Milwaukee 5540 11 Amp 7-Inch Polisher

by Milwaukee

Product Description

Amazon.com Review

At about 9 pounds, this polisher is an easy-to-use weight and size, and the side handle can be moved to the left or right to accommodate each user's preference--very handy. The variable-speed trigger switch allows you to vary the rate of speed when you're polishing, slowing down or speeding up depending on the application (0 to 2,800 rpm), so it's easy to be precise. There's an easy-to-set dial speed control. The 11 amp motor never bogs down, making it easy to bear down when a deep polish is required. The glass-reinforced nylon handle is comfortable to grip and stays cool even after extended use. The spindle lock makes for convenient, quick accessory changes. We really like the detachable Quick-Lok cord, too. Cut or damage the cord, and--if you own other Milwaukee Quick-Lok tools--simply swap cords. Easy, right? (Plus, it encourages buying more Milwaukee tools--never a bad idea.) All in all, this is an easy-to-use polisher, perfect for general use. (Pros, however, might want something faster.) So whether you're working on your car, boat, RV, or tile flooring, Milwaukee's heavy-duty polisher will bring out the natural shine in no time. --Dori Anvinson

From the Manufacturer

Milwaukee Polishers are built with a powerful 11 amp motor that provides plenty of power to maintain the right speed. A trigger speed control switch allows speeds of 0-2800 rpm. This model will accept 7-inch accessories. A spindle lock for convenient, quick accessory changes is standard. A Quik-Lok cordset allows quick detachment of the cord from the tool for tangle free carrying and storage. Built for a long life, this tool includes helical gearing, all ball and roller bearings, and an aluminum gear case with protective urethane bumpers. Includes one 7-inch rubber backing pad, disc nut, and nylon washer.

Product Details

Product Manual [669kb PDF]

• Shipping Weight: 12 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Shipping: This item is also available for shipping to select countries outside the U.S.
• Shipping Advisory: This item must be shipped separately from other items in your order. Additional shipping charges will not apply.
• ASIN: B00004TQE5
• Item model number: 5540
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #23,370 in Home Improvement (See Top 100 in Home Improvement)
  • #14 in Home Improvement > Power & Hand Tools > Power Tools > Polishers

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

68 of 68 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars For Car Grade Polishing, This is the One to Have., June 26, 2003

By 

Bob Feeser "MillCrafters.com" (Springfield, PA USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)   

This review is from: Milwaukee 5540 11 Amp 7-Inch Polisher (Tools & Home Improvement)

I have looked all of the polishers available here at Amazon. Using something at 1750 RPMs might be ok for some finishes, but to get true high quality gloss, you need a 2400 RPM machine. Less than that, you don't bring up deep gloss. More than that, with the speed of a sander or grinder (4500=6000 RPM) will burn your finish right up.
This Milwaukee has the right speed, and it is variable if you want to go into a different level of polishing, than the automotive level. With 11 amps in the motor, you are sure to have the kind of power that will guarantee a constant speed, even when you have a 7" bonnet loaded with compound.
Another great feature is the locking collet. I had a body shop for 20 years, did a lot of high end cars, personally spent more hours on a 7" polisher than would be believable if I stated it, seriously, and locking collet would be a dream come true. Most polishers have an allen wrench based nut in the center of them, which holds the rubber backing pad to the shaft. When it is time to change a pad, it is often frustrating, because of the center nut. All you can do to change the pad is hold on to the backing pad, and use an allen wrench. That resulted in a slipping backing pad, sliding around the spindle. To have a locking collet is an engineering dream for a polisher.
Since polishers require a lot more torque, and beefy components, than a grinder, it is comforting to know that this Milwaukee has helical gearing, and all ball and roller bearings.
I have come to appreciate the heavy duty build on Milwaukee tools. Their new Lok Tor cordless drills are the highest torque in the industry. Their 11 amp sawzall is the best, and the list goes on.
I noticed a comment in the editorial review, that a pro might need more speed. NOT. This polisher covers the proper speed. A burn mark in a polished finish, looks like a raising of the material, in a little series of ridges. Another peril of too much speed is a quick burn through the finish, revealing base coats for example primer. I mention this because this is the heavy duty unit. You don't need something faster, or more powerful. You would be hard pressed to find another tool out there that does the job better. The competition, with less power, slower speeds, and that funny handle that goes over the top of the polisher is not what you want. I went into the local home center and felt that handle position just today. It is uncomfortable for polishing. You want your hand out out to one side of the head, just the way this Milwaukee is. They further enable you to choose a side, in the event that you are left handed. It gives you a wider stance with a side handle, which equals better control.
All in all this is a five star piece of equipment. It costs a little more than the competition, but the extra money is put in the tool. Highly recommended.

22 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Heavey-Duty!, October 9, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Milwaukee 5540 11 Amp 7-Inch Polisher (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is the best High speed Polisher i have evre used.It's light and easy to use.not only has it out lasted my outher polishers it stil works like it's new. It also has the best feel to the hands,it never heats up or slows down it's one Heavev Duty tool.

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars You get what you pay for., March 20, 2006

By 

E. Kasdorf (Long Island NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Milwaukee 5540 11 Amp 7-Inch Polisher (Tools & Home Improvement)

This is the third polisher I have purchased, the first two were inexpensive Craftsman units and neither lasted very long. I have owned a Milwaukee sawzall for twenty years and it has been great. This Polisher is every bit up to the quality I expected. I have used it for polishing and sanding and its power and speed range are up to the tasks. Changing sanding disks or polishing bonnets is quick and easy with no tools required, also the speed control feature makes using the unit almost fool proof. The Bottom line is you get what you pay for.