ETS EC 125/3 - issue with very tight sanding pad bolt

[Michael Kowalenko]

Hi. I bought this sander today and cannot loosen the bolt to remove the sanding pad. Won’t budge. I thought that I could place the sander in a vise and then use very strong force (impact driver?) to try to loosen the bolt, but on second sober thought I decided against trying that. So here I am, seeking guidance. Please help. Thanks.

 

[WastedP]

You wouldn't want to put the sander in a vise because it's the pad, not the sander, that you need to immobilize.  I have always had success by just holding onto the pad, but you may need to use another tool that holds the dust holes, sort of like the way an angle grinder's wrench works. 

The hex wrench that comes with the sander has a pretty long shank, but it might help to extend it with a cheater bar of some sort slipped over the wrench.

 

[flair woodworks]

My trick is to put the hex key in a vise, engage the screw, then turn the pad. I’ve done this with many new sanders and it has worked every time.

 

[rvieceli]

[member=69046]Michael Kowalenko[/member]

It comes very tight from the factory. If you have an impact driver try the proper size hex bit in it. The percussive nature of the impact usually frees it up.

Ron

 

[Crazyraceguy]

Or take it to the dealer where you got it? That is kind of their problem to deal with and the advantage of buying local.

 

[Cheese]

I'll put the hex key in the bolt, hold the sanding pad securely with gloves on to get a better bite and then quickly strike the long end of the hex key with a dead-blow hammer. A fast, quick hammer strike is the order of the day. It acts like an impact wrench.

When you replace the pad don't over torque it.  [smile]

 

[morts10n]

Not sure, but you may trying to turn it the wrong direction. Many of these things have left hand thread to keep from loosening during use.

 

[mrboult]

Just checked my ETS EC 125 and can confirm that the bolt for the pad is NOT a reverse thread.

Ideally spray some WD40 (or equiv) under the bolt head and use an impact driver while gripping the pad in a gloved hand.

 

[Michael Kowalenko]

Thanks for the replies. I was hoping Festool would respond directly to this post as I put it in the “Ask Festool” folder. As I want to start using this beauty, yesterday I called Festool Service to confirm these ideas with them, and review options I can do with my arthritic hands. Turns out that they are on holiday (well deserved, I’m sure) until next year. I await their input.

 

[nclemmons]

Just replaced the pad on my ETS EC 150/3. 

I ended up using an impact driver with a hex bit as a standard Allen hex wrench was not getting it to move even with a hammer for persuasion!

 

[Michael Kowalenko]

I was at Lee Valley today, picking up my new RO90. Although they are not a Festool service centre, they provided some muscle to help loosen the bolt. Their employee held the pad with great strength while I pulled the “screwdriver, WAF 5” (as named by Festool). There were lots of smiles when that sucker gave way. All is now well.

Another dealer in town commented that something like Loctite is placed on there for the initial tightening at the factory. Perhaps the Festool manual should comment on the requirements for the initial loosening of the bolt. Or retailers could offer the service ... for those that need it ... before you leave with the tool, or they ship it out.