Knowing your tools or owning all the tools?

[Mike Hoekstra]

I'm wondering what your approach, and others, is to tools and tasks. I'm a believer in "right tool for the job", but I also subscribe to knowing what the tools I have and products I use are capable of when used together in various situations. That said, the question is does it pay to have every single type of pad available, and compounds, etc. or to have a select group of good tools, accessories, and product and master them?

[Dr Oldz]

Well let me start by saying I have tried many, many detailing products. I have a lot of products. Some sit and don’t get used.

For me it’s now about finding a product I like and using it period. There needs to be some trial for personal preferences. That’s why it’s nice to buy smaller bottles then buy larger quantities.

It’s nice to have a variety of some polishes and compounds just because some paint systems react differently to different products. This is the one category I personally like to keep a few different brands of.

Pads I would say find some you like for different purposes(compounding, polishing, applying waxes exc) then buy a lot of them. Of course this comes to some trial and error.

Some products I suggest using up as long as it’s performing satisfactorily then trying another if you wish. Say something like glass cleaner or a tire dressing.

Polishers it’s nice to have a variety of types for different applications. This would be the main reason I would take one of Mikes classes(if I was just starting out) to see what I liked and to get some real hands on experience with different types and brands. His classes are all hands on.

It’s very easy to become a product hoarder. That can get costly if you are just detailing your own vehicles or doing this professionally. Next thing you know you have 26 different shampoos and 17 different quick detailers that all pretty much work the same.

When looking at purchasing a new tool or product ask yourself..... will it help me speed up, do something that I can’t currently or work much better than what I already have?

Try to avoid the “I wanna try that cuz it looks cool or is the newest fad in the detailing world” and you will save yourself money and storage space.

Coming from experience just use what works for you and don’t get caught up hoarding products.

I am one for spending time with a product or tool and mastering it full capabilities. Years ago my friend, who owns a body shop, laughed at me when I told him I could polish a freshly painted hood out with a Porter Cable DA polisher to look better than he did with his rotary. Long story short, He now ask me to train any new employees paint polishing techniques. So mastering a tool or product is very important.


Hope that helps a bit.

[Desertnate]

I firmly believe in knowing my tools/equipment and products and how to use them. This included various combinations of those items and the results they can produce.

Once I fully know my capabilities based on what I currently have it really helps me to access my capability gaps. As a hobbyist this keeps me from having piles of stuff I don't need that will just sit around and never get used.

[Mike Phillips]

Just to chime in,

I can do must about anything with the BEAST including thin panels. See this article,


If you spend enough time behind any tool you can make it dance on paint -Mike Phillips



When I do need another tools, I find myself using this combo.








I also post pictures of EVERYTHING I use in all my write-ups as a way of sharing with others. The below is just from the past few weeks....



Ceramic Coating & Paint Correction 1932 Ford Roadster






Machine Polishing Mag Wheels with BLACKFIRE Metal Polish & Metal Sealant






Review & How-to: GYEON Q2 Matte 50ml by Mike Phillips






Review: Dr Beasley's Nano Surface Primers and 1201 Paint Coating - 1947 Dodge Panel Delivery Streetrod








Review: Hybrid Solutions Ceramic Polish & Wax






Review: Wolfgang Si02 Paint Sealant








1976 Corvette Original Single Stage Paint - Paint Correction and Waxing






Review: 3D Paint Coating and 3D One Cutting Compound and Finishing Polish

[Mike Hoekstra]

For paint correction, I've always used the Wolfgang Uber 3.0 Compound, Polish, and Paint Sealant. I also used Meguires 105 and 205 for paint correction which I used for finishing out helmets etc. that I custom paint. As for polishers, I own the original Flex 3401 with aluminum housing, Flex XFE7, and Kompact Rotory. I also own the long neck iBrid Nano for tight spots. Other than that, I have a stable of products and pads that I stick with.

All that said, the Lake Country Transformer polisher is really freakin' cool and I would like a Flex Pixie. LOL

[PaulMys]

I firmly believe in knowing my tools/equipment and products and how to use them. This included various combinations of those items and the results they can produce.

Once I fully know my capabilities based on what I currently have it really helps me to access my capability gaps. As a hobbyist this keeps me from having piles of stuff I don't need that will just sit around and never get used.

Agree 100% Nate.