How to Remove Car Door Handle Scratches in 10 Min

Scratches behind your door handle can be a challenge to remove because machine cannot easily fit behind the handle. Instead, we can simply compound and polish by hand for a flawless finish.
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Disclaimer:
Due to factors beyond the control of AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions, we cannot guarantee against improper use or unauthorized modifications of this information. AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions assumes no liability for property damage or injury incurred as a result of any of the information contained in this video. Use this information at your own risk. AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions recommends safe practices when working on vehicles and or with tools seen or implied in this video. Due to factors beyond the control of AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, and Make Rain Productions, no information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. Any injury, damage, or loss that may result from improper use of these tools, equipment, or from the information contained in this video is the sole responsibility of the user and not AMMO NYC, Larry Kosilla, nor Make Rain Productions. Video and Content are owned by Make Rain Productions © 2021

[@MrCchh7]

Love how he will show u how to clean anything from a Rolls Royce to my 2016 Camry without judgement or acting as if he’s too good to do it, and always keeps the same enthusiasm..... you sir always have a subscriber in me!! THANKS FOR ALL YOU DO

[@TofuProductionCinema]

I'm just still patiently waiting for Larry to receive his well-deserved KZbin plaque for all the time, effort and insight he's offered into helping this community. Another great upload!!

[@d.fenestrator9529]

Larry's videos are the only ones I upvote before even watching.

[@therealchemfreak]

Today I have used this technique to polish the insides of the door handles of my 2013 Mercedes C-Class. Worked like a charme with Meguiars M105 for compounding and finished with a basic 2 in 1 Cream Wax and Polish I had lying around. There was very little compunding haze, so this was sufficient. Admittedly, some deep ridges did not get out by compounding, so I assume they would need sanding. I didn't go that far today. Thanks Lary for this awesome everyday hack.

[@drewski23_7]

I’m stoked for the pressure washer discussion!! I’ve seriously been waiting on a video like that for a year!!

[@williamarden5441]

Have officially watched every video you have on here from start to finish😁

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

Interesting life you must have there detail boy.....

[@guusbouwmans5667]

5:37 Looks like someone who does this often, has a very happy and satisfied wife.

[@RagnarNomad]

Your comment made my day, lmao!!!

[@guusbouwmans5667]

R N couldn't help but place a dirty comment on such a clean channel

[@jorgeasmr7386]

Guus Bouwmans ha get it CLEAN

[@MrRangerZr1]

Man you guys are DIRTY! lol And larry loved the comment wtf! LOL

[@lhanso20]

When you’re right, you’re right!

[@everyone2975]

Thank you for this helpful video! I bought a car with horrible door cup scratches on ALL four handles! Looked so bad, I had to do something about it. New to detailing, I was able to remove the scratches using this technique. I'm thrilled! Tip: A guitar pick fit perfect for wedging the door handle open on my car.

[@spammer7993]

Thank you, this worked for my Porsche. Without any power tools. Only three micro fiber towels. One for compound, one for polish and one for wax. This winter I washed my car, and when drying I got a little rock caught in my micro fiber towel. This put a long zig zag scratch in my driver's door. I used the technique and materials here. Though I did not press as hard while compounding. The compounding took the longest. About 20 minutes. I started with light pressure, to see if the scratch was coming out. Worked my way up to medium-hard pressure. Polishing was very quick, one application of light pressure. Then waxed. Looks awesome. Thank you!

[@thatracecameraguy]

Used your advice and technic today and it worked wonderfully. Thanks so much.

[@Poyntie]

Hey Larry, have you thought about cutting up a 6" cutting and polishing pad into long 3/4"-1" wide strips that you hold on either side moving it up-down and back & forth. This way you could contour the strip to the door handle pocket as you cut & polish.

[@SRSnure]

Yet another excellent video by Larry. I love the tip about putting a piece of plastic in the door handle to prop it open! Thanks for all of your helpful videos!!!

[@AMMO-NYC]

Glad it was helpful!

[@djsebiyt]

I needed this tutorial in my life. Thank you, larry

[@DaddyoftheMack]

Nice. Reinforces I was on the right track back in 1990. I was doing that same method by hand with Meguiar's #6. I only had a Cyclo for a DA.

[@wolfy9005]

I used some hand compounding for little door dings on a car, worked mint for the white scuffs in the clear coat

[@dillanmistry]

I just meguires compound and polish and it came out great!

[@FABAutomotiveDetailing]

Great video as always! A lot of newer cars have touch sensors on the back of handles for keyless entry. Just something to keep in mind.

