How to Replace the Fixed Pulley on a Porter Cable Sander

Fixed pulley broken? It's time to face the fix. Whether you are a master carpenter or a seasonal sander, eReplacementParts.com provides the parts, procedures and facts you need to fearlessly fix what fails you.

The fixed pulley is basically an idler pulley for the clutch belt. Over time, it can wear out and you'll need to replace it. Occasionally, the screw that secures the fixed pulley will vibrate loose, and the pulley vanish completely.

Symptoms of a missing (or damaged) pulley will be similar to a broken clutch belt in that the sander will not stop spinning when you remove it from your work piece. Fortunately, fixing a broken fixed pulley is very easy to do.

This article provides step-by-step instructions for removing and installing the fixed pulley on a Porter Cable Quicksand 333 series sander.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE FIXED PULLEY [top] 1. Remove the sanding pad.

Remove the (3) screws from the sander pad.

Remove the sanding pad from the sander.

  2. Remove the clutch belt.

Remove the clutch belt from the fixed pulley and the pad support pulley.

  3. Remove the fixed pulley.

The pulley is held in place by a REVERSE-THREADED screw. Use a Phillip's screwdriver to rotate the screw CLOCKWISE to remove it.

Remove the pulley from the sander.

  INSTALLING THE NEW FIXED PULLEY [top] 4. Install the fixed pulley.

Insert the screw through the new fixed pulley.

Install the new pulley (and the screw) onto the sander.

Secure the fixed pulley to the sander with the screw (rotate the screw COUNTERCLOCKWISE to tighten it).

  REASSEMBLING THE UNIT [top] 5. Reinstall the clutch belt.

Install the clutch belt onto the fixed (small) pulley.

Stretch the clutch belt onto one side of the pad support.

Rotate the pad support to seat the clutch belt.

  6. Reinstall the sanding pad.

For easy alignment: Pass a small screwdriver through one of the screw holes on the sander pad; then insert the end of the screwdriver into one of the holes on the pad support.

Install the sanding pad.

Secure the sander pad with the (3) screws.

Sanding can be a demanding task. But you don't have to rough-up your accountant to smooth-out your countertops. As you just learned, repairing your own power tools is simple when you follow our step-by-step guides. Not only did you expand sander functionality at a fraction of the cost of replacement; you have taken the edge off all future repairs.

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