DFB5.0
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DETAIL FACTORY OVERVIEW & BUYERS GUIDE –
The Detail Factory make the best brushes in the business. Full Stop! No other brand has innovated more, in the process making superior brushes that last longer, are more ergonomic, and even look better. And its not just brushes, the Detail Factory have been introducing an expanding range of detailing tools and accessories as well.
Prior to the Detail Factory, detailing brushes had remained static for decades, basically it was a case of everyone walking the same road and not daring to stray from that beaten track. From handle design and comfort, to bristles types and textures, the Detail Factory changed the game, and in the process, lead other brands to follow. And while there are many, many Detail Factory imitations now, none match the longer-term quality.
What I love about Detail Factory brushes and accessories is the attention put into ergonomics and user comfort. Think rubberized handles, soft touch coatings to prevent accidental damage, and the shape of the handle and how it feels in your hand with prolonged usage. I love how they use colour, which at first glance might seem pointless, but it can actually help you colour code brushes and tools to specific tasks or areas of the car. So instead of mono-tone boredom, here is a company willing to keep the product line fresh, enticing and………………fun.
Detail Factory have also challenged the accepted wisdom with regard to bristle material, length and density. Think ultra soft synthetic bristles for situations where a traditional boars hair is inappropriate. Softer than usual tire brushes. Or the XL-sized brushes that increase efficiency for a range of detailing tasks. Handle design has also evolved by offering differing lengths to accommodate different situations or user preferences. I also like how they have been designing superior versions of existing detailing essentials, in turn improving the quality and functionality. Think trim removal tools, pet hair removal brushes, or the Clean Screen grit guards.
With such a diverse and ever expanding range of brushes and accessories, for a first-time buyer it can be a little confusing as to what it is a must have purchase, what’s nice to have, and what’s best to ignore.
MUST HAVES –
Tire Scrub Brush – There are two versions of this brush, the small one can be used on any tyre but is ideal low profile tyres, while the XL is geared toward large SUV and pickup tyres. Prior to this, tyre brushes had ultra-stiff bristles that didn’t follow the contours of the tyre sidewall, and in some cases could leave witness marks in the rubber. So, the DF version actually has some flex to the bristles, which conforms to the various textures, lettering and curvature of the sidewall, in turn cleaning better. If I had to pick one, it would be the smaller version as its more versatile. These brushes are excellent on rubber floor mats too. Probably my favourite from Detail Factory.
Curveball – I have two roles for these XL-sized synthetic bristle brushes, wheel cleaning and tyre dressing. For cleaning wheel faces, these are SUPER ergonomic and time efficient. For tyre dressing, the density of bristles helps evenly distribute dressing into all of the cracks and crevices of a sidewall. Yes, this is an expensive way to apply dressing, but the Curveball will out live 5000 foam applicators. One use of this for tyre dressing and you’ll never go back to foam or flag-tipped brushes again.
Screwball – With the same XL-sized handle as the Curveball, this brush swaps the synthetic bristles for boars hair. The Screwball has a narrower footprint, making it ideal for applying dressing on low profile tyres. Again, this is an expensive brush, and again, it will last indefinably. As per the Curveball, this is a super ergonomic and efficient tool to have.
Ultra-Soft Synthetic Brushes – From what I can tell, the Detail Factory were the first to offer this style of bristle in detailing. Common to cosmetic brushes, these soft bristles are best suited to delicate surfaces such as gloss trims, gloss black wheels, even dusting air vents. I think you’d have three of these in differing colours for identification; one for interior use, one for exterior use, one for wheels. Available in long or short handle with a plastic or rubberized finish, round or Tri-Grip handle, I’d narrow that down to the long handle versions for superior balance.
Boars Hair Brushes – There isn’t anything unique about boars hair bristles, so in this case you are choosing these Detail Factory versions for the superior handle and bristle attachment. As per the synthetic brushes, these have a single piece handle rather than the two- and three-piece competitors. They are also metal free and devoid of sharp edges. That means superior durability and less failure points, especially important with repeated wet and dry cycles. And compared to other boars hair brushes, the Detail Factory feel softer and safer. Again, you’d have at least three of these in long handle format for interior, exterior and wheels.