[@thierrylecomte4842]

Do the same, but with Hex Logic hand pads. Thank you Larry for your enthusiasm and all the tips you share.

[@moeezahmedshahaab]

Major respects for not over complicating it or making us feel like we need to buy $1000’s of dollars of equipment. Side note: You would be a great dad

[@ryanjones7754]

You and your channel are awesome...

[@LessThanHandy]

First video I see addressing this area with such great results. Thank you.

[@woncho1]

Yeah sometimes the “hand on” is the simplest & best way. For myself a hobbyist I’ve done a few. Work great 👍🏻.

[@zondepa5537]

I use dremel for that! Works great with the polish pad. Quick! Just make sure u watch ur chuck of dremel to avoid schreches while chuck is spinning.

[@bmuns6445]

Thank you for making this video and sharing your knowledge. I am looking to completely detail my car and this was very helpful.

[@nicholaspaul4847]

That Megs M105 and M205 work wonders! Larry, do you plan on releasing your own version?

[@jimdevilbiss9125]

Excellent information, very professional presentation. I really like the way use analogies such as the snow driveway and walkway. Thank you.

[@andresousa5039]

Fantastic Video Larry! Great work! Always improvising and improving! - DresDetailing

[@firelizard2]

When I cut clear bra by hand, I make a template by covering the area with masking tape, using a marker to draw the countours on the tape itself, then removing the tape and cutting out that shape I've draw in clear bra. Save the guessing or trial and error, and you can reliably re-make the same piece or even scan it and use it to cut the film digitally.

[@FIGNAS83]

This is the best video on KZbin on this subject 👏🤝

[@willoverkill]

Thumbs up for not overthinking it! Thanks Larry for the video

[@Aepek]

You can get a squeegee in there, something like the tucking molding trim squeegee may work good on something like this. Haven't actually have tried it, but I'm sure it would probably work if wanna use a squeegee. Great info vid, thx. Cheers, A

[@stevennovak7992]

Do you have a video about cleaning and polishing chrome bumpers?

[@jordanpang5748]

Hey Larry, do you have a video showing how to polish out scratches from plastic trim in the inside of the car.

[@AMMO-NYC]

Yes I do

[@X11CHASE]

I always love your delivery

[@4cnkh4]

Great work buddy, I’m not so sure on the clear cover though it makes it look dull! Anyway thanks for these tip videos man 👌

[@restonpat]

just wondering if you have a video on restoring door window trim?(Rubber next to glass) mine is old,and showing wear.Do you have a video on rubber restoration on cars?

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

Yes Pat. But you are not allowed to view it. Sorry.

[@chasejdmartin]

What would be the best way for removing oxide/watermarks on metal door and window trim. I have a Ford S Max that needs some love! Many thanks

[@raymondperez3553]

Great video!! How can you remove scratches on plastic door handles then polish them?..

[@no_handle_required]

I wish I could set up youtube to auto thumb up AMMO videos. Always legend.

[@joeydavis4410]

Hey great video Larry! I’ve learned a great deal from watching your videos and I love your attention to detail. Is there a video of yours where you demonstrate how to get scuff marks out of hard plastic like the dash or back of the seats!? What is best to use on hard interior plastics? Thanks

[@juanc8634]

how can i remove dry wax from trims and black plastic parts?? i love your videos, hugs from brazil !!!

[@mgrg15]

Larry, same process for getting in and around badging as well?

[@proside338]

What products do I purchase? If u said in the video I missed it and its not clear in your description. Do I purchase the Ammo Paint Regimen Kit? I have a ton of scratches on handle from previous owns wife wedding ring it seems… Let me know what to buy so i can attempt to remove them, Thanks!

[@alexandersimonsen2715]

Love that especially you say “don’t overthink it” 😅

[@WadeWilson-]

Hey Larry, ever thought about making a review about electric polishing machines? I'm not sure these machines can maintain a constant torque in order to make a good finish. Btw great video as always :)

[@AMMO-NYC]

Great idea!

[@jdisdetermined]

Any advice for doing this on a black 2013 VW Passat? Scratch depth and consistency appears slightly less than demo vehicle, albeit the majority of scratches are in the handle recess itself. Using multiple rounds of extreme cut compound stepped through to final polish applied with microfiber and heavy pressure as shown. It is definitely showing big improvements, but still visible scratches when looking from angles. Nothing is down to metal or catches on a fingernail and I can remove similar scratches using a DA. Doing extensive prep before coating and sealing the hell out of it with layers of armor. Paint on this car is very sensitive, literally a fingernail tap will leave a mark. Sorry for the text wall everyone.

