Armor-All

[davee]

I have seen a variety of comments regarding the use of Armor-All, and some conflicting.  I've just started using it to clean rails.  What are your thoughts on its use?  A good general cleaner or something to avoid?

Thanks

 

[junk731]

Be careful with any products that contain silicones like Amour All and many furniture polishes, if they transfer to the wood you are working with, they are extremely hard, if not impossible to remove and can create a nightmare for finishing or refinishing.

John

 

[Brice Burrell]

I can't imagine anyone really using Armor-All on tools.  I know they make a cleaning product, I don't see any advantage to it.  I use Bostik TopCote on my guide rails.

 

[nickao]

I use Armour All to bring the black on my tools back. One guy I know used my drill and it slipped out of his hand. Once he found I used Armour All he never let me live it down. He said I had to much time on my hands to clean all my tools like that.

I never had any transfer issues from Armour All at all. I do only use it on the black parts of my tools though, Top Cote for sliding surfaces.

 

[Ken Nagrod]

Being in the detail business years ago, I used Meguire's products and 3M.  Both make high quality reliable items and for anything requiring Armor All, I'd use Meguire's #42.  They also make a cleaner to use prior to the application of the #42 and if memory serves me right, it was #40.  The #42 doesn't do damage to surfaces, doesn't make them slick by leaving a residue, contains no silicone and actually nourishes things like plastic and vinyl for a longer life.  Those numbers are typically for shop use, so you might not find them listed like that in a retail store, however you can check their website for the "retail name".

 

[Sparktrician]

I agree with Ken regarding Meguiar's products.  I've also found that "303" Protectant (http://www.303products.com/shop303/index.cfm/category/65/303-aerospace-protectant.cfm) is a great product where sun gets into things and causes degradation.  I use it for things like the cockpit cover on my sea kayak and other vinyl items.  Armor-All is an item I used a long time ago, but won't use again.  If I need slippery, I'll use a good silicon spray. 

[smile]