Toolbox
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As my wife will probably attest, I spend an inordinate amount of time researching and comparing nearly everything I buy. When it comes to cars and detailing products specifically, I've always been obesessive about finding the "next best thing".
Trying out a new detailing spray or car soap all the time can be exhausting, but after buying so many over the years, I've come to appreciate what makes a truly great product. Something that not only performs well, but makes the job itself easier while being affordable.
With budget in mind, picking the outright "best" every time was never an option. I'm just an average Joe with a full-time job and bills to pay! Instead, I tend to seek out products that provide the best bang for the buck.
Below is a list are some of my favorites detailing products, camera gear, and other tools I actually use each and every day.
Quick Links
Photography
Fujifilm X-Pro2
The quriky X-Pro2 isn't for everyone, but with a focus on minimal aesthetics, usability, and build quality, it's the perfect tool for anyone who loves the experience of photography. As a casual shooter (this being my only camera), I chose the X-Pro2 over the competition simply because it makes taking pictures FUN.
Fujifilm XF 35mm f/1.4
One of the most commonly recommended Fuji lenses, the XF 35mm f/1.4 lens is equivalent to a "nifty fifty" on a full frame camera. Not only is it extremely versatile, but there's an intangible "magic" to the images this lens captures. I haven't taken this lens off my X-Pro2 since I bought it!
B+W Circular Polarizer
A near-necessity if you're photographing cars, a circular polarizer (CPL) cuts reflections and glare on windows and body panels. A good quality one will provide a sharper image and better polarization than cheaper ones.
Wash & Wax
Adams Car Shampoo
I used to think car soap was car soap, but after trying out Adam's Car Shampoo I discovered I was wrong. Not only is this shampoo pH neutral (won't strip waxes/sealants/coatings), but it's specially formulated to prevent etching and hard water stains. This alone has given me a huge amount of peace of mind when washing in the direct sunlight!
Meguiars Wash Mitt
Cheap, durable, and most importantly great at lifting contaminants safely away from the paint. I rotate between a few for the paint as well as one dedicated wheel mitt.
Adams Clay Mitt
For most of my life, I used the tried-and-true method of claybarring by hand. I seriously dreaded it since it was a recipe for cramped fingers, clay under your nails, and sore arms. The Clay Mitt is one of those things you buy and wonder "Why didn't I do this sooner?".
Grit Guard w/ Wash Board
This is a must have for anyone serious about detailing. Designed for five gallon buckets, it provides a surface to scrub your wash mitt against and release dirt/contaminants while washing. The lower guard is designed to keep the dirt separated from the rest of your wash water, helping mitigate scratches and swirls during the washing process.
Optimum Opti-Seal
Opti-Seal is the best spray sealant I've ever used. It's also perfect for cleaning glass and leaves a very hydrophobic barrier behind with absolutely no streaking! I've found that a single spray per panel during the drying step is plenty; a little goes a LONG way with this stuff. If you're looking for ease of use and maximum protection (without a coating), I highly recommend Opti-Seal.
Finish Kare BWM-1000
The most durable, easiest to apply wax I've ever used. So much so that it easily ousted Collinite 845 after years! A single application of Finish Kare is enough to last through an entire season if properly maintained and the shine is unbelievable! I don't recommend it for use on panels with clear bras (stick with Opti-Seal), as wax buildup is hard to remove from the edge of films.
Optimum No Rinse
No Rinse is a must have for anyone in a winter climate. A few caps worth is enough to safely and thoroughly clean your paint in the winter with a single bucket and no hose. See my Winter Maintenance Wash post for more info on why this stuff is so awesome!
Wheels & Tires
Adams Wheel Cleaner
Having used other wheel cleaners in the past, there seeemed to be a direct correlation between "stink" and performance. Fortunately, not only does Adam's match or beat others in terms of cleaning ability, but it actually smells tolerable! The product itself itself "sticks" to the wheel better as well, meaning more cleaning power from less product. Check out my full review for more details.
Adams Tire Cleaner
Much like their Wheel Cleaner, Adam's Tire Cleaner is some of the best stuff I've used. It thoroughly cleans my tire's sidewalls, easily removing any "blooming" (i.e. the browning effect tires exhibit). I used to use Bleche White, but the Adam's stuff is *much* more effective and doesn't singe your eyeballs. This stuff is perfect for cleaning rubber floor mats too!
Adams All-Purpose Cleaner
Rounding out my preferred "wheel cleaning trifecta" is Adam's All-Purpose Cleaner. I use this in the wheel wells and on any lower plastic trims with a quick scrub from a fender brush to loosen any dirt and grime. This APC is strong enough to cut through caked-on dirt, but gentle enough that it won't leave stains or damage any painted surfaces it might come in contact with.
Adams Wheel & Tire Brushes
There's not much to a brush, but Adam's nailed it with their wheel well and tire brushes. Both have stiff bristles, solid handles, and look brand new after dozens of washes.
AMMO Mud Tire Gel
I've used a number of tire gels over the years and was continuously frustrated by the mess of application, durability, and shiny sidewalls that attracted dirt and dust like magnets. Mud is not only extremely easy to use, but leaves a nice matte layer of protection behind. It's honestly as good as tire gel gets, and is unbeatable bang for the buck!
Towels & Microfibers
Gyeon Silk Drying Towel
$25 might seem a little steep, but this is one of the nicest and most absorbent towels I've ever used. It's seriously gigantic which translates to a lot of surface area to absorb and lift water away, while the soft fabric keeps your paint scratch-free!
AMMO Red Microfiber Towels
Larry takes his microfibers seriously, and these are seriously the nicest I've found. They come in a pack of six, so I'd recommend grabbing a few at a time. I've tried a number of different "high quality" microfibers in dozens of applications, and these have remained the most versatile and durable of them all.
Power Tools & Other
Milwaukee M18 Blower
If you haven't already joined the "weird guy who dries their car with a leaf blower" club yet, I highly recommend it. It can safe a ton of headache when trying to dry handles, jambs, and trunk lids by blasting any water out before you run around with the drying towel. Not to mention less touching your paint = less scratches!
Ryobi Electric Power Washer
Even for the average weekend Joe, a power washer it can also save a ton of time during the washing process. It makes short work of brake dust, caked-on dirt and grit and is something I use at minimum twice a year before and after winter to clean up the undercarriage, suspension, and exhaust components.
Milwaukee M12 Stubby Impact Wrench
Small but stout, the Stubby Impact is perfect for changing wheels, suspension/exhaust bolts, and most everything else you'd need to loosen or tighten on your car. Its small footprint makes it great for throwing in the car on a track day or even in an roadside emergency kit!
Eley Hose Reel
$150+ might seem steep for a hose reel, but I had had enough of the cheap plastic/self-winding reels from hardware stores. So I did some research on the "best" consumer hose reel available. In almost every result Eley was mentioned, and for good reason - this thing is a beast! The reel itself and included hardware are all extremely high quality, and I could see this thing outlasting our house! 2+ years later it looks like brand new!