Harbor freight pads

[MA5177]

Are they any good? I bought a few before finding this site and haven't used them yet.

[runrun411]

IME the cutting pads are crap. The finishing pads may be better, I haven't used those yet.

[Mantilgh]

For a quick response, I have not heard good things about them here. I have not tried them though.

These are the best value here I believe, and what I have been using.

Lake Country 5 1/2 x 7/8 inch Beveled Edge Pads 6 Pack, foam pad kit, build a kit, buffing pads, curved edge pads

[The Guz]

Invest in some good pads.

[Desertnate]

The pads are total garbage.

I never had a polishing pad or cutting pad survive a single vehicle session before they started to fall apart. I had better luck with the finishing pads which hold up OK.

This weekend I needed to compound the hood of my Mazda3 to remove some scratches which would not polish out. Instead of loading up my trusty Lake Country pad, I found an old, unopened Harbor Freight cutting pad, so I thought I'd use it simply to get it out of my garage.

Before I finished the first spot the pad started to disintegrate. Three sections later the hood was finished, and so was the pad. There was pink foam chunks all over the car. It was separating right around the felt pad. I cheerfully tossed it in the trash and continued on polishing with my Lake Country pads.

[MA5177]

Mine take 6", will 5.5 work?

[Kyle_Elantra]

You will need a 5" backing plate. It is worth the investment. The smaller pads and backing plate will allow you to get the most out of the Harbor Freight DA.

[AnthonyGXP]

Years ago when I began experimenting with machine polishing, I too purchased a Harbor Freight DA along with a few pads just to test the waters with machine polishing.

To the best of my remembrance the pads weren't that bad. They got the job done for me back then, and results that I was pleased with!

They're certainly not like the new Meg's discs and LC flats I now use, but they should be fine for any weekend warrior or someone new looking to experiment.

[Desertnate]

To the best of my remembrance the pads weren't that bad. They got the job done for me back then, and results that I was pleased with!

I've never had any issues with the results. I actually still use one of their finishing pads to apply wax. My biggest problem is they fall apart after a single use.

[custmsprty]

Considering it's the most important thing touching your paint I'd invest in some quality LC or Buff & Shine flat pads. You can never have too many pads.

I'd have at a minimum 3 orange, 3 white for polishing and one blue or black to apply sealant.