5” RANDOM ORBITAL
PALM SANDER
Model 93431
SET uP AND OPERATINg INSTRucTIONS
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE ThIS MANuAL.
©
®
Copyright 2005 by Harbor Freight Tools . All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or any artwork
contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express written consent of Harbor
FreightTools. Diagramswithinthismanualmaynotbedrawnproportionally. Duetocontinuingimprovements,
actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Manual Revised 10f
increased risk of electric shock if your
body is grounded.
tools that have the switch on invites
accidents.
c.Do not expose power tools to rain or
wet conditions. Water entering a power
tool will increase the risk of electric
shock.
d.Remove any adjusting key or wrench
before turning the power tool on.
A wrench or a key left attached to a
rotating part of the power tool may result
in personal injury.
d.Do not abuse the cord. Never use
the cord for carrying, pulling or
e.Do not overreach. Keep proper
footing and balance at all times. This
enables better control of the power tool
in unexpected situations.
unplugging the power tool. Keep cord
away from heat, oil, sharp edges or
moving parts. Damaged or entangled
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
f. Dress properly. Do not wear loose
clothing or jewelry. Keep your hair,
clothing and gloves away from
e.When operating a power tool
outdoors, use an extension cord
suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord
suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk
of electric shock.
moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry or
long hair can be caught in moving parts.
g.If devices are provided for the
connection of dust extraction and
collection facilities, ensure these are
connected and properly used. Use of
these devices can reduce dust-related
hazards.
f. If operating a power tool in a damp
location is unavoidable, use a ground
Fault circuit Interrupter (gFcI)
protected supply. Use of a GFCI
reduces the risk of electric shock.
h.Only use safety equipment that has
been approved by an appropriate
standards agency. Unapproved safety
equipment may not provide adequate
protection. Eye protection must be
ANSI-approved and breathing protection
must be NIOSH-approved for the specific
hazards in the work area.
3. Personal safety
a.Stay alert, watch what you are
doing and use common sense when
operating a power tool. Do not use
a power tool while you are tired or
under the influence of drugs, alcohol
or medication. A moment of inattention
while operating power tools may result in
serious personal injury.
4. Power tool use and care
b.use safety equipment. Always wear
eye protection. Safety equipment such
as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes,
hard hat, or hearing protection used
for appropriate conditions will reduce
personal injuries.
a.Do not force the power tool. use
the correct power tool for your
application. The correct power tool will
do the job better and safer at the rate for
which it was designed.
b.Do not use the power tool if the
switch does not turn it on and off.
Any power tool that cannot be controlled
with the switch is dangerous and must
be repaired.
c.Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure
the switch is in the off-position before
connecting to power source and/or
battery pack, picking up or carrying
the tool. Carrying power tools with your
finger on the switch or energizing power
c.Disconnect the plug from the power
source and/or the battery pack from
SKU 93431
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Page 3
the power tool before making any
adjustments, changing accessories,
or storing power tools. Such
preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the power tool
accidentally.
and specifications provided with
this power tool. Failure to follow all
instructions listed below may result in
electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
2. Operations such as grinding, wire
brushing, polishing or cutting-off are
not recommended to be performed
with this power tool. Operations for
which the power tool was not designed
may create a hazard and cause personal
injury.
d.Store idle power tools out of the reach
of children and do not allow persons
unfamiliar with the power tool or
these instructions to operate the
power tool. Power tools are dangerous
in the hands of untrained users.
3. Do not use accessories which
are not specifically designed
e.Maintain power tools. check for
misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any other
condition that may affect the power
tool’s operation. If damaged, have
the power tool repaired before use.
Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained power tools.
and recommended by the tool
manufacturer. Just because the
accessory can be attached to your power
tool, it does not assure safe operation.
4. The rated speed of the accessory
must be at least equal to the
maximum speed marked on the power
tool. Accessories running faster than
their RATED SPEED can break and fly
apart.
f. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean.
Properly maintained cutting tools with
sharp cutting edges are less likely to
bind and are easier to control.
g.use the power tool, accessories and
tool bits etc. in accordance with these
instructions, taking into account the
working conditions and the work to
be performed. Use of the power tool for
operations different from those intended
could result in a hazardous situation.
5. The outside diameter and the
thickness of your accessory must
be within the capacity rating of
your power tool. Incorrectly sized
accessories cannot be adequately
guarded or controlled.
6. The arbor size of wheels, flanges,
backing pads or any other accessory
must properly fit the spindle of the
power tool. Accessories with arbor
holes that do not match the mounting
hardware of the power tool will run out
of balance, vibrate excessively and may
cause loss of control.
5. Service
a.have your power tool serviced by a
qualified repair person using only
identical replacement parts. This will
ensure that the safety of the power tool
is maintained.
Safety Warnings common for
Sanding Operations
7. Do not use a damaged accessory.
Before each use inspect the
accessory such as abrasive wheels
for chips and cracks, backing pad
for cracks, tear or excess wear,
1. This power tool is intended to
function as a sander. Read all safety
warnings, instructions, illustrations
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Page 4
wire brush for loose or cracked
wires. If power tool or accessory
is dropped, inspect for damage or
install an undamaged accessory.
