5″ Variable Speed Random Orbital Sander
Model
HE011
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 any parts are missing or broken, please visit harborfreight.com/customer-support/contact-us
as soon as possible. Reference 56458.
®
Owner’s Manual &
Safety Instructions
26g
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Item 56458
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNING
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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Item 56458
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.
Belt sander and drum
sander safety warnings
Hold the power tool by insulated gripping surfaces,
because the sanding surface may contact
its own cord. Cutting a “live” wire may make
exposed metal parts of the power tool “live” and
could give the operator an electric shock.
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.
Page 4
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Item 56458
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.
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.
Page 5
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Item 56458
8. Protect the extension cords from sharp objects,
excessive heat, and damp or wet areas.
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 120VAC / 60Hz / 3A
No Load Speed n
0
: 8000 - 13,000/min
Paper Attachment Hook and Loop
Pad Size 5″ (127 mm)
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.
Record Product’s Date Code Here:
Note: If product has no Date Code, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Replacement parts are not available. Reference UPC 193175594570.
Page 6
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Functions
1
3
6
7
1. Power Switch
2. Handle
3. Speed Dial
4. Dust Bag
5. Lock Tab
6. Tab Slot
7. Backing Pad
5
2
4
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. The 5″ Sanding Disc (sold separately) is attached
by Hook and Loop to the Backing Pad.
2. Place the desired Sanding Disc on the
Backing Pad, lining up the 8 holes so that
the dust can be collected into the Dust Bag.
Press the Sanding Disc firmly in place.
General Instructions for Use
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
Grip the tool firmly with both hands.
1. Hold the Sander by the Handle.
2. Wipe the work surface clean of all dirt and
debris, especially that of previous coarser
sanding sessions which will scratch the
surface of a finer grit sanding session.
3. Press the “O” on the Power Switch to place
it in the off-position, then plug in the tool.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
The tool will restart automatically if stalled.
4. To start, grip the tool firmly with both hands
and press the “I” on the Power Switch. Press
the “O” on the Power Switch to stop the tool.
5. The speed of the Sander may be varied by turning
the Speed Dial. Wait until the tool has reached
full speed then gently contact the surface.
6. Keep heavy pressure off the tool when
operating. Allow the tool to do the work.
7. Move the tool in a uniform pattern up and down or
side to side while sanding to ensure even sanding.
8. Periodically, press the “O” on the Power
Switch to stop the tool and check for disc wear.
Replace worn Sanding Discs as needed.
9. Empty the Dust Bag frequently and after use.
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.
10. To prevent accidents, turn off the tool after use.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
Allow the tool to come to a compete stop before
setting it down.
Unplug the tool. Clean, then store the
tool indoors out of children’s reach.
Page 7
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Item 56458
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, and
• 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. Periodically, wear ANSI-Approved safety goggles and
NIOSH-approved breathing protection and blow dust
out of the motor vents using dry compressed air.
4. 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. 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. Have technician service tool.
Tool operates slowly. 1. Excess pressure applied
to workpiece.
2. Power being reduced by
long or small diameter
extension cord.
1. Decrease pressure, allow tool to do the work.
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.
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.
Tool does not grind,
sand or brush effectively.
Accessory damaged, worn or
wrong type for the material.
Check condition and type of disc accessory. Use
only proper type of disc accessory in good condition.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing
the tool. Disconnect power supply before service.
®
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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
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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.
