knee pad help / no laughing

[Dogrescuer]

Due to my disability I must be on my knees a lot when detailing a car. My question is can anyone recommend a decent pair of knee pads? My last pair were okay but my major complaint is that the velcro straps wear out and streeetch so you have shin guards before you know it. Im looking for more of a sort of buckle even though it may take longer to attach (I don't rush for anyone ). If you can help please share.

Steve

[Merlin]

Have you looked at the Rupes knee pads?

http://www.elitecarcare.co.uk/images/Rupes-Bigfoot-Knee-Pads-w.jpg

http://www.rupes.com/img/big/9z891bf.jpg

[Dogrescuer]

No but I will thanks.

[richy]

Due to my plastic knee, I can't kneel. I'd be lost without my 2 adjustable rolling stools.

[PWP Detailing]

I've never found a pair that was comfortable for me. I used to use them when doing flooring. I'm more into the rolling stool when doing cars but I seem to sometimes kneel on my right knee a lot because it's kind of torn up.

[Crooz1n]

I too use a rolling stool , and Find myself just sitting on the concrete on the garage floor especially since most of my polishing work is done on my Corvettes. I do try and use gardening type kneeling pads and they help. My wife bought me some knee pads when I was working in the attic but couldn't wear them for the elastic cut the back of my legs. Wish I had a lift , that I could just raise the cars about 2 feet.

[Merlin]

I have a couple of different floor pads.
https://cdn.matsmatsmats.com/images/commercial/kneesaver/kneesaver-closeup2-lg.jpg

...and a bigger folding one I got from Harbor Freight.
https://www.harborfreight.com/folding-mechanics-pad-93896.html

[GMTech]

I would agree with Merlin to try the floor pads. Much nicer not having to strap on knee pads. I have a Matco pad I use at work and is a real knee saver.

[Dogrescuer]

I've been using a pair made by Dewalt that are the best so far. I have a kneeling pad but I don't use it that much, it gets soaked when I'm cleaning tires.

[dalbon]

I also have a rolling stool so that I don't have to kneel more frequently.

[Merlin]

Here's the Bigfoot Protective Knee Pads
https://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/techno-ns/cabinet/techno_top/rupes/9_z891_bf-1.jpg https://mysonaxshop.lt/918-large_default/rupes-bigfoot-knee-pads.jpg
(https://www.carpro-us.com/latest-products/bigfoot-protective-knee-pads/)
Don't let the paw print fool you. These ARE a QUALITY product.
http://bigfootrupes.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/07/gino-395x560.jpg
I find them comfortable and easy to put on and take off.
_______________

Due to the fact this thread drifted from knee pads to stools...
Here's an article Dr_Pain (https://carproforum.com/member.php?250-Dr_Pain) did REVIEW: Creeper seat for detailing! (https://carproforum.com/showthread.php?3064-REVIEW-Creeper-seat-for-detailing!)

Here's an excerpt from his review...




1) Ergonomics
2) Cost
3) Construction
4) and Function

Being a physical therapist by profession I do support heavily the "proper ergonomics" argument, but if you were to ask my "complete" opinion on the subject this post would be a lecture that could get quite hairy. Trust me this review does not need to be that complication since we are all looking for the same thing, that is a cheap, safe and functional tool which we can abused day in day out, and replaced economically (if need be). I've evaluated several seats over the years, from the cheapo Harbor Freight option to the most expensive Kreepstool, and came to an honest conclusion on the subject. Here is what I have tried so far

1) Standard creeper seat (I believe it was from Sears for around $25)
2) An adjustable pneumatic creeper seat (from Harbor Freight for about $25)
3) An adjustable Traxion (purchased online $125)
4) Kreepstool (borrowed valued at $180)

**One I wanted to try before writing this review was the Racatac but at $225, I did not see the value of the investment despite the ergonomics

Without dragging this review let me give you my winner and personal recommendation, that is the Northern Tools "Big Red" seat (made my Torin), which can be purchase for $50 (less if you use the discount coupon). But WHY?? In evaluating all of those seats I evaluated them for cost, function and ergonomics, and I feel the Torin "Big Red" was the best without breaking the bank.

Here is a side by side of 3 creeper seats I have in my shop (two of which are destined for the landfill)

https://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=339&d=1424709610

So what makes it a winner??

Construction:

Chrome plated heavy gauge steel square tubing
Plastic tray insert
Allen head flush bolts with lock washer
Sealed bearing 3 INCH wheels
Wide padded seat
Bottle holder/cupholder
Max weight capacity is 400lbs


Here is a glamour shot of the stool in action over the weekend. Note the CarPro red masking tape which I will review, and the PF2500 (my preferred compound) sitting nicely in the cup holder.

https://carproforum.com/attachment.php?attachmentid=338&d=1424709595
_______________

I also use the Harbor Freight Folding Mechanic's Pad. It folds and stores easily.
The HF Mechanic's Pad a single/double fold depending on the thickness I need.
https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/bb/69/31/bb6931df52d5ffa71da10e5cca5c47c7.jpg

This smaller knee pad...I keep on my detailing cart. This makes it quick, easy and handy.

https://cdn.matsmatsmats.com/images/commercial/kneesaver/kneesaver-closeup2-lg.jpg

In short,
If I'm gonna be there a while I use the Bigfoot Protective Knee Pads. Quick Easy on. Easy off.
If it's quick drop and not move...I throw down the flat pads from the shop or detailing cart.
If it's a height where a rolling stool will work, I prefer using the stool so I can roll and move.

[Dogrescuer]

Update : I'm currently using a pair from Dewalt and I am very pleased; PIA sometimes of course but it's better than torn up knees.