Harbor Freight 6" DA

**pwaug** · 11-02-2012, 03:09 PM

Stopped by my local Harbor Freight to pick up some shop towels they had on special so took the opportunity to look at the new DA polisher. I have to admit I was impressed--seems very solidly built and felt good in the hands. Speed switch is a continuous switch without detents at each speed. On/Off switch seems about the same as on other DAs. Power cord was soft and much more flexible than the cord on my GG6 (my biggest complaint with the GG--cheap plastic cord--kinks easily). Weight seems to be the same as the GG6. The wobble of the backing plate (when spun manually) mentioned by others seems clearly to be the lack of quality of the backing plate itself which shouldn`t be a problem since most users will replace it with a 5" plate anyhow.

Have to say if I was purchasing my first DA for use on personal cars I`d seriosly consider this unit--- so for $68 (with the 20% coupon) you`d get the polisher and at least a 2 year warranty. Only problem, that puts it within $12 of a GG6 which are frequently on sale for $80 with a lifetime warranty which I think is valuable to those of us just doing this as a hobby--3,4 or 5 years down the road if my GG breaks down, just send it to Griots for repair, but I understand how this would be a pain for a pro who needs his tools every day.

A note to those considering this unit---the price tag said it was only on sale for $59 until 11/30/12. Who knows what the price will be after that.

On another note: if you go by the rope and cord section of HF you`ll find a nice selection of spring loaded "S" clips--a two or three inch "S" clip makes a great cord clip to keep the polisher cord from falling off your shoulder. One side of the S clips to your shirt and the other holds the cord. Can`t beat it for $1.99

**IHA Mark** · 11-03-2012, 06:35 PM

Thanks for the review. I`ve been looking for a backup DA and this might be the ticket.

**Dan** · 11-03-2012, 07:24 PM

If you can get a sale price and a coupon stacked, these might be the ticket if you are on a budget, but otherwise, the griots is a better long term value.

**Thomas Dekany** · 11-03-2012, 08:43 PM

If that unit is anything like the 3D polisher, it will correct a lot faster than the GG one. That alone is worth it in my opinion.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 11-03-2012, 09:20 PM

Originally Posted by Thomas Dekany

If that unit is anything like the 3D polisher, it will correct a lot faster than the GG one. That alone is worth it in my opinion.

**IHA Mark** · 11-03-2012, 10:11 PM

Charles: I see vague similarities...

**wilfredes** · 11-04-2012, 03:18 AM

That is a great site! I saw the information is very usefule!

**strill19** · 11-13-2012, 10:07 AM

Originally Posted by wilfredes

That is a great site! I saw the information is very usefule!

Hi guys, I am new to this site but found it by trying to research this HF polisher. I just recently purchased this unit and plan on using this weekend. This will be my first time using a polisher. I bought the backing plate/pads/bonnets/polish/sealant/wax online.

I had two questions. The unit includes a wrench for removing the backing plate i get that but it also includes an allen like wrench. I`m not sure what this is for. Can anyone help? I believe it is supposed to be used under the red handle. The other accessory included were two wires...any idea what these are for?

Sorry for the rookie questions!

**Richard Grasa** · 11-13-2012, 03:59 PM

One nice thing about HF, is with all the local stores popping up (in my area anyway) is if anything happens to the machine and it`s still under warranty you can just walk int the store and exchange it, no questions asked. At least that`s been my experience in the past with other tools such as paint guns.

**C. Charles Hahn** · 11-13-2012, 04:25 PM

Originally Posted by strill19

Hi guys, I am new to this site but found it by trying to research this HF polisher. I just recently purchased this unit and plan on using this weekend. This will be my first time using a polisher. I bought the backing plate/pads/bonnets/polish/sealant/wax online.

I had two questions. The unit includes a wrench for removing the backing plate i get that but it also includes an allen like wrench. I`m not sure what this is for. Can anyone help? I believe it is supposed to be used under the red handle. The other accessory included were two wires...any idea what these are for?

Sorry for the rookie questions!

The two "wires" are actually replacement carbon brushes; you should hang on to them for use if the ones that are pre-installed in the tool ever wear out... but it`ll take you quite some time to wear them down to the point of needing to be replaced (as in, probably a few years). The allen wrench, to be honest I`m not sure what that is for but you won`t need it for anything up-front.

Just swap the backing plate out for the one you purchased, stick on a pad, plug it in and get to polishing!

**Ron Ketcham** · 11-13-2012, 04:41 PM

I order some items every month, on line, from HF, since the nearest stores are around 80 to 110 miles away. Cheaper to pay the shipping, and shipping on the buffer is $6.99.

Next order, I am getting one to compliment my Bosch and Porter Cable DA`s, at their price, why not?

Grumpy

**tom p.** · 11-13-2012, 06:05 PM

Well, that certainly makes for an interesting comparison!

**imported_Bence** · 11-13-2012, 06:21 PM

A couple of years ago I sent an inquiry to a Chinese power tool manufacturer, and the unit price would have been USD17 if I had ordered 3000 pcs... but that was a rotary.

**strill19** · 11-14-2012, 09:27 AM

Thanks! The allen wrench which has a round head is supposedly used under the red handle. There is a round hole that is fits into but no instructions on whats its intended for. Maybe to push out the other end if you to repair something?

**tom weed** · 11-14-2012, 09:31 AM

Okay, this polisher is on sale at Harbor Freight for 59.00 bucks and if you go to Retailmenot you can find a coupon code for an additional 20% off. that puts this thing at 47.00 bucks! Shipping is 6.99 and the unit is on backorder, but that`s close to giving them away! I`m going to get yet another polisher...

Tom