Wheel Clean Brushes – These come in two sizes, the original large and the new mini. While I prefer the Microfiber Madness Incredi-Brush for its flexible shaft, the Detail Factory alternative has a better handle and is supplied with interchangeable microfiber socks, which you use will depend on the level of cleaning ability required. In most cases, the mini is the one to go for, it will still reach to the back of the barrel, but will better deal with small rotor to wheel clearances or narrow spoke openings.
Wheel Face Brush – In terms of handle length and bristle type, there probably isn’t a clear advantage over competitor wheel face brushes. Dig a little deeper and there are some subtle improvements made to this type of brush. As per other Detail Factory items, the soft-touch rubber coating helps improve your grip, while also providing impact safety. I also really like the length and thickness of the bristles, which are also nicely soft. Everyone needs a brush like this, be that for use on wheels, or even engine bays and fender wells.
NICE TO HAVES –
Fender Well Brush – This is an extension of the Wheel Face Brush, using the same bristle pack and soft touch finish, just on the longer handle. So why is it here and the not above? Because the Wheel Face Brush is more versatile and will fit more areas. However, if you do a lot of engine bays or large SUV’s and pickups, this version can help extend your reach.
Pet Hair Brushes – Not everyone will need these, hence including them in this category. There are three versions, the “Card”, “Rake” and “Brush”. All three use a rubber edge to draw pet hair into a clump for easier removal from carpet and upholstery. Of these, I’d favour the card style.
Trim Removal Tools – I wouldn’t say these are revolutionary, trim removal tools are pretty standard issue. These have a textured grip, although I’d like to see these rubber coated as well.
Clean Screen Bucket Guards – These are a new interpretation of a grit guard, but with a twist. The design mimics that of Detail Guardz Dirt Lock, which I found very disappointing, trapping dirt and debris at the bottom of the bucket, thus preventing this material being reintroduced to the wash media, and thus permits safer washer. The twist with the Detail Factory version is how it can be suspended above the bucket, becoming and effective a drip tray. They have also integrated a central grip point for easy removal from the bucket. Now, I just wish the local distributor would introduce these, they’ve been on sale in the US for 12-months already.
Interior Scrub Brush – I rarely need a carpet and upholstery brush, usually only customer cars. This one runs the same handle design as the tyre brush, just with softer bristles. I’d probably leave this one for carpet and cloth trim, its too firm for plastics.
Seam Brush – These are a firm bristle brush for removing debris from upholstery seams. I use these in tandem with a vacuum, the brush lifting debris for it to be sucked into the vac. Again, a specific use case but worth having if you deal with this issue a lot.
NOT WORTH IT –
Foam Applicator Brushes – These are like the craft brushes you’d get from a $2 shop, just with an excellent handle. I was somewhat pumped for these, thinking they’d be great for applying Solution Finish trim restorer. Sadly, they are pretty terrible.
Detailing Pick Tools – I grabbed a set of these out of curiosity but haven’t even used them. Designed to remove debris from cracks and crevices, they are supplied as a 4-pack with different tips. Unless you are dealing with filthy kid carriers, you probably won’t need these.
Drill Brushes – Sharing the same synthetic and boars hair bristle packs as the rest of the range, these fit into a drill chuck for more intense cleaning. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of drill brush attachments, they end up making more mess than they solve, the ultra-soft versions in particular will sling far and wide. I also find them cumbersome to work with in confined spaces like interiors. A seemingly clever idea that doesn’t translate to a need, at least in my situation.
Crevice Mini Brushes – These are a slimmed down mini version of the synthetic and boars hair brushes for cleaning vents, switches and panel gaps. Featuring a shorter and slightly stiffer bristle length, they share a similar one-piece metal free handle with a textured grip. I personally don’t have these, mainly because I find the bigger versions can do a similar job.
Brush Cleaner Cup – This was designed to provide effective cleaning of heavily soiled brushes. The raised ridges have been designed to separate the bristles and allow dirt and debris to drop from deep within the brush. I don’t know, I’m probably not the target for this tool, and I do wonder how many professionals are going to devote this much time into cleaning brushes outside of a rinse under running water.