After inspecting and installing an
accessory, position yourself and
bystanders away from the plane of
the rotating accessory and run the
power tool at maximum no-load speed
for one minute. Damaged accessories
will normally break apart during this test
time.
11. Position the cord clear of the spinning
accessory. If you lose control, the cord
may be cut or snagged and your hand
or arm may be pulled into the spinning
accessory.
12. Never lay the power tool down until
the accessory has come to a complete
stop. The spinning accessory may grab
the surface and pull the power tool out of
your control.
13. Do not run the power tool while
carrying it at your side. Accidental
contact with the spinning accessory
could snag your clothing, pulling the
accessory into your body.
8. Wear personal protective equipment.
Depending on application, use face
shield, safety goggles or safety
glasses. As appropriate, wear dust
mask, hearing protectors, gloves
and workshop apron capable of
stopping small abrasive or work piece
fragments. The eye protection must
be capable of stopping flying debris
generated by various operations.
The eye protection must be capable
of stopping flying debris generated by
various operations. The dust mask or
respirator must be capable of filtering out
particles generated by your operation.
Prolonged exposure to high intensity
noise may cause hearing loss.
14. Regularly clean the power tool’s air
vents. The motor’s fan will draw the
dust inside the housing and excessive
accumulation of powdered metal may
cause electrical hazards.
15. Do not operate the power tool near
flammable materials. Sparks could
ignite these materials.
16. Do not use accessories that require
liquid coolants. Using water or other
liquid coolants may result in electrocution
or shock.
9. Keep bystanders a safe distance away
from work area. Anyone entering
the work area must wear personal
protective equipment. Fragments of
work piece or of a broken accessory
may fly away and cause injury beyond
immediate area of operation.
17. Maintain labels and nameplates on
the tool. These carry important safety
information. If unreadable or missing,
contact Harbor Freight Tools for a
replacement.
18. Avoid unintentional starting. Prepare to
begin work before turning on the tool.
10. hold power tool by insulated gripping
surfaces only, when performing an
operation where the accessory may
contact hidden wiring or its own cord.
An accessory contacting a ″live″ wire
may make exposed metal parts of the
power tool ″live″ and shock the operator.
19. Do not leave the tool unattended when
it is plugged into an electrical outlet.
Turn off the tool, and unplug it from its
electrical outlet before leaving.
20. Use clamps (not included) or other
practical ways to secure and support the
workpiece to a stable platform. Holding
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Page 5
the work by hand or against your body is
unstable and may lead to loss of control
and personal injury.
to cause cancer, and birth defects or
other reproductive harm. Wash hands
after handling. (California Health &
Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
21. This product is not a toy. Keep it out of
reach of children.
25. The warnings, precautions, and
instructions discussed in this instruction
manual cannot cover all possible
conditions and situations that may occur.
It must be understood by the operator
that common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into this
product, but must be supplied by the
operator.
22. People with pacemakers should
consult their physician(s) before use.
Electromagnetic fields in close proximity
to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker
failure. In addition, people with
pacemakers should:
• Avoid operating alone.
• Properly maintain and inspect to avoid
electrical shock.
Kickback and Related Warnings
• Any power cord must be properly
grounded. Ground Fault Circuit
Interrupter (GFCI) should also be
implemented – it prevents sustained
electrical shock.
Kickback is a sudden reaction to a
pinched or snagged rotating wheel, backing
pad, brush or any other accessory. Pinching
or snagging causes rapid stalling of the
rotating accessory which in turn causes the
uncontrolled power tool to be forced in the
direction opposite of the accessory’s rotation
at the point of the binding.
23. WARNING: Some dust created by power
sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and
other construction activities, contains
chemicals known [to the State of
For example, if an abrasive wheel is
snagged or pinched by the workpiece, the
edge of the wheel that is entering into the
pinch point can dig into the surface of the
material causing the wheel to climb out or
kick out. The wheel may either jump toward
or away from the operator, depending on
direction of the wheel’s movement at the point
of pinching. Abrasive wheels may also break
under these conditions.
California] to cause cancer, birth defects
or other reproductive harm. Some
examples of these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints
• Crystalline silica from bricks and
cement or other masonry products
• Arsenic and chromium from chemically
treated lumber
Your risk from these exposures varies,
depending on how often you do this type
of work. To reduce your exposure to
these chemicals: work in a well ventilated
area, and work with approved safety
equipment, such as those dust masks
that are specially designed to filter out
microscopic particles. (California Health
& Safety Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
Kickback is the result of power tool
misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures
or conditions and can be avoided by taking
proper precautions as given below.
1. Maintain a firm grip on the power
tool and position your body and
arm to allow you to resist kickback
forces. Always use auxiliary handle, if
provided, for maximum control over
kickback or torque reaction during
24. WARNING: Handling the cord on this
product will expose you to lead, a
chemical known to the State of California
SKU 93431
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Page 6
start-up. The operator can control
torque reactions or kickback forces, if
proper precautions are taken.
