Ridgid Oscillating Sander - Osc'g. Fix

[Joe Lyddon]

The other day, after changing from Spindle to Belt, it failed to "oscillate" (move up/down).

After a little searching, I found this to be the solution to my problem:

I removed four screw from the bottom corners using a Phillips Head screwdriver; screw at the power cord, offset next to where you think it is. The bottom came off very easily! ;D

There is a black plastic motor housing on the bottom of the motor; the first thing you see... Four hex nuts, easily removed with a hex nut driver, took the housing off.

Note: the bottom section is molded especially to provide the Cam Path of the oscillation and is very well greased. If not well greased, grease it while you're here.

Upon looking at the clutch pieces, inner with holes around the rim & outer with prongs, the two were NOT meshed together as they should have been.

Pushing the inner one against the spring enabled it to be turned to get them Meshed... Easily done!

I put everything back together... Tested it...

It worked!

[TDHofstetter]

Cool deal! Glad it was simple (and cheap) to fix!

[Doug B]

Great news Joe. Glad it was an easy fix for you. I'll have to keep this in mind if mine ever gives up the oscillating.

One thing that concerns me is that the clutch mechanism looks like it might be made out of plastic?!?! If so, I am wondering about how long it is going to last.

[lockman]

Thanks Joe. If I ever have the problem I will know how to fix it with your research. Or memory when I forget and ask again.

[Joe Lyddon]

Yes, the Clutch parts are made of of heavy plastic...

I'm calling it a clutch because I don't know of a better word for it... The only time it disengages is when something happens... it pops open...

If the oscillation ever bogs down, gets jerky, etc., I'd say it's time to open her up and give her a good LUBE job!!

In fact, it's so easy to do... If you've never done it, DO IT... put your mind at ease! You will be able to see the bottom of the housing to see how the shaft is guided by the molded cam... needs gobs of grease.

It's super easy to do...