What is with the current ads, all basically offering the piece of junk for $19.99, plus shipping & handling, & they’ll send another free, you just pay the S & H.
Billy Mays is having a field day. First there was ‘OxyClean’, then ‘KaBoom’, ‘Hercules Hook’, a car wax liquid that comes with its own power head spreader, & now he’s offering a miracle putty that will repair leaking plumbing, a broken handle on a cup, or repair car trim. He’s a modern day “Snake Oil” peddler.
I know the OxyClean doesn’t work because I bought it at the store & tried it. Chris tried the KaBoom. The hook claims were proven to be fake by a reporter who checked it out. Why would I consider getting a wax that I’d no more put on a car finish than fly to the moon. Or spend money on a putty that looks like the Silly Putty from days gone by.
I think these things are the creations of the “InventHelp” groups, that will take a potential inventor for everything they have, then get it out in the mainstream using the Billy Mays exposure method. I could very well be wrong, but it makes sense.
What ever happened to truth in advertising? Or, is it like P. T. Barnum was quoted as saying, “there’s a sucker born every minute”? Ron Popiel had a good idea in the beginning, but it’s lost something in the here & now.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Billy_Mays is enlightening.
Hey lady, I have some pens I will sell you.
P.T. Barnum never said that.
I would you call the advertiser of the product and describe your reaction to Billy Mays. I have called. I also state that I use the mute button so I don’t have to hear him. I also tell then that I refuse to buy any product that he advertises.
I tried OxyCLean to remov e red wine stains on an expensive dress shirt; it work like a charm. I think it is a great product! I can’t speak for the rest seeing as I have never tried them.
I use the oxyclean-best product on the market. Make a paste apply to stain and watch the magic. Blueberry stain-I tried the boiling water. I tried the salt on the stain. Neither touched it. I made a paste with the oxyclean powder, applied to the stain, then I forgot about it. When the shirt and the stain were remembered…..a day or 2 later, the oxyclean paste had dried and it brushed right off. The stain was gone. Great product. I have a pipe drain that is leaking, I am going to try the putty. What do I have to lose. a couple hundred dollars because it is the actual drain on the sink that has sprung the leak and would have to be taken completely apart to fix it. Has anyone had plumbing work done lately? I live in an old victorian home that is over 100 years old. I have alot of plumbing issues. EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!!!!
In response to MJ I thought you should know some realities in regards to Billy Mays “Miracle Putty”. First, while his claims are based in reality they do exagerate the ability of this product. His “Miracle Putty” is nothing more than plumber’s putty that has been on the market for decades under a variety of different brand names. You used to be able to purchase it at most plumbing supply and hardware stores but it has become increasingly difficult to find as manufacturing companies have pushed for buy new instead of repair old. Plumber’s putty was designed to create a water tight seal or patch for a leaking pipe. It must be applied to a clean, dry, secure surface for maximum effect though. I would never try to apply it to a pipe that had water, dirt or corrosion on the surface as it won’t always stick to full effect.
In terms of what to use it on, well it works great when you accidently saw into a pipe creating a break. However, if you’re pipe is leaking because it is rusted out the plumber’s putty will fix the immediate problem but it will do nothing to halt the further corrosion of the pipe and thus future leaks will occur. You really can’t rebuild a pipe out of the putty. When applying it to pipe you need to keep in mind that if you have a large hole it will push inside the pipe and thus could decrease flow or create an obstruction causing clogs. Excess in the interior of the pipe should be removed. Also keep in mind that it will harden with age so using it to stop a leak at a place that is threaded for removal is not a good idea. Go buy a twenty-five cent gasket instead.
I would also add that it can be used to rebuild other surfaces. For example I use it to fill in gaps on ceramics and other models prior to painting. It is great for these types of crafts. Keep in mind that you have a very short working time, about two minutes, before the product becomes unmalleable. It can be sanded and/or carved after full set, about 24 hours, though.
Is it worth it? Well like everything else this guy sales it can be if you don’t expect “miracles” from it.
My husband is a 30 year plumber. My son is a 10 year plumber. Even I am familiar with plumbers putty, that is readily available at the supply houses. It’s available at places like Home Depot, Lowe’s, or Ace Hardware. They use it to secure basket strainers on plumbing fixtures. It’s not meant to repair any pipe.
What Mays is hyping is an off-shoot of ‘ProEpoxy’ that came out in the 80’s. It’s the stuff that has to be mixed to activate it.
I tried the “OxyClean” as a laundry aid. It did nothing. The “KaBoom” was a waste of money. My husband tried it. The “Hercules Hook” was shown for what it isn’t by a reporter on the news. I won’t buy anything else he’s hyping. I’ve wasted enough money experimenting.
Ordered Awesome Auger from the pitchman for $19.95 plus shipping supposedly for 5 items per his ad. A week later, after reading your blogs - too late-the box came. Too small , too light for the five offered items. I am returning the box post hast. My discover Card people today told me that they will no longer accept his companies charges. I am now writing to the US Business Bureau, The US Attorney Generals office and Florida Attorney General. For an 87 yr old ex WW2 combat officer and seniot citizen you would think that I ne better. How many of us have been scammed by this wolf in sheeps voice. Baa, baa,baa. Billy you are really a big bad wolf.
Sam in Gainesville FL
1. The Hercules hooks work like a dream. We have rotating art walls here at our Wellness Center. We currently have 77 paintings hung using the Herc Hooks. One piece is 225 lbs and two hooks are more then sturdy. I have used them for over 2 years now and they are great and never let me down. (you also never have to spackle the holes. Just use the heat from your finger and a little friction on latex based paints and the paint will expand over the wee hole. All of our artists now use Herc hooks in all the exhibits. I also had the Curator of a very big Seattle Art Museum as a patient and they now use Herc hooks for all installations not needing security.)
2. The Putty stuff is good in certain situations. Filling holes or fixing stuff. Saved a teapot handle, formica on a cabinet, hole in wall from old molly bolt, filling cracked texture bricks, etc…… I have yet to use on metal or pipes. I also used it to fix a heavy plastic Aqua Detox footbath with no problems after 5 months.
3. Kaboom was a ka-bust.
4. Oxy clean is a wonderful product! Being that I do about 5 loads of sheets, slippers, face cradle covers, hand towels, etc… per day I know that oxy clean not only works but is saving me a ton of money and helping the earth.
We have to have sterile sheets for our clients. Using hot water for every load was very expensive and costs through the roof. Since Oxyclean I have been using cold water washes, a 1/4 of Oxy and 1/4 of Tide and my laundry has never been cleaner or WHITER! The oxy is also good on stains, (test it first as it will bleach out stuff if left on to long, learned my lesson on wifes linen skirt!)
5. Forearm Forklift- Best new product I have ever used for moving heavy things. My wife and her friend moved a 500lbs wood mantel with no problems or sweat! I have used ours numerous times and I also used it to pull a car out of a ditch ( car to car). Them straps are strong!
I’m sorry so many of you don’t have as good success with these products as I do. Maybe I don’t expect miracles so I don’t get let down.
I have also sent products back as soon as they weren’t working and never had a problem with them stiffing or trying to screw me over.
Namaste,
Guru J
Ascension Wellness Center
http://www.AscendWell.com