Tire gel pads/applicators

[UltraKla$$ic]

I used to get the cheap tire gel/spray applicators from Harbor Freight but my local store quit carrying these. Stupid question, but I've been racking my brain on a cheap alternate substitute that can be found readily available.

I love the applicators because it keeps the tire spray off my mag wheels. What are you guys using and where are you getting them CHEAP and local, not off the internet.

 

[DDTCM]

Vatozone,Advanced ect.

 

[UltraKla$$ic]

Vatozone,Advanced ect.

I think I found what I needed on the Vatozone website. duh

 

[300angryhorses]

cheap dish sponges from Wallyworld

 

[Scott_0]

I use the I believe they are Eagleone tire spray applicators, available at Walmart, Pep Boys, etc

 

[eddypython]

I use a rag.. works like a charm.

 

[DKS]

The soft yellow and grey/black ones from Autozone are the fucking shit!!! They don't break apart like the cheaper ones that have the U shape to them with the hard yellow back.

Don't get the ones that look like a yellow version of this. . .

 

[VTXFrank]

The soft yellow and grey/black ones from Autozone are the fucking shit!!! They don't break apart like the cheaper ones that have the U shape to them with the hard yellow back.

Don't get the ones that look like a yellow version of this. . .

That's the ones I get. I cut them in half and use just one half at a time. Makes for a lot of applicators for cheap. With our low profile sidewalls, it's a perfect fit using just half of one.

I keep a whole one for doing my wife's truck tires.

 

[DKS]

The other ones they sell that are really soft have a different kind of foam that is way better. It's a much denser foam and is way softer. The other ones will break apart after a few uses, especially if you're using them on A/T tires like I have. The soft ones spread stuff more evenly and hold up 10x better.

I used to use the other ones as well, until I tried the soft ones. After using one, I bought a bag full of them to have. They are actually Autozone brand. Very similar composition to the applicators that come with higher end dressings like Ultima.

These are what I'm talking about. . . .

The back sided is a black/gray foam, the side shown is what you hold. Too bad they don't show the other side.


Features & Benefits
This handy applicator is designed to apply tire shine and protectants with ease. Built with a knob grip, it keeps finger nails and knuckles protected and away from the tire. The dense pore structure holds plenty of tire shine and promotes even application over the whole tire.

• Built in groove for a comfortable grip
• Fast and easy to use
• Sturdy foam construction
• Perfectly sized for tires
• Washable & reusable

 

[UltraKla$$ic]

^^^^What I learned about these in order to get longevity out of this style is to store the pad facing downwards and the "handle" part up top so the Tire gel/spray runs OFF the pad during storage instead of running towards the "handle" part and eating the glue up causing the pad to separate from the handle.

So you like these DKS? I almost bought this one but I bought the one with the handle and I'm taking it back because I don't like it. LOL

 

[NastyStang113]

Don't get the ones that look like a yellow version of this. . .

Yeah those are some pretty good applicators from ADS.

I bought a bunch of "Vipers" from a company going out of business for dirt and they work pretty well.

 

[DKS]

^^^^What I learned about these in order to get longevity out of this style is to store the pad facing downwards and the "handle" part up top so the Tire gel/spray runs OFF the pad during storage instead of running towards the "handle" part and eating the glue up causing the pad to separate from the handle.

So you like these DKS? I almost bought this one but I bought the one with the handle and I'm taking it back because I don't like it. LOL

I don't know why it never showed me that this thread was replied to, sorry. Yeah, these are awesome for something you can just pick up a VatoZone. I've never had the other kind separate from the handle, I have problems with them just breaking small pieces off the actual surface you wipe against the tires. I think a lot of it has to do with me using them on rough A/T tires, but the hard foam just tears little pieces off like a cheese grater. The yellow ones are so soft and pliable they don't do that. Plus, like with my A/T tires, you can get the yellow ones into the grooves, etc. easier.

But, most of the time, I use hyperdressing and just spray it on and I don't need an applicator, anyway.

 

[UltraKla$$ic]

Thanks DK, I bought the yellow one in the pic and it works like a champ!

 

[DKS]

Good times!

 

[mds08]

Try the foam paint brushes, they are cheap and you get better control.

 

[UltraKla$$ic]

Try the foam paint brushes, they are cheap and you get better control.

I was looking at those at Walmarts. Cheap but wasn't sure how well they would work. Thanks for the input. I'll try them next when this sponge fizzles out.

 

[DKS]

Try the foam paint brushes, they are cheap and you get better control.

They are the shit for putting dressing on trim pieces. I buy the assorted ones at Wal-Mart so I have various sizes. Never tried them on tires though.

 

[John@Lethal]

There's a brand called No-Mess applicators. They come cased individually. I've been using them and just wipe off excess with an all purpose Microfiber.