Angle grinder buffer attachment. Angle grinder buffer attachment

Angle grinder buffer attachment

It’s not hard to see why people might be intimidated by the prospect of using an angle grinder. With all those spinning parts, it can seem like a machine designed to inflict injury. But with a little practice and some safety precautions, you too can use this handy tool to speed up your metalworking projects. In this article, we will discuss with you how to attach a buffing wheel to an angle grinder.

HOW TO POLISH ALUMINUM with EMPIRE ABRASIVES (Polishing Pads made for angle grinders)

What Is an Angle Grinder and What Are Its Uses?

An angle grinder is a handheld power tool that can be used for a variety of projects, including grinding, cutting, and polishing. It features a rotating disc that is covered with abrasive material, making it ideal for removing rust or preparing metal surfaces for painting.

You can also use an angle grinder to cut concrete, stone, or tiles. In addition, they can be fitted with polishing pads to create a high-gloss finish on stainless steel or other metals. When shopping for an angle grinder, it is important to consider the size of the disc as well as the speed of the motor.

Smaller discs are best suited for precision work, while larger discs can tackle more aggressive projects. Higher-speed motors will provide more power but can also cause more damage if they come into contact with sensitive surfaces.

The Different Ways to Attach a Buffing Wheel to an Angle Grinder

There are a few different ways to attach a buffing wheel to an angle grinder. The following are two of the most common methods.

Method 1: Use a Buffing Wheel Adaptor

A buffing wheel is a type of polishing wheel that is often used to create a high-shine finish on metal surfaces. While a buffing wheel can be attached to many different types of power tools, an angle grinder is one of the most common.

When using a buffing wheel adaptor with an angle grinder, it is important to take safety precautions. First, be sure to wear eye and ear protection. Second, work slowly and carefully to avoid gouging the surface. Finally, always unplug the tool before changing the buffing wheel.

With these safety tips in mind, you can use a buffing wheel adaptor to achieve a beautiful shine on metal surfaces. The Tools Auditor Team is constantly updated with new information and products so that you can always find what you need.

Method 2: Use a Polishing Pad

Polishing pads are a great way to bring out the shine on any hard surface. Whether you’re trying to polish metal or stone, a polishing pad can help you achieve a high-quality finish.

While you can buy pre-made polishing pads, it’s also easy to attach a buffing wheel to an angle grinder and use that as your polishing pad. All you need to do is attach the buffing wheel to the angle grinder, and then apply some polish to the surface you’re working on.

Once you’ve got a good amount of polish on the surface, start moving the angle grinder back and forth until you’ve achieved the desired level of shine. Remember to go slowly and be careful not to apply too much pressure, or you could end up damaging the surface.

Summary

In this article, we have discussed with you two of the most common methods for attaching a buffing wheel to an angle grinder. We have also provided some safety tips to keep in mind when using an angle grinder. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, we hope this article has been helpful. Thanks for reading.

Angle Grinder vs. Polisher: Are They Interchangeable?

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When it comes to polishing and grinding down materials to make a smooth surface, angle grinders and polishers are the best items you can use. The angle grinder can make quick use of its power to sand and polish and the polisher uses its aggressive method to smooth out any surface.

But though it seems that these two tools can do the same job, are they interchangeable?

Let’s take a look at what each of these tools can do and what they should be used to determine whether they are suitable for the same types of tasks or should be used for only specific projects.

Angle Grinders and Polishers: The Basics

Before we can begin talking about the main differences between these two tools, we need to define what each one is so we are both on the same page about which tool is being talked about.

What is an Angler Grinder?

An angle grinder is a tool that can grind metal and cut stucco, tile, and pavers. It can also be used for sanding, sharpening, and polishing different materials too.

It’s a tool that has a handle with a spinning disc at its end.

Together with a drill, it is one of the most common tools for handymen and construction workers.

What is a Polisher?

A polisher is a tool that is known for its aggressive finishing process that uses an abrasive and leather strop or work wheel to smooth out the surface of an item or material.

At first glance, it is a tool that looks very similar to an angle grinder.

While there are numerous applications for a polisher, it can very commonly be seen in shops working on car paint.

