Harbor Freight DA Polisher - New

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Viper, you've opened up one heckuva big can o' worms, my friend. Harbor Freight stuff is like the Dallas Cowboys. You either love 'em or you hate 'em, there's no in-between. I've never shopped at HF, but am in need of some tools, so I think I'll check them out.

When you're on a VERY tight budget, you keep all of your options open.

:D
 
dbowma said:
I bought the HF DA and the pads on sale ($48 for the polisher and $3.99 a piece for the pads). It performed like a champ with the same results I have achieved with PC, Griots , and Shurhold. Only negative from this one vehicle sample size is that on speed 6 the polisher vibrates pretty bad, and probably has more torque than needed which could be a problem for most.
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Could be the backing plate that comes on the unit causing the vibration. I noticed it is not of the best quality and has a noticable wobble when spun manually--others have noticed this also.
 
Going to head out today to get one. Hopefully they have the pads available too.
 
This is now on sale for $49.99, and with the 20% off coupon it is $39.99. I bought one and now I have to figure out what pads I should get. Any ideas?
 
so2315 said:
This is now on sale for $49.99, and with the 20% off coupon it is $39.99. I bought one and now I have to figure out what pads I should get. Any ideas?
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I have been using the Lake Country 5.5" low profile pads on my Harbor Freight DA. They work great.....even with a forceful amount of pressure being applied. You'll need to get a backing plate, too, since the one the Harbor Freight unit comes with is too big for 5.5" pads. I also bought some 4" pads and a 3.5" inch backing plate for the areas I can't get at with the 5.5" pads.

I've read that the Hydrotech pads are even more effective but I haven't tried those yet. Lastly, You might consider some microfiber pads if you are going to be doing some moderate to heavy paint correction.

Enjoy your new DA.
 
Alright, bringing this thread back.

My friend, who does detailing as side business, was detailing a ZR1 last night and his PC74724 died on him. He needed to finish the job, so he finally went out and got the HF DA for $48 with a coupon.

His review:

Power is about on par with PC but still below GG. Handle is similar is shape to Rupes, but finish and weight is definitely below par.

This is just a temporary fix and he maybe getting Rupes, but this will be his 'back-up' in the meantime.

Here is a Corvette ZR1 that he is correcting, and he said he feels totally comfortable using it. He has been detailing cars for many years now, so he is not a beginner.

Just thought I would share........

Here is an after shot, and another with a little bit of the 50/50 in the corner of the shot.

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This DA is decent enough, although it was apparently relabeled and sold under another company name (not mentioning the name) for about $150 with a case, couple pads and towels, and their AIO product. So many complaints about it, all of a sudden they "sold out" and didn't know when they would get more in. Shortly after, a comparison was done with it and the HF DA, and they looked identical in every way except color, which is 1/3 the price. IMO, for the price from HF, it's good enough for a spare, and if it breaks, oh well. I was given one of the companies kits to test and it was loud to me and seemed cheap compared to the GG offering, so it's collecting dust since then. Stick with GG and PC for better quality.

Also, I tested out the HF pads, and they aren't bad at all, but they are throw aways, they don't last that long, but on sale they are $2.99 and worth it if you are in a bind.
 
You can put just about any tool in a pros hand and they will get good results. But a pro doesn't want to be going out and buying a new tool all the time, so they buy pro tools to begin with. Just my $.02
 
I bought this last week and tested it out so far so good. I bought the 2 year warranty for $9 so i have 2 years to burn it up and keep returning. for $48 you cant go wrong
 
jwellsii said:
You can put just about any tool in a pros hand and they will get good results. But a pro doesn't want to be going out and buying a new tool all the time, so they buy pro tools to begin with. Just my $.02
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Much like you can hand any guitar to a great guitarist and he will sound great, but if you give a newbie a cheap guitar to learn, he'll be giving up within a week.
 
Hello All, Noob to the site and wanted to say hello. I found it searching for reviews for this very tool. I am proficent and certified auto detailer/reconditioner specializing in paint correction. I have over 10 years of continous experience, and always challenging myself to push further with new tools as well as experimenting with new products to keep up with the constant growing progressing field. As some had wanted someone to post a video in action of this polisher in action. I did do a video of this tool and will be editing it and posting it here in action as soon get it edited. To reaffirm what everyone else has said it is heavier than the PC. But in my opinion it is made with a better quality. More comfortable to use with the same if not more power. I had no issues with the on/off although it is tighter than the PC I like that. I used the 20% off coupon and bought the three pads that they have available for this machine and the 1 year extended warranty. The backing plate did have a slight wobble to it when you spin it but when it's in action with the foam pad you won't be able to tell the difference. I will be using different backing plates cause I use different sized pads. I have already used it several times and works just as good as it did. Of course like the rest of their products it may not work very long but we will see. Ill be hangin up my flex and PC to use this on day to day. Hope this was helpful. Video will be here soon.
 
Well I'm having difficulties uploading the video, I supposed cause of the file size. Ill post some pics of the results till I can get it figured out.
 
My PC7424XP died a week after I got it. I wish I had known about this then. Right now I'm running a borrowed PC7424XP until I get mine back from CG.
 
Harbor Freight Da junk ??

I didnt think so. Only the backplate that comes with it isn't perpendicular to the spindle thus heavy wobbly rotation. Easily fixed by buying a 5" or 6" hook and loop backplate. I work for a body shop kinda high end at any rate I've done plenty of vehicles light and dark and works fine. Similar to a Pc7424. Just remember that with that money u save u can buy additional backplates and pads. ;)
Ps that's on fresh and factory paint
 
Here is the link to my YouTube channel. I just uploaded 3 short videos on of an up close look at the polisher itself and two more of a polished hood before and after and my thoughts on the machine itself. I will publish a video here soon of me using it in action. Feel free to subscribe to my channel as well. onthespotbg - YouTube
 
swanicyouth said:
It may come our of the same Chinese factory as Griots, as the same polisher as the Griots is also sold in Europe under the name Kestrel. That Chinese company also makes a lower power 5 amp version - I wouldn't be surprised if this is the one HF sells.

As for their stuff being junk, I think some of the hand tools like sockets, extensions, and ratchets are fine for weekend warrior auto repair. I don't require a $250.00 Snap On ratchet to change my spark plugs or oil once in a while. I think for the price the performance is more than fine.
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You may not require Snap On but once you use some tools from them you wont ever go back. I once thought screwdrivers were basically all the same just different handles, I was wrong. I love snap on and best thing about it is you buy it for life. Any hand tool that breaks is replaced for free no ?s asked. I bought 3 crates of tools at an auction that was full of broken snap on tools, polished the rust off the name snap on and stopped the local snap on truck. I walked away with about 2-3 grand worth of tools for $10,
 
Update: after several uses the polisher still works great! There were a few things that concerned me that I thought some of you guys would want to know. First, if you use the pad that comes from HB it's made for a 5 1/2 in. Not the six inch that comes with it. What happens is the hook and loop chews up the edge of the pad that is exposed and not covered by the backing. Second, the wobble in the pad is a problem too. It doesn't really cause an issue with the finish it produces but it does cause a problem with comfort while using it. And if your like me you may have one of these in your hands for hours. What I did to solve this problem was just upgraded to Meg's. DA microfiber polishing system that I picked up from my supplier. It came with the new 5in. backingplate new microfiber cutting and polishing pads and polish for each. Hope this was helpful.
 
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