Griots Garage THE BOSS G15 User manual

G15 & G21 | Long-Throw
Orbital Polishers
Have fun in your garage!
®
SAVE ALL WARNING AND INSTRUCTIONS FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
Please read and understand this manual. It contains information that relates to
personal protection of you and others. The symbols printed throughout this manual
are used to help you recognize this information. Please see page 2.
Welcome to my life’s work…
We introduced our first random orbital polisher in 1992 and what you hold in your
hands is our next generation of professional-grade
polishers. These machines have been engineered
so experienced enthusiasts can achieve a Best of
Show® finish. We’ve taken the best that exists and
made it superior in every way. Drawing on our
heritage of high-performance tool design, every
detail of our all-new G15 and G21 Long-Throw
Orbital Polishers will maximize performance,
control, and comfort.
Have fun in your garage!®
Richard Griot

“Class II”
Construction
Wear Proper
Hearing Protection
Read And Follow
Use Instructions
Wear Gloves
Do Not Discard In
Household Waste
Wear Respiratory
Protection
WARNING -
Hazardous Voltage
Wear Proper Eye
Protection
Safety WarninGS & inStructionS
2
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING: To reduce the risk of injury read instruction manual. Failure to follow the
warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire, and/or serious injury. The
term “power tool” in the warnings refers to your G15/G21 Long-Throw Orbital Polisher.
1. WORK AREA SAFETY
a) Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
b) Do not operate power tool in explosive atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks which may ignite the
dust or fumes.
c) Keep children and bystanders away while operating power tool. Distractions can
cause you to lose control.
2. ELECTRICAL SAFETY
a) Power tool’s plug must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not
use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Proper, unmodified
plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
b) Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces such as pipes, radiators,
ranges, and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body
is earthed or grounded.
c) Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool
will increase the risk of electric shock.
d) Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling, or unplugging
the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts.
Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
e) When operating power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor
use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
f) If operating power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a Ground Fault
Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) protected power supply. Use of a GFCI reduces the risk of
electric shock.
3. PERSONAL SAFETY
a) Stay alert, watch what you are doing, and use common sense when operating
power tool. Do not use power tool while you are tired or under the influence of
EXPLANATION OF SIGNAL WORD CONSEQUENCES
SAFETY GUIDELINES
The definitions below describe the level of severity for each signal word.
Please read the manual and pay close attention to symbols.
WARNING Description of hazard and possible resulting injuries or death.
CAUTION Indicates a potentially hazardous situation which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.

Safety WarninGS & inStructionS
3
drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tool
may result in serious personal injury.
b) Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Use of protective
equipment such as a dust mask, gloves, or hearing protection under appropriate
conditions will reduce the chance of personal injury.
c) Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the “Off” position before
connecting to power source, picking up, or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools
with your finger on the switch or energizing power tools that have the switch “On”
invites accidents.
d) Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or
a key left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
e) Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables
better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
f) Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Keep hair, clothing, and
gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught
in moving parts.
g) Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of power tools allow you to become
complacent and ignore tool safety principles. A careless action can cause severe
injury within a fraction of a second.
4. POWER TOOL USAGE AND CARE
a) Do not force the power tool. This Griot’s Garage G15/G21 Long-Throw Orbital Polisher
is intended to function as a buffer, polisher, and wax/sealant application tool.
b) Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool
that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
c) Disconnect the power tool plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing power tool. Such preventive safety
measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
d) Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons
unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool.
Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
e) Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, and any other condition that may affect power tool operation.
If damaged, repair power tool before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
f) Use the power tool and accessories, in accordance with these instructions,
taking into account the working conditions and the task to be performed. Use
of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a
hazardous situation.
5. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR POLISHING
a) This power tool is intended to function as a polisher. Please read all safety
warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power
tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed herein may result in electric shock, fire,
and/or serious injury.
b) Do not use this power tool to perform work such as roughing, fine sanding,
brushing, or abrasive cutting. Operations for which the power tool was not
designed may create a hazard and cause personal injury.
c) Never use accessories that were not specially developed and designed for this
power tool. Just because an accessory part can be fitted on your machine does
not guarantee safe or optimum performance.

