materials and fuel to get to the job site, for me being new at this it usually is about $ 30. /hr. which most people scoff at. but this is a hobby for me so let them scoff and dtive a nasty car or have some hack tear their cars paint up or just get a triangle carwash detail.(swirlomatic)
 
ok back on topic, i need a carpet extractor, and some wash mits, and towels what r some other tools for the interiors?
 
ScionDave said:
thanx Dave, thats helpful, i have a shop vac, mopar polisher, and dewalt buffer, i'll have to look around for different things

and i use the brush because its faster and so i dont get wet, it sucks being wet when its 10º out
Click to expand...

Sounds like you have a good base, TexasTB's list below, is a great list to build upon

TexasTB said:
Wash- Wash Mitts, Wheel Brush, Lug Nut Brush, Fender Brush for Wheel Wells, Car Wash Soap
Dry-Chamois or waffle weave towels
Clay
Polish
Micro Fiber Towels- Interior, Door Jam, Exterior, All Purpose, Glass Towels
Glass Cleaner
APC
Leather Cleaner
Carpet Extractor
Plastic Razor Blades
Regular Razor Blades
Wax Applicators
Buffer- pick your poison
tire dressing
Interior dressing
Various and Many brushes of different shapes and sized
Wet/Dry Vac

I can go on and on
Click to expand...
As for other tools that would be needed for interiors, I have seen excellent turnarounds done with a few brushes and a good shop vac. Your technique will be you most important tool.

Good luck
 
ScionDave said:
oh wow i told him $250 for the truck, is that steep? he didnt seem to scoff at it
Click to expand...

that is about what I charge for a truck but up until now it can take me 10 hours to do a truck so I am still not getting $30/hr, that's why I bought the rotary for this year.
 
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