Source for hard-to-find (??) foam tipped swabs?
#1
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Source for hard-to-find (??) foam tipped swabs?
Le swab a'la Foam:
BradB, I know you have described these as having a million uses. AGranger, you have mentioned them too. So, where can I find 'em?
I searched Detailing 101 for any mention of "foam swab" and found 1-2 hits (the same ones I remembered reading in the past), that made no mention of a specific source.
I just know these swabs are VUI's (very useful items) so why are they so dang scarce? Out of stock would be one thing, but I didn't get that, just a lot of blank stares from sales clerks .
By "application", here's where I have searched so far (unsuccessfully):
Electronics/Audio:
2 Radio Shacks
Best Buy
Circuit City
Others
Pharmacy/Medical:
Wal-Mart (shhh I don't make a habit of it),
Walgreen's
CVS (CVS is the only place I found those giant 6V lantern batteries, after a different long search, made difficult because I wanted DURACELL )
Office Supplies:
Staples
Office Max
Partial credit to Office Max - they have digital cam cleaning kits for 9 bucks a pop, that include TWO measly foam tipped swabs, I took a pass.
They also sell pkgs of 20 foil wrapped, "pre-moistened" swabs for 10 bucks each, took another pass). I suppose if I was a mouse-ball, I would appreciate the pre-moistened aspects but for trim work, aint there any less expensive non-moistened alternatives?
THanks for letting me vent, gang. Going to all those places, I DID manage to find about a C-Note's worth of stuff I didn't even know I needed, so it wasn't a total wash but alas, no swabs.
Tatt
BradB, I know you have described these as having a million uses. AGranger, you have mentioned them too. So, where can I find 'em?
I searched Detailing 101 for any mention of "foam swab" and found 1-2 hits (the same ones I remembered reading in the past), that made no mention of a specific source.
I just know these swabs are VUI's (very useful items) so why are they so dang scarce? Out of stock would be one thing, but I didn't get that, just a lot of blank stares from sales clerks .
By "application", here's where I have searched so far (unsuccessfully):
Electronics/Audio:
2 Radio Shacks
Best Buy
Circuit City
Others
Pharmacy/Medical:
Wal-Mart (shhh I don't make a habit of it),
Walgreen's
CVS (CVS is the only place I found those giant 6V lantern batteries, after a different long search, made difficult because I wanted DURACELL )
Office Supplies:
Staples
Office Max
Partial credit to Office Max - they have digital cam cleaning kits for 9 bucks a pop, that include TWO measly foam tipped swabs, I took a pass.
They also sell pkgs of 20 foil wrapped, "pre-moistened" swabs for 10 bucks each, took another pass). I suppose if I was a mouse-ball, I would appreciate the pre-moistened aspects but for trim work, aint there any less expensive non-moistened alternatives?
THanks for letting me vent, gang. Going to all those places, I DID manage to find about a C-Note's worth of stuff I didn't even know I needed, so it wasn't a total wash but alas, no swabs.
Tatt
#3
#5
#6
6th Gear
Thread Starter
Originally Posted by BradB
...I also like Medical Swabs that you get at the pharmacy for a couple bucks a box. They come on a 6" stick.
I quoted BB because all along, I have expected to find the silly things at "the pharmacy", but still can't find one that carries them. Can you name a name? I'll be checking the independents if there are still any of those around.
As for the terrific links, I will probably bite on one of those bulk deals .
That reminds me, we have a neato local store called "AS&S" (American Science & Surplus) that I completely forgot about! Just even BROWSing in there, is a good time, so probably a mini road trip is in order. Let me know if you need new optics for your telescope, or some GIANT magnets, I'll pick 'em up :smile:.
BTW, those Kensington swabs are the same pre-moistened ones that I found at Office Max. 20 swabs for 10 bucks didn't seem so good, (and the website has them for $12.50)!. Plus I couldn't find info on the packaging that described precisely what they're moistened with .
I don't like the way Q-Tips unravel once you've soaked them with stuff, and then leave their lint behind with "vigorous" use. They ARE a great idea though, right up there with Post-It Notes and paper clips.
Gratefully,
Tatt
#7
The only "swabs" in my big post are probably there because BradB had a lot of input on that "Detailed Detailing Process" thread.
I am a big fan of the cheapo foam 'paintbrushes' that you can buy at any painting supply store, Home Depo, Ace, Lowes, etc... They are invaluable for engine detailing. You just spray your rubber/plastic dressing on the foam and paint on... no need to spray directly at the component and splatter it everywhere!
I am a big fan of the cheapo foam 'paintbrushes' that you can buy at any painting supply store, Home Depo, Ace, Lowes, etc... They are invaluable for engine detailing. You just spray your rubber/plastic dressing on the foam and paint on... no need to spray directly at the component and splatter it everywhere!
Trending Topics
#8
The pharmacy I get mine at is an independant, maybe that's the difference. And there is a local medical supply place close to me that sells things to doctors and clinics (everything from knee braces to wheelchairs) and they have them as well.
Maybe it's time to hit the Yellow Pages? Sorry your having such an ordeal finding them, but they are worth the look!
Maybe it's time to hit the Yellow Pages? Sorry your having such an ordeal finding them, but they are worth the look!
#11
6th Gear
Thread Starter
I really DO "RTFM", just not the phone book!
Originally Posted by PARTSMAN109
Hey tattman, are you looking for these?
http://www.griotsgarage.com/search.j...=14&search.y=8
http://www.griotsgarage.com/search.j...=14&search.y=8
http://www.absolutesci.com/shopexd.asp?id=22356 - or like this:
http://www.absolutesci.com/shopexd.asp?id=22355
Originally Posted by BRADB
Maybe it's time to hit the Yellow Pages? Sorry your having such an ordeal finding them, but they are worth the look!
I initially thought one trip to the corner store would be the end of it. This turned out OK though.
Originally Posted by agranger
I am a big fan of the cheapo foam 'paintbrushes' that you can buy at any painting supply store, Home Depo, Ace, Lowes, etc... They are invaluable for engine detailing. You just spray your rubber/plastic dressing on the foam and paint on... no need to spray directly at the component and splatter it everywhere!
I like the "chiseled" tips on some of the foam brushes - you can really get stuff INto grooves and tight spaces, and feel like you're not merely doing a superficial job.
Anywho, we can close this case if need be. You guys hooked me up like always,
Edit: Squirlz that is something I should have THOUGHT of, thank you.
Tatt
Last edited by tattman23; 05-20-2005 at 07:10 AM. Reason: saw Squirlz's post after I uploaded
Thread
Thread Starter
Forum
Replies
Last Post
ECSTuning
Vendor Classifieds
7
01-04-2019 12:51 PM
ECSTuning
Vendor Announcements
0
08-12-2015 01:24 PM
ECSTuning
Drivetrain Products
0
08-11-2015 11:58 AM
ECSTuning
Vendor Classifieds
0
08-10-2015 02:03 PM
ECSTuning
Drivetrain Products
0
08-10-2015 01:59 PM