Safety WarninGS & inStructionS
4
d) The rated speed of the accessory must be at least equal to the maximum
speed communicated on the power tool. Accessories that rotate faster than the
permissible level can break and fly apart.
e) The outside diameter and thickness of your backing plate must be within capacity
rating of your power tool. Incorrectly sized accessories cannot be adequately
guarded or controlled.
f ) Threaded mounting of accessories must match the power tool’s spindle thread.
For accessories mounted by flanges, the arbor hole of the accessory must fit
the locating diameter of the flange. Accessories that do not match the mounting
hardware of the power tool will run out of balance, vibrate excessively and may
cause loss of control.
g) Do not use a damaged accessory. Before each use inspect the accessory such as
backing plate for cracks or tears. If power tool or accessory is dropped, inspect
for damage or install an undamaged accessory. After inspecting and installing an
accessory, position yourself and bystanders away from the plane of the rotating
accessory and run the power tool at maximum no-load speed for one minute.
Damaged accessories will normally break apart during this test time.
h) Wear personal protective equipment. Depending on application, use face shield,
safety goggles, or safety glasses. As appropriate, wear dust mask, hearing
protectors, gloves, and a workshop apron capable of stopping small abrasives
or flying fragments. The eye protection must be capable of stopping flying debris
generated by various operations. The dust mask or respirator must be capable
of filtrating particles generated by your operation. Prolonged exposure to high-
intensity noise may cause hearing loss.
i) Keep bystanders a safe distance away from work area. Anyone entering the work
area must wear personal protective equipment. Fragments of material or pieces of
a broken accessory may fly away and cause injury beyond the area of operation.
j) Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, when performing an operation
where the accessory may contact hidden wiring or its own cord. A spinning
accessory contacting a “live” wire may make exposed metal parts of the power
tool “live” and shock the operator.
k) Position the cord clear of the spinning accessory. If you lose control, the cord may
be cut or snagged and your hand or arm may be pulled in causing injury.
l) Never lay the power tool down until the accessory has come to a complete stop.
The spinning accessory may grab the surface and pull the power tool out of your
control.
m) Do not run the power tool while carrying it at your side. Accidental contact with
the spinning accessory may snag clothing, pulling the accessory into your body.
n) Regularly clean the power tool’s air vents. The motor’s fan will draw the dust
inside the housing and excessive accumulation of powdered metal may cause
electrical hazards or overheating.
o) Do not operate the power tool near flammable materials. Sparks could ignite
these materials.
p) Do not use accessories that require liquid coolants. Using water or other liquid
coolants may result in electrocution or shock.
6. KICKBACK AND RELATED WARNINGS
Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched or snagged rotating wheel, backing
plate, brush, or any other accessory. Pinching or snagging causes rapid stalling of

Safety WarninGS & inStructionS
5
the rotating accessory which in turn causes the uncontrolled power tool to be forced
in the direction opposite of the accessory’s rotation at the point of the binding.
For example, if a pad is snagged or pinched by the trim, the edge of the pad that
is entering into the pinch point can dig into the surface of the material causing the
wheel to climb out or kick out. The tool may either jump toward or away from the
operator, depending on direction of the pad’s movement at the point of pinching.
Rotating accessories may also break under these conditions. Kickback is the result
of tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be
avoided by taking proper precautions as given below:
a) Maintain a firm grip on the power tool and position your body and arm to allow you
to resist kickback forces. The operator can control torque reaction or kickback
forces, if proper precautions are taken.
b) Never place your hand near the rotating accessory. Accessory may kickback over
your hand.
c) Do not position your body in the area where the power tool will move if kickback
occurs. Kickback will propel the tool in direction opposite to the wheel’s
movement at the point of snagging.
d) Exercise extreme caution when working corners, sharp edges, etc. Avoid bouncing
and snagging the rotating accessory. Corners, sharp edges, or bouncing have a
tendency to snag the rotating accessory and cause loss of control or kickback.
SAFETY WARNINGS FOR POLISHING OPERATIONS
Do not allow any loose portion of the polishing pad to spin freely. Tuck away or trim
any loose attachment strings. Loose and spinning attachment strings can entangle
your fingers or snag on the area being worked on.
WARNING: Refer to polish manufacturer’s Safety Data Sheet (SDS) to ensure
the components are not listed under Proposition 65. Some older paint finishes may
contain lead, polishes may contain crystalline silica, and other potential known
carcinogens. The risk to these exposures vary depending on how often you do this
type of work. Work in a well-ventilated area and wear an approved respirator or dust
mask. Wash hands after handling.
WARNING: Use of this tool can generate and/or disperse dust, which may
cause serious and permanent respiratory or other injury. Always use NIOSH/OSHA
approved respiratory protection appropriate to dust exposure. When possible, direct
particles away from face and body.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS FOR POLISHERS
CAUTION Always use eye protection. All users and bystanders must wear eye
protection that conforms to ANSI Z87.1.
• Clean out your tool often, especially after heavy use. Dust and grit containing
metal particles often accumulate on interior surfaces and could create an electric
shock hazard.
• Do not operate tool for long periods of time. Vibration caused by the operating
action of tool may cause permanent injury to fingers, hands, and arms. Use gloves
to provide extra cushion, take frequent rest periods, and limit daily time of use.
• Air vents often cover moving parts and should be avoided. Loose clothes, jewelry,
or long hair can be caught in moving parts.

