If you had to pick only one power tool for detailing.

[My Detailing Guys]

If someone was starting out in the detailing business, and they only had enough money to purchase one power tool that gave them versatility, plus the accessories the tool would need, what would you suggest?

What applications would you tell them they could use this tool for when detailing?

[FUNX650]

BendPak's: HDS-14X Four Post Lift 14,000 lb. Capacity Long Style.

Bob

[Marc08EX]

I would pick the Flex 3401. It's so versatile and powerful. It's truly the best of both worlds (RO and Rotary).

[alko]

Porter Cable 7424XP!!! Especially for beginners.

[DLB]

Without any question, the vacuum cleaner.

You CAN polish paint by hand, but you ain't gonna suck dirt out of carpet.

DLB

[daveinsweethome]

8hp master blaster might replace the vacume by blowing it out. ha ha

[alko]

Without any question, the vacuum cleaner.

You CAN polish paint by hand, but you ain't gonna suck dirt out of carpet.

DLB

yeah...yeah...he's got a point there. LOL!!!!!

[BobbyG]

I think the Porter Cable 7424xp would be the dual action polisher I'd choose. This is a very well made machine and is much more powerful then the 1st generation which is the one I have.

With a 5 1/2" pad there is very little that this machine cannot do.

Griots enjoys the accolade of having the most powerful motor of this style polisher. However, from what I read on many forums it's also seems to have the highest failure rate and its sales are far less than that of the Porter Cable 7424xp.

Porter Cable has been in the power-tool business since 1914 and that's got to say something for their tools....

[alko]

I think the Porter Cable 7424xp would be the dual action polisher I'd choose. This is a very well made machine and is much more powerful then the 1st generation which is the one I have.

With a 5 1/2" pad there is very little that this machine cannot do.

I picked up the 4" LC CCS pads along with 5 1/2" CCS pads for the PC7424XP and they worked great on my car.

[Kristopher1129]

If all you can afford is one power tool...I would keep saving. You're gonna need more than one tool, that's for sure.