Owner’s Manual &

Safety Instructions
19l

Model
HE011

5″ Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander

WARNING: To prevent serious injury, User must read and

understand Owner’s Manual. SAVE THIS MANUAL.
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged.
If any parts are missing or broken, please call 1-888-866-5797
as soon as possible. Reference 56458.
 IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNING
Personal Safety
Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations 1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use
and specifications provided with this power tool. common sense when operating a power tool. Do
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may not use a power tool while you are tired or under
result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury. the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication.
A moment of inattention while operating power
Save all warnings and instructions
tools may result in serious personal injury.
for future reference.
2. Use personal protective equipment. Always
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers wear eye protection. Protective equipment
to your mains-operated (corded) power tool such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard
or battery-operated (cordless) power tool. hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal injuries.
Work Area Safety 3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch
1. Keep work area clean and well lit. is in the off-position before connecting to
Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents. power source and/or battery pack, picking up
or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with
2. Do not operate power tools in explosive your finger on the switch or energizing power
atmospheres, such as in the presence of tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools
create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes. 4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench before
turning the power tool on. A wrench or a
3. Keep children and bystanders away while key left attached to a rotating part of the
operating a power tool. Distractions can power tool may result in personal injury.
cause you to lose control.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
Electrical Safety balance at all times. This enables better control
of the power tool in unexpected situations.
1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
modify the plug in any way. Do not use
jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves
any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded)
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry
power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching
or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
7. If devices are provided for the connection of dust
2. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded
extraction and collection facilities, ensure these
surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and
are connected and properly used. Use of dust
refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric
collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
8. Do not let familiarity gained from frequent use of
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
tools allow you to become complacent and ignore
conditions. Water entering a power tool
tool safety principles. A careless action can cause
will increase the risk of electric shock.
severe injury within a fraction of a second.
4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for
9. Only use safety equipment that has been approved
carrying, pulling or unplugging the power
by an appropriate standards agency. Unapproved
tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
safety equipment may not provide adequate
edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled
protection. Eye protection must be ANSI-approved
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
and breathing protection must be NIOSH-approved
5. When operating a power tool outdoors, for the specific hazards in the work area.
use an extension cord suitable for outdoor
10. Avoid unintentional starting.
use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor
Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.
use reduces the risk of electric shock.
11. Do not lay the tool down until it has come to
6. If operating a power tool in a damp location
a complete stop. Moving parts can grab the
is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit
surface and pull the tool out of your control.
interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of a
GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock. 12. When using a handheld power tool,
maintain a firm grip on the tool with both
hands to resist starting torque.

Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 56458

13. Do not leave the tool unattended when it is plugged 7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits
into an electrical outlet. Turn off the tool, and etc. in accordance with these instructions,
unplug it from its electrical outlet before leaving. taking into account the working conditions
14. This product is not a toy. and the work to be performed. Use of the
Keep it out of reach of children. power tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
15. People with pacemakers should consult their
physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields in 8. Keep handles and grasping surfaces dry, clean
close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause and free from oil and grease. Slippery handles and
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure. grasping surfaces do not allow for safe handling
In addition, people with pacemakers should: and control of the tool in unexpected situations.
• Avoid operating alone.
• Do not use with Switch locked on.
Service
• Properly maintain and inspect to avoid 1. Have your power tool serviced by a
electrical shock. qualified repair person using only identical
• Properly ground power cord. replacement parts. This will ensure that the
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) safety of the power tool is maintained.
should also be implemented – it prevents
sustained electrical shock. 2. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
16. The warnings, precautions, and instructions If unreadable or missing, contact
discussed in this instruction manual cannot Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
cover all possible conditions and situations
that may occur. It must be understood by the Belt sander and drum
operator that common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into this product,
sander safety warnings
but must be supplied by the operator. Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces,
because the sanding surface may contact
Power Tool Use and Care its own cord. Cutting a “live” wire may make
1. Do not force the power tool. Use the correct exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and
power tool for your application. The correct could give the operator an electric shock.
power tool will do the job better and safer
at the rate for which it was designed.
Vibration Safety
2. Do not use the power tool if the switch This tool vibrates during use.
does not turn it on and off. Any power tool Repeated or long-term exposure to vibration may
that cannot be controlled with the switch cause temporary or permanent physical injury,
is dangerous and must be repaired. particularly to the hands, arms and shoulders.
To reduce the risk of vibration-related injury:
3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/
or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from 1. Anyone using vibrating tools regularly or for an
the power tool before making any adjustments, extended period should first be examined by a
changing accessories, or storing power tools. doctor and then have regular medical check-ups to
Such preventive safety measures reduce the ensure medical problems are not being caused or
risk of starting the power tool accidentally. worsened from use. Pregnant women or people who
have impaired blood circulation to the hand, past
4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of
hand injuries, nervous system disorders, diabetes,
children and do not allow persons unfamiliar
or Raynaud’s Disease should not use this tool.
with the power tool or these instructions to
If you feel any symptoms related to vibration (such
operate the power tool. Power tools are
as tingling, numbness, and white or blue fingers),
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
seek medical advice as soon as possible.
5. Maintain power tools and accessories. Check
2. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces
for misalignment or binding of moving
the blood supply to the hands and fingers,
parts, breakage of parts and any other
increasing the risk of vibration-related injury.
condition that may affect the power tool’s
operation. If damaged, have the power tool 3. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the
repaired before use. Many accidents are vibration effects on the user.
caused by poorly maintained power tools. 4. Use tools with the lowest vibration
6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly when there is a choice.
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges 5. Include vibration-free periods each day of work.
are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
6. Grip tool as lightly as possible (while still keeping
safe control of it). Let the tool do the work.

Item 56458 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Page 3

7. To reduce vibration, maintain the tool as
explained in this manual. If any abnormal Double Insulated Tools: Tools
vibration occurs, stop use immediately. with Two Prong Plugs

GROUNDING

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND

DEATH FROM INCORRECT GROUND
WIRE CONNECTION:
Check with a qualified electrician if you
are in doubt as to whether the outlet is properly Outlets for 2-Prong Plug
grounded. Do not modify the power cord plug 1. Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not
provided with the tool. Never remove the grounding require grounding. They have a special
prong from the plug. Do not use the tool if the double insulation system which satisfies
power cord or plug is damaged. If damaged, have OSHA requirements and complies with
it repaired by a service facility before use. If the the applicable standards of Underwriters
plug will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet Laboratories, Inc., the Canadian Standard
installed by a qualified electrician. Association, and the National Electrical Code.
2. Double insulated tools may be used in either of the
Grounded Tools: Tools with 120 volt outlets shown in the preceding illustration.
Three Prong Plugs (See Outlets for 2-Prong Plug.)

Extension Cords
1. Grounded tools require a three wire extension cord.
Double Insulated tools can use either
a two or three wire extension cord.
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.)
3-Prong Plug and Outlet 3. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the
1. Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have greater the capacity of the cord. For example,
a three wire cord and three prong grounding a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current
plug. The plug must be connected to a properly than a 16 gauge cord. (See Table A.)
grounded outlet. If the tool should electrically 4. When using more than one extension cord to make
malfunction or break down, grounding provides up the total length, make sure each cord contains at
a low resistance path to carry electricity away least the minimum wire size required. (See Table A.)
from the user, reducing the risk of electric shock. 5. If you are using one extension cord for more
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.) than one tool, add the nameplate amperes
2. The grounding prong in the plug is connected and use the sum to determine the required
through the green wire inside the cord to the minimum cord size. (See Table A.)
grounding system in the tool. The green wire
6. If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make
in the cord must be the only wire connected to
sure it is marked with the suffix “W-A” (“W” in
the tool’s grounding system and must never
Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.
be attached to an electrically “live” terminal.
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.) 7. Make sure the extension cord is properly wired
and in good electrical condition. Always replace
3. The tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet,
a damaged extension cord or have it repaired
properly installed and grounded in accordance
by a qualified electrician before using it.
with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet
should look like those in the preceding illustration. 8. Protect the extension cords from sharp objects,
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.) excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.

Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 56458

 TAbLE A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE Warning Symbols and Definitions
GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS* (120/240 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE EXTENSION CORD This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
LENGTH alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
AMPERES Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to
(at full load) 25´ 50´ 75´ 100´ 150´ avoid possible injury or death.
0 – 2.0 18 18 18 18 16
2.1 – 3.4 18 18 18 16 14 Indicates a hazardous
3.5 – 5.0 18 18 16 14 12 situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
5.1 – 7.0 18 16 14 12 12
7.1 – 12.0 18 14 12 10 - Indicates a hazardous
12.1 – 16.0 14 12 10 - - situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
16.1 – 20.0 12 10 - - -
* based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at
150% of the rated amperes.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Symbology
Addresses practices not
related to personal injury.
Double Insulated

Specifications
V Volts

Electrical Rating 120VAC / 60Hz / 3A

~ Alternating Current
No Load Speed 8000 - 13,000 OPM
Paper Attachment Hook and Loop
A Amperes
Pad Size 5″ (127 mm)
No Load Revolutions
n0 xxxx/min. per Minute (RPM)
WARNING marking concerning Risk SETUP - BEFORE USE:
of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved
safety goggles with side shields.
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
Read the manual before SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
set-up and/or use. beginning of this manual including
all text under subheadings therein
WARNING marking before set up or use of this product.
concerning Risk of Fire.
Do not cover ventilation ducts.
Keep flammable objects away. Assembly
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Electric Shock. 1. Slide the Dust box onto the Dust Chute at the back
Properly connect power cord of the Sander. Push the Dust Box fully onto the Dust
to appropriate outlet. Chute using firm pressure. Press the Lock Tabs
and release. Lock the Tab Hooks into the Tab Slots.
2. The collection of the dust will only work if the
sandpaper has holes that line up with the 8 dust
collection holes in the Backing Pad. There are
3 other holes in the Backing Pad for the Screws
that attach the Backing Pad to the Sander.

Power Supply Requirements

120VAC, 60Hz

Item 56458 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Page 5

 1. The 5″ Sanding Disc (sold separately) is attached
Functions by Hook and Loop to the Backing Pad.
2. Place the desired Sanding Disc on the
1 Backing Pad, lining up the 8 holes so that
the dust can be collected into the Dust Box.
2 Press the Sanding Disc firmly in place.
3 Setting and Testing
4 1. Ensure the sanding paper is correctly attached
to the Sander and that its holes align with the
holes in the Backing Pad so the Dust Box will
collect debris during the sanding operation.
2. Switch the Power Switch to ON (I) and
run the tool for at least 30 seconds.
6 5
3. If abnormal noise/vibration occurs or the
7 sandpaper slips off, have the problem
corrected before further use.
1. Power Switch 5. Lock Tab
2. Grip 6. Tab Slot General Instructions for Use
3. Speed Dial 7. Backing Pad
4. Dust Box
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS Grip the tool firmly with both hands.
1. Hold the Sander by the Grip.
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION section at the 2. Wipe the work surface clean of all dirt and
beginning of this manual including debris, especially that of previous coarser
all text under subheadings therein sanding sessions which will scratch the
before set up or use of this product. surface of a finer grit sanding session.
3. Press the “O” on the Power Switch to place
Workpiece and Work Area Set Up it in the off-position, then plug in the tool.
1. Workpiece selection: WARNING! The tool will restart automatically if stalled.
a. Workpiece must be free of foreign objects. 4. To start, grip the tool firmly with both hands and
b. Wear a NIOSH-approved respirator and press the “I” on the Power Switch. Press the
have appropriate ventilation whenever “O” on the Power Switch to stop the tool.
sanding pressure treated lumber.
5. The speed of the Sander may be varied by turning
2. Designate a work area that is clean and well lit. the Speed Dial. Wait until the tool has reached
The work area must not allow access by children full speed then gently contact the surface.
or pets to prevent distraction and injury.
6. Keep heavy pressure off the tool when
3. Route the power cord along a safe route to reach operating. Allow the tool to do the work.
the work area without creating a tripping hazard or
exposing the power cord to possible damage. The 7. Move the tool in a uniform pattern up and down or
power cord must reach the work area with enough side to side while sanding to ensure even sanding.
extra length to allow free movement while working. 8. Periodically, press the “O” on the Power
4. Secure loose workpieces using a vise or clamps Switch to stop the tool and check for disc wear.
(not included) to prevent movement while working. Replace worn Sanding Discs as needed.

