1/4 Sheet Palm Sander
Model
HE012
WARNING: To prevent serious injury, User must read and
understand Owner’s Manual. SAVE THIS MANUAL.
When unpacking, make sure that the product is intact and undamaged.
If If any parts are missing or broken, please visit harborfreight.com/customer‑support/contact‑us
as soon as possible. Reference 56602.
®
Owner’s Manual &
Safety Instructions
26i
Page 2
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56602
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
General Power Tool Safety Warnings
Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations
and specifications provided with this power tool.
Failure to follow all instructions listed below may
result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
Save all warnings and instructions
for future reference.
The term “power tool” in the warnings refers
to your mains-operated (corded) power tool
or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.
Work Area Safety
1. Keep work area clean and well lit.
Cluttered or dark areas invite accidents.
2. Do not operate power tools in explosive
atmospheres, such as in the presence of
flammable liquids, gases or dust. Power tools
create sparks which may ignite the dust or fumes.
3. Keep children and bystanders away
while operating a power tool. Distractions
can cause you to lose control.
Electrical Safety
1. Power tool plugs must match the outlet.
Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use
any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded)
power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching
outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
2. Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded
surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges
and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of
electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
3. Do not expose power tools to rain or wet
conditions. Water entering a power tool
will increase the risk of electric shock.
4. Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord
for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power
tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp
edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled
cords increase the risk of electric shock.
5. When operating a power tool outdoors,
use an extension cord suitable for outdoor
use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor
use reduces the risk of electric shock.
6. If operating a power tool in a damp location
is unavoidable, use a ground fault circuit
interrupter (GFCI) protected supply. Use of
a GFCI reduces the risk of electric shock.
Personal Safety
1. Stay alert, watch what you are doing and
use common sense when operating a
power tool. Do not use a power tool while
you are tired or under the influence of
drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment
of inattention while operating power tools
may result in serious personal injury.
2. Use personal protective equipment. Always
wear eye protection. Protective equipment
such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard
hat, or hearing protection used for appropriate
conditions will reduce personal injuries.
3. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before connecting
to power source and/or battery pack, picking
up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools
with your finger on the switch or energizing power
tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
4. Remove any adjusting key or wrench
before turning the power tool on. A wrench
or a key left attached to a rotating part of the
power tool may result in personal injury.
5. Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. This enables better control
of the power tool in unexpected situations.
6. Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewelry. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry
or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
7. If devices are provided for the connection of
dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure
these are connected and properly used. Use of
dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.
8. Do not let familiarity gained from frequent
use of tools allow you to become
complacent and ignore tool safety
principles. A careless action can cause
severe injury within a fraction of a second.
9. Only use safety equipment that has been
approved by an appropriate standards agency.
Unapproved safety equipment may not provide
adequate protection. Eye protection must be
ANSI-approved and breathing protection
must be NIOSH-approved for the
specific hazards in the work area.
10. Avoid unintentional starting.
Prepare to begin work before turning on the tool.
11. Do not lay the tool down until it has come to
a complete stop. Moving parts can grab the
surface and pull the tool out of your control.
Page 3
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56602
12. When using a handheld power tool,
maintain a firm grip on the tool with
both hands to resist starting torque.
13. Do not leave the tool unattended
when it is plugged into an electrical
outlet. Turn off the tool, and unplug it
from its electrical outlet before leaving.
14. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.
15. People with pacemakers should consult their
physician(s) before use. Electromagnetic fields
in close proximity to heart pacemaker could cause
pacemaker interference or pacemaker failure.
In addition, people with pacemakers should:
• Avoid operating alone.
• Do not use with Switch locked on.
• Properly maintain and inspect to avoid
electrical shock.
• Properly ground power cord.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI)
should also be implemented – it prevents
sustained electrical shock.
16. The warnings, precautions, and instructions
discussed in this instruction manual cannot
cover all possible conditions and situations
that may occur. It must be understood by the
operator that common sense and caution are
factors which cannot be built into this product,
but must be supplied by the operator.
Power Tool Use and Care
1. Do not force the power tool. Use the correct
power tool for your application. The correct
power tool will do the job better and safer
at the rate for which it was designed.
2. Do not use the power tool if the switch
does not turn it on and off. Any power
tool that cannot be controlled with the switch
is dangerous and must be repaired.
3. Disconnect the plug from the power source and/
or remove the battery pack, if detachable, from
the power tool before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing power
tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
4. Store idle power tools out of the reach of
children and do not allow persons unfamiliar
with the power tool or these instructions
to operate the power tool. Power tools are
dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
5. Maintain power tools and accessories.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving
parts, breakage of parts and any other
condition that may affect the power tool’s
operation. If damaged, have the power tool
repaired before use. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained power tools.
6. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges
are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
7. Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits
etc. in accordance with these instructions,
taking into account the working conditions
and the work to be performed. Use of the
power tool for operations different from those
intended could result in a hazardous situation.
8. Keep handles and grasping surfaces
dry, clean and free from oil and grease.
Slippery handles and grasping surfaces
do not allow for safe handling and control
of the tool in unexpected situations.
Service
1. Have your power tool serviced by a
qualified repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that
the safety of the power tool is maintained.
2. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
Vibration Safety
This tool vibrates during use.
Repeated or long‑term exposure to vibration may
cause temporary or permanent physical injury,
particularly to the hands, arms and shoulders.
To reduce the risk of vibration‑related injury:
1. Anyone using vibrating tools regularly or for
an extended period should first be examined
by a doctor and then have regular medical
check-ups to ensure medical problems
are not being caused or worsened from
use. Pregnant women or people who have
impaired blood circulation to the hand, past hand
injuries, nervous system disorders, diabetes,
or Raynaud’s Disease should not use this tool.
If you feel any symptoms related to vibration (such
as tingling, numbness, and white or blue fingers),
seek medical advice as soon as possible.
2. Do not smoke during use. Nicotine reduces
the blood supply to the hands and fingers,
increasing the risk of vibration-related injury.
3. Wear suitable gloves to reduce the
vibration effects on the user.
4. Use tools with the lowest vibration
when there is a choice.
5. Include vibration-free periods each day of work.
6. Grip tool as lightly as possible
(while still keeping safe control of
it). Let the tool do the work.
7. To reduce vibration, maintain the tool as
explained in this manual. If any abnormal
vibration occurs, stop use immediately.
Page 4
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GROUNDING
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND
DEATH FROM INCORRECT GROUND
WIRE CONNECTION:
Check with a qualified electrician
if you are in doubt as to whether the outlet
is properly grounded. Do not modify the
power cord plug provided with the tool. Never
remove the grounding prong from the plug.
Do not use the tool if the power cord or plug
is damaged. If damaged, have it repaired
by a service facility before use. If the plug
will not fit the outlet, have a proper outlet
installed by a qualified electrician
Grounded Tools: Tools
with Three Prong Plugs
3-Prong Plug and Outlet
1. Tools marked with “Grounding Required” have
a three wire cord and three prong grounding
plug. The plug must be connected to a properly
grounded outlet. If the tool should electrically
malfunction or break down, grounding provides
a low resistance path to carry electricity
away from the user, reducing the risk of
electric shock. (See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
2. The grounding prong in the plug is connected
through the green wire inside the cord to the
grounding system in the tool. The green wire
in the cord must be the only wire connected to
the tool’s grounding system and must never
be attached to an electrically “live” terminal.
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
3. The tool must be plugged into an appropriate outlet,
properly installed and grounded in accordance
with all codes and ordinances. The plug and outlet
should look like those in the preceding illustration.
(See 3-Prong Plug and Outlet.)
Double Insulated Tools: Tools
with Two Prong Plugs
Outlets for 2-Prong Plug
1. Tools marked “Double Insulated” do not
require grounding. They have a special
double insulation system which satisfies
OSHA requirements and complies with
the applicable standards of Underwriters
Laboratories, Inc., the Canadian Standard
Association, and the National Electrical Code.
2. Double insulated tools may be used in either of the
120 volt outlets shown in the preceding illustration.
(See Outlets for 2-Prong Plug.)
Extension Cords
1. Grounded tools require a three
wire extension cord. Double Insulated tools can
use either a two or three wire extension cord.
2. As the distance from the supply outlet increases,
you must use a heavier gauge extension cord.
Using extension cords with inadequately sized wire
causes a serious drop in voltage, resulting in loss
of power and possible tool damage. (See Table A.)
3. The smaller the gauge number of the wire, the
greater the capacity of the cord. For example,
a 14 gauge cord can carry a higher current
than a 16 gauge cord. (See Table A.)
4. When using more than one extension cord
to make up the total length, make sure
each cord contains at least the minimum
wire size required. (See Table A.)
5. If you are using one extension cord for more
than one tool, add the nameplate amperes
and use the sum to determine the required
minimum cord size. (See Table A.)
6. If you are using an extension cord outdoors, make
sure it is marked with the suffix “W‑A” (“W” in
Canada) to indicate it is acceptable for outdoor use.
