Weekend warriors and veteran car enthusiasts understand just how critical a car’s finish is. For those who value a polished shine, want to remove even the most stubborn, deep scratches, and who are tired of holograms resulting from their efforts to polish, buff, and wax their car, an orbital polisher is the way to go.
There are numerous types of orbital car polishers that you can use. The most common are dual-action and rotary. Most of these come with foam pads that you can change out for different purposes, including those deeper scratches as opposed to surface level swirls.
Choosing the right car orbital polisher is one of the most critical steps to helping create the kind of finished shine one might expect from a seasoned auto detailing expert or a vehicle coming off a showroom floor. It’s not just about removing defects from the surface of a car’s finish that makes orbital buffers such an essential tool. It’s also about being able to apply wax into the paintwork to bring out its luster and shine.
Once you choose a quality, versatile buffer, it’s important to realize that the pads also make a difference.
This review covers the polishers themselves. Some of them do come complete with a variety of pads.
Best Orbital Polishers you can buy today
1TORQ 10FX (BUF-501) Random Orbital Polisher
Best Overall
- Considerable attention was paid to comfort and feel when designing this orbital polisher.
- It has a thoroughly ergonomic design to the handle, and such a balance that it doesn’t wear the arms down, even under the toughest of circumstances.
- With the digital display and simple speed control buttons, this polisher offers precision and a smooth polish for any car surface.
Designed for comfort, the Chemical Guys 10FX Random Orbital Polisher provides exceptional results in a compact handheld machine. Relying on 110 volts of power, it delivers smooth operation, consistency, even under pressure, and all without the excessive drone of a loud motor.
It is lightweight and that makes it easy to use, even for a long enduring projects. The comfort grips on both ends allows even pressure to be applied, even when more force is necessary to buff out or polish a stubborn area of the car’s finish.
The controls are ideally positioned at the fingertips and the digital display allows for precise application, even when working on different surfaces and finishes. This offers an intuitive control feature that makes this orbital polisher a great addition to any toolkit.
Weighing in at a mere 7.75 pounds, this orbital polisher offers smooth power delivery, regardless of the speed setting. It is finely balanced, which is ideal for removing scratches, defects, and even swirls from painted surfaces.
Because of its design, it can even be used to apply wax, sealant, and glaze, providing more versatility in this small, compact design.
Versatile speed settings with smooth and consistent rotation.
Ergonomic and well-balanced to avoid fatigue and imperfections.
Vibration reduction technology provides for better results.
The pads included with this orbital polisher may have limited life on them.
May be limited on what it can offer deeper scratches and other surface blemishes.
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2Goplus 6-Inch Polisher, Sander, Waxer, Grinder and Buffer
Runner Up
- With six-speed settings and wickedly fast RPMs, it can accommodate just about any specific need for car enthusiasts.
- It offers two separate handles, which are great for versatility and comfort.
- Good things come in little packages. That can certainly be said about this orbital sander and polisher.
One of the great and simple features that the GoPlus 6-Inch Variable Speed Orbital Sander offers is its ergonomic design. With two options for handles, the side handle is a wonderful idea when hard, aggressive sanding or polishing is necessary. This could be perfect for deeper scratches and stubborn blemishes.
The second handle, the D-shaped handle is well-designed for longer-term work. It helps to cut down on fatigue for long-term polishing projects. It can also be used without holding either of those handles if that is the preferred position.
It is durable and lightweight, coming in at just 7 pounds and due to the copper motor design, it can withstand heat and extensive use, providing a durable, long-lasting polisher for personal and business use.
Ergonomic and well-designed with different handle options for short, aggressive application and long-term, slower polishing and buffing projects.
A solid motor design prevents stalling, even under intense pressure.
It offers an aggressive throw and even with highly oxidized surfaces, it will outrun any blemish so long as the user keeps up with the pads’ necessary maintenance and upkeep.
May not be as smooth as some other orbital polishers.
It can be considered by some to be a noisy device, which may be tempered with a different grease application.
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3Porter-Cable 7346SP Random Orbital Polisher / Sander with Polishing Pad
Best Value
- A broader spectrum of RPMs, this orbital sander and polisher offers exceptional power for even the most stubborn problems on any cars finished.
