Porter-Cable 7346SP: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-19

Summary

Owners most often complain about noise and rattle next to premium dual-action polishers, modest 4.5-amp power and the complete absence of dust collection; the included PSA sanding pad is the other common gripe. Running costs are sanding and polishing discs and compound, plus the occasional backing pad, counterweight, brush or gear-set part. Under about $80 it is a strong budget pick; at $180 it is hard to justify over newer kits with dust collection.

Common problems and fixes

No dust collection — the 7346SP has none, unlike the related 7424XP; only a dust hood accessory kit appears on the parts list. If you sand wood, plan for a vacuum setup elsewhere or pick a different tool. [7][10]
Noise, rattle and fragility — an auto-detailing owner comparing Porter-Cable polishers to a Rupes dual action says the units rattle, are noisy and break easily; 4.5 amps is modest beside premium polishers. [8]
PSA adhesive sanding pad — less convenient to change and less flexible on curves than hook-and-loop backing plates; a hook-and-loop plate with foam pads is a common upgrade. [9][15]
Vibration that grows over time — OEM replacement counterweights are sold specifically for units that vibrate more than they should, so counterweight wear is a known wear item on this family. [7][13]
Warranty and service — 3-year limited warranty with 1 year of free service and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee; Porter-Cable’s support site documents spindle-wrench sizing and service-center location, and OEM parts are sold at retail. [1][3][10]

Parts and consumables

Polishing pad 54745 — 6 in foam pad, included with the tool and sold separately at retail for $22.49; replaced when worn. [19]

Yearly running cost

Not enough data for an annual figure. Recurring spend is sanding and polishing discs and compound on every job, plus occasional parts — backing pad, counterweight, brushes and the gear set. The motor draws 4.5 amps on 120 V, but no wattage figure is published and no annual electricity cost is reported.

When it is a good buy

Acme Tools and Woodcraft list it at $179.00, Summit Racing and McGuckin at $179.99 at the October 2026 check; AFT Fasteners lists it at $284.79, and Tool Nut showed it out of stock. [4][5][6][11][18][20]
Older marketplace snapshots put it at $71 to $97 (for example $73.75 and $96.50), reflecting past promotions rather than a consistent street level. [16][17]
Under about $80: strong budget pick for polishing and light sanding; the warranty, included polishing pad and parts availability outweigh the noise and dust-collection complaints. [1]
$81–$110: still good value, especially where the included polishing pad matters; compare used 7424XP units with dust collection. [1][12]
$111–$150: fair against newer Bosch, DeWalt and Makita kits with dust collection. [1]
$151–$180: weak for a new unit unless the polishing-pad bundle and parts availability are decisive; this is where most retailers currently sit. [5][6][11]
Above $180: poor value for a sander with no dust collection. [1]
Alternatives: the related Porter-Cable 7424XP polisher family when dust collection matters more than the polishing-pad bundle; the near-identical 7346, the same motor and platform without the polishing pad and listed at 5-1/2 lbs, when you only sand; a Rupes dual action polisher when noise and rattle are the priority and the budget allows. [2][8]