BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasGrinding and Polishing Workers, Hand

O*NET · 51-9022.00

Grinding and Polishing Workers, Hand

Grind, sand, or polish, using hand tools or hand-held power tools, a variety of metal, wood, stone, clay, plastic, or glass objects. Includes chippers, buffers, and finishers.

Also called Aircraft Skin Burnisher · Balance Wheel Arm Burnisher · Balance Wheel Hand Filer · Barrel Finisher · Beveler · Bit Shaver · Buffer · Burrer
86 more

Cabinet Finisher · Casting Finisher · Center Hole Reamer · Chipper · Deburr Finisher · Deburr Hand · Deburr Operator · Dial Polisher · Fettler · Fiberglass Boat Parts Finisher · Filer · Final Finisher · Finisher · Finishing Tech · Finishing Technician (Finishing Tech) · Flat Surfacer · Forging Dies Final Finisher · Glass Beveler · Glass Edger · Glass Finisher · Glass Grinder · Glass Polisher · Glass Sander · Glass Smoother · Gold Burnisher · Golf Club Facer · Grease Buffer · Grinder · Grinder Chipper · Grinding and Polishing Laborer · Gun Barrel Finisher · Hand Buffer · Hand Edger · Hand Finisher · Hand Grinder · Hand Polisher · Hand Reamer · Hand Sander · Hand Scraper · Hand Shaper · Hand Stone Polisher · Hand Stoner · Hand Tool Filer · Hand Wood Sander · Implant Polisher · Jewel Bearing Broacher · Jewel Bearing Polisher · Jewel Bearing Turner · Jewel Grinder · Jewel Hole Cornerer · Jewel Hole Rough Opener · Jewelry Grinder · Jewelry Polisher · Knife Grinder · Metal Finisher · Metal Mold Dresser · Metal Sander · Mirror Polisher · Mold Dresser · Mold Finisher · Natural Fabricator · Needle Polisher · Nib Finisher · Parts Finisher · Patch Sander · Pipe Buffer · Pipe Finisher · Pivot End Polisher · Plastic Boat Buffer · Plate Conditioner · Polisher · Product Finisher · Ring Polisher · Sander · Sander and Buffer · Sandstone Repairer · Spin Table Operator · Stand Grinder · Steel Barrel Reamer · Stock Shaper · Stoner · Valve Grinder · Veneer Manufacturer · Ware Cleaner · Watch Crystal Grinder · Wood Finisher

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCA35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Shoe Machine Operators and Tenders

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCARealistic · Conventional · Artistic — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional3.25
  • A Artistic2.00
  • I Investigative1.51
  • S Social1.07
  • E Enterprising1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma27%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent37%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate24%
  • Some College Courses12%
Related work experience
None (39%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (30%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (51%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Quality Control Analysis3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Operations Monitoring3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Operation and Control3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Equipment Maintenance3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Add oil to an engine as indicated by a warning light
  • Repairing3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Troubleshooting2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Active Listeningbasic2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Speakingbasic2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Monitoringbasic2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.82.6Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Complex Problem Solving2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
Show the other 23
  • Time Management2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Coordination2.62.4Level 2 looks like: Schedule appointments for a medical clinic
  • Social Perceptiveness2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Equipment Selection2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Active Learningbasic2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Writingbasic2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Persuasion2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Instructing2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Service Orientation2.32.1Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Analysis2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Negotiation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Mathematicsbasic2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Material Resources1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Technology Design1.91.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Use available funds to buy office supplies and record the amount of the purchase
  • Operations Analysis1.60.8
  • Programming1.3—
  • Sciencebasic1.1—
  • Installation1.0—

Tasks

13 core · 4 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Grind, sand, clean, or polish objects or parts to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools.4.6
  2. Verify quality of finished workpieces by inspecting them, comparing them to templates, measuring their dimensions, or testing them in working machinery.4.6
  3. Measure and mark equipment, objects, or parts to ensure grinding and polishing standards are met.4.5
  4. Mark defects, such as knotholes, cracks, and splits, for repair.4.4
  5. Trim, scrape, or deburr objects or parts, using chisels, scrapers, and other hand tools and equipment.4.4
  6. Study blueprints or layouts to determine how to lay out workpieces or saw out templates.4.4
  7. Move controls to adjust, start, or stop equipment during grinding and polishing processes.4.2
  8. Load and adjust workpieces onto equipment or work tables, using hand tools.4.2
  9. Repair and maintain equipment, objects, or parts, using hand tools.4.1
  10. Select files or other abrasives, according to materials, sizes and shapes of workpieces, amount of stock to be removed, finishes specified, and steps in finishing processes.4.0
  11. File grooved, contoured, and irregular surfaces of metal objects, such as metalworking dies and machine parts, to conform to templates, other parts, layouts, or blueprint specifications.3.7
  12. Sharpen abrasive grinding tools, using machines and hand tools.3.5
Show the other 5
  1. Transfer equipment, objects, or parts to specified work areas, using moving devices.3.4
  2. Remove completed workpieces from equipment or work tables, using hand tools, and place workpieces in containers.4.2
  3. Record product and processing data on specified forms.3.9
  4. Apply solutions and chemicals to equipment, objects, or parts, using hand tools.3.6
  5. Clean brass particles from files by drawing file cards through file grooves.1.6

