Tool · Polishers
Polisher type finder
Pick a polisher type to see how it moves, its orbit throw and pad sizes, the jobs it suits and the maker cautions that apply, from tool makers' own documents.
Short answer
Choose a polisher type in the finder on this page to see how it moves, its usual orbit throw and pad size, the jobs it suits and the cautions its makers give. Not sure where to start? Most owners begin with a free-spinning dual-action polisher, whose plate orbits and only turns freely,[1] then decide on throw and pad size.
Which type is which
| You want to know about | Type pages |
|---|---|
| How the plate moves | Free-spinning DA, forced-rotation DA, rotary |
| Orbit throw | Short-throw DA, 15 mm long-throw, 21 mm long-throw |
| Tight areas | Mini, multi-mode micro |
| Power source | Corded, cordless |
A single machine can belong to more than one row. Makita's XOP02Z, for example, is a cordless short-throw machine with a selectable forced-rotation or free-spin mode and a 7/32-inch orbit.[2]
How the motions differ
- Free-spinning dual action: RUPES explains that the backing plate orbits and is free to rotate; if friction stops rotation, the motion becomes purely orbital.[1]
- Forced rotation: the plate orbits and is forced to rotate through gearing, which RUPES says is more aggressive and generally vibrates more.[3]
- Rotary: the pad spins on a single axis. Auto Care HQ says rotaries build heat and friction faster and are mostly used by experienced users.[4]
Throw and pad size
Maker examples span the range. RUPES lists 5 mm for its gear-driven LK900E,[3] 12 mm with a 3-inch plate for its HLR75 mini[5] and 15 mm with a 5-inch plate for its LHR15ES.[1] Milwaukee pairs its 15 mm 2684-20 with a 5-inch pad and its 21 mm 2685-20 with a 6-inch pad.[6][7] Each type page shows the throws and plates that belong to it.
What each type page shows
- Motion, orbit throw and backing plate, from maker specifications.
- Speed range and power source, with the maker's own figures where they exist.
- Example models, named with their maker source.
- Suited to and cautions: the jobs the type fits and the warnings from the maker's manual.
Where the data comes from
Tool makers' own pages and manuals come first: RUPES, Milwaukee, Makita and FLEX. Independent explainers, such as Auto Care HQ, are named and used only for context, never for safety limits. When no source we checked confirms a value, the field says "Not confirmed". Maker figures describe the maker's own machine, so a "15 mm" polisher from another brand may pair with different plates and pads.
No polisher type is safe on every paint: Milwaukee's manual warns that pressure, angle and motion can still cause swirl marks or burning.[8] The car polishers overview walks through the decisions and names the polishers we list, and the pads and backing plates overview covers fit.
Choose your polisher type to see the key facts. Each one links to its source on the full page.
All polisher types
- Free-spinning dual-action (random orbital) polishers
- Forced-rotation (gear-driven) dual-action polishers
- Rotary polishers
- Short-throw dual-action polishers (5-12 mm)
- 15 mm long-throw polishers (5-inch class)
- 21 mm long-throw polishers (6-inch class)
- Mini polishers (3-inch class)
- Multi-mode micro polishers
- Corded polishers
- Cordless polishers
Questions
What is the difference between free-spinning and forced-rotation?
RUPES explains that a free-spinning random orbital plate orbits and is free to rotate, while its gear-driven polishers force the plate to rotate as well, which it says is more aggressive and generally vibrates more.[1][3]
Can one polisher do both motions?
Some can. Makita's XOP02Z has a selectable random orbit with forced rotation or free-spin rotation.[2]
Which throw goes with which pad size?
Milwaukee pairs its 15 mm 2684-20 with a 5-inch pad and its 21 mm 2685-20 with a 6-inch pad. Other makers use other pairings, so check your tool's own specification.[6][7]
Is any polisher type safe on every paint?
No. Milwaukee's manual for its dual-action polishers warns that too much pressure, the wrong angle or improper motion may cause swirl marks or burning.[8]