20V Brushless Surface Conditioning Tool
Model
HCB68B
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 call 1‑800‑444‑3353
as soon as possible. Reference 70981.
TM
Owner’s Manual &
Safety Instructions
25g
Page 2 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Items 70981
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. 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.
11. When using a handheld power tool,
maintain a firm grip on the tool with both
hands to resist starting torque.
Page 3For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Items 70981
12. Do not leave the tool unattended when the
Battery Pack is connected. Turn off the tool,
and remove the Battery Pack before leaving.
13. This product is not a toy.
Keep it out of reach of children.
14. 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.
15. 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. Never service damaged BATTERY packs.
Service of BATTERY packs should
only be performed by the manufacturer
or authorized service providers.
3. Maintain labels and nameplates on the tool.
These carry important safety information.
If unreadable or missing, contact
Harbor Freight Tools for a replacement.
Polishing Drum Safety Warnings
1. 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.
2. Extreme care should be taken when removing
paint. The peelings, residue and vapors of
paint may contain lead, which is poisonous.
Any pre‑1977 paint may contain lead and paint
applied to homes prior to 1950 is likely to contain
lead. Once deposited on surfaces, hand‑to‑
mouth contact can result in the ingestion of lead.
Exposure to even low levels can cause irreversible
brain and nervous system damage; young and
unborn children are particularly vulnerable. Before
beginning any paint removal process you should
determine whether the paint you are removing
contains lead. This can be done by your local
health department or by a professional who uses a
paint analyzer to check the lead content of the paint
to be removed. LEAD BASED PAINT SHOULD
ONLY BE REMOVED BY A PROFESSIONAL AND
SHOULD NOT BE REMOVED USING THIS TOOL.
Battery Tool Use and Care
1. Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the
switch is in the off-position before connecting
to battery pack, picking up or carrying the
power tool. Carrying the power tool with your
finger on the switch or energizing power tool
that have the switch on invites accidents.
2. Disconnect the battery pack from the
power tool before making any adjustments,
changing accessories, or storing power
tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce
the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
3. Recharge only with the charger specified by
the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable
for one type of battery pack may create a risk
of fire when used with another battery pack.
4. Use power tools only with specifically
designated battery packs. Use of any other
battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
Page 4 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Items 70981
5. When battery pack is not in use, keep it away
from other metal objects, like paper clips,
coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal
objects, that can make a connection from
one terminal to another. Shorting the battery
terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
6. Under abusive conditions, liquid may be
ejected from the battery; avoid contact.
If contact accidentally occurs, flush with
water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally
seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the
battery may cause irritation or burns.
7. Do not use a battery pack or power tool that
is damaged or modified. Damaged or modified
batteries may exhibit unpredictable behavior
resulting in fire, explosion or risk of injury.
8. Do not expose a battery pack or power tool to
fire or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire
or temperature above 140°F may cause explosion.
9. Follow all charging instructions and do
not charge the battery pack or power tool
outside of the temperature range specified
in the instructions. Charging improperly or at
temperatures outside of the specified range may
damage the battery and increase the risk of fire.
10. Have servicing performed by a qualified
repair person using only identical
replacement parts. This will ensure that
the safety of the product is maintained.
11. Do not modify or attempt to repair the power
tool or the battery pack except as indicated
in the instructions for use and care.
12. The battery Charger gets hot during
use. The Charger’s heat can build up to
unsafe levels and create a fire hazard if
it does not receive adequate ventilation,
due to an electrical fault, or if it is used in a
hot environment. Do not place the Charger on a
flammable surface. Do not obstruct any vents on
the Charger. Especially avoid placing the
Charger on carpets and rugs; they are not only
flammable, but they also obstruct vents under
the Charger. Place the Charger on a stable, solid,
nonflammable surface (such as a stable metal
workbench or concrete floor) at least 1 foot away
from all flammable objects, such as drapes or walls.
Keep a fire extinguisher and a smoke detector in
the area. Frequently monitor the Charger and
Battery Pack while charging.