Angle Grinder vs. Polisher: What Are the Differences?

Now that you know the basics, let’s take a look at the differences.

Type of Rotary-Action

When you see a grinder work, you will see that the blade or polishing head spins on a single axis and does not move out of that position. This is ideal for spot removals and to make an entire surface look uniform.

Polishers often come with a dual-action head that allows you to move it at different angles. It generates heat between the pad and the backing plate, which is what smooths the surface.

Weight

The weight of these two types of tools can vary, but the rotary grinders are typically quite a bit heavier than polishers.

Since you will be holding the tool for many hours to complete your project, having an option that is too heavy can extend the amount of time it takes you to finish and can make you more sore and fatigued doing it.

Ease of Operation

When using a grinder, the single position of the head makes it easier for newer users to handle, since it doesn’t require much practice to get used to it.

However, with a dual-action polisher, the different angles of the polishing head can take more experience to get right and make it easier to make mistakes the first few times you are using it.

Speed

Although both of these tool options come with a fast speed that makes it easy to keep a steady pace for the entire project, an angle grinder is faster and has more torque than the polisher.

This is because the angle grinder, although it can work as a polisher, is made for much bigger jobs. It is also made for use in cutting pavers and metal, so it has the speed needed for that job and might be too much for newer users.

Varying Movements

Using an angle grinder will have less movement in the tool as it only spins clockwise and doesn’t make any unexpected movements while in use.

However, the dual-action polisher will have a pad that operates with a slightly varying angle of motion that keeps the material you are polishing lasting longer. This makes it able to polish better without being abrasive on the material or creating swirls.

Can You Convert an Angle Grinder to a Polisher?

If you have an angle grinder and are wondering if you can convert it into a polisher instead of buying a new tool, then you will be happy to know that it can be done. However, there are some precautions that you will need to take when using them, but we will discuss that after we go over how to convert the angle grinder.

So, when you are starting the conversion process for an angle grinder, you will need to remove the angle guard that is attached to the angle grinder. This is the plastic guard that covers the sharp blade when it is not in use. Just detach it from the main body of the grinder and set it aside.

Then, you will install the head that you want to use. You can choose which one you want to use by finding one that will work best for the projects that you will be doing. Once the head is attached to the grinder, the pad can be attached to the Velcro backing of the head.

After that, you can test out the grinder and see if everything is moving properly. If so, then you can begin using your new polisher.

However, just make sure that you work slowly until you get used to the speed, the grinder has much more power and can be tough to get ahold of at first if you go too fast.

Which of the Two Should You Get?

Now that you see the differences between these two options and what each has to offer, you can make your decision about what you want to use. If you want to use a polisher that comes with varying movement and angles, then a polisher will be a better option.

However, if you want to use something that has more power but also comes with a rotary build, then the angle grinder will be your best bet. Also, if you have an angle grinder but want to convert it into a polisher that you can use for many different projects, then you can do this with the guide above.

Just remember the differences that were mentioned earlier to help you make your decision and you will be able to find the best option for your polishing project.

Summary

Polishing tools come in many forms and whether you are looking for an angle grinder or a polisher for your next project, you can find that either one may work for what you will be doing. It just depends on what you want to do, whether you want a simple rotary or varying angle option, and how much speed you will be able to handle.

Angle grinders are much more powerful than a typical polisher, which means that they leave less room for error. So, even though these tools are similar in several ways and the grinder can be converted into a polisher, they are not interchangeable as they are made for different jobs.

So, think about what option you would rather use, and what you would feel most comfortable with, and that will help you decide which of the tools you should be getting.

How Do Angle Grinders Compare with Other Tools?

See how angle grinders compare with: bench grinders | circular saws | cut-off tools | die grinders | Dremels | oscillating multi-tools | reciprocating saws | sanders

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Best Buffing Pads

We take a look at the best buffing pads to remove scratches, swirl marks, streaks, and more on your car’s paint job.

Buffing pads are a necessary tool if you’re looking to buff, cut, polish, or correct the paint on your car. The best buffing pads are not only high-quality but also versatile and durable. Our review team spent countless hours researching and testing the best buffing pads on the market in tandem with the best buffing compounds to help those looking to get their own DIY buffing process started.