COLOUR –
I touched on this at the start, but I love how Detail Factory have a little fun with colour. Granted, colour has very little to no bearing on performance or usability, and most people wouldn’t give it a second thought. However, as a creative, I really appreciate the effort put into the colour combinations, and the ability to colour-code brushes to specific tasks (interior or exterior use ect). The original range started off in black, white, grey and red. Since then, additional colours were added, followed by the high contrast Octane range.
DURABILITY / LONGEVITY -
Something I’ve noticed with Detail Factory is how the added cost is offset by longer service life. Being fully designed and assembled in the USA compared Chinese contract manufacturing no doubt speeds up the development process and keeps a lid on quality control. At lot of this comes from bristle quality, but the single piece handle and how the bristles are attached is what sets them apart. The old school wooden handle detail brushes DO NOT like repeated wet and dry cycles, and the two or three piece design means the bristles often separate from the handle…………….ask me how I know.
These generic brushes lack bristle quality and often separate from the handle.
When using the XL-sized Curveball and Screwball for tire dressing, these will outlast any foam applicator, and are receptive to periodic cleaning or when swapping from one dressing to another. Simply spray with APC or tyre cleaner, agitate and rinse under water, then hang dry.
THE FUTURE? –
The Detail Factory has become an expert in plastic moulding and tool design. In the future, my hope is that they continue tackling long since ignored product and tool categories, in turn making them superior to use with a detailing focus. For example, vacuum attachments and accessories. This is a market largely ignored, and yet vacuums are essential for car detailing. Apart from the Fur-Eel attachments sold by Buff-Brite, most vac attachments are cheap junk and not tailored for cars. To me, the Detail Factory could work wonders in this segment.
I’d also like to see them introduce an EZ-Detail competitor. While I really like those EZ-Detail brushes, the handles suck. I find them uncomfortable to hold with extended use, and they lack an anti-slip coating, further aggravating issue.
Then perhaps detailing related utility tools. Perhaps a high-quality holder for razor blades and plastic scrapers, and further to that, a utility knife. PPF install tools would be a no brainer as well.
With Detail Factory merging with The Rag Company, I can see the above items being very doable. Watch this space!
The Detail Factory make the best brushes in the business. Full Stop! No other brand has innovated more, in the process making superior brushes that last longer, are more ergonomic, and even look better. And its not just brushes, the Detail Factory have been introducing an expanding range of detailing tools and accessories as well.
Prior to the Detail Factory, detailing brushes had remained static for decades, basically it was a case of everyone walking the same road and not daring to stray from that beaten track. From handle design and comfort, to bristles types and textures, the Detail Factory changed the game, and in the process, lead other brands to follow. And while there are many, many Detail Factory imitations now, none match the longer-term quality.
What I love about Detail Factory brushes and accessories is the attention put into ergonomics and user comfort. Think rubberized handles, soft touch coatings to prevent accidental damage, and the shape of the handle and how it feels in your hand with prolonged usage. I love how they use colour, which at first glance might seem pointless, but it can actually help you colour code brushes and tools to specific tasks or areas of the car. So instead of mono-tone boredom, here is a company willing to keep the product line fresh, enticing and………………fun.
Detail Factory have also challenged the accepted wisdom with regard to bristle material, length and density. Think ultra soft synthetic bristles for situations where a traditional boars hair is inappropriate. Softer than usual tire brushes. Or the XL-sized brushes that increase efficiency for a range of detailing tasks. Handle design has also evolved by offering differing lengths to accommodate different situations or user preferences. I also like how they have been designing superior versions of existing detailing essentials, in turn improving the quality and functionality. Think trim removal tools, pet hair removal brushes, or the Clean Screen grit guards.
With such a diverse and ever expanding range of brushes and accessories, for a first-time buyer it can be a little confusing as to what it is a must have purchase, what’s nice to have, and what’s best to ignore.
MUST HAVES –
Tire Scrub Brush – There are two versions of this brush, the small one can be used on any tyre but is ideal low profile tyres, while the XL is geared toward large SUV and pickup tyres. Prior to this, tyre brushes had ultra-stiff bristles that didn’t follow the contours of the tyre sidewall, and in some cases could leave witness marks in the rubber. So, the DF version actually has some flex to the bristles, which conforms to the various textures, lettering and curvature of the sidewall, in turn cleaning better. If I had to pick one, it would be the smaller version as its more versatile. These brushes are excellent on rubber floor mats too. Probably my favourite from Detail Factory.