7. Make sure the extension cord is properly wired
and in good electrical condition. Always replace
a damaged extension cord or have it repaired
by a qualified electrician before using it.
8. Protect the extension cords from sharp objects,
excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.
Page 5
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TAbLE A: RECOMMENDED MINIMUM WIRE
GAUGE FOR EXTENSION CORDS* (120/240 VOLT)
NAMEPLATE
AMPERES
(at full load)
EXTENSION CORD
LENGTH
25´ 50´ 75´ 100´ 150´
0 – 2.0 18 18 18 18 16
2.1 – 3.4 18 18 18 16 14
3.5 – 5.0 18 18 16 14 12
5.1 – 7.0 18 16 14 12 12
7.1 – 12.0 18 14 12 10 ‑
12.1 – 16.0 14 12 10 ‑ ‑
16.1 – 20.0 12 10 ‑ ‑ ‑
* based on limiting the line voltage drop to five volts at
150% of the rated amperes.
Symbology
Double Insulated
V
Volts
~
Alternating Current
A
Amperes
n
0
xxxx/min.
No Load Revolutions
per Minute (RPM)
WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI‑approved
safety goggles with side shields.
Read the manual before
set‑up and/or use.
WARNING marking
concerning Risk of Fire.
Do not cover ventilation ducts.
Keep flammable objects away.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Electric Shock.
Properly connect power cord
to appropriate outlet.
Warning Symbols and Definitions
This is the safety alert symbol. It is used to
alert you to potential personal injury hazards.
Obey all safety messages that follow this symbol to
avoid possible injury or death.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, could result in minor or moderate injury.
Addresses practices not
related to personal injury.
SPECIFICATIONS
Electrical Rating 120 VAC / 60 Hz / 2.4 A
No Load Speed n
0
: 15,000/min
Dust Port Opening 1‑1/4", 2‑1/2"
Pad Dimensions 4" x 4‑3/8"
SETUP - BEFORE USE:
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this manual including
all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
Assembly
1. Push the Dust Bag assembly onto the
Dust Port until it locks in place.
2. To use dust collector, unlock and remove Dust Bag.
Then connect 1‑1/4" or 2‑1/2" hose to Dust Port.
3. Use the included Hole Punch to punch
holes in the sandpaper and align with
the holes on the Backing Pad.
Hole Punch
Page 6
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Functions
1. On/Off Switch
2. Handle
3. Dust Bag
4. Backing Pad
5. Clamp Lever
4
5
2
1
3
OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Read the ENTIRE IMPORTANT
SAFETY INFORMATION section at the
beginning of this manual including
all text under subheadings therein
before set up or use of this product.
Workpiece and Work Area Set Up
1. Workpiece selection:
a. Workpiece must be free of foreign objects.
b. Wear a NIOSH‑approved respirator and
have appropriate ventilation whenever
sanding pressure treated lumber.
2. Designate a work area that is clean and well lit.
The work area must not allow access by children
or pets to prevent distraction and injury.
3. Route the power cord along a safe route to reach
the work area without creating a tripping hazard or
exposing the power cord to possible damage. The
power cord must reach the work area with enough
extra length to allow free movement while working.
4. Secure loose workpieces using a vise or clamps
(not included) to prevent movement while working.
5. There must not be objects, such as utility lines,
nearby that will present a hazard while working.
Tool Changing
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Switch is in the off-position
and unplug the tool from its electrical outlet
before performing any procedure in this section.
1. Press the Clamp Wire Tab inward on both
sides of the unit and swing the clamps
on both sides up, out, and down.
2. Cut standard size 9″ x 11″ sheets of
sandpaper into thirds lengthwise to fit the
Backing Pad. There will be a little extra
to overlap and fit under the Clamp Wire.
Do not use torn or frayed sandpaper.
3. After wrapping the overlapped edges of sandpaper
under the Clamp Wire, push the Clamp Wire back
into its locked position, thus trapping the ends of
the sandpaper in front and rear of the sander. The
sandpaper should now be held securely in place.
4. Use the included Hole Punch to
punch holes in the sandpaper.
General Instructions for Use
1. Hold the Sander using the Handle.
2. Make sure that the Switch is in the
off‑position, then plug in the tool.
3. Hold the Sander securely with both hands.
Turn the Sander on by pressing the Switch ON.
WARNING! The tool will restart automatically if stalled.
4. Always run the Sander for a few seconds
before contacting the workpiece.
5. Contact the workpiece with minimal pressure.
If the Sander is not removing enough
material, try a lower grit sandpaper.