Best Buffing Pads

Best Overall: Chemical Guys BUF_HEX_Kits_8P

The Chemical Guys BUF_HEX_Kits_8P is an eight-item buffing kit that will fully prepare you to buff and polish your car. This kit consists of seven different types of buffing pads, including a heavy cutting pad (yellow), a medium-heavy cutting pad (orange), a heavy polishing pad (green), a light-medium polishing pad (white), a light polishing/finishing pad (blue), a finishing pad (black), and an ultra-light finishing pad (red).

All of the buffing, cutting, and polishing pads listed above feature Chemical Guys’ Hex-Logic engineering, which means the pads are designed to maximize surface contact area. Additionally, all of the pads included in this kit are compatible with any 5.0-inch dual-action rotaries or large-throw orbital machine backing plates. Besides the seven different types of pads, this kit also includes Chemical Guys’ Polishing Pad Cleaner to keep your pads in tip-top condition.

Our Experience

In our experience, the Chemical Guys BUF_HEX_Kits_8P is the best kit on the market for automotive buffing and clear coat paint correction.

Quality : All of the pads included in this kit were extremely high-quality. Even after we finished buffing and polishing our testing vehicle, these pads seemed to be in superior condition to any other that we used.

Versatility : This buffing pad kit was one of the most versatile that we researched or tested. With seven different pads to choose from, our review team was able to do everything professional detailers would be able to do – from removing severe scratches and oxidation to spreading glazes and sealant across a sensitive paint finish.

Durability : Even after we had fully buffed out our testing vehicle’s bonnet and utilized the kit’s foam polishing pads, all of the pads in the kit seemed to be in surprisingly good condition. Furthermore, the inclusion of pad cleaner ensures you can continue your car care longer than if you didn’t have pad cleaner.

What Customers Are Saying

than 2,200 customers on Amazon have left reviews for the Chemical Guys BUF_HEX_Kits_8P. Many reviewers speak about how easy this kit is to use due to the color coordination of pads to do different stages in the buffing process. Several customers even claim that this is the best buffing pad kit they’ve ever used.

Runner-Up: Chemical Guys HEX_3Kit_5

Engineered and developed for detailing professionals, the Chemical Guys HEX_3Kit_5 further backs the idea that Chemical Guys offers some of the best car detailing products on the market. Similar to the other Chemical Guys buffing pad kit featured in this article, this kit features Chemical Guys’ Hex-Logic engineering, which allows the pads to apply buffing compound evenly to different surfaces.

All three pads – the medium-heavy cutting pad (orange), the light-medium polishing pad (white), and the finishing pad (black) – are compatible with large-throw orbital machine backing plates and any dual-action rotaries. A hook and loop interface makes pad installation a breeze, while Chemical Guys’ Polishing Pad Cleaner allows you to clean and maintain your foam pads.

Our Experience

The Chemical Guys HEX_3Kit_5 is perfect for those who don’t want a full buffing kit, but rather a small kit that will accomplish the task at hand without requiring an exorbitant number of bits and bobs.

Putting a polishing wheel on an old bench grinder

Quality : This kit is of the same quality as the other Chemical Guys buffing kit included in this article, but simply isn’t as comprehensive. Our review team wants to make it clear that customers won’t receive a dip in quality for choosing this smaller buffing kit compared to the full Chemical Guys buffing kit.

Versatility : This buffing kit is certainly versatile, and the pads included will undoubtedly allow you to fully and effectively complete the buffing process. The only reason this kit doesn’t have a perfect score for this testing category is because there are a few more comprehensive options available.

Durability : Similarly to the eight-pack kit from Chemical Guys, we experienced no issues with durability during our testing process. Although this is a slightly smaller kit from Chemical Guys – seven pads versus three – both kits include pad cleaner to allow you to reuse your compounding pads.

What Customers Are Saying

The Chemical Guys HEX_3Kit_5 has upwards of 5,900 customer reviews on Amazon. Customers rave over the quality of the pads. A huge number of reviewers mention the effectiveness of the pad cleaner and how much longer their buffing pads last because of it. One reviewer notes that he successfully did paint correction for the first time on his truck using this kit.

