Hello,
I replaced the pad and the dust/brake shield but the pad still spins at the motors RPM. What else could cause this?

i have the same problem as john, and no one has answered his concern. sander spins fine when turned on, but as soon as it contacts the workpiece it just stops spinning. any ideas what parts i need to replace.

My Dewalt 421 palm sander does not orbit anymore. What is the problem? I took it apart and cleaned it and found a thin steel shim that was torn. Is that the problem? I cannot find it in the parts list.
thanks, Gregg

How do I replace the brushes in my sander?

Are the 3 screws holding the pad to the retainer screwed tight or loose? I can't tell as my threads were stripped when I disassembled mine.

My DeWalt DW421 orbital sander pad spins at the same rpm as the motor and becomes almost ballistic and dangerous. It is a useless piece of machinery in this state. I do not believe a "brake" will be able to stop or even slow down this spinning. It would wear out a brake very fast. It is out of warranty, but has not been used often enough to wear the sander out.

Hello Folks -

My trusty orbital sander is loosing steam and not running with as much power as it used to. Ideas?

My Milwaukee PowerPlus 18v 1/2" Cordless Drill is also not up to snuff, however it simply will not turn. I though the problem was the batteries, however after replacement and a new charger I can verify full juice off the batteries with a multimeter, but the drill barely turns, and if it does it is so so weak. Before it totally nose dived I noticed a metalic/electric smell when I would run it. Towards the end the drill made a grinding sound as it revolved.

Suggestions on what to replace or shall I retire these tools for good?


Thanks!

Zach:confused::confused::mad::cool:

I have a DeWalt DW421 Sander. Don't know if Type 1 or Type 2. Suspect an older Type1. Purchased at Orchard Supply Hardware in Sunnyvale, CA quite a few years ago. I have replaced the sander pad and would like to replace the three screws that hold the sander pad in place. However the three screws currently in place are finely threaded screws and there are none like them listed on the ereplacementparts.com web site under this model # for either type1 or type 2. Any idea where I might be able to find replacements? Thanks.

My DeWalt DW421 orbital sander worked fine at first, but did not survive much use. I would consider it dangerous when the pad begins to spin at the RPM of the motor. I would classify it as a short-life and high maintenance machine and would suggest purchasing a different brand.

my dewalt DW421 is such a good tool, I have two of them now.

i like this tool i have had this a very long time but i like dewalt tools i believe there are the best tools built i have bought saws and drills love thim all.... dw421

I have used this sander for many projects over the past years and find it to be well made and functional for the uses I put it through. It fits my hand well and allows for easy sanding whether it be removal of stock or fine finishing.

I love this sander. It's light and powerful, and seems to be reliable. I agree with the review above, there is one problem. The dust collector is friction fit, and if you are not careful it can fall off easily. Other than that, it is a great tool.

I have 3 of the dewalt DW421 sanders and they each have the same problem that when holding the sander off the surface they run great, but as you touch the surface it stops turning. I have replaced the brushes and still doesn't help. Does anyone had this same problem or know the fix. Thank YouJohn

The DW421 is a great sander. It is lightweight, but still has lots of power. I have really liked the grip and the feel of the tool. When you put a heavy grit sandpaper on, it just feels like you can remove a lot of material quickly. It seems to have a solid construction. I have had good luck with DeWALT tools. Most of the ones that I have owned have been reliable. From other reviews that I have read, this sander uses a "controlled finishing system." As far as I know, this just means that a pad brake will keep the pad from spinning when it is not pressed against the material.My only two gripes with this tool are the dust collection system and the vibration during use. Several times the whole dust collection canister has slid off altogether. It is a friction fit design (why they would think this would be enough, I am not sure.) It seems like they could have easily put on a some type of locking mechanism that would keep it secured to the base of the sander. The vibration is not horrible, but it is noticeable after using the sander for a long time. My hands have that slightly numb feeling when I am done using it.I really like this sander, but with a few small changes DeWALT could have made a better product.