Ridgid Oscillating Sander Won’t Start (3 Reasons + Solutions)

Power tools can have many issues. Not every one of them is that severe, either. Some can be solved pretty easily. 

So your Ridgid oscillating sander won’t start

The sander might not be starting because of dust in the power switch. Or the power switch itself might be faulty. Cleaning the switch should solve the problem. If that does not work, replace the switch. If it still does not start, try replacing the power cord. 

Troubleshooting the sander is not easy. But right here in this article, we provide a thorough tutorial on how to proceed.

Ridgid Oscillating Sander Won’t Start and Troubleshooting

Ridgid tools can sometimes malfunction. The rigid cordless nailer not sinking nails is a common issue. And issues with sanders are also probable.

So let’s find out Ridgid oscillating sander problems.

Problem 1: Dust in Power Switch

Over the course of time, dirt and other particles might get lodged within the power switch. This dust has the potential to impede the switch’s ability to work properly.

Solution: Cleaning the Switch

Simply cleaning the switch will allow you to avoid more issues. You ought to be able to accomplish it if you follow the directions. The process is not too difficult.

You will need only a Torx T10 screwdriver and some brushes for this process. 

Step 1: Removing the Top Cover

To begin, take off the top cover of the Rigid Oscillating Sander. This will be the first step. Using a screwdriver, take out the four screws that are attached to the top cover.

There are screws measuring M3.5 x 16 mm in the top lid. For this particular project, a Torx T10 screwdriver is going to be necessary.

Once every one of the screws has been withdrawn, you can then take off the top cap. Avoid using an excessive amount of force. Make an effort to peel it off carefully.

Step 2: Cleaning the Switch

Now you need to find the switch and wipe it down. You ought to be able to clear the dust if you gently blow at it.

You may remove the dust that has been lodged in the switch by using a brush. After you have completed cleaning the switch, you should replace the top cover that was removed earlier.

After that, the switch ought to operate correctly. Now give the Rigid Oscillating Sander another go by turning it back on.

Problem 2: Faulty Power Switch

Sometimes if the sander won’t turn on, the power switch might be the source of the problem. It’s possible that you’ve already tried brushing the dust away. If it continues to be inoperable, you will probably have to swap out the power switch.

Solution: Replacing the Power Switch

Changing out the power switch is a challenging but manageable task. However, it is a rather speedy procedure. The whole process of replacing shouldn’t take more than five to ten minutes at the most.

An impact wrench will not be needed for this process. 

Step 1: Removing the Top Cover

Follow step one from the first solution.

Step 2: Removing the Power Switch

The switch must be removed from its housing once you have removed the top cover. This step can need the use of a metal spudger.

Make an effort to get rid of the component made of plastic. Do this by gently pulling it upward with your fingertips. Use a metal spudger to assist you in removing the switch from its housing.

To separate the switch, you will need to pull the wire off. Once it is unplugged, the switch could be taken out without any more difficulty.

Step 3: Replacing the Power Switch

After removing the power switch from its housing, the last step is to install a new one. Make sure you have a spare switch on hand just in case.

Make the necessary connections between the device’s wiring and the new switch. After that, install the toggle switch.

After ensuring that the switch is correctly positioned and linked, the top cover may be fastened. Then, using the 4 screws which were originally taken out, reconnect the top cover.

The switch has now been changed once that was completed.

Problem 3: Faulty Power Adapter

Even if you replaced the switch, the sander probably still won’t turn on when you try to use it. If such is the case, the adapter could have a problem. Think about getting a new cable for the power supply.

Though belt sanders and disc sanders are different, this issue might affect any of them.

Solution: Replacing the Power Cord

Changing out the power cord is another task with a moderate degree of complexity. The procedure does not take a significant amount of time either. You should be able to complete it in no more than five to 10 minutes.

In order to complete the procedure of replacement, you will want a Torx T15 screwdriver in addition to a Torx T10 screwdriver. You also need a little flat-head screwdriver, alongside these two components.

When you are through with this replacement, double-check to ensure that the equipment has been disconnected.

Step 1: Removing the Top Cover 

You are capable of removing the top cover. Follow the first solution’s initial step.

Step 2: Removing the Power Cord

Determine the location of the power cable after the top cover has been removed. Take out the two screws that are attached to the retaining bracket that is black. Utilize the Torx T15 screwdriver for this purpose.

Now you may snap out the retaining bracket in black and remove it. For this, you’ll need to utilize your fingertips.

Using a tiny screwdriver with a flathead tip, loosen the screws that are in the white terminal block. Be aware that you don’t have to entirely unscrew them to get rid of them.

Remove the wire by pulling it out from behind the white cover. The power cable may be changed out at this point.

Step 3: Replacing the Power Cord

You may swap out the power cable with a new one after removing the old one. Changing out the power cable is as simple as doing the previous two procedures in the opposite order.

Putting the top cover back on is the last step in the process of replacing something. The replacement of the power cable has been completed with that. It is expected that the Rigid Oscillating Sander will start functioning now.

Look out for early warning in the power tool for the future. The warnings can help prevent the problems.

FAQs

Why did my orbital sander stop working?

The sander won’t often operate if the motor is broken. Therefore, it’s possible that the motor in the electric orbital sander isn’t working if it fully stops revolving. By taking apart the sander and replacing the motor, you ought to be able to use it once again.

Is an orbital sander supposed to spin?

In comparison to a regular orbit palm sander, a random orbital palm sander is designed for further diverse operations. The pad of the random palm sander rotates in a circular motion, but the pad of the regular palm sander does not.

What is the difference between an orbital sander and a random orbital sander?

The orbital sander just travels in a circular motion. However, the random orbital sander also moves in a forward and backward direction. As a consequence of the two distinct processes, there is far less whirling that is left on the wood.

Conclusion

And with that, we know so much more about why your Ridgid oscillating sander won’t start. The solution to the problem depends on what exactly the issue is. 

Follow our article, and you should be able to solve the issue. Good luck!

Jim Boslice

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