- With a compact design and a side handle, it is ergonomically designed for short, stubborn projects.
A hefty, compact design delivers solid results with consistency. A two-position removable side handle offers a higher level of comfort as well as control for the left and right-handed individuals.
The Porter-Cable Random Orbital Sander also includes a six-inch proprietary counterbalance, which makes it optimal for six-inch sanding and polishing pads. This provides a greater range for quicker work of larger surface areas.
The 4.5 amp motor delivers strong power and consistent speeds, even under pressure. The variable speed dial can be set from 2,500 to 6,800 orbits per minute.
Weighing in at a lightweight 6 pounds, it offers a full ball and roller bearing design that withstands even the toughest, everyday professional use in applications. It can be used for both auto as well as marine projects and comes equipped with a six-inch polishing pad as well as a sanding disk.
Thanks to the roller bearing construction, it can knock out scratches and swirls quickly, restoring that original, wet appearance to the clearcoat.
Incredible lifespan, able to hold up under consistent, hard work day after day for months on end.
The Porter-Cable name is synonymous with durability and this one is no exception.
Can produce some significant vibrations that can cause discomfort for some individuals.
There may be certain questions regarding the durability of the attachments that come with this particular model.
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4Flex XC3401VRG Positive-Drive Rotary-Orbital Polisher
Honorable Mention
- A solid, consistent speed is what delivers a polished surface. That’s what this orbital polisher delivers. Another great advantage is that the motor will automatically shut down to protect from damage in the event the carbon brushes wear down too much.
- With the high powered motor, this device can handle consistent, difficult loads.
A simple, straightforward design calls on the user to apply firm pressure right over the pad. This is optimal for buffing out scratches, swirls, and other problem areas of a car’s finish. The knob grip that is the signature of the Flex Rotary Orbital Polisher is removable, which offers a level of versatility inherent in its design.
The accelerator trigger switch is a safety feature not inherent in all orbital polishers, but can make this one more attractive for those who value safety, not just for themselves, but also the car finish they are working on.
The permanent direct-drive and orbital rotation provide for a smoother finish over just about any surface. That orbital rotation is innovative in the design of orbital polishers because it as closely resembles human polishing maneuvers as possible. The entire design of this unit was with polishing in mind.
While other orbital polishers may provide options for sanding, buffing, and waxing, Flex is focused exclusively on polishing, which offers more superior quality results in a shorter amount of time.
Consistent RPMs and rotation for the speed settings chosen, regardless of pressure, angle, or slope.
The direct drive feature of this orbital polisher truly delivers on smooth, consistent speed operation.
Exceptional results on deeper problems like scratches that other orbital polishers simply can’t match.
Some durability issues may be reported with Flex, and the warranty may be problematic for some users.
This unit does not come with any polishing pads, which may surprise some buyers who are used to accessories included in their purchase.
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5Adam’s Swirl Mini DA Orbital Polisher and Scratch Remover
- Tight, compact design and lightweight, this mini polisher is the perfect complement for those hard to reach areas or contours that some vehicles have.
- It can be quite a handful, but that’s part of its design.
- It can certainly shake and oscillate in a number of different directions in order to remove swirls and scratches from the most difficult to reach places.
Optimal for small, tight, hard to reach areas, the Adam’s Swirl Killer Dual Action Polisher is not intended to be a full surface polisher. It is specifically designed for hard to access parts of the vehicle. This might include tail lights, rocker panels, rear spoilers, fog lights, headlights, and other similar surfaces.
Its performance is top-notch for what it was designed for. When you are facing complex curves, ridges, and other difficult areas to cover, this dual action polisher is ready to step in, get into the game, and hit a home run.
Another tool to add to your collection of auto detailing products, it is perfect for spot correction. The 25 foot power cord provides more room to move around the entire vehicle without having to rely on an extension cord or constantly shift your position.
It is specifically designed for use with 4 inch microfiber and foam polishing pads. The 12 mm orbit pattern makes it easier to correct blemishes and remove swirls.
Can maintain rotation on significantly curved areas quite well.
