Leaf Blower for drying car
#1
Shelby GT350 Member
Thread Starter
Leaf Blower for drying car
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.
#2
Join Date: December 5, 2006
Location: Trapped in Minnesota
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Leaf Blower for drying car
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
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0030BG1CC..._9qUIvb8D0XNSZ
#3
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I just started using this, as I have all the other Ryobi tools
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ONE...2105/202556447
http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-ONE...2105/202556447
#4
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.
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.
Last edited by logical; 6/24/15 at 12:24 PM.
#6
Shelby GT350 Member
Thread Starter
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?
#7
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.
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.
#8
Bullitt Member
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!
Cheap, light, small, but you need an extension cord to run it. And, I recommend earplugs!
#9
FR500 Member
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
#10
Gotta Have it Green Fanatic Official TMS Travel Guide
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.
#13
Leaf Blower for drying car
Originally Posted by Mustang259
Get an electric or cordless one, you don't want the fumes and exhaust messing with the finish and your health.
#14
Shelby GT350 Member
Thread Starter
haha yeah...and the 2 stroke smell omg, no thanks!
Thanks for the suggestions though, guys. I will have to go shopping this weekend.
Thanks for the suggestions though, guys. I will have to go shopping this weekend.
#15
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.
#17
Shelby GT350 Member
Thread Starter
#18
legacy Tms Member MEMORIAL Rest In Peace 10/06/2021
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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
#19
Shelby GT350 Member
Thread Starter
exactly why I want one!! What brand is yours? Do you know how much air it moves? Is it battery powered?