5. There must not be objects, such as utility lines, 9. Empty the Dust Box frequently and after use.
nearby that will present a hazard while working. 10. To prevent accidents, turn off the tool after use.
WARNING! Allow the tool to come to a compete
Tool Changing stop before setting it down.
Unplug the tool. Clean, then store the
tool indoors out of children’s reach.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Switch is in the off-position
and unplug the tool from its electrical outlet
before performing any procedure in this section.

Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Item 56458

 MAINTENANCE AND Cleaning, Maintenance,
SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS and Lubrication
1. bEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general
Procedures not specifically explained condition of the tool. Check for:
in this manual must be performed • loose hardware,
only by a qualified technician.
• misalignment or binding of moving parts,
• damaged cord/electrical wiring,
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM • cracked or broken parts, and
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION: • any other condition that may
Make sure that the Switch is in the off-position affect its safe operation.
and unplug the tool from its electrical outlet 2. AFTER USE, empty Dust Box and wipe
before performing any procedure in this section. external surfaces of the tool with clean cloth.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM TOOL 3. Periodically, wear ANSI-Approved safety goggles
FAILURE: and NIOSH-approved breathing protection and blow
Do not use damaged equipment. dust out of the motor vents using dry compressed air.
If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have
4. WARNING! If the plug or the supply cord
the problem corrected before further use.
of this power tool is damaged, it must be
replaced only by a qualified service technician.

Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Tool will not start. 1. Cord not connected. 1. Check that cord is plugged in.
2. No power at outlet. 2. Check power at outlet. If outlet is unpowered,
turn off tool and check circuit breaker. If breaker
is tripped, make sure circuit is right capacity
for tool and circuit has no other loads.
3. Internal damage or wear. 3. Have technician service tool.
(Carbon brushes or
switch, for example.)
Tool operates slowly. 1. Excess pressure applied 1. Decrease pressure, allow tool to do the work.
to workpiece.
2. Power being reduced by long or 2. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an extension
small diameter extension cord. cord is needed, use one with the proper
diameter for its length and load. See Extension
Cords in GROUNDING section.
Performance Carbon brushes worn or damaged. Have qualified technician replace brushes.
decreases over time.
Excessive noise Internal damage or wear. Have technician service tool.
or rattling. (Carbon brushes or
bearings, for example.)
Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast. 1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Blocked motor housing vents. 2. Wear ANSI-approved safety goggles and NIOSH-
approved dust mask/respirator while blowing
dust out of motor using compressed air.
3. Motor being strained by long or 3. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an extension
small diameter extension cord. cord is needed, use one with the proper
diameter for its length and load. See Extension
Cords in GROUNDING section.
Tool does not Accessory damaged, worn or Check condition and type of disc accessory. Use
grind, sand or wrong type for the material. only proper type of disc accessory in good condition.
brush effectively.

Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing

the tool. Disconnect power supply before service.

Item 56458 For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797. Page 7

 LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability
standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials
and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to
damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside
our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance.
We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent,
special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion
may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges
prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise.
If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may
elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will
return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted
from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Record Product’s Serial Number Here:

Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Replacement parts are not available.

Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com

Email our technical support at: productsupport@harborfreight.com
For technical questions, please call 1-888-866-5797

Copyright© 2019 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 Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn
proportionally. Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the
product described herein. Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.

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