technical SpecificationS
6
Power Tool Specifications
Type G15 G21
Orbit Size 15mm (19/
32”) 21mm (13/ 16”)
Spindle Thread Size 5
/
16”- 24 5
/
16”- 24
Orbits Per Minute (OPM) 3,000 - 5,300 (free speed) 3,000 - 4,500 (free speed)
Voltage 110V/60Hz
Power Output (Watts) 1,100W
Power Output (Amperes) 10A
Cord Length 10' (3 meters)/ Optional 25' (7.6 meters)
Length (Without Cord) 390mm (15
3
/
8”)
Weight (Without Cord) 5.3 lbs /2.4 kg 5.3 lbs /2.4 kg
Constant Speed Control Yes
Variable Speed Trigger Throttle Yes
Factory Installed Backing Plate 5" 6"
Safety Restart Protection Yes
EXTENSION CORD USE
An extension cord must have adequate wire size (AWG or American Wire Gauge) for
safety. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the greater the capacity of the
cable such that 16-gauge has more capacity than 18-gauge. An undersized cord will
cause a drop in line voltage resulting in loss of power and overheating. The following
table shows the correct size to use depending on cord lengthv. If in doubt, use the
next heavier gauge. The smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. Never use
two extension cords together.
Extension Cord Length 25' 50' 100' 150'
Cable Size (AWG) 16 16 16 14
Only use UL- and CSA-certified extension cords.
CAUTION: Dispose of tool in accordance with local law. Recycle machines,
accessories, and packaging at an environmentally responsible recycling center to
reduce the risk associated with environmental contamination.
OPERATION
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn off power tool and
unplug from power source before making any adjustments or removing/installing
accessories or attachments.
ACCESSORIES
WARNING: Since accessories, other than those offered by Griot’s Garage, have
not been evaluated with this polisher, use of such accessories could be hazardous.
To reduce the risk of injury, only Griot’s Garage approved accessories should be
used with this polisher. The Griot’s Garage G15/G21 Long-Throw Orbital Polishers
are designed for use with 5” or 6” Pad Systems. Use of any other size is not
recommended.

tool component diaGram
7
INTENDED USE
Griot’s Garage G15/G21 Long-Throw Orbital Polishers are designed for polishing
paint, glass, unfinished metal, fiberglass, and composite surfaces. Examples of use
include but are not limited to: auto, marine, RV, and motorcycle detailing.
FUNCTIONAL COMPONENTS
WARNING: Never modify the power tool. Damage or personal injury could result.
A. Rest Pads E. Contaminant Protection Screen
B. Speed Control Dial F. Variable Speed Trigger Throttle
C. Premium Sealed Bearings G. Trigger Lock Button
D. Brush Inspection Cap H. Quick-Connect Power Cord
Speed Control Dial (B)
The maximum speed of your polisher can be changed by rotating the Speed Control
Dial. The polisher is equipped with our Constant Speed Control circuitry that ensures
consistent pad speed regardless of downward pressure or lack thereof. This feature
delivers optimal performance, regardless of user technique and body panel shape.
Prior to application: It is recommended that all plastic and metal trim on vehicle
be taped off using Professional Masking Tape for protection from incidental
engagement with backing plate and/or pad.
Recommended speeds:
Paint Correction: Speed 4 - 5 for light to moderate swirls, scratches, and stains.
Paint Perfection: Speed 3 - 4 for fine swirls, scratches, and stains.
Variable Speed Trigger Throttle (F)
The polisher is equipped with a variable speed trigger throttle. The more you pull
the trigger the faster the motor will run. Release the Variable Trigger Throttle to stop
motor. At maximum compression, the machine operates according to speed set on
the Speed Control Dial (B).
Polisher can be locked on for continuous use by depressing the trigger and engaging
the Trigger Lock Button (G), while releasing your finger from the trigger. To shut off,
depress trigger and release.
A.
H.
G.F.E.D.
C.
B.

