I have a Bosch 5″ ROS that is several years old, but has not seen a ton of use.
Last week on the job I turned it on and the head (pad) went flying off.
The hex head screw that holds it on had come loose.
I attempted to put it back on, but the screw wouldn’t tighten…appears to be stripped. (Not the screw)
Anyone ever had a similar problem?
Is there an inexpensive remedy?
Were it the screw itself, I’d replace it.
Ideas, short of bringing it in for repairs?
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Replies
Helicoil.
If there is enough metal there.
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Should my local hardware store carry em?
Bring in the screw for sizing?
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
Yes and yes, Auto parts stores have them, as well.
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You have to drill out, and re-tap, for a helicoil.
If there isn't enough metal there, for that, you might try just retapping just slightly larger, and using a slightly larger screw.
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If I screw that up, am I out a sander?
J. D. Reynolds
Home Improvements
No more so than you are right now.If it gets screwed up, try finding the part number for just the part of the sander, that the screw goes into, then search online for the part.
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It may be possible to LocTite or Epoxy the screw into place.
IF there is enough left of the internal threads to get a grab of the hex screw threads.
Repair may last a long time, may not but I sure would give it a try.
Best answer I have short of sending it off for repairs.
Had a Bosch that suffered a similar problem.
Solution was a Makita. That one suffers from premature wearout of the disc binding hooks on the expensive backing pad.
Solution to that was a Metabo. So far, so good.
Try the next larger screw size.
Put some steel wool scraps in the hole and a drop or two of epoxy, insert the original screw while the epoxy is wet.
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I just remembered that there is an epoxy product (2 part, well actually 3 part) out there that you coat the screw with an anti-seize material and fill the internal threads with the 2 part epoxy part of the kit.
After coating both pieces with the appropriate material then you let it set up and unscrew the screw or bolt , wipe clean the anti-seize compound and re-fasten the parts.
Don't know where it is available but know it exists.
Be guessing an auto parts store.
. I've never tried the helicoil solution, but I will say that the 2 part epoxy method will buy you some time if done well. I'm on my second Bosch ROS right now. The first one, a five inch, broke like yours so I did an epoxy repair which lasted until the tool was stolen. Then I bought a six inch bosch which worked great until the screw broke OFF. I removed the stub with an "easy out" and replaced it with a hardened allen screw which should last longer. I used Loctite red on the threads and have had no problems since.
The main thing is to keep that screw tight at all times. If you own one of these sanders -or any random orbital, for that matter-I recommend applying a threadlocker to the center screw right out of the box, before problems arise.
can you tap it to the next larger size?
You could just buy a Festool sander and be done with it. <G> It does cost a "little" more tho.
Edited 9/23/2008 7:19 pm ET by Talisker2
JB Weld in the hole, vaseline on the screw. When it sets up, remove the screw and clean off any excess vaseline. You will then have new threads.
Or plan B, fill the hole with JB and retap it with a bottoming tap.
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