[@kxpes]

I would say that we don't need profesional polish tool. Because i don't polish too often, i bought foam for polisher, and cut screw to use it on drill, downside if someone is not paying attention, burning clearcoat if super easy as i read. But it works.

[@mikemartin4428]

Been watching your videos and they’ve been a lot of help for fixing issues on both mine and my wife’s vehicles. Thank you very much for what you do. I’ve got an issue that I’m hoping you can help me with. I have a New Edge Mustang Cobra and it has leather seats with a suede center inserting the seats. I’m the 3rd owner of the car and for the most part the seats are in excellent condition especially giving there age. The only thing wrong with them is that in the suede sections of the front 2 seats there starting to develop a pile affect similar to I guess what cotton bed sheets tend to do over time. I’m hoping there might be a way or a trick to maybe correct or remove the piling affect from them without having to completely replace or re- apoulster them. Would you maybe have any tricks or advice that I might could try to get rid of that piling affect that has started occurring? Thanks

[@Elcasadekotse]

Hey ammo! i know imn kinda late, but how can i prevent swirl scratches on my car? aside from bad carwashes, is constantly using compounds to remove light scratches ok? or is that going to lessen the life span of the paint? thanks!

[@haggencharman]

This man is every car guy's best friend

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

Yup, he'll even buy you a steak and a beer if you stop by his shop!!!!

[@stephaniev.7287]

What is the name of the white paste used to remove scratches? Also where can I find it?

[@JaegerOmega]

What do you use for your 2 inch pneumatic polisher? I'm trying to find a good one.

[@HUszeman]

Awesome! : ) It reminds me my first detailers experience years ago. At that time I did not know that after correction the naked paint must be protected. Any guess how long a carnuba wax last under the door handle? W/o clear bra of course.: ) Thank you for the vid Larry, a quality one as always.

[@richmond806]

Hey Larry whats your opinion on ceramic coatings on cars?

[@dezzymeriei]

Okay so I’ve never buffed or polished my car or any car before. I bought compound and polish, but don’t know what pads to use for each. I have a wool pad but that’s it. Help!

[@lwwahlert]

Outstanding! Common sense advise. Loved shoveling your driveway with a spoon. 🤣

[@chrisgarcia1331]

It look me 3 Days to compound and polish my car. Its a EK hatch, a repetitively small car. i will definitely go over it with a polisher again in the future.

[@borachon26]

You're the man Larry.

[@MBisFrenchy]

If I don't have a polisher what should I use when touching up paint that was keyed down to the metal with filler, primer, paint, clear coat? I know to do it by hand but what compound and polish do you recommend?

[@ctsean]

Would you recommend this process for one single small clearcoat scratch (like 2" long) on a fender?

[@AMMO-NYC]

If that's all you have then yes but if you have a polisher then use that as you'll get better results with less effort. Thanks for watching

[@markfulton3633]

Is this a Subaru issue? I notice this a lot on Subaru’s. I own a 2018 Outback.

[@padraigkeegan3215]

Loving all you're videos Larry. Really helpful. Just wondering will results be as good by hand?

[@andyogrady6600]

Hi is it possible to buy your products in the uk?

[@adam03753]

I think most of these scratches come from rings, not nails

[@leoniehenderson2175]

Not true. I wear no jewellery and have short natural nails and my door handle area is toast. Shabby Subaru paint. lol

[@brianluna7836]

Nickhead87 I think it's because some people are competent enough to grab the handle rather then shoving their hand in recklessly.

[@jzila9900]

It just happens because dirt and dust collect in there ,and you scratch it without realizing

[@zachdiaz1927]

Where can I get the clear bra you decided to use? Can you give me a link or something? Thanks.

[@wutdadilyo]

Wow I had this question on my mind for a long time. Thanks for finally answering it!

[@thedarkageisnow]

An autotriz is the smallest buffer I know . You have to connect it to rotory buffer of drill. About $200 aus. From France I think

[@ericsanchez7388]

Great, Awsome!! Matt is super cool I found you’re channel from Matt’s channel awesome work! Thanks. I have the the 3” mini and it just never disappoints and always awesome results.

[@b8addict]

Great video Larry. Are you typically using speed setting 3 for both compound and polishing when using the Rupes Mini in general?

[@AMMO-NYC]

Not necessarily....just on this car or case

[@lanii330]

Can you give me some advice i want to compound my car with m100 and polish m205

[@Gomjokk]

Why not get a Autotriz nano polisher instead for jobs like this and interior detail?

