Opinions of Blade Drying...?

335xi_zer0 · 09-17-2011, 02:11 PM

So I see my friends using the rubber/jelly blade thing you can buy for drying cars.

I of course am much more of a detail enthusiast. They say its safe on paint and all that but from the sounds it makes and from the process itself makes me want to cringe.

So my question is, even though cutting time, is the blade actually safe to use to dry the car? Maybe as an initial step before using a microfiber drying towel???

dday · 09-17-2011, 02:15 PM

No point in discussing really, it's evil, check at 2:30 in the video below. It doesn't really save any time, a good drying towel works pretty damn fast.

Jean-Claude · 09-17-2011, 09:38 PM

If you're surface is clean, it will not damage the surface. If it's dirty it will.

dday · 09-17-2011, 10:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jean-Claude

If you're surface is clean, it will not damage the surface. If it's dirty it will.

all it takes is one grain of sand though, not worth the risk

Jean-Claude · 09-17-2011, 10:26 PM

Unless you're working on it while the wind is gusting or you do a terrible job washing, it's a non-issue.

Waterblade fear is exaggerated and a little substance.

Quote:

Originally Posted by dday

all it takes is one grain of sand though, not worth the risk

idrift4wd · 09-18-2011, 02:14 AM

http://www.amazon.com/Absorber-Synth.../dp/B0000AY69V

i use the california blade only on windows. absober for the body. just patting, no sliding.

Envious Eric · 09-18-2011, 02:10 PM

Todd has a good article on safe washing, no blade used.
http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...and-dry-a-car/

spanner1751 · 09-18-2011, 11:46 PM

I used one on my TiAg E46, but will not on my LMB E90.

derrick603 · 09-19-2011, 12:42 PM

I used a water blade on my previous car for many months without any problems. Then one day, I was unlucky enough to have a small piece of something get on my paint between the rinsing and drying steps, and blade drying gave me a nice 6" long scratch on my hood. The water blade should be good 99% of the time, but sometimes you get unlucky. The scratch wasn't too deep though, so I probably could've polished it out.

UncleWede · 09-19-2011, 01:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by derrick603

I used a water blade on my previous car for many months without any problems. Then one day, I was unlucky enough to have a small piece of something get on my paint between the rinsing and drying steps, and blade drying gave me a nice 6" long scratch on my hood. The water blade should be good 99% of the time, but sometimes you get unlucky. The scratch wasn't too deep though, so I probably could've polished it out.

The question would be do you think that same something would have produced a similar result if you had been using MF towel, or patting dry?

Raja Ventureshield · 09-19-2011, 02:07 PM

just like any other tool, if you know how to use it - then it's no problem.
If you don't then it's an issue.

patience is the key.

Joonsup · 09-19-2011, 02:30 PM

In my opinion the risks are greater than the rewards with the blade so I'd rather not take the chance.

dday · 09-19-2011, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Nick@DetailAddict

In my opinion the risks are greater than the rewards with the blade so I'd rather not take the chance.

That's the thing, there are so many easy ways to dry a car, why use one that can scratch it?

Joonsup · 09-19-2011, 02:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dday

That's the thing, there are so many easy ways to dry a car, why use one that can scratch it?

+1

Gig103 · 09-19-2011, 03:01 PM

I had a California Water Blade and it hit a spot of the car that was already dry, rubbed, and left a mark. I moved it inside for windows or the shower stall and switched to Absorbers. I wasn't happy with that, or a genuine chamois, so I finally tried waffle weave towels.

I don't recommend the Cobra ones from Autopia, they started to pill and also leave fabric/lint behind. Autopia was good enough to replace it the first time, but when it happened again I didn't want to go through the hassle so I stopped using it. But I found the Detailed Image ones much better.

Edit: Have you tried the sheeting method? With no nozzle on the hose, slowly pour water from top to bottom, and its natural cohesion literally sheets the water off the car sort of like how the blade does. By doing this, I am able to use a single waffle-weave towel for my entire car, and it's not soaking wet.

Envious Eric · 09-19-2011, 07:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gig103

Edit: Have you tried the sheeting method? With no nozzle on the hose, slowly pour water from top to bottom, and its natural cohesion literally sheets the water off the car sort of like how the blade does. By doing this, I am able to use a single waffle-weave towel for my entire car, and it's not soaking wet.

Done on every single car I do with a hose!

ansch · 09-19-2011, 08:30 PM

wouldn't even use it on my shower screen..

BRAISKI · 09-23-2011, 01:43 PM

Bad idea! I used to use this with my older car and it worked well. After using it few times with my e92 it was ok until I went through a spot where it wasn't "shinny/soft" the blade didn't really glide anymore and it rubbed on the paint. Luckily it was fixable after a detail.

