My orbital sander caught fire on a 2002 Civic quarter panel in the middle of a $2,500 job.

I was blocking it down and saw smoke, then a little flame popped out of the vent, so I yanked the cord and smothered it with my shop rag, but now I'm paranoid about my old corded tools - what's a good brand for a RELIABLE replacement that won't try to torch my work?

2 comments

2 Comments

val_wilson7d ago

Damn, that's a scary situation to have happen mid-job lol. I've had good luck with my Makita corded sander holding up over years of abuse. Maybe check if the old one just needs new brushes before you replace the whole thing?

perez.thea7d ago

Yeah, checking the brushes is a solid first move (saved me from buying a new angle grinder last year). If it's sparking like crazy or smells burnt though, that's usually a sign it's done for.