orbital poliSher operation
8
NOTE: The polisher is equipped with Safety Restart Protection. Should polisher be-
come unplugged during operation with trigger lock engaged it will require trigger lock
to be disengaged before normal operation will ensue.
CAUTION: The backing plate and pad will continue to rotate briefly after the
polisher is turned off.
INSTALLING FANNED ORBITAL BACKING PLATE
CAUTION: Ensure power tool is unplugged from power source.
1) With tool resting on its back, align backing plate hub with tool output shaft.
2) Carefully line up the squared edge of the backing plate with the squared edge of
the orbital shaft.
3) Insert Allen bolt and carefully thread into output shaft. Do not cross-thread!
4) Tighten bolt with supplied Allen wrench. With bolt bottomed out, securely tighten
with a quarter turn. The power tool is configured with the backing plate mounted
directly to the drive hub.
INSTALLING BOSS™BUFFING PAD/USAGE RECOMMENDATIONS
CAUTION: Ensure power tool is unplugged from power source.
1) Inspect pad (microfiber or foam) prior to installation.
2) Unplug power tool prior to buffing pad installation.
3) Center pad on backing plate and press firmly around pad.
4) Never run machine when pad is not resting on the vehicle’s surface.
5) Frequent cleaning of buffing pad using a Pad Conditioner Brush is essential to
reduce product build up, which can potentially lead to excessive pad weight and a
subsequent increase in vibration.
OPERATING YOUR GRIOT'S GARAGE ORBITAL POLISHER
1) The magic of our any of our Orbital Polishers is how the pad oscillates in an orbit
as it is spinning.
2) Attaching the buffing pads is easy. They use a hook-and-loop system, just center
the pad on the backing plate (off-center pads may cause additional vibration).
3) Apply your liquid product in a spiral pattern from the center out to ensure even
application on your pad and reduce sling at start up.
4) When you use the machine select a manageable work area on your vehicle, such
as a 2' x 2' square, so you can better focus your efforts and reduce strain.
5) When operating the machine work in a cross-hatch grid pattern, as illustrated and
described on page 12.
6) To apply the product, set the variable speed dial to 2 to minimize sling and ensure
even product distribution, turn tool on, spread product over working surface, then
increase speed according to product use instructions.
7) To correct defects, increase the speed to 3 to 5, depending on the severity of
the defect, and follow the grid pattern using light downward pressure. Orbital
Polishers are all about pad rotation, so excess pressure on the tool can steal away
effectiveness. Start with virtually no pressure on the tool, let the tool's weight
and your pad do the work. Make 3 to 4 passes (back and forth = 1 pass), wipe off
the product, and evaluate the results. Also be aware that the speed in which you
move the tool impacts its effectiveness so be slow, deliberate, and consistent as
you work the grid. For protecting with a wax or sealant, use a speed of 2 to 3.
8) When finished working a grid area wipe off product residue using a clean, dry
Griot's Garage microfiber towel as recommended.
9) Use at least two pads per process when detailing a vehicle to maintain pad/
product effectiveness, ensure consistent results, and prolong pad life.