Note: All sanders leave sanding marks on the
workpiece. To minimize sanding marks, always
try to sand with the grain of the wood.
6. Occasionally check the sandpaper for tears,
wear, or fraying. Replace if necessary.
WARNING! SANDING DUST FROM SURFACE
COATINGS CAN SELF-IGNITE. To prevent
serious injury and death from fire, empty bag
frequently (at least every 10 minutes) during use
and immediately after use. Put dust in a metal
can with an airtight lid, and remove dust from
premises daily. Keep a fully charged class ABC
fire extinguisher in the vicinity of the work area.
7. To prevent accidents, turn off the tool and
unplug it after use. Empty Dust Bag and clean
tool. Store indoors out of children’s reach.
Page 7
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MAINTENANCE AND
SERVICING INSTRUCTIONS
Procedures not specifically explained
in this manual must be performed
only by a qualified technician.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Switch is in the off-position
and unplug the tool from its electrical outlet
before performing any procedure in this section.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM TOOL
FAILURE: Do not use damaged equipment.
If abnormal noise or vibration occurs, have
the problem corrected before further use.
Cleaning, Maintenance,
and Lubrication
1. bEFORE EACH USE, inspect the general
condition of the tool. Check for:
• loose hardware
• misalignment or binding of moving parts
• damaged cord/electrical wiring
• cracked or broken parts
• any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
2. AFTER USE, empty Dust Bag and wipe
external surfaces of the tool with clean cloth.
3. WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY: If the plug or the supply cord of this
power tool is damaged, it must be replaced
only by a qualified service technician.
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Tool will not start. 1. Cord not connected.
2. No power at outlet.
3. Tool’s thermal reset breaker
tripped (if equipped).
4. Internal damage or wear.
(Carbon brushes or
Switch, for example.)
1. Check that cord is plugged in.
2. Check power at outlet. If outlet is unpowered,
turn off tool and check circuit breaker.
If breaker is tripped, make sure circuit is right
capacity for tool and circuit has no other loads.
3. Turn off tool and allow to cool.
Press reset button on tool.
4. Have technician service tool.
Tool operates slowly. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Extension cord too long or cord
diameter too small.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an extension
cord is needed, use one with the proper diameter
for its length and load. See Extension Cords
in Grounding section on page 4.
Performance
decreases over time.
Carbon brushes worn or damaged. Have qualified technician replace brushes.
Excessive noise
or rattling.
Internal damage or wear. (Carbon
brushes or bearings, for example.)
Have technician service tool.
Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Blocked motor housing vents.
3. Motor being strained by long or
small diameter extension cord.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Wear ANSI‑approved safety goggles and
NIOSH‑approved dust mask/respirator while
blowing dust out of motor using compressed air.
3. Eliminate use of extension cord. If an extension
cord is needed, use one with the proper diameter
for its length and load. See Extension Cords
in Grounding section on page 4.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect power supply before service.
Record Product’s Date Code Here:
Note: If product has no Date Code, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Replacement parts may be available for this item. Visit harborfreight.com/parts
for a list of in‑stock parts. Specify UPC 193175581112 when ordering parts.
®
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LIMITED 90 DAY WARRANTY
Harbor Freight Tools Co. makes every effort to assure that its products meet high quality and durability
standards, and warrants to the original purchaser that this product is free from defects in materials
and workmanship for the period of 90 days from the date of purchase. This warranty does not apply to
damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse, negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside
our facilities, criminal activity, improper installation, normal wear and tear, or to lack of maintenance.
We shall in no event be liable for death, injuries to persons or property, or for incidental, contingent,
special or consequential damages arising from the use of our product. Some states do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation of exclusion
may not apply to you. THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES,
EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS.
To take advantage of this warranty, the product or part must be returned to us with transportation charges
prepaid. Proof of purchase date and an explanation of the complaint must accompany the merchandise.
If our inspection verifies the defect, we will either repair or replace the product at our election or we may
elect to refund the purchase price if we cannot readily and quickly provide you with a replacement. We will
return repaired products at our expense, but if we determine there is no defect, or that the defect resulted
from causes not within the scope of our warranty, then you must bear the cost of returning the product.
This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.
Visit our website at: https://www.harborfreight.com
Copyright
©
2026 by Harbor Freight Tools
®
. All rights reserved. No portion of this manual or
any artwork contained herein may be reproduced in any shape or form without the express
written consent of Harbor Freight Tools. Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn
proportionally. Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the
product described herein. Tools required for assembly and service may not be included.
