From Stripping to Squeaking – Solving 3 Common Sander Issues

The most common sander problem is heat-related, usually stemming from the gearbox of the tool. Over time, the lubricating solids in the gearbox grease separate, leading to a smell of oil when the sander is in use. This indicates that it may be time to replace the gear train box grease, which can be achieved by cleaning out the old grease and replacing it with bearing grease from your local auto parts store. It is important to ensure the gear teeth are properly lubricated with the grease, without leaving any excess grease in the box, for optimal sander performance.

Another common sander problem is related to the drive belt. If the drive belt has too much give, it can cause a loud, squeaky noise and overloading of the motor due to too much slack. In this case, the belt tension should be adjusted by working the hex head set screw until proper play is achieved. On the other hand, if the belt has too little play, it can slip away from the pulley, causing issues with the sander’s operation. In order to remedy this problem, the drive belt cover should be removed with a Phillips screwdriver and the drive pulley tension should be tightened before replacing the cover.

Finally, when a power sander won’t turn on, even with the switch in the “on” position, it may be an indication that the motor brushes are worn down. If a sluggish start occurs, followed by having to shake or smack the power sander in order to get it to start, this is usually a sign the brushes are close to reaching the end of their life. If the brushes are indeed worn out, they will need to be replaced in order to have the power sander running correctly again.

All in all, common sander problems can be remedied by understanding what kind of problem it is and executing the necessary action steps to solve it. Heat-related issues are easily fixed with proper lubrication of the gearbox, while belt problems may require adjusting the belt tension or removing and tightening the drive belt cover. Finally, worn-out motor brushes can be identified by a sluggish start and should be replaced in order to restore the sander’s functionality. With these tips in mind, the power sander should run optimally for a long time.