Most Versatile: Autolock 6” Buffing Pads

The Autolock 6” Buffing Pads are a set of six high-quality buffing pads, five of which are made from foam and one of which is made from wool. The five foam pads are lightweight and made of durable open-cell foam, which improves airflow and brings out the highest level of shine. Included pads in this kit are the heavy-cut pad (orange), two medium-cut pads (yellow and blue), a fine-cut pad (white), a finishing pad (black), and a woolen polishing pad.

The pads included in this buffing kit feature a special design where the front and back of the pad are two different sizes, specifically a 6.5-in. diameter on the front and a 6.0-in. diameter on the back. This design reduces the abrasion of the pad, backing plate, and paint surface. All of the pads in this kit are compatible with any car polishers and machine polishing devices, like a dual-action polisher or a rotary polisher for example.

Our Experience

Our review team found the Autolock 6” Buffing Pads to be the Most Versatile buffing pads kit on the market for its inclusion of every type of buffing pad you’ll need to buff your car out like a pro.

Quality : This buffing pad kit has some of the highest quality pads that we tested, second only to Chemical Guys buffing pads. We don’t think you’ll have any complaints about the quality and effectiveness of these buffing pads.

Versatility : Versatility is what ultimately sets this buffing pad kit apart from its competitors. From heavy-cut to fine-cut pads, this kit includes everything you could possibly need for buffing and polishing a car. The kit even includes a finishing pad and a woolen polishing pad.

Durability : While we had little to no concerns about durability during and after the testing process, these pads were just shy of obtaining a perfect score for this testing category. The inclusion of buffing pad-specific cleaner is the only reason why these buffing pads don’t have a 5-star durability score. These pads are machine washable but should be air-dried.

What Customers Are Saying

About 500 customers on Amazon have left reviews for the Autolock 6” Buffing Pads. Many note that this kit is equally effective for both polishing and buffing, due to the wide variety of pads included in the kit. One reviewer states he successfully compounded the roof of his 2007 Toyota FJ with this kit. Negative reviews state that there’s no difference in grit between pads, although we didn’t find this to be true during our testing process.

Best Polishing Kit: IPELY Wool Polishing Pad

Not solely purposed for automotive use and car detailing, the IPELY Wool Polishing Pad is great for buffing shower glass and granite countertops amongst other surfaces in your home. This polishing pad kit includes four wool pads, an adhesive backer plate, and an M14 drill adapter. The M14 drill adapter allows you to attach IPELY’s polishing pads to a cordless drill, angle grinder, power buffer, and polisher.

The pads themselves are woolen sponge pads, which makes them incredibly soft so you don’t need to worry about scratching your car’s paint. A hook and loop backing design makes mounting and removing the polishing pads a breeze, while the pad itself can be washed and reused after polishing. It should be noted that the maximum revolutions per minute (RPM) this buffing pad can withstand is 8500 RPM.

Our Experience

The IPELY Wool Polishing Pad is the Best Polishing Kit on the market for its inclusion of multiple polishing pads and the material makeup of the pads themselves.

Quality : The quality of the polishing pads included in this kit were unmatched. Comparable to the other polishing pad kit in this review, this kit is lightyears ahead of the competition. Other polishing pads leave residue or bits of fiber behind, whereas these polishing pads didn’t leave behind a trace.

Versatility : As this is a polishing pad-specific kit, it won’t be very versatile. Polishing takes place at the very end of the buffing process, meaning these pads are only useful for a small portion of said process.

Durability : By design, polishing pads will be less durable than buffing pads. Buffing pads are meant to be rough and abrasive, to an extent, while polishing pads are all about softness and light touches. We experienced some loss of wool fibers throughout our testing process.

What Customers Are Saying

The IPELY Wool Polish Pad has nearly 2,100 customer reviews on Amazon. Many reviewers speak to the quality of the pads and their thickness. Several customers note that machine washing the pads was more beneficial than hand washing them. Reviewers with negative feedback comment that they expected the pads to be thicker than they were.

