Porter-Cable 7424 4.0 Amp 6-Inch Variable-Speed Random-Orbit Polisher

The way it's designed, most people will be able to control the tool with one hand, whether it's being used as a polisher or as its original purpose, a random-orbit sander. For those with smaller hands or less hand strength, just attach the auxiliary handle for a superior grip. It's easy to operate, easy to handle and easy on your body ergonomically.

We like that the speed dial is on the back of the body, where it's less likely to get bumped and rev up at the wrong time. The speed range of 2,500 to 6,000 rpm is great for everything from polishing to waxing and buffing and, with the right attachments, sanding, too. It's got a relatively wide orbital swing - more, we think, than most on the market - preventing swirl marks as you work, and vibration in hand is minimal.

Be aware that this polisher comes with just one polishing pad, and you'll need more than that for any polishing/waxing job you undertake. If you are using this as a polisher, you're likely going to be changing out and washing pads frequently, so we recommend picking up the hook-and-loop backer (Porter-Cable's model number is 18001) and coordinating hook-and-loop pads. It will make your polishing life easier.

The car collector, auto enthusiast and exacting hobbyist will love the finish this machine produces with virtually no effort.--Kris Jensen-Van Heste

Amazon.com Product Description
Built to last, this rugged 3.7 amp polisher has 100-percent ball bearing construction. The spiral and bevel gearing provides for smooth operation and efficient transfer of power. A variable speed dial sets the orbit rate between 2,500 and 6,000 orbits per minute for precise control. The speed dial is on the end of the motor, out of the way, preventing accidental changing of the speed. A handy slide switch prevents hand fatigue when the unit must be run for the extended periods of time that polishing operations require. The random orbit action of the special six-inch polishing pad provides a smooth, swirl-free finish. An included side handle fits either the left or right side for maximum comfort. For more versatility, this tool can be converted to a five-inch random orbit sander with sanding pad no. 13700 (sold separately).

Technical Details
Power: amps, 3.7; no-load speed, 2,500-6,000 rpm. Gear drive: spiral bevel. Wheel/Pad Size: 6 inches. Length: 11-1/2 inches. Tool weight: 5-3/4 pounds.

What's in the Box
Polisher, polishing pad no. 54745, wrench no. 48779 and operator's manual.

Applications Cleans, polishes, waxes and buffs cars, boats, recreational vehicles, motorcycles and functions as a random-orbit sander.

Meguiar's and Griot's Garage are on-line sites that cater to auto hobbyists and detailers. A cursory check of their web pages reveals that they market the Porter Cable Random-Orbital Polisher as their preferred product. I concluded, therefore, that it must be a quality product, a prudent choice and purchased the polisher from Amazon. Having never used one, I paid close attention to the reviews of those who shared their knowledge and experience through comments here.

Based solely on the comments submitted in previous reviews, I purchased the optional 6-Hole, Hook and Loop Standard Pad but didn't really know why it was necessary at the time of purchase. I also visited the Griot's Garage website and, as recommended, purchased the orange foam polishing pad and a wax removal bonnet.

Upon receipt of all the items purchased, it became obvious why the aforementioned accessories are preferable. The polishing pad that comes standard with the Porter Cable is fixed to the polisher disk - requiring the entire unit to be removed from the polisher for cleaning. While it is certainly serviceable and can be fitted with a wax removal bonnet, cleaning of the polishing pad is far easier if it can be removed from the disk. You'll want to ensure that the polishing pad used to apply auto polish is cleaned after each use to remove fine particles of dried polish that can scratch a car's finish. For those as unfamiliar with the terminology as I was, "hook and loop" is the generic description of the fastener we commonly refer to by the brand name "Velcro". The optional Hook and Loop Standard pad has a surface with microscopic "hooks" to which a polishing pad that has one surface containing the microscopic "loops" can be affixed and subsequently removed with ease. The wax removal bonnet, like a fitted sheet, is attached over the polishing pad when the user is ready to remove the applied polish.

Attachment of the handle is self-evident. The optional 6-Hole, Hook and Loop Standard Pad is attached by securing the slip nut on the polisher using the wrench that comes with the machine and inserting and rotating the threaded male-end of the disk into the female end on the polisher. The orange polishing pad that I obtained from Griot's Garage is then attached to the disk via their respective "Velcro" surfaces. The power switch is located on top of the polisher and the speed control is located at the rear.