I am not longer using it, I bough a big micro fiber towel to dry the car and its awesome.

spiike32 · 09-25-2011, 06:52 PM

I use the sheeting method with every wash. It makes it so much easier. Then use plush microfiber towels.

Never in hell will a water blade touch my car. Friend used it on one of his side panels and had the most ridiculous scratches. Remember, washing doesn't get all the grit off the car. Even after a full clay bar and second wash... I'll never use a water blade.

I also wish they did the test with a touchless automatic car wash. With all the pressure pushing the dirt into the paint, there has to be scratches and swirls when thoroughly analyzed.

roadkillrob · 09-25-2011, 08:04 PM

Use the softest thing possible that has the ability to trap particles instead of rubbing them around your car - a good waffle weave, or even better, use something that won't touch your car like an air drying unit (or even a leaf blower!)

3me · 09-26-2011, 09:26 PM

I used to wash cars at a Nissan dealership. We used blades on new cars and I never saw problems, probably because they were new. I also used them on my white car I drove at the time. I wouldn't use a blade, though. just not worth it. I don't believe, however, that you need towels that are better cotton than you use yourself after you shower. I have been told that you need brand new, thread count specific cotton towels. I am sorry. If it's good enough for me, its going to be for me. Anyway, I use a large surface area microfiber drying towel then use a cotton towel for the spots i missed. hope this helps

Jean-Claude · 09-27-2011, 12:51 PM

Water blade is like any other tool. It has its place and a proper method of use. I keep one in my arsenal for use under certain circumstances and my client's cars stay looking amazing. I have never caused any marring with one. But I spend about 1.5 hours on a wash and I don't leave crap on the paint.

