Leaf Blowers

[Pip Poppy]

Those people who use leaf blowers to dry their cars - do you use electric or cordless?
Am considering buying a Makita 18v cordless blower - will that do the job or should I go for an electric blower with a bit more oomph?

I like the idea of the cordless but if it lacks the power to blow the water off the car then there is not much point in getting one.

Cheers,
Pip Poppy

[Stephan]

Re: Leaf Blowers

Am considering buying a Makita 18v cordless blower - will that do the job or should I go for an electric blower with a bit more oomph?

I like the idea of the cordless but if it lacks the power to blow the water off the car then there is not much point in getting one.

Cheers,
Pip Poppy

I just got a B&D corded 2 speed 210 MPH for about USD50.00. B&D has a 36V for USD150.00 that's 120MPH. To add a 3rd element, battery may not last long enough for your needs.

[C8N]

Re: Leaf Blowers

I have a corded electric one. See the specs and the mph rating. Mine blows up to 150mph and I wish it was more powerful.

[Top Gear]

Re: Leaf Blowers

I got a $30 HomeLite 7am/150MPH electric blower from Home Depot and I've been very happy with it. Believe me, it's plenty powerful enough! I would not recommend a gas-powered one, as it will stink of gas/oil so you can't keep it inside, it will smoke and spew particles that you will blow right onto your paint, and it will be much louder and require more upkeep.

[Blueline]

Re: Leaf Blowers

I tired my gas blower once, made a lot of noise and a mess. If you remove the nozzle from the hose, and let the water run slowly from top to bottom, on a properly waxed vehicle, you don't need a leaf blower. What little water doesn't sheet off, can be blotted off with a Kleenex. (almost)

[Pip Poppy]

Re: Leaf Blowers

Thanks guys for your replies.
Reading the forums it seems that most people use a cheap electric blower however I wanted to avoid the hassle of getting an extension cord, plugging it in and tripping over the cord.
Stephan - batteries would not be a problem as I already have 3 x 3.0ah 18v batteries anyway.
Blueline - I use a small 'hose extension' on the end of the hose to sheet the water but I want to (a) get rid of the remaining water without touching the car and (b) blow out the mirrors and all the other little spots (and there seem to be a LOT of those on my Kia Optima)
I might see if I can get the Makita cordless blower from my local hardware store which has a no questions asked refund policy in the event it is not suitable.

[davey g-force]

Re: Leaf Blowers

Have you thought about using air from a compressor to blow out water from the crevices/mirrors etc? May even work for getting rid of other water off the paint.

I have used a compressor for mirrors etc and it works well, albeit a bit cumbersome to move around the vehicle with.

[chiptouz]

Re: Leaf Blowers

I got a $30 HomeLite 7am/150MPH electric blower from Home Depot and I've been very happy with it. Believe me, it's plenty powerful enough! I would not recommend a gas-powered one, as it will stink of gas/oil so you can't keep it inside, it will smoke and spew particles that you will blow right onto your paint, and it will be much louder and require more upkeep.

On my wifes minivan I have been using my gas blower with no issues what so ever. I do not see any smoke or oil or anything coming out of the air blower tube. It is noisy, but some ear protection solves that. I use a Stihl BG56c and highly recommend it. http://www.stihlusa.com/products/blo...lowers/bg56ce/

[Aenygma]

Re: Leaf Blowers

Those people who use leaf blowers to dry their cars - do you use electric or cordless?
Am considering buying a Makita 18v cordless blower - will that do the job or should I go for an electric blower with a bit more oomph?

I like the idea of the cordless but if it lacks the power to blow the water off the car then there is not much point in getting one.

Cheers,
Pip Poppy

I use a 150MPH corded blower. I prefer the "oomph".
It is great to use, and I have no issues with it being corded.

I have found it especially useful with my wife's new car, as they used a honeycomb plastic under the lift gate, and in the front of the car. I could blot for hours on those spots with a microfiber towel or water magnet, and still not get it all out. The blower takes care of it easy peasy. Not to mention all the other great water hiding spots on most cars.

I also own a gas blower, but do not use it for vehicles. It is strictly for yard work.

[Detailing by M]

Re: Leaf Blowers

The cordless will work just fine. Your not using it for hours, your only using it for a few mins.
(Heck a hair dryer would even work. You don't need much power to move a little water around.)
I run around the car with a big waffle weave then I blow and wipe remaining water at the same time.

[Bruce Devilbiss]

Re: Leaf Blowers

I use both, electric and gas. I I'm in a hurry I will break out the gas blower if not I have a Sears shop vac that the motor comes off to convert to a blower. No problems with either.

[wifpd4]

Re: Leaf Blowers

I tired my gas blower once, made a lot of noise and a mess. If you remove the nozzle from the hose, and let the water run slowly from top to bottom, on a properly waxed vehicle, you don't need a leaf blower. What little water doesn't sheet off, can be blotted off with a Kleenex. (almost)

Blue, you are absolutely correct, if the car has been waxed. However, get a car that hasn't seen a bottle or can of wax in long, long time and it can take forever to dry. Drizzle method of rinse or not !!

I use a blower mainly for tires and rims. Open the hood, blow out the leaves and loose debris. Open the doors and blow out the door jambs and door frames. Open the truck lid or lift gate and dry that out. And the rest of the body and inside of mirrors. All this after hand drying most of the car, except the wheels. This is for cars, trucks require blowing out the bed.

I was thinking, my blower was 200mph, but better look it up before making that statement as fact.

[Jimjc]

Re: Leaf Blowers

20+ Years ago I started using a Toro electric 12 amp. leaf blower, it`s the best thing I ever did. and I just purchased a new Toro electric 260 mph. [ at Sears $65 ] heck the last one lasted 20+ years for the car, deck and everything else and it`s still running great.

Anyway I dont think anything less, than the 250+ mph will completely remove all the water fast. and especially out of every nook and cranny on the car. I don`t like gas, to heavy and don`t like keeping gas around the house. I can completely dry the car in a matter of 5 minutes and I don`t have to touch the car to do it.

[novacharm]

I have a 4 gal blower vac by shop vac with 5.5hp it's perfect and portable

[Richard1]

Re: Leaf Blowers

Interesting. I never thought of using if for drying. Use it to dust off the car when I get back it after a few weeks before washing, and to start the BBQ.
Now it has three uses. (i don't have any leaves to blow)