The Best Cordless Car Polisher For Paint Correction

I’ve recently transitioned from corded polishers to cordless polishers, and I couldn’t be happier. If you’ve used a corded polisher for any amount of time, then you know there are some drawbacks to using them. Not that they are inadequate or shouldn’t be used; they just don’t have the ease of operation you’d get with a cordless car polisher, which is why I made the switch. 

What Is A Car Polisher? 

A car polisher, also known as a buffer, is a tool used to polish and buff the paint on a vehicle. Polishing helps to enhance and prolong the shine of the paint. Additionally, using a car polisher can help protect the paint by removing contaminants and prepping the paint surface to accept protection, either in the form of a wax, sealant, or coating - creating a barrier against environmental factors such as UV rays and bird droppings.​

Why Do We Use Car Polishers?

If you’re someone who wants to have their paint dialed in, then polishing the surface of your car is a no-brainer. For as long as I can remember, I’ve always done paint correction first whenever I’ve gotten a new or used car. It’s an uphill task, but the outcome is well worth it. I find myself having a different kind of appreciation for the car I’m polishing because I’m able to see more of the car’s true paint color. Ten out of ten times, it looks so much better than when it left the factory.

When you hear the phrase “paint correction,” that’s the process of removing surface scratches, swirl marks, hazing, marring, and other imperfections using either a rotary or dual-action (DA) polisher. Doing the paint correction procedure doesn’t mean these defects won’t come back at some point; they will inevitably return. When they do, it’s either because of external conditions and/or improper car washing techniques. I’ll probably paint correct (or polish) my car(s) every year and a half because I want my paint to be close to perfection. This isn’t something you have to do, but if you’re like me and want that defect-free look, you’d want to repeat the paint correction process every one to two years.

You Won’t Regret Going Cordless

One obvious reason you’d want to choose a cordless car polisher over a corded one is you won’t have to deal with the hassle of cords and power outlets. I can’t begin to tell you how nice it’s been not to have to throw a cord over my shoulder to polish. I like this battery-only business a lot. Now that we’ve immersed ourselves in the Milwaukee ecosystem, you will have a vast catalog of batteries to choose from, but I’m telling you to go with the XC6.0 battery and call it a day. I suggest getting two if you don’t already have Milwaukee tools.

There are many benefits to using a cordless polisher over a corded one, like:

• Working in tight spaces
• Increased mobility
• Improved safety

With a cordless car polisher, you don't have to worry about finding a power outlet or extension cord to plug into. This means that you can take your polisher anywhere, whether working in your garage or on the go. This tool is perfect for mobile detailers. This increased mobility also makes it easy to take your polisher to car shows or meetups to touch up your car before the event.

A cordless polisher also improves safety by eliminating the risk of tripping over cords or pulling the polisher out of the outlet. This is especially important when working on a car, as any accidents or mishaps can cause damage to your vehicle or injury to yourself. If you’re still going to be using a corded polisher, just use common sense and be aware of your surroundings. If you purchase one of our pro lock extension cords, you won’t have an issue pulling cords out of the wall. 

In addition to these benefits, cordless car polishers are also easier to handle than corded models. This makes them easier to use for extended periods of time without causing fatigue. There have been countless moments when I’d get annoyed with managing a corded polisher. Not only am I trying to stay focused on polishing my darn car, but I also have to stand a certain way so the cord wouldn’t fall off my shoulder. I hated it.

Cordless car polishers also come in a variety of shapes and sizes, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. I’ll share my suggestions below. Some models are designed for small, tight spaces, while others are designed for larger, flatter surfaces. Some even have adjustable speeds and attachments to help you customize your polishing experience.

Battery Life

When it comes to battery life, cordless polishers are now equipped with high-capacity batteries that can last for hours on a single charge. This means that you can work on your car for an extended period of time without having to stop and recharge the battery. Some models (like Milwaukee) even come with a battery indicator so you can see how much power is left at a glance. The indicator light has always saved me on my Milwaukee batteries. As I’ve stated before, you want to have a minimum of two, so you can grab the other and cycle them out when one is low on power. I did a deep-dive video in 2020 with Ben from Battery Innovation Center, where he gave me a better understanding of all the ins and outs of battery tech.

In conclusion, cordless car polishers offer a number of benefits over corded models. They allow you to work in tight spaces, increase mobility and improve safety. They are lightweight and easy to handle and come in a variety of shapes and sizes. With high-capacity batteries and long battery life, cordless car polishers are a great choice for anyone looking to achieve a professional-looking shine on their car. With the convenience of cordless technology, you'll be able to focus on the task at hand and achieve the best results for your car's finish.

My Suggested Cordless Car Polishers (In order of what you should buy first)

Milwaukee M18™ FUEL 15mm Random Orbital Polisher

• The workhorse of all the polishers. You will use this one the most.
• Powerful. Doesn’t stall.
• Integrates with the Milwaukee battery system

RUPES Bigfoot HLR75 iBRID MINI Polisher

• Great for smaller sections like door sills and A-Pillars.
• Ergonomic grip.
• Powerful enough not to stall.

RUPES BigFoot Nano with iBrid Technology

• It fits into extremely tight spaces.
• Great for edgework.

Flex PXE 80 12.0V-EC Set - With the Flexible Shaft

• Jack of all trades, master of none. Very versatile. Comes with 1” and 3” backing plates. 
• The flexible shaft can polish behind door handles and even tighter spaces that the Rupes Nano cannot reach. It can be used for many different situations. 

Milwaukee M18™ FUEL 21mm Random Orbital Polisher

• Best for large, flat areas.
• Powerful. Doesn’t stall.
• Integrates with the Milwaukee battery system.