Used DA polishers - what to look for?

[DBAILEY]

I would check to make sure that the power switch locks and doesn't slip out of position (failing switch) and that all of the positive stops on the speed dial are working.
Check that the running machine's power is steady and doesn't ebb-n-flow (brushes going bad).
I would bend the power cord a few inches at a time from one end to other while it is running to see if the power cord is going bad (broken wires). The problems are usually where the power cord protective boot ends or close to the plug.
I would grab the backing plate and see if it wiggles and rocks back and forth to see if the free spinning spindle bearings are worn and loose.

[prostar]

I would check to make sure that the power switch locks and doesn't slip out of position (failing switch) and that all of the positive stops on the speed dial are working.
Check that the running machine's power is steady and doesn't ebb-n-flow (brushes going bad).
I would bend the power cord a few inches at a time from one end to other while it is running to see if the power cord is going bad (broken wires). The problems are usually where the power cord protective boot ends or close to the plug.
I would grab the backing plate and see if it wiggles and rocks back and forth to see if the free spinning spindle bearings are worn and loose.

@dbailey Thank you! That's a good checklist of what issues may arise. Have you successfully troubleshot these issues before? I love to tinker and bring dead things back to life (thus the high interest in detailing lifeless cars).

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[DBAILEY]

Yes, but only on my own polishers. Usually cord or brushes. I've bought 2 used machines in the past but there were no problems.

[yakky]

The pads the owner has will tell a better story than anything else. If it comes with 3 or 4 barely used pads, you probably have a winner. Dozens of worn out pads, pass!

[briarpatch]

Awesome input and advice guys! In general, it sounds like picking up a used established BRANDED polisher is a safe play. Even if it has an issue, some tinkering could fix it or send it in for repair.

Does Griots warranty carry over to a 2nd owner?

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yes it does....Griots customer service is outstanding

[VISITOR]

Griots customer service is outstanding

agreed ^
1. they actually answer their phones/emails. 2. they don't blame the customer and/or have a negative/talk down tone. 3. they do what they can to make the customer happy. 4. back their products 110% 5. your hard earned money is your voice, spend it wisely with a company/business that appreciates you like GG. 6. many other great things that make this company worthy of having some of their products in your detailing arsenal.

[prostar]

Thank you for the griots feedback. Now it really makes sense why I cant really find any 2nd hand GC products. Original owners get fantastic customer service and have no need to sell off their polishers.

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[sudsmobile]

I've run my polishers through a ton of pads in the last year, I'm not sure that's a good indication of polisher life. I mean are we spending $400 on a Rupes to get 4 pads worth of use out of it?

[sudsmobile]

Speaking of used polishers, I picked up a like new used 21 Mark II on eBay today for $272.

[prostar]

Speaking of used polishers, I picked up a like new used 21 Mark II on eBay today for $272.

Is this the beginning of seeing mark 2 dropping because of mark 3 coming soon??

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