Mark J Posted September 9 Report Share Posted September 9 Regarding the Rigid oscillating belt sander: There is left hand threaded knob that holds the large roller onto the drive spindle. It's a left hand thread to keep it from loosening during operation. Unfortunately it becomes extremely tight during even brief use. Even with a drop of oil on the threads I find I have to use pliers on the rubber knob. In an attempt to forestall eventually tearing the rubber knob, I wrap it with blue tape. The knob is a 5 point star shape, so there is no wrench will fit. Maybe I'm the only one who has this problem, but does anyone have a better solution to this? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drzaius Posted September 9 Report Share Posted September 9 Use epoxy putty to mold a larger knob to fit over the factory knob. It might not be pretty, but it should do the trick. Use some packing tape on the rubber to keep the epoxy from sticking while it cures. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tpt life Posted September 9 Report Share Posted September 9 I’d do some dismantling, and see if you could get a lever to engage. Think TS arbor lever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhighlander Posted September 9 Report Share Posted September 9 I had the same issue with mine, and finally just stopped tightening it more than 'snug'. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legenddc Posted September 9 Report Share Posted September 9 Do the threads look okay? I can't recall mine being that hard to loosen. Certainly never had to use pliers on it. Maybe some anti seize would help prevent it from getting stuck? My biggest problem with that knob is I always forget it's left handed, even with the graphic on top. You could try a left hand nut and a wrench if it's that much of an issue. It appears enough people have an issue with it that there are multiple 3D printable models: https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3871548 I'm sure you could find one on Etsy if you don't have access to a 3D printer. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beechwood Chip Posted September 9 Report Share Posted September 9 I often use channel lock pliers for leverage, but I don't need to squeeze very hard. It never occurred to me that I might damage the rubber. I might put some tape on the jaws of the pliers. My three big problems are people over-tightening before they remember that it's a left hand thread, people turning the tracking knob thinking that they need to remove both to remove the belt, and remembering that the spindles have a top and bottom. If I put them on upside down, then the sand paper rides up no matter how hard I tighten. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post legenddc Posted September 9 Popular Post Report Share Posted September 9 $10 on Etsy Option 1 Option 2 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Von Posted September 9 Report Share Posted September 9 Similar to others, I tighten might as little as I can. That said, I'll probably invest in one of @legenddc's options. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Beechwood Chip Posted September 10 Popular Post Report Share Posted September 10 On 9/9/2024 at 5:03 PM, legenddc said: $10 on Etsy I made something similar for a friend from a piece of scrap wood and a router. He wanted it to change the filter on a faucet mounted water filter. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted September 10 Author Report Share Posted September 10 17 hours ago, wtnhighlander said: I had the same issue with mine, and finally just stopped tightening it more than 'snug'. Even if I just barely tighten, it gets over tight when running. 15 hours ago, legenddc said: $10 on Etsy Option 1 Option 2 Thanks for your shopping help, legenddc. I think I'll be buying the double headed one as the maker is actually near by. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legenddc Posted September 10 Report Share Posted September 10 In case anyone else is looking for one, check with your local library. Our library system has 3D printing services available. I've used it a few times and sent a file from Thingiverse and picked it up a week or two later. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Mark J Posted September 10 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted September 10 Just placed the order. Came to 15 bucks with shipping and tax. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gee-dub Posted September 11 Report Share Posted September 11 BTDT. Grease and a washer. The knob/post will not loosen in use. The grease will help with binding. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted September 11 Author Report Share Posted September 11 I've tried a drop of oil without success. Would grease perform differently? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gary Beasley Posted September 11 Report Share Posted September 11 It might need a plastic washer under the knob. We do the same to keep a chuck from locking too tightly on the lathe. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jfitz Posted September 11 Report Share Posted September 11 I like the shop-made wrench idea above. also, I would inspect the threads and seating surface to see if there are any deformations or defects that might be causing it to bind up. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post gee-dub Posted September 11 Popular Post Report Share Posted September 11 On 9/11/2024 at 5:34 AM, Mark J said: I've tried a drop of oil without success. Would grease perform differently? I'm no expert in this area. I started using a marine grease after someone's recommendation way back when. I see it is available on Amazon. One can will last you the rest of your life . It is heavy and stable and seems to do the trick. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
legenddc Posted September 11 Report Share Posted September 11 I would try something thicker than oil. I feel like that would just vibrate out the bottom. I have a tube of Super Lube that I would try simply because I already have it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark J Posted September 11 Author Report Share Posted September 11 If the wrench doesn't work, I'll try the "white" grease I have on hand. Plastic washer is worth a thought, but may be hard to fit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Popular Post Mark J Posted September 16 Author Popular Post Report Share Posted September 16 The wrench came in the mail today. Looks good, fits the knob. I think it will work great. Thanks again for the help solving this problem. 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Von Posted September 19 Report Share Posted September 19 On 9/16/2024 at 3:29 PM, Mark J said: The wrench came in the mail today. Looks good, fits the knob. I think it will work great. I also ordered one and agree. I also impulse bought some router corner templates and DeWalt battery holders and all seem good though I can't claim to have given anything a real test yet. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ron Swanson Jr. Posted September 19 Report Share Posted September 19 On 9/19/2024 at 9:23 AM, Von said: I also ordered one and agree. I also impulse bought some router corner templates and DeWalt battery holders and all seem good though I can't claim to have given anything a real test yet. I have a set of corner templates from Rockler, and they're great! I use them often. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
pkinneb Posted September 19 Report Share Posted September 19 On 9/19/2024 at 9:28 AM, Ron Swanson Jr. said: I have a set of corner templates from Rockler, and they're great! I use them often. x2 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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