Curveball – I have two roles for these XL-sized synthetic bristle brushes, wheel cleaning and tyre dressing. For cleaning wheel faces, these are SUPER ergonomic and time efficient. For tyre dressing, the density of bristles helps evenly distribute dressing into all of the cracks and crevices of a sidewall. Yes, this is an expensive way to apply dressing, but the Curveball will out live 5000 foam applicators. One use of this for tyre dressing and you’ll never go back to foam or flag-tipped brushes again.
Screwball – With the same XL-sized handle as the Curveball, this brush swaps the synthetic bristles for boars hair. The Screwball has a narrower footprint, making it ideal for applying dressing on low profile tyres. Again, this is an expensive brush, and again, it will last indefinably. As per the Curveball, this is a super ergonomic and efficient tool to have.
Ultra-Soft Synthetic Brushes – From what I can tell, the Detail Factory were the first to offer this style of bristle in detailing. Common to cosmetic brushes, these soft bristles are best suited to delicate surfaces such as gloss trims, gloss black wheels, even dusting air vents. I think you’d have three of these in differing colours for identification; one for interior use, one for exterior use, one for wheels. Available in long or short handle with a plastic or rubberized finish, round or Tri-Grip handle, I’d narrow that down to the long handle versions for superior balance.
Boars Hair Brushes – There isn’t anything unique about boars hair bristles, so in this case you are choosing these Detail Factory versions for the superior handle and bristle attachment. As per the synthetic brushes, these have a single piece handle rather than the two- and three-piece competitors. They are also metal free and devoid of sharp edges. That means superior durability and less failure points, especially important with repeated wet and dry cycles. And compared to other boars hair brushes, the Detail Factory feel softer and safer. Again, you’d have at least three of these in long handle format for interior, exterior and wheels.
Wheel Clean Brushes – These come in two sizes, the original large and the new mini. While I prefer the Microfiber Madness Incredi-Brush for its flexible shaft, the Detail Factory alternative has a better handle and is supplied with interchangeable microfiber socks, which you use will depend on the level of cleaning ability required. In most cases, the mini is the one to go for, it will still reach to the back of the barrel, but will better deal with small rotor to wheel clearances or narrow spoke openings.
Wheel Face Brush – In terms of handle length and bristle type, there probably isn’t a clear advantage over competitor wheel face brushes. Dig a little deeper and there are some subtle improvements made to this type of brush. As per other Detail Factory items, the soft-touch rubber coating helps improve your grip, while also providing impact safety. I also really like the length and thickness of the bristles, which are also nicely soft. Everyone needs a brush like this, be that for use on wheels, or even engine bays and fender wells.
NICE TO HAVES –
Fender Well Brush – This is an extension of the Wheel Face Brush, using the same bristle pack and soft touch finish, just on the longer handle. So why is it here and the not above? Because the Wheel Face Brush is more versatile and will fit more areas. However, if you do a lot of engine bays or large SUV’s and pickups, this version can help extend your reach.
Pet Hair Brushes – Not everyone will need these, hence including them in this category. There are three versions, the “Card”, “Rake” and “Brush”. All three use a rubber edge to draw pet hair into a clump for easier removal from carpet and upholstery. Of these, I’d favour the card style.
Trim Removal Tools – I wouldn’t say these are revolutionary, trim removal tools are pretty standard issue. These have a textured grip, although I’d like to see these rubber coated as well.
Clean Screen Bucket Guards – These are a new interpretation of a grit guard, but with a twist. The design mimics that of Detail Guardz Dirt Lock, which I found very disappointing, trapping dirt and debris at the bottom of the bucket, thus preventing this material being reintroduced to the wash media, and thus permits safer washer. The twist with the Detail Factory version is how it can be suspended above the bucket, becoming and effective a drip tray. They have also integrated a central grip point for easy removal from the bucket. Now, I just wish the local distributor would introduce these, they’ve been on sale in the US for 12-months already.