[@Holtii14]

Those scratches around the handle looked deep, how did they all come out?

[@timbuehner6369]

Very surprised you didn't use the iBrid for the outer portion of the handle! Either way, came out great!

[@stephencarbonaro5462]

Great video Larry. Spot on as usual.

[@LeakyWadersAdventureClub]

Just fyi on many modern cars there is a hole on the side of the door to remove the handle. I can remove handles and correct on about the same amount of time if not faster. Plus less likely to damage the handle.

[@0SimpleSam]

Taking the handle off on some cars with the other type of handle only accessible from the bottom can be really hard. It's hard on my lexus gs400

[@StreetDrivenDaily]

Great video Larry ! Can you do a video , HOW to remove Residue from rear bumpers? like carbon / build up from the exhaust :) Which product would you recommend :) thanks!!! cheers!

[@StreetDrivenDaily]

Tobias Belz thank you

[@UncIe_Drew]

Thanks, I may just take the 2 minutes to take the handle off first though. Usually you dont even need to take a door panel off for the exterior handle.

[@JackOfHearts42]

Your stuff is so amazing. I'd love to see a video done from your point of view or a POV video! Keep sharing your wisdom ;)

[@juanmorehome]

awesome video! Thanks Larry!

[@CarlosLopez-gv8cx]

Awesome video thanks for the class

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

Carlos, you will never have any class. That's just the way things are in life. Some have it, some don't....

[@zs9458]

I’m not sure how often you paint cars but how would you paint a door handle with touch sensors?

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

You don't. You only paint your nails.

[@buddaman200522]

Larry thanks for everything.

[@deaftodd]

My biggest question is how to handle those pale paint on hoods, tops and trunk areas if there's a clear coating on it? My best guess is to polish or wet sand it down, apply OEM paint in those affected areas then apply clear coat to let it overlap a little over those cleaning existing clear coat? Lastly, polish again to even out those original clear coating and new clear coating. Will that work? I assume the OEM paint will eventually not match because of the sun's bleaching affect over the time. Why not use a very high gloss hard paint so that all it needs polishing so that clear coating doesn't need to be required. Where's the straight easy answer for this?

[@juiceflippin24]

LARRY I MISS YA VIDS.... U NEED MORE VIDS OFTEN...

[@LightSportMan]

I am new to this can you please put links to everything I need to buy

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

Not possible. "We don't need no stinking links" said Lancelot Links of the Evolution Revolution….

[@ScotWalt858]

Very nicely done! Thanks!!

[@JuanPerez-yy5hr]

Thanks Larry great job

[@azigarage147]

What polishing compound you use with meguiars pads?

[@AMMO-NYC]

meguiars m105 and m205

[@r4junator]

Larry the type of guy to clear bra his clear bra

[@eddiem2783]

Great video! Thanks Larry

[@philzrad]

I use the polishing cone with a drill on my exhaust tips, how do you clean once you're done polishing? My cone is a nice jet black color from all the carbon build up!

[@WarPigRS]

Phil Es He has mentioned in a couple of videos that carbon buildup won’t scratch your paint. If it’s thoroughly cleaned but stained black you should be totally fine.

[@philzrad]

And how would one clean the foam? With what solution or product? I'm not using it on paint, just my chrome/metal exhaust tips.

[@WarPigRS]

Phil Es Car Cleaning Guru has a 10 minute video on how he cleans exhaust tips. You can use the head to polish, and use a 1:5 or 1:10 all purpose cleaner and a microfiber cloth to clean them.

[@Aepek]

Lastly, kinda wish had Playlist of all your tools & products that you use. Know a pain, especially if in diff vids, but makes easier to do a search for a particular item or vid. A suggestion, is all Thanks, A

[@a.k1311]

I knew you would fall for the Kränzle !!!

[@moneygeewtee]

As always great job. Thanks for the helpful tips. Take care.

[@Courtyardx]

Larry, when will reflex be back in stock?

[@AMMO-NYC]

A few weeks. We are working on some exciting stufffffff

[@Courtyardx]

AMMO NYC Great! I just ran out yesterday doing one of my cars and luckily I had some skin and creme to top it off with

[@raymondperez3553]

And if the handles are plastic chrome?

[@mbcustomcarcare6569]

Very well explained thank you fort the tips your Chanel is awesome 👍🏻

[@GaLaKtIkclan]

"Would you move snow off your driveway with a spoon" I literally laughed out loud at that question 😂

[@billiebobbienorton2556]

Not funny. People in third world countries do it that way.

[@wyattoneable]

Always top notch instructions. Thank you.