The machine applies a thin, evenly distributed layer of polish to the surface. I then fitted the polishing bonnet over the polishing pad to remove the dried polish. The job took about one-forth the time of doing so manually and with so much less exertion. The result was a deep, brilliant, showroom finish and an operator that wasn't "pooped out" to get that finish. Subsequently, I removed the bonnet and the applicator pad from the polishing disk and washed them thoroughly with cold water to remove any embedded polish and dried particles. They are both ready to be re-used. I couldn't be more satisfied with my purchase and the results that I achieved.

I hope this helps answer most questions.


Excellent tool for DIY detailers   August 18, 2004
Chris in St. Pete (St. Petersburg, FL United States)
73 out of 73 found this review helpful

This is the tool of choice for many professional and most DIY detailers.

As many reviewers have stated the hook and loop (velcro) pad makes using this tool MUCH easier. To do a proper job on you car, plane or boat you will need to use at least two different types of pads. Thus the ability to simply rip off a pad and stick on a the next one is a HUGE time saver.

As mentioned it is a bit louder than you would expect so you may want to consider hearing protection if you are going to be using it for long periods of time.

Pad selection will depend on the job you need to do. Choosing the right pads for the job can be determined by visiting www.properautocare.com they will teach you how to use the polisher and the correct pads as well as the correct wax/polishing products for you needs.

Establishing and understanding your needs and then buying the correct pads and polish/wax is required to deliver the best results.

Your end result is completly dependent on how well you do the basics. The Porter Cable is just a tool that makes the job MUCH easier...and in a lot of cases does things that you could never accomplish by hand...however it's not a miracle worker on its own.

This is a solidly built tool for professionals and I recommend it highly. Don't waste your time with those cheapie versions...buy this and you will never regret it.


A review that tells you where to go   February 13, 2006
Richard L. Steiner (OREGON United States)
46 out of 47 found this review helpful

The Porter Cable 7424 orbital polisher is all it is advertised to be. The PC 7424 started out over ten years ago as a random orbit sander, but is now used extensively as an automobile polisher. I have taken my PC 7424 on a first use shakedown cruise and it has done a fantastic job with bringing the black paint on my ten year old car back to showroom condition. I had used one of those cheap plastic two-fisted machines I bought in an auto supply store with little success.

The Porter Cable polisher is an affordable device that gives professional detailing results. It won't burn paint and accommodates a variety of cleaning, polishing and waxing pads. The PC 7424 makes detailing a car fun to do. I wish I would have had this little giant years ago when I was cleaning up my cars with a rag.

I am not a professional detailer and I started using the polisher with little knowledge of how it should be operated. The Porter Cable 7424 comes with a foam applicator pad, a wrench and a very minimal instruction manual. I had to rely on my basic understanding of caring for automobile finishes and the directions on a bottle of Meguiar's car polish to get me started. Since the PC 7424's random orbit action just about eliminates damaging a painted surface it is very forgiving of trial and error use. This machine has a speed control in the form of a thumbwheel on the rear end so it is possible to go from 2,500 to 6,000 oscilations per minute (OPM). It seems to operate best somewhere between those two speeds.

After my first experimental experience with the Porter Cable 7424 I found an excellent article on the Internet that provided me with an extensive explanation of how the polisher works, how to use it and lots of understandable advice. It would have been nice to have this information before I plugged in the 7424 for the first time. The article has polishing hints, pad cleaning instructions and many interesting photographs.

The twenty-five page article by David Bynon (How to use the Porter Cable 7424 6" Orbital Polisher) can be found among others by going to this web site: http://www.bettercarcare.com You can find the Bynon article(s) by clicking on Detailing Enthusiast from the list on the left side of the Web page.

After buying the Porter Cable 7424 based on my own research, I discovered this machine was widely recommended by makers of car polishes and professional detailers. It is always good to know that a machine like this has a positive track record.



One Great Tool   February 5, 2003
39 out of 40 found this review helpful

This polisher is GREAT! If you buy it to polish your car, make sure you buy the 6" hook & loop pad. As one of the other reviewers wrote, get the Orange and Red pads from Griots Garage. You can also use the 6" Yellow pads from Meguiar's. You will also need wax/polish bonnets which will fit over a clean, Orange or Yellow pad. Note, watch your speed, too fast (higher than 5) and it builds up heat in the pads and bonnets, not a good thing.


Good Product   February 18, 2001
Elroy McDougal
23 out of 25 found this review helpful

This is a good product! It works well and is light weight. If you're a professional detailer however, you'll find that it lags when working on a finish that needs deep cleaning. Don't throw away your regular polisher because this unit will take much longer to get through a rough detail job than a regular polisher does. This unit is well suited for the average do-it yourselfer and light detail jobs, but you'll still need a regular polisher for brute force cleaning. Okay, that's it!