Harbor Freight DA 6" Polisher

**custmsprty** · 04-06-2016, 05:07 PM

Originally Posted by kevincwelch

Beautiful.

Question: Those swirls don't look too bad; why not use a white pad/polishing pad with Adapt? I'm curious if you tried that and then settled on the orange pad or if Adapt tends to work better with a firmer pad.

Yup, went down that road.

It's all in a show and shine write up, this may help.

2014 Nissan 370 Z Griots G21 HD Adapt 7 HD Poxy

**Mike Moore** · 04-06-2016, 05:32 PM

Just a FYI - my favorite DA in the price range is the Griots 6" with the lifetime warranty.

**kevincwelch** · 04-06-2016, 09:04 PM

Originally Posted by custmsprty

Yup, went down that road.

It's all in a show and shine write up, this may help.

2014 Nissan 370 Z Griots G21 HD Adapt 7 HD Poxy

Thanks, man. Nice write up. I will be tackling my annual detail soon and have some HD Adapt to try out... Although I think with the general condition of my paint HD Polish will be enough.

(Sent from my mobile device.)

**Capn Blackie** · 04-07-2016, 07:08 AM

I started with the HF not long after finding these forums because I didn't have the money at the time to get better and really needed something to keep me busy (girlfriend took off).
I did the various upgrades(longer cord swap, smaller backing plate) and it has done a great job but I am just doing my car and friends and family, not using it consistently.
It is a good machine but just as the others have said you can do better for not that much more. The GG would have probably been a better by in the long run, as others have said that warranty is really handy.
I'm just about to step up to the Flex but I'll hang onto the HF for either smaller jobs or working on carpets.

**Jaretr1** · 04-07-2016, 08:44 AM

If you havent already purchased HDSpeed, might also want to consider Mckee's 37 360 AIO. It is the easiest AIO to use as it literally disappears as you work it.

**VISITOR** · 04-07-2016, 09:18 AM

Originally Posted by Mike Moore

Just a FYI - my favorite DA in the price range is the Griots 6" with the lifetime warranty.

agreed and it can be bought here at AG which helps supports GG as well...

**KB in MD** · 04-07-2016, 10:25 AM

Originally Posted by Jaretr1

I highly agree. There is a difference between the PC and Harbor Freight tool. For one, the HF tool is at least a pound heavier than the PC, which may not seem like much, but when using a tool with a lot of vibration that is almost 15-20% heavier, it adds up. Its LOUD! Its also not smooth, lots of vibration. The PC is a far superior tool. Even if you use it just a few times, its worth spending the extra money.

I have both the PC & HF and cannot tell the difference in them as far a vibration or sound goes.
But I did swap out the factory grease on the HF and did not on the PC.
The HF does not bog down as easy as the PC does on curved panels.

**KB in MD** · 04-07-2016, 10:31 AM

Originally Posted by yamaharider529

Hey guys I'm looking at getting this polisher just to do my vehicles with and see most people are saying to get a 5" backing plate. My question is will any 5" hook and loop work? Also I seen some people saying to get a counterweight for the 5" plate instead of using the one it comes with. Just wondering if any brand both of these will work. Thanks

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G870A using Tapatalk

Go over to the sister site ACC. They have the open box specials and GREAT prices:
Open Box Polisher April Batch #1

**kaliagent2001** · 04-07-2016, 10:49 AM

After working with a rotary for 10 years i bought my DA from HF and i will never buy one again. Didnt last long, didnt correct well and it vibrated like no tomorrow. Spend the extra 50 and get a porter.

**Steelholder** · 04-25-2016, 11:31 AM

I bought a used hf this weekend for 20$. It worked great for wax application.I've only used a da once before this was my second time. For wax application it was AMAZING, cut my time down significantly compared to waxibg by hand.

Like others have mentioned, replace with 5in BP, add grease to gears,(very easy YouTube diy), rotate body so that on off switch is facing up and not to the left.

The previous owner added grease and it ran strong when I cranked it hopefully it lasts. If you're looking to buy a new one I'd say go for it , get the warranty for peace of mind, if it lasts you a year it'll probably run for a good while. There are three different variations of the HF 6in polisher the newest one is 62862.This version seems to address the previous BP problems it had but get an aftermarket 5in BP anyway(id go with Meguiars)