I've never used a clay bar before but I'm going to try it this weekend. What brand name works best? Any tips?

 

Adams is the best, but meguiars makes a good one too.
Tips;
Break the bar in two pieces. If you drop one, throw it away. Keep the area wet your working on.

Post pics when done.

 

The Meguire's kit has always worked well for me.. you can grab them at most Napa's.

 

maguires is a nice quality for the price. i went to autozone and spent 30 on the clay bar set and some better detail spray. i FULLY reccomend the maguires wax right after you do it otherwise all your hard work is a waste. it makes the truck feel like glass when youre finished worth the few hours its gonna take. theres a how to video by maguires on youtube and its very informative if youre a newb

 

I use the Mother's kits. Walmart sells than for like 12 bucks. wash your car good, not need to dry it. make sure you use ALOT of lube when claying. if you EVER drop it, discard it. other than that, have fun. cheap way to make the paint smooth as glass.

 

Griot's is the best I have used to date (having used Mothers and Meguirs)...

www.griotsgarage.com

 

that's kinda overkill for the average guy with his daily driver.

 

It depends on how you drop the claybar. If you drop it flat on and it doesn't roll, you could just pick it up gently and cut/shave off the outer layer with sand/dirt on it. No need to waste a good piece of clay.

 

Clay bars are cheap. Not worth damaging your paint. IMO
This is why I always break mine in half.
Plus I'll buy a couple at a time, in case I drink to much beer.

 

I like the Meguiars kit (comes with the spray, two bars and some wax). I don't use the wax that comes in the kit, I use their quick detailing wax and it works wonders.