Also Consider: TCP Global 8” Wool Buffing Pad

The TCP Global 8” Wool Buffing Pad is a pad designed for cutting, buffing, and polishing with compounds, glazes, and polishes. The pad wraps around the edges of the backing plate to provide the largest possible contact area and to reduce the likelihood of cutting or scratching your car’s paint in concave areas. It should be noted that the pad contains a grip attachment for hook and loop backing plates, but the backing plate itself is sold separately.

The inside edges of this buffing pad feature curved and reinforced plastic backing for smoother polishing and an extended pad life. Even if one of your polishing pads is coming to the end of its life, this kit consists of three pads so you’ll have two more to use as spares. Additionally, this buffing pad comes with an M14 drill adapter to allow you to attach the pad to a cordless drill, angle grinder, power buffer, or polisher.

Our Experience

In our experience, the TCP Global 8” Wool Buffing Pad is absolutely worth considering if you need a new buffing or polishing kit.

Quality : All of the pads included in this kit were quite high-quality. The reinforced edges and the fact that the edges of the pad are covered means that this kit is already a step above the competition.

Versatility : All of the pads included in this kit are woolen polishing pads, meaning you can only effectively accomplish the polishing part of the buffing process. While this pad is great for polishing, it’s not the best for cutting or buffing.

Durability : During our testing process, these pads left bits of fiber and remnants of the pad all over the exterior of our testing vehicle. This drew concerns from our review team about potential issues with durability.

What Customers Are Saying

than 1,500 customers have left reviews on Amazon for the TCP Global 8” Wool Buffing Pad. A huge number of reviewers speak to how much they appreciate the edges of the pad being covered, as it prevented them from scratching their car’s paint. Negative reviews state that the pad sheds material while you use it.

Buffing Pads Buyers Guide

If you’ve purchased one of the best buffing pads on the market, then the only way you won’t see the results you want is from improper use of equipment. Below, our review team delves into pad speed, one of the largest determining factors for how well a buffing process will go. We also cover buffing pad care and how to get the most mileage out of your pads.

Buffing Pad Speed

With a list of buffing pads with varying compatibility on different machines or devices, it can be difficult to know how quickly your buffing pad should be spinning while in use. As a general rule of thumb, you can expect lower RPMs to mean less friction, which ultimately means less heat build-up.

Our review team found that the optimal RPM range for compounding is between 1750 to 2500 RPM. However, the optimal RPM range for finishing is between 1200 to 1750 RPM. We recommend making sure you use a drill, polisher, power buffer, or angle grinder that can support the following speed ranges for the most effective buffing job.

Buffing Pad Care

Buffing pads aren’t designed to be used once and then thrown away. Even if they were, it would be relatively expensive to do so. If your buffing pad comes with a dedicated pad cleaner, like Chemical Guys’ buffing pads do, then you simply need to follow the company’s instructions. If not, you may need to machine or hand wash your buffing pads.

If sticking your buffing pads in the washing machine doesn’t do the trick and hand washing leaves you with clumps of buffing compound, we recommend investing in Griot’s Garage Pad Conditioning Brush to work any leftover compound out of your buffing pads.

Our Review Standards

The buffing pads in this article went through two rounds of reviews. We started by searching Amazon and Advance Auto Parts for top products, looking at factors like Prime shipping eligibility, customer ratings, Amazon superlatives, and prices.

The five buffing pads that best met these standards were ordered by our team for testing.

Buffing Pads Testing Process

A team member used each buffing pad with a cordless drill and an orbital polisher, specifically the TORQX Random Orbital Polisher. During the testing process, our review team took note of each buffing pad’s performance against the following criteria:

• Quality : Arguably the most important characteristic of a buffing pad is its quality. The material makeup of the pad, whether the pad left scratches, and the effectiveness of the pad during the buffing process were all taken into consideration.
• Versatility : One of the most important characteristics of a buffing pad is how much of the buffing process it can effectively work for. Kits with numerous different applicator pads for buffing, cutting, and polishing scored highest in this category.
• Durability : Buffing pads are designed to be used more than once, but this isn’t always the case. Buffing pads that came with pad cleaner, are machine washable, or at the very least are reusable scored best in this testing category.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is foam or wool pad better for buffing?

