How to Replace the Platen on a DeWALT Sander

The platen is the base of your sander and it interacts with several of the sander's other parts: The pad bearing, the paper clamps and the sanding pad all attach to the platen. The feet connect the platen to the sander. There are several common ways that the platen can be damaged. A seized pad bearing can become hot and melt the platen. Sometimes, the plastic attachment points for the paper clamps can break. The platen can also wear down where the feet attach, or it can crack if the sander is dropped.

Let's get started.

REMOVING THE PLATEN   1. Remove the sanding pad.

a. Unplug the tool.

b. Remove the (4) screws securing the sanding pad to platen.

c. Remove the sanding pad from the platen.

  2. Remove the platen.

a. Pull the platen away from the pad bearing.

  3. Remove the paper clamps.

a. Remove the paper clamps from the platen. (The clamps simply slide out of the plastic grooves on the platen assembly).

  4. Remove the felt seal.

a. Remove the felt seal from the platen.

b. Examine the felt seal for damage. If the seal is worn or damaged (or the adhesive has dried or deteriorated), the seal should be replaced.

INSTALLING THE NEW PLATEN

  5. Install the felt seal.

a. Install the felt seal to the new platen.

  6. Install the paper clamps.

a. Place the paper clamps in their approximate position on the platen.

b. Use a screwdriver to seat the pivot arms (on the clamps) into the grooves on the platen.

c. Secure the spring arms (on the clamps) in the locking tabs on the sides of the platen.

  7. Install the platen.

a. Align the four mounting holes on the new platen with the threaded holes on the bottom of the sander.

b. Install and press the new platen assembly onto the pad bearing.

REASSEMBLING THE UNIT

  8. Reinstall the sander pad.

a. Install the sanding pad onto the platen.

b. Secure the sanding pad with the four screws.