HEX-SOCKET-HEAD CAP SCREW 1600A015G7

1. The hard part was drilling out the broken hex-socket head-cap screw. I did that with a metal-compatible drill bit to start a hole, using lubricant, followed by a left-hand screw extractor bit. It takes patience to do this; this is a blind bolt, with no access to the inside end.
2. The entire tool can be easily disassembled with s ... Read more mall star-drive bits (I used an iFixit electronics repair kit--the basic one); and a Philips screwdriver. I took it apart both for repair access and to clean it. If you\'re just replacing the sander pad you will not need to do any disassembly. You may be able to replace a friction ring without taking off the piece to which it attaches--not sure on that, but if you have to remove it, it\'s just three or four small Philips screws. The friction ring just fits over a flange on the black plastic piece.
3. My sander was caked with epoxy dust so I thoroughly cleaned all of it with an old toothbrush, toothpick, and shopvac.
4. Be aware that if you pull out the armature, you won\'t be able to get it back in past the motor brushes without removing the top housing of the tool and temporarily unscrewing the brush housings to pull back the brushes. This is easy. It also allows you to check the condition of the brushes and clean any dust off them and the armature, which could accelerate wear.
5. It\'s easy to re-assemble the tool using the exploded-parts diagram as a guide. Make sure to do it in order or you\'ll have to take it back apart if you forget a step.
6. The new hex-socket head-cap screw will need to be tightened quite firmly or it will back itself out quickly on high speed, especially if you have lubricated the threads.