Foam pads are better for buffing. Particularly in the final stage of the buffing process, foam pads should be used as they are more gentle than their wool counterparts. However, wool pads are able to remove deep scratches and dirt, while a foam pad cannot.

What’s the difference between a buffing pad and a polishing pad?

Polishing leaves a brushed or lined finish, while buffing removes the lines and leaves a bright luster finish. Polishing utilizes a high-grit abrasive while buffing utilizes a low-grit abrasive.

What is the best speed for buffing a car?

The best speed for buffing a car depends on what stage of the buffing process you’re at. When compounding, it’s recommended that you stay between 1750 to 2400 RPM. When finishing, it’s recommended that you stay between 1200 to 1750 RPM.

Data accurate at time of publication.

Can I Use Angle Grinder To Buff Car? | Things You Should To Know

Ann Hutchinson is the heart of the team, senior editor and our Head of Product Reviews which means she sets the testing parameters of each group review ensuring that tests resemble everyday use.

If you don’t own a dedicated buffing and polishing tool, a variable-speed angle grinder is ideal for the job. However, beginners must practice caution while using high-speed power tools on delicate surfaces like the exteriors of a vehicle.

Unlike professionals who own stacks of buffing and polishing tools, most DIYers rely on a good quality angle grinder to buff their car.

After all, no matter how careful you are, car paint is bound to wear out due to various external factors. Consequently, one needs a versatile tool like an angle grinder for all sorts of car restoration projects.

So, if you’re wondering if an angle grinder can double up as a car polisher, keep reading!

How Does An Angle Grinder Work?

• Shaft Size
• Wheel Guard

• 1. Spindle Thread
• 2. Power
• 3. RPM

• 1. A Dedicated Buffing And Polishing Tool
• 2. Cordless Drill

• Work Gently
• Mind The Weight
• Take Breaks

• Steps To Polish Metal With An Angle Grinder

An angle grinder features a rotating disc (or any other attachment) that moves in a single direction at variable speed. According to the action required, like buffing, cutting, grinding, etc., you can choose the appropriate option from the variable speed settings. However, not all angle grinders offer this setting.

Uses Of Angle Grinders

A high-quality angle grinder works well in multiple scenarios. For instance, fast-spinning angle grinders are ideal for cutting tiles as they create clean and crisp edges. Similarly, you can use them for cutting stones, too, though smaller-sized units will be better for more precise cuts.

The carving discs on angle grinders also make them suitable for carving and planning wood. So, if you’ve been planning to make simple furniture, look no further! However, keep in mind that due to the size and speed range of an angle grinder, it is not recommended for intricate woodwork.

Lastly, with enough practice, you can even use an angle grinder for sharpening tools. As such, it works as an excellent alternative to a bench grinder, provided you know how to angle and control the device.

Buffer Vs Angle Grinder

Shaft Size

The shaft size of the two tools is essentially what makes them different from one another. So, if you’re wondering, “ what size angle grinder do I need? ” let us tell you that most angle grinders boast a 5/8-inch diameter spindle and 11 threads per inch.

As such, when using it for buffing and polishing tools and vehicles, we suggest attaching a spindle extender. Doing so will add about 2 inches to the device, making it easier to work with.

Wheel Guard

The wheel guard is another useful component of your regular angle grinder. It is added for safety reasons, and hence, it is best to steer clear of angle grinders without a wheel guard. However, you may need to remove it while buffing and polishing to enjoy extra clearance.

Can You Use Angle Grinders To Buff And Polish Your Car?

The answer to this query depends on three factors, as listed below…

Spindle Thread

The angle grinder should have suitable spindle thread dimensions so that you can connect various polishing attachments and use them as and when required.

Power

The angle grinder must offer a power range similar to that of a polisher. However, the amount of power required may vary between 600W-1000W or even go beyond that.

RPM

Car polishing and buffing demand delicacy, so having a variable-speed angle grinder is essential. Ensure that the device can operate at 3000-3500 RPM for the best results.

Overall, keep in mind that regular polishers are not as powerful as angle grinders. So, using fast-spinning grinders is completely out of the question. In fact, you should remain careful while using any type of rotary tools, not just angle grinders, for buffing and polishing.

over, we recommend using a dual-action polisher since they are easy to use and dissipate heat, making them ideal for beginners.