Interior Scrub Brush – I rarely need a carpet and upholstery brush, usually only customer cars. This one runs the same handle design as the tyre brush, just with softer bristles. I’d probably leave this one for carpet and cloth trim, its too firm for plastics.
Seam Brush – These are a firm bristle brush for removing debris from upholstery seams. I use these in tandem with a vacuum, the brush lifting debris for it to be sucked into the vac. Again, a specific use case but worth having if you deal with this issue a lot.
NOT WORTH IT –
Foam Applicator Brushes – These are like the craft brushes you’d get from a $2 shop, just with an excellent handle. I was somewhat pumped for these, thinking they’d be great for applying Solution Finish trim restorer. Sadly, they are pretty terrible.
Detailing Pick Tools – I grabbed a set of these out of curiosity but haven’t even used them. Designed to remove debris from cracks and crevices, they are supplied as a 4-pack with different tips. Unless you are dealing with filthy kid carriers, you probably won’t need these.
Drill Brushes – Sharing the same synthetic and boars hair bristle packs as the rest of the range, these fit into a drill chuck for more intense cleaning. Personally, I’ve never been a fan of drill brush attachments, they end up making more mess than they solve, the ultra-soft versions in particular will sling far and wide. I also find them cumbersome to work with in confined spaces like interiors. A seemingly clever idea that doesn’t translate to a need, at least in my situation.
Crevice Mini Brushes – These are a slimmed down mini version of the synthetic and boars hair brushes for cleaning vents, switches and panel gaps. Featuring a shorter and slightly stiffer bristle length, they share a similar one-piece metal free handle with a textured grip. I personally don’t have these, mainly because I find the bigger versions can do a similar job.
Brush Cleaner Cup – This was designed to provide effective cleaning of heavily soiled brushes. The raised ridges have been designed to separate the bristles and allow dirt and debris to drop from deep within the brush. I don’t know, I’m probably not the target for this tool, and I do wonder how many professionals are going to devote this much time into cleaning brushes outside of a rinse under running water.
COLOUR –
I touched on this at the start, but I love how Detail Factory have a little fun with colour. Granted, colour has very little to no bearing on performance or usability, and most people wouldn’t give it a second thought. However, as a creative, I really appreciate the effort put into the colour combinations, and the ability to colour-code brushes to specific tasks (interior or exterior use ect). The original range started off in black, white, grey and red. Since then, additional colours were added, followed by the high contrast Octane range.
DURABILITY / LONGEVITY -
Something I’ve noticed with Detail Factory is how the added cost is offset by longer service life. Being fully designed and assembled in the USA compared Chinese contract manufacturing no doubt speeds up the development process and keeps a lid on quality control. At lot of this comes from bristle quality, but the single piece handle and how the bristles are attached is what sets them apart. The old school wooden handle detail brushes DO NOT like repeated wet and dry cycles, and the two or three piece design means the bristles often separate from the handle…………….ask me how I know.
These generic brushes lack bristle quality and often separate from the handle.
When using the XL-sized Curveball and Screwball for tire dressing, these will outlast any foam applicator, and are receptive to periodic cleaning or when swapping from one dressing to another. Simply spray with APC or tyre cleaner, agitate and rinse under water, then hang dry.
THE FUTURE? –
The Detail Factory has become an expert in plastic moulding and tool design. In the future, my hope is that they continue tackling long since ignored product and tool categories, in turn making them superior to use with a detailing focus. For example, vacuum attachments and accessories. This is a market largely ignored, and yet vacuums are essential for car detailing. Apart from the Fur-Eel attachments sold by Buff-Brite, most vac attachments are cheap junk and not tailored for cars. To me, the Detail Factory could work wonders in this segment.
I’d also like to see them introduce an EZ-Detail competitor. While I really like those EZ-Detail brushes, the handles suck. I find them uncomfortable to hold with extended use, and they lack an anti-slip coating, further aggravating issue.
Then perhaps detailing related utility tools. Perhaps a high-quality holder for razor blades and plastic scrapers, and further to that, a utility knife. PPF install tools would be a no brainer as well.
With Detail Factory merging with The Rag Company, I can see the above items being very doable. Watch this space!
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