In this video, I talk about the pros and cons of both the Air Force Master Blaster by Metro, and a standard electric leaf blower. I give the insight that I have from using both devices for a few years. You may find my conclusion surprising so kick your feet up and hear my take.

One thing that people like to suggest is the use of compressed air. Compressor tanks have a nasty little habit of collecting dirt and water in the bottom of them. If your compressor lines are not properly filtered and the tank and filters are not checked and maintained often, you risk the chance at sandblasting your paint with debris. NOT a smart scenario. Compressed air can also do damage to emblems and decals if you get too close to the car. Thus, I never recommend the use of compressed air to dry a car with. I know first hand how much of a hassle it is to maintain pneumatic lines as that was one of my responsibilities at the Motorola depot that I worked for years ago. No compressed air!

Another thing you must take into consideration if you plan to buy a Master Blaster is the amperage that the unit draws. You must have a 20-amp outlet to use the device at full tilt or it will shut down the line that you plug it into. It draws a hefty 19-amps on full tilt so understand that before you plug it up and turn it on.

If you decide to purchase the Master Blaster, this link on Metro's website shows all of the authorized resellers of Metro's products. Take a look at them as you may find one close to you, which will keep you from incurring shipping charges if you can pick it up locally. Otherwise, check out this link for the electric leaf blower that I would recommend.

 

Thanks, A.J.! Much appreciated information. So this may be a dumb question, but I have been using my neighbor's gas powered leaf blower. What harm is exhaust gases specifically? Is it corrosive or something that eats away finish, or just an oily residue or carbon that washes off next time?

 

I can pretty much guarantee that exhaust will eat away any protection on your paint. Add the blazing hot sun all day long and there's no telling what other damage that stuff can do to your finish. Look at what rail dust does. I don't wanna be the guy who finds out.

 

Seems like sound theory to me, even if its not science. Time to buy a leaf blower!

 

I have been using that very same $30 leaf blower to dry my car off for years. Less than 10% of the cost is a no-brainer in my opinion. Just be careful especially if you are trying to get close to your car because it will tend to create suction and pull towards your car. What I did was use some Plasti-dip on the end so if it does accidentally touch your car it has a spray on condom of protection against scratching your ride. I used about 5 coats and didn't worry about it after that. Great information.

 

Good call with the Plasti-Dip.

 

Thanks. I thought so too.

 

Junkman, first thanks for all the helpful videos. Great practical advice. I have been using a Ryobi cordless blower to help dry my cars. Was using their system for other tools, and bought the blower for leaves etc. Tried it on the cars and it worked well, plus no cords. Have also tried the blower side of a large clean and empty shop vac. Too clumsy, but saw recently that sears sells a soft rubber "blower" tip for their vacs.

 

I'm not a fan of the Shop Vac as a dryer because of the reason you mentioned and the fact that it is not blowing filtered air. No telling what is coming out of that thing at your paint. As for the cordless blower, I have yet to find one that will hold a long enough charge to be very effective. Maybe you have the exception to the rule.

 

Nice video Junkman. Been using a dedicated leak blower without issue. The cordless blower sounds like a good idea...what do they cost?

 

I'm not a fan of the cordless and they also cost more.

 

I went out and bought a $55 Toro electric blower after reading this, because it had the highest CFM rating of all the available electrics and had attachments to make a very narrow jet of air. I am more than pleased with it as it blows much harder than the gas powered one I had been using and I can't imagine needing anything more.

 

Cool beans!

 

FYI bought a refurbished blower for 45 beans. Like I said I already had other yard equipment and batteries. As for run time, with the new batteries It runs non stop for more than 15 minutes.

I should add I still use a good quality micro to finis up drying, but the blower gets water out of crevices like grill, lights mirrors, wheels.


I am fixing to get a toro blower though I don't think they filter the air either.

 

not a fan of this device. the heated air dries the water on the surface, rather than blowing it off.

good for wheels and crevices, not the entire car. if your paint is clean, a good old quality waffleweave should not visibly mar even the softest paint when it comes time to dry.