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.
How AI Impacts Each Task
20 tasks analyzed
Grind, sand, clean, or polish objects or parts to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools.
Verify quality of finished workpieces by inspecting them, comparing them to templates, measuring their dimensions, or testing them in working machinery.
Move controls to adjust, start, or stop equipment during grinding and polishing processes.
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.
Remove completed workpieces from equipment or work tables, using hand tools, and place workpieces in containers.
Mark defects, such as knotholes, cracks, and splits, for repair.
Measure and mark equipment, objects, or parts to ensure grinding and polishing standards are met.
Trim, scrape, or deburr objects or parts, using chisels, scrapers, and other hand tools and equipment.
Transfer equipment, objects, or parts to specified work areas, using moving devices.
Study blueprints or layouts to determine how to lay out workpieces or saw out templates.
Sharpen abrasive grinding tools, using machines and hand tools.
Load and adjust workpieces onto equipment or work tables, using hand tools.
Fill cracks or imperfections in marble with wax that matches the stone color.
Record product and processing data on specified forms.
Repair and maintain equipment, objects, or parts, using hand tools.
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.
Apply solutions and chemicals to equipment, objects, or parts, using hand tools.
Clean brass particles from files by drawing file cards through file grooves.
Spread emery powder or other polishing compounds on stone, or wet stone surfaces with hoses, and guide buffing wheels over stone to polish surfaces.
Wash grit from stone, using hoses.
| Task | AI Capability | Risk | Time % | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grind, sand, clean, or polish objects or parts to correct defects or to prepare surfaces for further finishing, using hand tools and power tools. | 15Estimated | 39.0% | 20% | |
| Verify quality of finished workpieces by inspecting them, comparing them to templates, measuring their dimensions, or testing them in working machinery. | 70Estimated | 77.2% | 10% | |
| Move controls to adjust, start, or stop equipment during grinding and polishing processes. | 35Estimated | 47.0% | 5% | |
| 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. | 10Estimated | 37.0% | 8% | |
| Remove completed workpieces from equipment or work tables, using hand tools, and place workpieces in containers. | 30Estimated | 45.0% | 5% | |
| Mark defects, such as knotholes, cracks, and splits, for repair. | 80Estimated | 81.2% | 3% | |
| Measure and mark equipment, objects, or parts to ensure grinding and polishing standards are met. | 70Estimated | 77.2% | 4% | |
| Trim, scrape, or deburr objects or parts, using chisels, scrapers, and other hand tools and equipment. | 15Estimated | 39.0% | 8% | |
| Transfer equipment, objects, or parts to specified work areas, using moving devices. | 60Estimated | 57.0% | 4% | |
| Study blueprints or layouts to determine how to lay out workpieces or saw out templates. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 3% | |
| Sharpen abrasive grinding tools, using machines and hand tools. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 3% | |
| Load and adjust workpieces onto equipment or work tables, using hand tools. | 30Estimated | 45.0% | 5% | |
| Fill cracks or imperfections in marble with wax that matches the stone color. | 15Estimated | 39.0% | 3% | |
| Record product and processing data on specified forms. | 100Estimated | 89.2% | 3% | |
| Repair and maintain equipment, objects, or parts, using hand tools. | 10Estimated | 13.0% | 4% | |
| 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. | 90Estimated | 85.2% | 3% | |
| Apply solutions and chemicals to equipment, objects, or parts, using hand tools. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 3% | |
| Clean brass particles from files by drawing file cards through file grooves. | 10Estimated | 37.0% | 2% | |
| Spread emery powder or other polishing compounds on stone, or wet stone surfaces with hoses, and guide buffing wheels over stone to polish surfaces. | 20Estimated | 41.0% | 2% | |
| Wash grit from stone, using hoses. | 25Estimated | 43.0% | 2% |
Skill Impact Analysis
AI-Vulnerable Skills (6)
Reading Comprehension is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Information Ordering is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Memorization is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Mathematics is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
Programming is AI-vulnerable but has moderate importance in this role. AI tools may handle this; focus on higher-value skills.
AI-Resistant Skills (11)
Manual Dexterity is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Adaptability/Flexibility is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Equipment Maintenance is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Leadership is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Complex Problem Solving is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Social Perceptiveness is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Coordination is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
Instructing is AI-resistant — strengthening this skill provides durable career protection.
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Score History
Risk score over 2 scoring runs
overall change
Education & Training
Percentage of workers at each education and training level
Education Level
Prior Experience Needed
Work experience required to enter this job
Training Provided After Hiring
How long it typically takes to learn on the job
Last scored March 14, 2026 · Based on BLS employment data and O*NET task analysis