maintenance
9
POWER TOOL MAINTENANCE
For detailed backing plate installation/changing procedures, as well as step-by-step
brush replacement instructions, please visit griotsgarage.com for tech sheets and
helpful how-to videos. Brush replacement is detailed below.
Your Griot’s Garage G15/G21 Long-Throw Orbital Polisher has been designed to
operate over a long period of time with minimum maintenance. To maintain optimal
performance and long-life, proper tool care and regular cleaning must be employed.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of serious personal injury, turn off power tool and
unplug from power source before making any adjustments or removing/installing
accessories or attachments.
WARNING: Blow dirt and dust out of all air vents with dry compressed air at least
weekly. Wear proper ANSI Z87.1 (CAN/CSA Z94.3) eye protection and proper NIOSH/
OSHA/MSHA respiratory protection when performing this.
NOTE: The Contaminant Protection Screen may be removed for more thorough
cleaning by gently prying it out with your fingers. Reinstall by aligning vent grilles and
pressing screen back into place.
CAUTION: Never use solvents or other harsh chemicals for cleaning the non-
metallic parts of the tool. These chemicals will attack and weaken the nylon
composite materials used in these parts. Griot’s Garage Citrus Multi-Surface
Cleaner is a safe and effective option. Apply liberally, agitate with a soft nylon bristle
brush, then wipe tool down with a damp, microfiber towel.
CAUTION: Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
and any other condition that may affect the power tool’s operation. If damaged, have
the power tool repaired before use.
FAILURE TO START
1) Should your tool fail to start, check to make sure the prongs on the cord plug are
making good contact within the outlet. Also check for blown fuses or open circuit
breakers in the line.
2) If power tool persists in not starting, unplug and inspect motor brushes for
excessive wear. Replace if necessary.
3) Inspect power cord for cuts or shorts. Remove Quick Connect Power Cord (H), then
reinsert ensuring “click” sound is audible. Should excessive wear be identified,
contact Griot’s Garage for replacement cords and/or service
BRUSH REPLACEMENT
Brushes are wear items and normal wear is not covered under warranty. The
power tool comes with a spare set of replacement brushes. Additional brushes are
available for purchase.
NOTE: The polisher features auto cut-off carbon brushes. When the wear limit of the
auto cut-off carbon brush is reached, the polisher switches off automatically.
1) Remove Brush Side-Port plugs (E) from both sides of tool using a small flathead
screwdriver, turning counter-clockwise.
2) Grasp brass brush pressure plates and retrieve brushes from tool.
Discard appropriately.

maintenance & acceSSorieS
10
3) Install replacement brushes into brush port.
4) Insert the Brush Side-Port plug and rotate clockwise by hand.
5) Turn Brush Side-Port plug clockwise using the flathead screwdriver until it bottoms
out. Do not overtighten, or tool may be damaged!
PAD MAINTENANCE
1) While polishing, frequently clean pad face by using a Griot’s Garage Pad
Conditioning Brush with the machine operating at speed 2.
2) Following polishing process, remove buffing pad from machine, pre-rinse with hot
water, and wring to expel polish residue.
3) Spray Griot’s Garage Microfiber & Foam Pad Cleaner on the entire pad face and
gently knead the pad until you create a rich lather.
4) Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wring out or machine wash.
5) Allow pad to dry completely before use. Store dry pad in the supplied BOSS™
packaging.
BOSS™ BUFFING PADS AND ACCESSORIES
BOSS accessories are designed to complement the G15 and G21 Long-Throw
Orbitals Polishers. They’re engineered to compliment the tool’s counterbalance
assembly to deliver smooth operation.
BACKING PLATES
NOTE: The G15 and G21 Long-Throw Orbital Polishers may use 5” and 6” Pad
Systems interchangeably.
• BOSS™5" Fanned Orbital Backing Plate B5FBP
• BOSS™6" Fanned Orbital Backing Plate B6FBP
G15/G21 WEIGHT OPTIMIZATION SYSTEM
There is a proverbial dance that occurs between an orbital polisher's counterbalance
and the combined weight of a backing plate, buffing pad, and the liquid on the
pad. Balancing this combined weight translates into less vibration and a smoother
running machine. For instance, microfiber pads generally weigh nearly twice as
much as a foam pad so fine tuning is beneficial. Our innovative Weight Optimization
System consists of three uniquely engineered bolts, each weight-matched to a
Griot’s Garage pad type to ensure you’ll enjoy best in class performance from these
machines. See the accompanying reference table for details.
BOSS™FANNED ORBITAL BACKING PLATE Weight Optimization System Table
Size Fastener Color Pad Weight Range (grams) Griot's Garage Pads
Silver 36g - 40g BOSS Microfiber Pads
Black 27g - 35g Standard Foam Pads (1" thick)
Copper 20g - 26g BOSS Foam Pads (5/8" thick)
Silver 26g - 28g BOSS Microfiber Pads
Black 20g - 25g Standard Foam Pads (1" thick)
Copper 13g - 19g BOSS Foam Pads (5/8" thick)
EQUIPPED WITH
BACKING PLATE
CONVERTIBLE TO
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INCLUDES
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