1. Anyone using vibrating tools regularly
or for an extended period should first
be examined by a doctor and then have
regular medical check-ups to ensure
medical problems are not being caused
or worsened from use. Pregnant
2. Never place your hand near the
rotating accessory. Accessory may
kickback over your hand.
women or people who have impaired
blood circulation to the hand, past hand
injuries, nervous system disorders,
diabetes, or Raynaud’s Disease should
not use this tool. If you feel any medical
or physical symptoms related to vibration
(such as tingling, numbness, and white
or blue fingers), seek medical advice as
soon as possible.
3. Do not position your body in the
area where power tool will move
if kickback occurs. Kickback will
propel the tool in direction opposite to
the wheel’s movement at the point of
snagging.
4. use special care when working
corners, sharp edges etc. Avoid
bouncing and snagging the
2. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine
reduces the blood supply to the hands
and fingers, increasing the risk of
vibration-related injury.
accessory. Corners, sharp edges or
bouncing have a tendency to snag the
rotating accessory and cause loss of
control or kickback.
3. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the
vibration effects on the user.
5. Do not attach a saw chain
woodcarving blade or toothed saw
blade. Such blades create frequent
kickback and loss of control.
4. Use tools with the lowest vibration when
there is a choice between different
processes.
5. Include vibration-free periods each day
Safety Warnings Specific for
of work.
Sanding Operations
6. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still
keeping safe control of it). Let the tool
do the work.
1. Do not use excessively oversized
sanding disc paper. Follow
manufacturer’s recommendations
when selecting sanding paper. Larger
sanding paper extending beyond the
sanding pad presents a laceration
hazard and may cause snagging, tearing
of the disc or kickback.
7. To reduce vibration, maintain the tool
as explained in this manual. If any
abnormal vibration occurs, stop use
immediately.
SAVE ThESE
Vibration Safety
INSTRucTIONS.
This tool vibrates during use. Repeated
or long-term exposure to vibration may cause
temporary or permanent physical injury,
particularly to the hands, arms and shoulders.
To reduce the risk of vibration-related injury:
SKU 93431
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Page 7
preceding illustration. (See Outlets for
2-Prong Plug.)
gROuNDINg
TO PREVENT
ELEcTRIc ShOcK
AND DEATh FROM INcORREcT
gROuNDINg WIRE
Extension cords
1. Grounded tools require a three wire
extension cord. Double Insulated
tools can use either a two or three wire
extension cord.
cONNEcTION:
Check with a qualified electrician
if you are in doubt as to whether
the outlet is properly grounded.
Do not modify the power cord
plug provided with the tool.
Never remove the grounding
prong from the plug. Do not use
the tool if the power cord or plug
is damaged. If damaged, have it
repaired by a service facility
2. As the distance from the supply outlet
increases, you must use a heavier gauge
extension cord. Using extension cords
with inadequately sized wire causes a
serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss
of power and possible tool damage.
(See Table A.)
before use. If the plug will not fit 3. The smaller the gauge number of the
the outlet, have a proper outlet
installed by a qualified
electrician.
wire, the greater the capacity of the cord.
For example, a 14 gauge cord can carry
a higher current than a 16 gauge cord.
(See Table A.)
Double Insulated Tools: Tools with
Two Prong Plugs
4. When using more than one extension
cord to make up the total length, make
sure each cord contains at least the
minimum wire size required. (See Table
A.)
5. If you are using one extension cord for
more than one tool, add the nameplate
amperes and use the sum to determine
the required minimum cord size. (See
Table A.)
Outlets for 2-Prong Plug
6. If you are using an extension cord
outdoors, make sure it is marked with the
suffix “W-A” (“W” in Canada) to indicate it
is acceptable for outdoor use.
1. Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not
require grounding. They have a special
double insulation system which satisfies
OSHA requirements and complies with
the applicable standards of Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc., the Canadian
7. Make sure the extension cord is properly
wired and in good electrical condition.
Always replace a damaged extension
cord or have it repaired by a qualified
electrician before using it.
Standard Association, and the National
Electrical Code.
2. Double insulated tools may be used in
either of the 120 volt outlets shown in the
8. Protect the extension cords from sharp
objects, excessive heat, and damp or
wet areas.
SKU 93431
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Page 8
REcOMMENDED MINIMuM WIRE gAugE
FOR EXTENSION cORDS* (120/240 VOLT)
EXTENSION cORD
NAMEPLATE
LENgTh
AMPERES
(at full load)
25’ 50’ 75’ 100’ 150’
0 – 2.0
2.1 – 3.4
18
18
18
18
18
14
12
18
18
18
16
14
12
10
18
18
16
14
12
10
-
18
16
14
12
10
-
16
14
12
12
-
3.5 – 5.0
5.1 – 7.0
7.1 – 12.0
12.1 – 16.0
16.1 – 20.0
-
-
-
* Based on limiting the line
voltage drop to five volts at 150%
of the rated amperes.
TABLE A
Symbology
Double Insulated
Canadian Standards Association
Underwriters Laboratories, Inc.
Volts Alternating Current
Amperes
V~
A
Orbits Per Minute
OPM
No Load Revolutions per Minute
(RPM)
n xxxx/min.
0
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Page 9
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