Is Clay Bar a scam?

[Cipher]

The more I read and the more childish and simplistic youtube I watch the more I think Clay Bar is a scam.
I used a cheap package years ago on a car and was impressed but I think the smoothness imparted was due to the slipperiness of clay being applied to the paint and not by any latter day deviation from the laws of physics.

The notion that a plastic bag over the hand is going to amplify the feel of contaminants is absurd to me.

Are there any engineers here who can debunk this mythy notion?

[Steve]

You are going to have to provide a link or three to show what you are talking about.

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[Cipher]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8InVdzi3Idk

[Guest]

It isnt a scam it is just old tech in a new unneeded package to make people go WOW!!!!. It is Polishing compound in a clay like form. If you want the best polish get a bottle of DuPont #7 auto polish, it rocks.

[Steve]

OK, I just watched that ONE video linked, there was nothing about a plastic bag over the hand.

Keep in mind that I am not an auto detailer, but that video also goes against what I have heard previously about how to handle the clay while using it. I have heard that you drag the clay bar in one direction only, not rubbing back and forth.

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[robertbarr]

I have heard that you drag the clay bar in one direction only, not rubbing back and forth.

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That's new to me, but it's possible. I've used the clay bar for ages, including on my '06 Civic, which looks remarkably good for being in its 11th year of service. I love the results.

[Nessism]

No scam about using a clay bar on the paint. It helps remove small particulates that are embedded into the paint. A pre polishing/waxing process as it were. Highly recommended.

[Guest]

I use a clay bar on my Mustang. It works great. You may not notice the effects on a motorcycle, but try it on the trunk of your car, especially if you park under a tree.

[nvr2old]

Using a plastic bag over your hand does indeed reveal roughness, too. You can also feel more with a rag. They amplify the feel of trapped dirt and particulates. Clay bars are the real deal.

[loud et]

I think member Cipher is a scam.