[Red]

Normally, when a belt sander begins making noises it is a good indication the belt needs to be changed. Worn belts will affect the tension since the belt surface area has worn with use. If you have recently installed a new belt, check the tension by squeezing the belt with your fingers. There should be about a ¼” play for a properly tightened belt. If the belt has no give, it is too tight and may cause a loud squeaky noise and overload the motor. You will need to adjust the belt tension by working the hex head set screw until you get the proper play in the belt. An excessively loose drive belt may fail altogether, slipping from the pulley, causing the sander to jump and or hesitate. Remove the drive belt cover with a Phillips screwdriver and tighten the drive pulley before replacing the cover.

[megas]

Common sander problems can easily creep up--especially on older models. Many newer models are designed with self-correcting features that plagued older versions. But, at some point, you may need to replace a part or make repairs. You may need to be a little mechanically inclined, especially if it is a motor problem but other problems may be solved with routine maintenance. more

[KInkade341]

The older a power sander becomes, the more likely it will run hotter than it did in its youth. This problem will only get worse if you do not rectify the situation. Many manufacturers claim that the machine’s gear train has been permanently lubricated with heavy grease so you will need not need to worry about gear grease. However, if your machine is older than the predicted life the manufacturer sites in the original paperwork, then you might need to replace the gearbox grease. If an oily smell occurs when you are operating a sander, it is an indication that the heavier lubricating solids in the gearbox grease have separated. To remedy the problem, open the gear train box and clean out all of the old grease, replacing it with bearing grease from your local auto parts store. Coat the gear teeth so the grease fills all tooth gaps, but do not leave excess grease in the box. The newly lubricated gearbox should keep your sander working for quite a while. more

[zlavernenasho]

If your power sander switch is in the "on" position but nothing happens, you may have worn motor brushes. Power sanders, like all other power tools that run at high loads for extended periods of time, will tend to wear down motor brushes, especially when using models designed for casual homeowner use. The brushes will not become worn all at once. In the beginning, you will probably experience a sluggish start where you may have to shake or smack the power sander to get it to start. This is tell-tale sign the brushes are about to give it up. When brushes are completely worn, the sander will not start. [links]

[ConfusedEnthusiast]

[Andreas Schildbach]

[matt]

Re: 1/4 sheet palm sander - won't grip paper

[HarryStottle]

This sander is fantastic, but the front paper gripper has suddenly stopped gripping tightly enough to hold the paper in place. I don't see any obvious malfunction in the spring or the action; the paper just slips out almost instantly when the unit is turned on. No change in type of paper being used. Loading multiple sheets makes no difference.

[ArtForz]

I have the very first model and it has proved to be a very good sander and I have yet to experience ANY problem with the retaining clips. here

[foxhunter]

I recently tried changing my sander paper on my sander pad however the sand paper is no longer sticking. I had left the sander in the garage and it may have gotten a little wet, what do I do to be able to fix this?

[singingwolfboy]

Hi @jpiazza. I am a woodworker number it sounds like you need a new sanding pad or bring the sander inside your house for a day to let it dry out and that goes same for the sand paper since it's hook and loop. My recommendation for storing your sand paper is get a plastic box with a lid and put all your sandpaper inside it so no moisture gets in and now for the sander if you have somewhere you can store your sander facedown so the sanding pad won't get wet you should be set to go and never have to face this issue again. I hope this helps

[siudit101]

If your your sandpaper is not sticking to your sander pad first check the sandpaper and sander pad for debris or moisture buildup. If there is debris take an air compressor to the surface, if there is moisture let it dry. If you see neither moisture or debris buildup it my be time to change the sander pad, a replacement guide can be found here Porter-Cable 382 Sander Pad Replacement . here

[Johnsmiths]

I solved my issue very easily. I had a package of Velcro in my sewing basket. Took the fuzzy part and used some E6000 glue I had on hand. I cut 4 I” pieces and glued the on my fly away discs. I only waited 30 minutes for it to dry since I was in a hurry, and I was back in business. EZ here

[jjenicewebstern]

I have replaced the pads twice and still the paper flies off. It's still brand new pad and paper- no dust or debris. [links]

[Lexington]

I shouldn't have to put in new hook and loop- therefore not giving it a perfectly flat surface. I shouldn't have to glue on pads. this is ridiculous, and it's a garbage product. [links]

[sjalexandre]

Now I’ll have to remake my discs by glueing on my own loop and disc tape. here

[mkfifo]

I used it on and off for about 45 minutes before it started throwing the disc off. The disc I was using wasn’t even used up yet. But I still put another new one on. They only hold about 15 minutes worth of sanding before falling off. more