What Other Tools Can You Use For Buffing And Polishing?

Typically, an angle grinder operates at a fixed speed of 8000 RPM or more. This speed is obviously not suitable for it to be used as a buffing and polishing machine. So, if you don’t own a variable speed angle grinder, here are some alternatives you can consider…

A Dedicated Buffing And Polishing Tool

Such tools are specifically designed to get rid of defects, scratches, and more from painted vehicles.

But despite being a very useful tool, its use case is limited. Yet, if you’re someone who doesn’t mind going the extra mile to keep your car in top condition, buying a polishing tool can be a valuable investment.

Cordless Drill

A cordless drill with buffing and polishing attachments can also make a cost-effective option if you don’t own a variable-speed angle grinder. The device features variable speed settings, ranging between 500-2000 RPM. Not to forget, it is fairly easy to use – all you have to do is turn it on and adjust the speed with a flick of a button!

However, you may struggle with the orientation and the inertial forces of a cordless drill. As such, controlling the pad for a consistent finish may be difficult.

Things To Remember Before Using An Angle Grinder To Buff Your Car

Work Gently

Most angle grinders are used for heavier work like cutting metal, removing mortar, sharpening tools, etc., and offer more torque than polishers. So, we recommend working gently while the pad is moving. Concentrating on one part for too long may burn the car’s paintwork, and that’s the last thing you’d want!

Mind The Weight

Ensure the angle grinder is compact enough to be held at awkward positions. Usually, heavy-duty grinders weigh a lot, so be careful before working with one.

Take Breaks

Working at high speed will obviously ruin the car paint. Similarly, working continuously at low speed can make the motor heat up due to reduced cooling/airflow. So, to avoid any mishaps, it’s best to take breaks whenever you notice the angle grinder getting too hot.

How To Polish Metal With An Angle Grinder?

Before getting started, check if you own the following items…

• Felt polishing and buffing flap disc
• Premium-grade abrasive flap disc
• Scotch Brite or Easy Strip disc
• Basic polishing compound kit

Steps To Polish Metal With An Angle Grinder

If your car displays minor rust stains, signs of oxidation, scaling, or chipped paint, just attach a Scotch Brite or Easy Strip disc to the angle grinder and get started.

Follow it up with an abrasive flap disc to even out rough edges. These flap discs are usually made of zirconia abrasive ribbon, which is an effective and affordable component for metalworkers.

Next, apply a generous layer of polishing compound on the affected area and use a felt polishing disc to clear out any leftover obscurities. Although doing these steps is enough for a neat look, you can repeat the process to remove stubborn saw marks.

Safety Precautions To Take While Working With Angle Grinders

Make sure you keep all other tools and toolboxes away while using an angle grinder to avoid any damage. Do keep tools that you may require in easy-to-reach areas.

Similarly, organize the power cables and place them behind you or away from the work area to avoid tripping.

When in use, angle grinders produce sparks that may ignite flammable substances like oil, diesel, gasoline, paper, etc. So, remove anything that can easily catch fire to avoid accidents.

Earphones, jewelry, or any other intricate pieces that can get stuck in an angle grinder should also be removed.

It’s better to be safe than sorry, so we always recommend keeping a fire extinguisher handy while working with angle grinders.

Never use electrical appliances in wet and damp areas. If it is raining, it is best to wait till it stops before you start working.

Lastly, protect your eyes, ears, lungs, and hands by wearing appropriate clothing and accessories. We recommend wearing safety goggles, earplugs, thick gloves, and full-length work pants.

Angle Grinder To Buff Car Final Words

That said, we hope this guide on using an angle grinder to buff and polish cars helped you learn a thing or two about this versatile device. Unlike rotary polishing machines, a standard angle grinder will cost you a lot less and work just as efficiently, if not more.

However, we must add that you will need practice and patience to work with power tools like angle grinders. But that’s just a small price to pay for a smooth and shiny car!

Before signing off, we recommend checking out our article on CR123A batteries for a better understanding of how they work in angle grinders. Consequently, you’ll be able to use these batteries to make your device work smoothly.