H-D doesn't sell sleeves for Ridgid Oscillating Spindle Sander

[imported_gkpugh]

I thought Ridgid was serious about being in woodworking tools. I've had my eye on the bandsaw for several months. However, that all changed when I went to Home-Depot to buy some replacement sanding sleeves for my Ridgid oscillating spindle/belt sander. Even though H-D still sells the sander THEY NO LONGER SELL THE SLEEVES!!!! UNBELIEVABLE! When I bought this sander H-D had a supply of all different sizes and grits of sleeves. This week, when I went back to the store they wanted to sell me a multi-pack that was designed for the RYOBI. If I want 1 2" sleeve I have to buy 6 or seven - including a 3" sleeve that I can't use - just to get the one I want. And I no longer have a choice of grits. This is totally unacceptable. Sears would never do this to a customer. Ridgid and H-D should not do this either.

I also own a Ridgid reciprocating saw and a Ridgid Shop Vacuum. I switched from Craftsman on both of these items when my old ones wore out because I liked the quality of the Ridgid tools and Home Depot is a more convenient place to shop for me. However, when these tools wear out, I'll be switching to someone else.

I have a Craftsman hand drill that I bought in 1980 that I can still get parts for. I doubt I'll get that kind of support from Ridgid or H-D. Just wish I had known of your lack of commitment earlier.

[BadgerDave]

You're not going to buy the Ridgid BS because you can't get a certain sanding sleeve from HD? You're going to buy a different brand of recipricating saw when yours wears out because you can't get a certain sanding sleeve from HD?You're also going to buy a different brand of shop vacuum when yours wears out because you can't get a certain sanding sleeve from HD? This place (http://www.supergrit.com) doesn't have any BS's, recip. saws or shop vacs but they'll be glad to sell you some sanding sleeves.

[ 08-27-2004, 02:33 PM: Message edited by: Badger Dave ]

[Lorax]

Dave,
Thanks for the link. smile.gif I've been looking for a source like that. Have you used the supergrit brand abrasives? Just wondering how they compare to the "name brands". Thanks.

[BadgerDave]

Lorax,

I ordered some H&L discs from them for my ROS and find their quality to be as good as any other paper that I've used. They have a very large variety of product to choose from also. You can request a catalog from them right from their website or call their 800 number for probably quicker service.. Compared to what paper costs at the Big Boxes, their prices are very attractive.

Dave

[imported_CWSmith]

QKPugh,

I understand your fustration. While I wouldn't go so far as to not buy particular tools that I think are good, it does make me wonder who decides what, when it comes to stocking consumable items at HD.

I have a few tools that I have purchased within the last year and simply cannot buy certain items at HD to fit them. No 6-inch sanding discs for my bench top combination sander, and they only have 80 grit belts that fit it. They carry only one "Delta" brand bandsaw blade (3/8th) to fit my little Ryobi 9-inch BS (they don't sell Delta bandsaws). The shafts on the Hickory brand router bits are too short to use with my Router/Table combination. I could mention more, but the point is, I like the tools and HD has the best selection for that. With consumable items, the selection is slim to none, but frankly better quality and price can usually be found mail order. So, that is the way I go and probably a lot of folks do the same. We just have to make sure we have some inventory so we don't run out!

Just a thought,

CWS

[murphinDC]

Try this guy out. I've bought sanding sleeves from him before and he's great to work with. He was recommended to me by someone else on the forum.

20 Ridgid Sandpaper Sleeves 1-Inch With Pad (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=20796&item=4321544318&rd=1)

[CalFarm]

This thread is a little old, but I thought I would post an update for those contemplating the EB4424 oscillating spindle sander. Home Depot DOES have replacement sleeves for the sander, although I could not find them on the HD web site. I found them in-store only. The package costs about $14 and contains five 80 grit tubes and five 150 grit tubes in the five sizes. Part number is R28400. The full title is: RIDGID/Sandpaper Sleeve 10 Pack for EB4424. If you are looking for many sleeves of a single size, it looks like HD does not have them, and you will have to try the alternative suppliers in this thread. However, keep in mind that the sanding belt itself is readily available. In any case this does not sound like a deal breaker to me.