EB44241 Oscillating Sander; can't remove sanding sleeve

[blshaw]

Hello, all.

I am new to the forum, but I hope I've found the right place to solve my problem. I have a Ridgid EB44241 oscillating sander. I haven't had occasion to use it for about a year, but I have started a new project that requires the use of the sander's belt. However, I am unable to remove the 1/2" sanding sleeve that I left on the spindle last year. It won't come off with reasonable upward force, and there appears to be no way to lock the spindle so that I can try turning the sleeve first to loosen it up. I am very reluctant to try any prying approach.

Has anyone else had this problem? If so, how did you solve it?

Thanks in advance!


Brian Shaw

[TOD]

You could try holding the bottom of the sleeve with pliers and using another set of pliers on the top to twist it or you could try to just cut it off. Have you tried sanding with the top retaining nut off? If it gets hot it might release and come off.