Decibel Readings of Various Polishers

As I was getting interested in a new polisher I had kept researching decibel readings as I often try to work at night and in the garage and prefer to avoid annoying neighbors to the best of my ability. Polishing at night is beyond a rare occurrence but I was still intrigued. So when I got the Flex I knew I wanted to make this information known. I can't speak for the accuracy of this test but for reference OSHA recommends a maximum of 85 decibels constant for an 8 hour day. This adjusts for less time as decibels increase. Above that rating long term hearing may be affected. A 10 decibel change is registered as roughly twice or half as loud depending on the rating. So small changes and differences in readings can show noticeable change. This test was done using an iPhone 6 3 ft away from a polisher facing upward with no pad on it. Each polisher was turned on and tested multiple times via a locally sourced app. Here is a photo.

And the data in decibels for each polisher and backing plate combo. There was no difference in sound on the Porter Cable with a 3" backing plate or a 6 " backing plate.

Device	Speed	Decibels
PC 3"	1	81
	2	82
	3	82
	4	84
	5	87
	6	89
Griot's 5"	1	86
	2	86
	3	87
	4	88
	5	91
	6	91
Flex 5.5"	1	85
	2	86
	3	86
	4	86
	5	88
	6	89

And a final photo of the equipment.

Recent Haul

After being out and about earning extra work and money I decided to put some of it towards some detailing gear and a few tools.

In here:

• Metric/SAE Gearwrench Flare Nut Wrenches
• 3/8" Torque Wrench
• Blackstone Oil Testing Kit
• Flex 3401
• Lake Country Interchangeable Backing Plate Kit
• Wolfgang Exterior Trim Sealant
• Wolfgang Spritz Sealant (Sample)
• Blackfire Wet Diamond Polymer Sealant
• Sonax Full Effect
• The Rag Company Assortment
• Dry Me a River
• Edgeless Blue's
• Metal Polishing Towels
• Interior Towels
• On Order still
• Assorted 5" Hybrid Pads
• Ultima Interior Guard
• CarPro CeriGlass
• SONAX Upholstery and Alcantara Cleaner

Should be some fun times up ahead.  Just initial thoughts on the Flex are the ergonomics are much greater than the Griot's and Porter Cable.

Blog Update

After being gone for a few months bouncing around the country for work, earning extra money, the detailing addiction is still as strong as ever.  Expect many new reviews incoming as well as a new polisher.  Some new products, some old ones, and overall just in time for some warmer weather.

Thanks for reading!