porter cable handle question

[c5errr]

hi guys
im just wondering is there any way i can install a griots polisher (handle) on a pc or any other handle looks similar to griots on the pc ?

 

[longsdetailing]

Personally I haven't really tried to swap out handles like you mention. The preferred method is to work without a handle by placing pressure over the top of your PC above the pad. But to each his own and whichever method suits your end goal is what matters.

 

[AutowerxDetailing]

I threw the handle in the garbage the first day I used it.

 

[c5errr]

I threw the handle in the garbage the first day I used it.

hahaha im about to do the same
because its really useless and i just put my hand on the front panel of the pc all the time

 

[RZJZA80]

I used the handle when I had mine even though it was annoying and got in the way because removing it caused a lot of vibration and noise which was even more annoying.

 

[loudog2]

It's easier without the handle. Espeacially with paint cleaners like lime prime. One handed with the lite weight PC.

 

[RhetoricMixes]

I dont use the handle anymore since it interferes when trying to get at odd angles on cars. Just place your hand on top of the unit and itll be much easier on your arm and hands because theres less vibration when holding it that way.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

hi guys
im just wondering is there any way i can install a griots polisher (handle) on a pc or any other handle looks similar to griots on the pc ?

The further away your hand is away from the head of the unit the more stress you'll put on your forearm muscles and the more engery it will require to control the tool.

Just an option but like others said, just remove the handle and bolt the cover on so the cap won't slide off...

Handle? Or No Handle? - Using DA Polishers Without the Handle

How to bolt on the Porter Cable Plastic Head Cap

My personal preference with any of the popular DA Polishers is to use them without the handles because they get in the way, decrease control over the tool and fatigue your arm muscles faster than buffing without the handles.

As shown with pictures in this thread, the Griot's Garage and the Meguiar's DA Polishers have a locking tap on the inside of the plastic head cap to keep the cap from sliding off should you choose to use the tool without the handle.

On the other hand, the Porter Cable plastic head cap does NOT have a locking tab to keep the plastic head cap in place and can easily slide off during use.

A quick fix shared by Mister B in this thread is to simply bolt the plastic head cap onto the head of the polisher using the same threaded holes used for the stick handle.


Here's how to bolt on the Porter Cable Head Cap


First you'll need to get two 5/16 - 18 x 12 Socket Head Cap Screws, I picked these up at Lowe's...

You'll also want to get two 5/16th matching washers.

As you can see this is the same size thread used by the stock handle for the PC

Place one washer onto the threaded portion of the hex head bolt and then use a 1/4" Allen Wrench to tighten.

Repeat this to the other side with the other bolt and washer...

Here's an overhead shot to show the bolts in no way interfere with buffing your your grip...

Ready to go without the handle and you don't have to worry about the plastic head cap sliding off while you're buffing out your pride and joy...


:xyxthumbs:

 

[wysiwyg]

The further away your hand is away from the head of the unit the more stress you'll put on your forearm muscles and the more engery it will require to control the tool.

When I first received my GG polisher, I used it with the handle and found Mike's statement to be very true.

I removed the handle, and it provides much better control and does not place nearly the same stress on your forearm muscles.

 

[Old Tiger]

I used the handle when I had mine even though it was annoying and got in the way because removing it caused a lot of vibration and noise which was even more annoying.

It's easier without the handle. Espeacially with paint cleaners like lime prime. One handed with the lite weight PC.

I dont use the handle anymore since it interferes when trying to get at odd angles on cars. Just place your hand on top of the unit and itll be much easier on your arm and hands because theres less vibration when holding it that way.

I agree with all, The D-Handles arent any better. Hand on Head works best for me even on my Dewalt 849X.

 

[BillE]

A little word of caution concerning the Porter-Cable...

Check your thread size first on the handle if you decide to put the cap screws in.

It appears that the newer PC's are using metric - M8x1.25.

Bill

 

[BobbyG]

I use my Porter Cable 7424 without handles....rops:

As you can see in the photo below neither of my dual action polishes use handles however both rotaries do....rops:

 

[vet]

I finally put the bolt/washer in my PC. The first time the cover came off, I thought I broke the thing. Thanks to Mike for posting the 'fix'. Knowing the right thread and length made it easy.

I tried the handle, and prefer it without.

 

[Eandras]

The further away your hand is away from the head of the unit the more stress you'll put on your forearm muscles and the more engery it will require to control the tool.

Just an option but like others said, just remove the handle and bolt the cover on so the cap won't slide off...

Handle? Or No Handle? - Using DA Polishers Without the Handle

How to bolt on the Porter Cable Plastic Head Cap

My personal preference with any of the popular DA Polishers is to use them without the handles because they get in the way, decrease control over the tool and fatigue your arm muscles faster than buffing without the handles.

As shown with pictures in this thread, the Griot's Garage and the Meguiar's DA Polishers have a locking tap on the inside of the plastic head cap to keep the cap from sliding off should you choose to use the tool without the handle.

On the other hand, the Porter Cable plastic head cap does NOT have a locking tab to keep the plastic head cap in place and can easily slide off during use.

A quick fix shared by Mister B in this thread is to simply bolt the plastic head cap onto the head of the polisher using the same threaded holes used for the stick handle.


Here's how to bolt on the Porter Cable Head Cap


First you'll need to get two 5/16 - 18 x 12 Socket Head Cap Screws, I picked these up at Lowe's...

You'll also want to get two 5/16th matching washers.

As you can see this is the same size thread used by the stock handle for the PC

Place one washer onto the threaded portion of the hex head bolt and then use a 1/4" Allen Wrench to tighten.

Repeat this to the other side with the other bolt and washer...

Here's an overhead shot to show the bolts in no way interfere with buffing your your grip...

Ready to go without the handle and you don't have to worry about the plastic head cap sliding off while you're buffing out your pride and joy...


:xyxthumbs:

One thing I did with the cap head screw was to dip them in the rubberizing paint so that if you have a mishap it would help alleviate the situation. The rubber would actually prevent some scratches.

 

[Mike PhillipsMike Phillips is verified member.]

I agree with all, The D-Handles aren't any better. Hand on Head works best for me even on my DeWALT 849X.

Just a guess but I think people think the D-handles are good because they look like a good idea. Looks can be deceiving.

I don't like handles on any tool for the most part and when it comes to a rotary buffer I like a stick handle. Two reasons,

1. you can quickly remove it if you don't want to use it by simply twisting it out. With a D-handle you need to get out your hex head wrenches. Not a big deal but as easy to do with a stick handle.


2. With a stick handle, you can quickly and easily move the handle to side of the buffer that works best for the panel you're buffing out. Can't say that about a D-handle.
​

But... the D-handle looks like a good idea...

 

[bmwohio]

Seems like Lowes is the only place to get these. My Home Depot did not carry these. They only went as small as 3/4 in length. Save yourself a trip and go to Lowes. That is all, works great, thanks!