09-17-2011, 02:11 PM	#1
335xi_zer0 Second Lieutenant 14 Rep 280 Posts Drives: Monaco Blue 2007 335xi Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (3)	Opinions of Blade Drying...? So I see my friends using the rubber/jelly blade thing you can buy for drying cars. I of course am much more of a detail enthusiast. They say its safe on paint and all that but from the sounds it makes and from the process itself makes me want to cringe. So my question is, even though cutting time, is the blade actually safe to use to dry the car? Maybe as an initial step before using a microfiber drying towel???
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09-17-2011, 02:15 PM	#2
dday Captain 33 Rep 856 Posts Drives: 2014 Alpine White 335 M-Sport Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: MA iTrader: (1)	No point in discussing really, it's evil, check at 2:30 in the video below. It doesn't really save any time, a good drying towel works pretty damn fast.
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09-17-2011, 09:38 PM	#3
Jean-Claude Banned 1 Rep 168 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (1)	If you're surface is clean, it will not damage the surface. If it's dirty it will.
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09-18-2011, 02:14 AM	#6
idrift4wd Brigadier General 149 Rep 3,552 Posts Drives: Three Hundred and Thirty Five Join Date: Jul 2010 Location: Yonkers NY iTrader: (0) Garage List 2007 BMW [7.00]	http://www.amazon.com/Absorber-Synth.../dp/B0000AY69V i use the california blade only on windows. absober for the body. just patting, no sliding.
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09-18-2011, 02:10 PM	#7
Envious Eric Banned 37 Rep 1,168 Posts Drives: nissan xterra, 335 soon Join Date: Oct 2009 Location: orange county, ca iTrader: (1)	Todd has a good article on safe washing, no blade used. http://www.detailedimage.com/Ask-a-P...and-dry-a-car/
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09-18-2011, 11:46 PM	#8
spanner1751 Lieutenant 67 Rep 479 Posts Drives: 2011 328i M sport sedan Join Date: Feb 2011 Location: PNW iTrader: (0)	I used one on my TiAg E46, but will not on my LMB E90.
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09-19-2011, 12:42 PM	#9
derrick603 Captain 55 Rep 592 Posts Drives: 2007 335i Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: Fremont, CA iTrader: (0)	I used a water blade on my previous car for many months without any problems. Then one day, I was unlucky enough to have a small piece of something get on my paint between the rinsing and drying steps, and blade drying gave me a nice 6" long scratch on my hood. The water blade should be good 99% of the time, but sometimes you get unlucky. The scratch wasn't too deep though, so I probably could've polished it out.
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09-19-2011, 02:07 PM	#11
Raja Ventureshield Major General 288 Rep 5,686 Posts Drives: BMW M3 coupe Join Date: May 2007 Location: Northern VA iTrader: (6)	just like any other tool, if you know how to use it - then it's no problem. If you don't then it's an issue. patience is the key.
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09-19-2011, 02:30 PM	#12
Joonsup Lieutenant General 322 Rep 17,316 Posts Drives: E92 M3, E30 325i Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Bay Area iTrader: (8) Garage List 2008 BMW M3 [9.50]	In my opinion the risks are greater than the rewards with the blade so I'd rather not take the chance.
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09-19-2011, 03:01 PM	#15
Gig103 Major 68 Rep 1,324 Posts Drives: 2014 Tesla P85D Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Gilbert, AZ iTrader: (1)	I had a California Water Blade and it hit a spot of the car that was already dry, rubbed, and left a mark. I moved it inside for windows or the shower stall and switched to Absorbers. I wasn't happy with that, or a genuine chamois, so I finally tried waffle weave towels. I don't recommend the Cobra ones from Autopia, they started to pill and also leave fabric/lint behind. Autopia was good enough to replace it the first time, but when it happened again I didn't want to go through the hassle so I stopped using it. But I found the Detailed Image ones much better. Edit: Have you tried the sheeting method? With no nozzle on the hose, slowly pour water from top to bottom, and its natural cohesion literally sheets the water off the car sort of like how the blade does. By doing this, I am able to use a single waffle-weave towel for my entire car, and it's not soaking wet. __________________ Was: 2008 335xi sedan 6MT Black Sapphire Metallic Is: 2014 Tesla P85D (Blue Metallic) Wife's: 2013 Infiniti G37 S sedan 6MT, Black
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09-19-2011, 08:30 PM	#17
ansch Captain 33 Rep 645 Posts Drives: SGM 135i Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: Brisbane, Australia iTrader: (1)	wouldn't even use it on my shower screen..
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09-23-2011, 01:43 PM	#18
BRAISKI Colonel 135 Rep 2,517 Posts Drives: '11 335xi e92 M-Pak Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: GTA/KW, Canada iTrader: (3) Garage List 2011 BMW 335xi [7.00]	Bad idea! I used to use this with my older car and it worked well. After using it few times with my e92 it was ok until I went through a spot where it wasn't "shinny/soft" the blade didn't really glide anymore and it rubbed on the paint. Luckily it was fixable after a detail. I am not longer using it, I bough a big micro fiber towel to dry the car and its awesome. __________________ My 2011 ED @ BMW Welt, one of the best days of my life! Full front PPF!
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09-25-2011, 06:52 PM	#19
spiike32 Major 78 Rep 1,127 Posts Drives: Mineral White F80 M3 Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: IL iTrader: (9)	I use the sheeting method with every wash. It makes it so much easier. Then use plush microfiber towels. Never in hell will a water blade touch my car. Friend used it on one of his side panels and had the most ridiculous scratches. Remember, washing doesn't get all the grit off the car. Even after a full clay bar and second wash... I'll never use a water blade. I also wish they did the test with a touchless automatic car wash. With all the pressure pushing the dirt into the paint, there has to be scratches and swirls when thoroughly analyzed. __________________ Current: Tesla Model 3 Performance Retired: F80 M3, FBO 335i, 318ti, C7 Stingray
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09-25-2011, 08:04 PM	#20
roadkillrob Major General 863 Rep 5,448 Posts Drives: 08 335i,22 X3M, 2012 C63 Black Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Boston iTrader: (15)	Use the softest thing possible that has the ability to trap particles instead of rubbing them around your car - a good waffle weave, or even better, use something that won't touch your car like an air drying unit (or even a leaf blower!) __________________ 2022 X3M Brooklyn Grey 2008 E93 335i FBO 2012 Mercedes C63 Black Series Alanite Grey
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09-26-2011, 09:26 PM	#21
3me Lieutenant 17 Rep 415 Posts Drives: 6spd mt 325i Join Date: May 2008 Location: Mississippi iTrader: (0)	I used to wash cars at a Nissan dealership. We used blades on new cars and I never saw problems, probably because they were new. I also used them on my white car I drove at the time. I wouldn't use a blade, though. just not worth it. I don't believe, however, that you need towels that are better cotton than you use yourself after you shower. I have been told that you need brand new, thread count specific cotton towels. I am sorry. If it's good enough for me, its going to be for me. Anyway, I use a large surface area microfiber drying towel then use a cotton towel for the spots i missed. hope this helps __________________
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09-27-2011, 12:51 PM	#22
Jean-Claude Banned 1 Rep 168 Posts Drives: m3 Join Date: Feb 2010 Location: Atlanta iTrader: (1)	Water blade is like any other tool. It has its place and a proper method of use. I keep one in my arsenal for use under certain circumstances and my client's cars stay looking amazing. I have never caused any marring with one. But I spend about 1.5 hours on a wash and I don't leave crap on the paint.
	Appreciate 0 Quote