A mechanical hand polisher is one of the fastest ways to polish and wax your car, restoring its shine.
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A high-quality electric car polish, a combination of polish and wax, is almost every mechanic’s secret weapon. In the right hands, these items can be used to restore a car’s paintwork to showroom-quality levels, giving it a luxurious shine and an extra layer of protection against further wear. While these products can be applied by hand, polishes add efficiency, speed, and precision to the process.
There are generally two types of car shock absorbers on the market: one that rotates normally on one axis, and one that rotates semi-randomly on the head. Experienced mechanics prefer rotary dampers, whose performance is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Orbital shocks are more pleasing to the average consumer, and average speed is measured in OPM.
Never use a polishing tool on a dirty car. This will only introduce dirt into the car and cause scratches. Wash and dry the car thoroughly before you begin polishing. We also recommend that you consult your car’s owner’s manual or other professional sources to find out which painting method will work best for your car, as each coat of paint may be slightly different.
Polishers use a variety of microfiber pads or “caps” that cover the rotating assembly and are typically 6 to 10 inches in diameter. These pads range from soft to relatively coarse. A coarse pad may be needed to penetrate deep into the paint and smooth out any unevenness in the clear coat, but you’ll likely want to start with the softest product first to get used to using it. When applying the polish, move the polisher gently and evenly over the painted surface, rotating it slightly. Don’t leave the tool in one position for too long, as this can wear away the clear coat.
Also pay attention to the speed settings available. Cheap buffers usually only spin at one speed, while premium options come with a variety of slower or faster presets. Low settings are suitable for gentle touches, while higher settings may require more drastic paint corrections.
We’ve selected these products from a variety of price ranges using our personal experience in the auto detailing industry and the expertise of publications such as Car and Driver, AutoGuide and The Drive.
This Porter-Cable product strikes a happy medium between professional and consumer buffers, packing a variable-speed orbital motor into a compact, yet convenient package. Speed ​​can be set from 2,500 to 6,800 RPM, and power is supplied via an eight-foot cord.
The polishing head offers six inches of reach and only comes with a fleece cap. Fortunately, the extra six inches of padding is easy to find. The handle is located near the base of the buffer, and there is an auxiliary front handle on top that can be screwed into either the right or left position.
This kit is the cheapest and easiest to find, as it simply involves adding one or more polishing heads to any household electric drill. The valve cover is about 4 inches in diameter and comes with several brushes for tasks such as cleaning brake dust from discs.
The capabilities of this kit (like the RPM) will be entirely dependent on the drill it is attached to. You will likely not get any orbital rotation using this method either. The lack of controls and the small pad size make this product best suited for quick spot corrections. For a detailed inspection of the entire vehicle, it is better to invest more in a dedicated buffer.
This is the most affordable orbital polisher available. The polishing head is 6 inches wide and includes a wax pad and polishing cap.
Power is supplied by a six-foot cord located on the top of the unit, which can drag on painted surfaces if you are not careful. The unit only has one speed setting, which provides about 4,800 vibrations per minute.
The handle is controlled by a round “bump” on top of the motor, and we found this control method to be increasingly awkward the more we used it. It can cause hand cramps.
This design also means that virtually all vibrations from the motor are transmitted directly to the user’s wrist and forearm.
This model is mechanically similar to the Ryobi, but has some additional convenience features. The two-point handle makes long-term use more comfortable, and the 10-foot power cord is located well away from the polishing head.
However, this motor delivers slightly less power than the Ryobi, at 4,400 RPM. This is also its only speed setting.
The main advantage of this HART buffer is that it is wireless, meaning there is no need to fiddle with power cables while working. The product is equipped with a 20-volt battery that can operate for two and a half hours without recharging. Additional batteries can also be purchased to power different instruments in the HART system.
The large 10-inch head comes with an applicator and polishing cap. The manufacturer sets one speed at around 2900 RPM, which should at least match the number of vibrations per minute of our previous suggestion.
The two handles are located on either side of the motor and are not as comfortable or easy to operate as the Black & Decker tools.
This mini polisher is about the size of an electric impact wrench and features a pistol grip and adjustable front handle for maximum stability. The compact size means that the coverage area is only about three inches in diameter. The kit includes several polishing caps and a foam brush, as well as a few sanding pads in case you have any problems with the wood. Also, it does not have an orbital rotation, so you need to be extra careful when polishing.
The motor is small but powerful, with two speeds: 2800 and 7600 rpm. However, the high speed mode is better suited for rough cleaning and sanding than for polishing paint. Power is provided by 12-volt batteries, two of which are included.
Reviews mention that the battery charges quickly, but also drains quickly, lasting 30 minutes or less. The motor also gets hot with prolonged use and may require a cool-down period.
This handy DIY kit includes not only the TORQ Random Vibration Damper, but also three 5.5-inch valve covers and four bottles of Chemical Guys liquid polish, ranging from coarse to soft. The TORQ polisher has six speeds, ranging from 2,800 to 7,800 RPM, and is powered by a relatively short three-and-a-half-foot cord. Handles are located on the top and bottom of the unit, making it easy to use for either right or left handed users.
Also included are detailed instructions on how to use each Chemical Guys compound and its corresponding speed settings, making this a great resource for hobbyists looking to gain knowledge about the polishing process.
Made in the USA, this Makita polisher has a solid reputation for durability, making it a product trusted by professional polishers. The motor speed is adjustable from 600 to 3,200 RPM, and the cord is 8 feet long. An analog trigger switch also allows for additional control over power delivery, and a “soft start” feature prevents polish from splashing out while the motor is spinning.
Built-in dust and fabric filters protect moving parts for many hours of continuous operation. However, it lacks a tracking function, so it must be manually operated by an experienced technician.
The pistol grip surrounds the trigger, and the chainsaw style handle provides stability on top. The bumper is 7 inches in diameter, which provides good coverage. However, the cap is not included and must be purchased separately.