Hey guys, I'm in the market for a leaf blower to dry the car after washing it. I'd get an air compressor, but I don't have any room for it in my sh**ty apartment dweller garage. I've never bought a leaf blower before, so I don't know what specs to look for. I don't want to get a weak one and then have to return in. I noticed a lot of leaf blowers have air flow and air velocity specs listed on the box. What do you guys use, what works best? Thanks.

 

I bought a $35 one on clearance at Menard's. I've heard air compressors can cause damage to the paint by blowing bits of stuff that settle in the tank. I think I have the older version of this one. I love it aside from the cord coming loose, but I just tie a knot and it works great. So much better than using a towel!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030BG1CC..._9qUIvb8D0XNSZ

 

I just started using this, as I have all the other Ryobi tools

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ONE...2105/202556447

 

The leaf blower is a better tool for the job than any homeowner air compressor would be anyhow. You need big volume of high speed air and that kind of volume would take a huge compressor. I use a leaf blower on all my cars, motorcycles, even lawn mowers and outdoor furniture...but its really just to get water out of mirror housings, trim moldings and other places that hold water. Unless you have really fresh wax and nice soft water, you'll still finish with the towels (microfiber or better, not old bath towels).

Just like power washers and most things...if you want real power you should consider a blower with an engine, not a motor. That being said, I use an electric one and it at least chases the water out from tail lights, mirrors and other places.

 

I have a Husqvarna I got from Lowes. It's a 125 something or other. I can't look at the moment since we are on the road in Banff.

 

I'm not looking for a leaf blower to completely dry the car lol. Just to get a majority of the water off and get water out of all the cracks. I use the compressor at my dad's house to get water out of the cracks and door jams and such, but not to blow off the entire car. lol that would take forever. But I'm looking for a cordless one to take to self serve car washes... lol embarrassing, huh?

 

If you want a cordles one...
Its amazons "#1 seller", and it looks like it could be taken apart to be put in the trunk so you could easily bring it with you.

 

I got this shop blower as a gift and it works very well when used along with a drying towel.


Cheap, light, small, but you need an extension cord to run it. And, I recommend earplugs!

 

I was advised the same thing by some folks on this forum last year when I was considering a pancake style compressor from Sears.

I had tried a leaf blower but found it too unwieldy. Luckily a TMS member from Texas contacted me about his used MetroVac Master Blaster 8 hp warm air blower and I bought it immediately. I've recently added an extra 6' of hose and the blower is an integral part of my detailing routine.

They're pretty expensive if bought new....almost $400. But if cash or space limitations are issues, or if you only need a blower for wheels, mirrors and other hard to reach areas, here's a hand-held unit that looks very practical and easy to use:

http://www.autogeek.net/metro-blaster-sidekick.html

 

I have a Makita blower. It was well over $100 but worth every penny, and it is very strong and reliable. I've used it for years, from the Mustang to my collector cars. Removes as much water as you need and really dries the wheels too. Just need a microfiber towel to wipe up the remaining droplets and you are set to go. Saves lots of time.

 

Get an electric or cordless one, you don't want the fumes and exhaust messing with the finish and your health.

 

I also use an electric leaf blower and I start from the roof. Makes drying my car a lot easier.

 

Also as the op has said he wants to use it at the the self car wash, you might have some fuel spill in the the trunk when driving to and from the car wash.

 

haha yeah...and the 2 stroke smell omg, no thanks!

Thanks for the suggestions though, guys. I will have to go shopping this weekend.

 

I use a towel first then blow around the mirrors, the windows and trim, blinkers, 5.0 emblem, front grills, taillights (uppper and lower reflector area), license plate area, and wheels, then use a towel to get all that blew out. I think it takes longer to dry the car than to wash it, lol.

 

I've been using this one since Lowes offered them. Work great, plenty of battery and wind volume. Really a no touch except for door jambs.

 

which one?

 

I've been using a leaf blower (electric) for around 3 years to blow off most of the water then dry with my towel to finish up. You'll be surprised to see how much water blows out of the grille and side mirrors

 

exactly why I want one!! What brand is yours? Do you know how much air it moves? Is it battery powered?

 

It was something like $35 from Walmart . Its corded, i don't like to worry about a battery running down.