Harbor Freight DA Polisher - New

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I bought a HF DA last year, started it up and after using it for a few minutes threw away the backing plate that it came with and replaced it with a LC 5.5" backing plate. I also turned the on/off switch to the top and added better grease to the gears. It has more power than my PC and I use it for corrections now. My PC I use with 4" pads. For my needs it runs better than the PC.
 
I love the Chicago Electric DA Polisher, Its more powerful than the PC, it feels more balance and just performs corrections way better than the PC for a fraction of the price ($59). A detail newbie should start with this machine primarily then perhaps move on to FLEX or Rupes.
 
I went and picked up the da polisher. Used it for about an hour. The shaft of the wheel broke loose while doing the trunk lid, flew across the garage. Fortunately it didn't do any damage to the car, but wrecked my LC pad which isn't cheap. I would never by a tool film then again. Stick with flash lights and duct tape from HF.
 
Jmarra said:
I went and picked up the da polisher. Used it for about an hour. The shaft of the wheel broke loose while doing the trunk lid, flew across the garage. Fortunately it didn't do any damage to the car, but wrecked my LC pad which isn't cheap. I would never by a tool film then again. Stick with flash lights and duct tape from HF.
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Stuff breaks, go and return for a new one.
 
Jmarra said:
I went and picked up the da polisher. Used it for about an hour. The shaft of the wheel broke loose while doing the trunk lid, flew across the garage. Fortunately it didn't do any damage to the car, but wrecked my LC pad which isn't cheap. I would never by a tool film then again. Stick with flash lights and duct tape from HF.
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Pictures would go a long way here. Please better describe the part that broke. Were you using the HF backing plate?

Did something actually break? Sounds like maybe your BP was not on tight.
 
Jmarra said:
I went and picked up the da polisher. Used it for about an hour. The shaft of the wheel broke loose while doing the trunk lid, flew across the garage. Fortunately it didn't do any damage to the car, but wrecked my LC pad which isn't cheap. I would never by a tool film then again. Stick with flash lights and duct tape from HF.
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Sounds like the BP broke. The BP supplied with the HF didn't appear to be of very high quality but the polisher itself has been getting pretty good reviews by people who use it evey day, but with a quality 5" BP by LC, Buff & Shine and others.
 
I have a HF DA and the first thing I did was to replace the BP. On the BP that it came with, I noticed a wobble. Replaced it with a 5" LC BP and no porblems so far. Been using it for 3 or 4 months now. I got the warranty just in case. For a weekend warrior like myself, I think the HF DA is a pretty good value specially with the 20% discount.
 
Can't even get these DA's right now where I live. They can't keep them on the shelf. (I think it's because I live near Tuscarora Dave and he keeps buying them.) I want one.
 
kimtyson said:
Can't even get these DA's right now where I live. They can't keep them on the shelf. (I think it's because I live near Tuscarora Dave and he keeps buying them.) I want one.
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Had to go to two stores to find one for myself too.
 
Does anyone know of an interior brush that would work with the Harbor Freight DA?
 
You can purchase online and have them ship to store for free - just enter in the stores address

mfergel said:
Does anyone know of an interior brush that would work with the Harbor Freight DA?
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I'd like to know this as well
 
I picked one up. I had a pc that was ruined due to water damage. I will say it has a higher amp motor than the pc and most defiantly performs as well as if not better than the pc. the backing plate it comes with is a joke get a new one. Only issue i have is the location of the power switch being on the side and not the top. but that's no reason to go spend twice as much on a pc. Im curious how these will hold out with high hours.
 
I love mine...

Don't have a ton of hours yet, but due to a user error (Meguiars backing plate was rubbing the polisher case and binding it up), I got it so hot the motor was smoking. After letting it cool, it still runs great.
 
Can I use this machine with the 6" backing plate and pads from Adams?

I really want to learn with the PC and if need be upgrade to the Flex down the line...this would be a perfect way to have a starter tool without the $100-140 price range
 
This is the one I am talking about if it helps

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Polishing Pad System | Auto Detail | PC Backing Plate
 
if it will fit a porter cable it will fit the harbor freight version. i have one just like that but its blue and it works fine
 
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