Orbital sanders are arguably the most widely known sander available today. They’ve become a must-have item for many DIY and remodeling workers. However, these power tool are easy to use and as a result, end up being abused a lot. In terms, these abuses makes the sander stop working.
Today, we’re talking about some of the most common Ridgid orbital sander problems that we see in our shop on a regular basis. I’m going to break down each problem by the Model name and try to provide a viable solution. Let’s get started.
Ridgid Orbital Sander Problems
| Model Name | Problems | Reasons | Solution |
| Ridgid R2601 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander | Sander loses power or stops functioning when applied to the surface
|
Defective sleeve and bearing assembly | Change the bearing assembly |
| Worn down motor brushes | Replace the motor brushes | ||
| Defective Motor | Replace the motor | ||
| Variable speed dial doesn’t function
|
Variable speed dial is blocked | Clean the variable speed dial | |
| Variable speed dial isn’t clicking | Replace the speed dial | ||
| Sanding disc came off
|
Loose or missing screws
|
If there are any missing screws, get a new one and re-screw the loose ones. | |
| Faulty brake pad | Change the brake pad | ||
| Dust collector falling off | Perhaps the dust collector isn’t set right or it became loose | Make sure you’ve set it right and if still the problem isn’t solved, use a vacuum | |
| Device spin out of control | Blocked bearing | Clean the bearing and then put some lubricant on it | |
| Ridgid R2611 6-Inch Orbit Sander | Sanding disc gives up
|
Sanding disc heats up due to excessive use | Replace the sanding disc |
| Motor stops running | Dust blocks the motor | Clean the motor and from next time use a vacuum instead of the dust bag | |
| Ridgid 18V 5 in. Random Orbit Sander | The sanding disc doesn’t spin full speed | The rubber brake pad’s fins don’t let the sanding disc spin up to full speed | Trim the fins with scissors. |
Ridgid R2601 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
Problem 1: Sander loses power or stops functioning when applied to the surface
Possible Reasons:
- Defective sleeve and bearing assembly
Solution: Take away the padding on the bottom and check whether the bearing assembly is sealed correctly beneath and every ball bearing is in place. If not, remove and change it.
- Worn down motor brushes
Over time, the motor brushes may get worn down and could cause the sander to lose power while the sander is applied to the surface.
Solution: Replace the motor brushes.
- Defective Motor
Solution: Take off the motor and use a voltmeter to check where the problem lies with the electrical connection, or see whether your extension cord is loose. If any issues are found, replace the motor.
Problem 2: Variable speed dial doesn’t function
Possible reasons:
- Variable speed dial is blocked
Solution:
Remove the top cover and check if something is blocking it internally. If any blockage is found, clean it.
- Variable speed dial isn’t clicking
This means it’s worn down.
Solution: Replace the speed dial.
Problem 3: Sanding disc came off
Possible Reasons:
- Loose or missing screws
Solution: Check whether every screw is correctly put into place. If there are any missing, get a new one. Re-screw any screws that are not in place or not tight.
- Faulty brake pad
Solution: Unscrew the screws from the hook and loop disc assembly. Then, remove the hook and loop assembly device. Finally, take out and change the brake pad.
Problem 4: Dust collector falling off
Possible Reasons:
Perhaps the dust collector is not set right or it became loose.
Solution:
Make sure you have set it right and if still the problem isn’t solved, use a vacuum.
Problem 5: Device spin out of control
Possible Reasons:
The bearing behind the sanding disc can get blocked by grease and dirt. It will increase the random orbital motion and will cause the sander to spin out of control. As a result, your wood will get burned.
Solution: Unscrew the four screws of the sanding disc with a screwdriver and then remove it. Take a paper towel and clean the bearing. Then put some lubricant on it and make sure that it is spinning freely.
Ridgid R2611 6-Inch Orbit Sander
Problem 1: Sanding disc gives up
Possible Reasons:
If you heavily use the sander and put a lot of pressure on it, then the sanding disc will start to give up. It happens because the sanding disc will heat up due to excessive use and melt the plastic side of the Velcro.
Solutions: Replace the sanding disc.
Problem 2: Motor stops running
Possible Reasons:
The dust accumulated in the dust bag can block the motor and stop it from running.
Solutions:
Clean the motor and from next time use a vacuum instead of the dust bag.
Ridgid 18V 5 in. Random Orbit Sander
Problem 1: The Sanding disc don’t spin full speed
Possible reasons:
Behind the sanding disc, there is a rubber brake pad with fins on it. The fins stick up just high enough to rub on the back of the sanding disc. As a result, it puts a lot of unnecessary friction that doesn’t let it spin up to full speed.
Solution: Trim the fins with scissors.
Other common issues
Problem 1: Sander Won’t Turn On
- Dust is hindering the power switch
Possible Reasons:
Dust can be stuck inside the power switch.
Solution: Unscrew the top cover with a screwdriver and then remove it. After that, clean around the power switch by blowing gently to remove dust.
- Defective power switch
Solution: Replace the power switch.
- Faulty power adapter
Solution: Replace the power adapter
Problem 2: Sander stops spinning
Possible Reasons:
The bearing inside the sanding disc is faulty and won’t spin.
Solutions: Replace the bearing.