The price point on this orbital polisher is right on the money.
Simple to use for the weekend warrior or do-it-yourselfer.
It is not designed for full auto detailing work.
There are some questions regarding durability, but that may be a matter of improper usage or unintended consequences of aggressive pressure.
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Buyer’s Guide
There are numerous jobs that can be done with a random orbital polisher. Some people refer to these tools as buffers, buffing machines, and other terms of endearment. For the purposes of this review article, we’ll stick to orbital buffers.
So, what is a Random Orbital polisher?
In short, this is basically a mechanical tool that is designed to help improve the finish and appearance of a paint job on cars. It uses a combination of abrasion as well as rotation to clear out scratches, swirls, and avoid the annoyance of holograms on the surface.
There are several different types and sizes of orbital polishers, depending on the job and needs of the individual. Basically, when the motor spins, it turns a pad that abrades (or rubs against) the car’s finish. It can also be used to apply a polish, compound, or wax to protect that finish when all is done.
Random orbital buffers rotate at a high rate of speed to accomplish the goals most users have in mind.
The benefits of using Orbital Polishers compared to other types
A standard polisher is a kind you may find at your local auto parts retailer. It is generally rather clunky and bulky with a large head and a foam or fabric pad that gets wrapped around a disk.
These standard polishers are more often used for applying wax to the finish of your vehicle. You certainly aren’t going to be able to remove the most scratched or swirling patterns because of the relatively low rotation speed.
That’s what makes orbital polishers so much better than standard polishers. It’s the power, compact pad size, and speed adjustments the better orbital polishers provide that makes all the difference.
Random Orbital Polishers versus Dual Action Polishers
A random orbital buffer is a great entry-level tool for the new do-it-yourselfer who doesn’t want to cause significant damage to the car or truck he’s trying to improve. These are fairly easy to use, lightweight, and generally simple to manage.They are also highly affordable in most cases.
Then, you have the dual-action orbital polishers. These have two different rotating motions. There’s a rotating and orbiting motion. The random orbital polisher only drives the orbit and that relies on the manual force for rotation.
These dual action polishers not only force the orbit, but also the rotation. This provides a more consistent pattern when working out scratches, swirls, or other problems in the finish of a vehicle.
In most cases, a dual-action polisher has more power than a random orbital polisher, but there are limited options because of the fixed backing plate. It may also be limited in its ability to polish in the way somebody may be accustomed to because of its fixed rotation.
Random Orbital versus Rotary Polisher
A rotary polisher is basically quite simple in design. It is a little bit more difficult to control than random orbital polishers. The pad is spun in a circular motion, which creates a great deal of friction.
If you remember from basic science class, friction creates heat. Heat can cause damage to a vehicle’s finish. A rotary polisher may have greater capability and be stronger, but it is often considered quite difficult to use and it is much easier to cause damage to a paint surface.
Can you use different sized pads with an Orbital Buffer?
It is possible, depending on the make and model. It’s important to check what sizes are available and use only those that are designed to work with that particular model.
What is RPM variability?
Some buffers offer various speed settings. These can range anywhere from approximately 2500 RPMs or OPM (orbits per minute) to 6800 and even higher. This variability is often essential when working on different surfaces or especially when contending with deeper scratches or more stubborn blemishes in the vehicle’s surface.
Can a Random Orbital Polisher be used as a sander?
Depending on the make and model, it is possible. Some orbital polishers are not designed for sanding use and therefore it could cause damage to whatever surface is intended to be sanded.
Can you get replacement pads?
Most manufacturers do provide replacement backing pads as well as polishing pads for their orbital polishers. It would be necessary to connect with the manufacturer directly for those specific needs.
Conclusion
Regardless of which orbital car polisher you choose of these five, you will have a product that will help you create a wonderful finish, remove unsightly blemishes, and be proud of your car’s appearance.
While some of these orbital buffers require a greater financial investment, when you understand just how much a professional auto detailer will charge for the same work, you might just realize it’s an investment.
Keeping your car looking its best is more than just a matter of pride; it’s about protecting the finish of that vehicle for years. The better your car looks as the years’ pass, the more it holds its value.