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Production and Processing3.73.7Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
  • Mechanical3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • English Language3.12.6
  • Mathematics2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Add two numbers
  • Education and Training2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Customer and Personal Service2.62.4Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Engineering and Technology2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • Administration and Management2.41.9Level 1 looks like: Approve a reimbursement request
Show all 33
  • Computers and Electronics2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Design2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Public Safety and Security2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Use a seatbelt
  • Administrative2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.01.1Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Building and Construction1.91.5Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Transportation1.90.7Level 1 looks like: Ride a train to work
  • Psychology1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Sales and Marketing1.70.6Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Telecommunications1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Chemistry1.60.4Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Economics and Accounting1.6—
  • Physics1.6—
  • Fine Arts1.5—
  • Food Production1.5—
  • Law and Government1.5—
  • Communications and Media1.4—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.3—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.1—
  • Biology1.0—
  • Foreign Language1.0—
  • Geography1.0—
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.0—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Arm-Hand Steadiness4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Control Precision3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Finger Dexterity3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Near Vision3.83.8
  • Manual Dexterity3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Information Ordering3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Comprehension3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
Show all 52
  • Problem Sensitivity3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Selective Attention3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Speech Clarity3.12.8
  • Speech Recognition3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Category Flexibility3.03.0Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Flexibility of Closure3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Oral Expression3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Perceptual Speed3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Rate Control3.02.8
  • Trunk Strength3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Visual Color Discrimination3.02.9
  • Visualization3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Auditory Attention2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Deductive Reasoning2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Extent Flexibility2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Reaction Time2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Start to slow down the car when a traffic light turns yellow
  • Static Strength2.92.6
  • Far Vision2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Fluency of Ideas2.82.1Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Originality2.82.0Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Response Orientation2.82.8Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Written Comprehension2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Depth Perception2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Inductive Reasoning2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Time Sharing2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to music while entering numbers into a spreadsheet
  • Written Expression2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Dynamic Strength2.32.3Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.11.8Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Speed of Closure2.12.0Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Explosive Strength2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Glare Sensitivity2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Gross Body Coordination2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.01.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Memorization2.01.9Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Night Vision2.01.1Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Number Facility2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Peripheral Vision2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Sound Localization2.01.4Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Spatial Orientation2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Stamina2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Speed of Limb Movement1.81.1Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.96.8Level 7 looks like: Operate a precision milling machine
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.96.8Level 7 looks like: Load boxes on an assembly line
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.96.2Level 7 looks like: Climb up and down poles to install electricity
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.85.7
  • Thinking Creatively4.86.6Level 7 looks like: Create new computer software
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.65.5Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.55.4Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4.55.9
Show all 41
  • Getting Information4.31.8Level 1 looks like: Follow a standard blueprint
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.25.2Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships4.25.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work4.25.7
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge4.26.1Level 7 looks like: Learn information related to a complex and rapidly changing technology
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others4.15.5Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.03.3Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.95.0Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.95.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.95.1Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.94.8Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Processing Information3.95.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.64.5Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.64.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Training and Teaching Others3.65.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.33.9Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.34.1Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.34.2Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Working with Computers3.23.8Level 4 looks like: Write software for keeping track of parts in inventory
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.03.9Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Documenting/Recording Information2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.62.6
  • Developing and Building Teams2.42.3Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.42.9
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.32.6
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.01.7Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment4.8
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.8
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.5
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.5
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.2
  • Time Pressure4.1
  • Contact With Others3.9
  • Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions3.9

Technology

2 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (2)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Grinding, Lapping, Polishing, and Buffing Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  2. Tool Grinders, Filers, and Sharpeners
  3. Woodworking Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Except Sawing
  4. Cutting and Slicing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders
  5. Molders, Shapers, and Casters, Except Metal and Plastic
  6. Cutting, Punching, and Press Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  7. Lathe and Turning Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  8. Tool and Die Makers
  9. Milling and Planing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  10. Crushing, Grinding, and Polishing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.