Lithium Battery Safety Warnings
LITHIUM BATTERIES STORE
A LARGE AMOUNT OF ENERGY AND
WILL VENT FIRE OR EXPLODE
IF MISTREATED:
1. Keep Battery Pack dry.
2. DO NOT DO ANY OF THE FOLLOWING
TO THE BATTERY PACK:
• Open,
• Drop,
• Short-circuit,
• Puncture,
• Incinerate, or
• Expose to temperatures
greater than 140°F.
3. Charge Battery Pack only according
to its Charger’s instructions.
4. Inspect Battery Pack before every use;
do not use or charge if damaged.
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 5For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Items 70981
GROUNDING
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK AND
DEATH FROM
INCORRECT GROUNDING:
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 charger. Do not use the charger
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.
Extension Cords
Note: Extension cords must not be
used with this item’s Charger.
Symbology
V
Volts
Direct 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 Charger
ventilation ducts.
Charge on fireproof surface only.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Electric Shock.
Properly connect Charger’s power
cord to appropriate outlet.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Explosion.
Do not puncture, short, or open
battery packs and do not charge
damaged battery packs.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Hearing Loss. Wear
hearing protection.
WARNING marking concerning
Risk of Respiratory Injury.
Wear NIOSH‑approved respirator.
Specifications
Battery Type Hercules 20V Li‑Ion
Charger Type Hercules 20V Li‑Ion
No Load Speed n
0
: 1000‑3700/min
Drum Size 4‑1/2″ (115mm)
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.
Functional Description
1
4
2
3
5
1. Drum
2. Auxiliary Handle
3. Spindle Lock
4. Speed Button
5. Power Switch
6. Handle
6
Page 6 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353. Items 70981
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.
Tool Changing
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY FROM
ACCIDENTAL OPERATION:
Make sure that the Power Switch is in the
off-position and remove its Battery Pack before
performing any procedure in this section.
Install Auxiliary Handle
TO PREVENT SERIOUS INJURY:
Do not operate tool without
Auxiliary Handle installed.
Attach Auxiliary Handle using Handle
Screws and included Hex Wrench.
Handle
Screw
Auxiliary
Handle
Removing Drum
1. Press and hold Spindle Lock to
keep Drum from rotating.
Spindle
Lock
2. While pressing Spindle Lock, remove Screw by
turning clockwise with included hex wrench.
3. Remove Washer and Drum.
Screw
Drum
Washer
Installing Drum
1. Insert two Keys into matching key slots
on Spindle if not already in place.
2. Align slots on Drum with Keys on Spindle
and slide Drum over Keys and Spindle.
Keys
Spindle
Drum
3. Insert Screw into Washer and thread into Spindle
counterclockwise with the included hex wrench.
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. Secure loose workpieces using a vise or clamps
(not included) to prevent movement while working.
4. There must not be objects, such as utility lines,
nearby that will present a hazard while working.
General Instructions for Use
1. Make sure that the Power Switch is in the
off‑position, then attach the Battery Pack.
Note: If battery is removed with Power Switch
in the on‑position, tool will not restart. Turn
Power Switch off, then back on.
2. Hold tool with both hands. Grasp Handle with
one hand and Auxiliary Handle with other hand.
3. Press Speed Button for desired speed.
Note: Select between 6 speeds (1000,
1500, 2000, 2500, 3000, MAX).
Note: If workpiece gets hot, reduce speed.
4. Apply tool to workpiece, then turn on
tool and let it come up to full speed.
Note: Soft‑start feature prevents tool from jumping
at start up, so tool may initially seem slow to start.
5. To create a smoother finish, keep tool moving
across the work surface. Do not allow it to rest
on one spot for a long time while it is operating.
6. To prevent accidents, turn off the tool, let it come
to a complete stop before setting it down, and
remove its Battery Pack after use. Clean, then
store the tool indoors out of children’s reach.
Page 7For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.Items 70981
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 Power Switch is in the
off-position and remove its Battery Pack 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:
• leaking, swollen, or cracked battery pack,
• loose hardware,
• misalignment or binding of moving parts,
• cracked or broken parts, and
• any other condition that may
affect its safe operation.
2. AFTER USE, wipe external surfaces
of the tool with clean cloth.
3. Li‑Ion BATTERY MUST BE RECYCLED OR
DISPOSED OF PROPERLY.
Do not short, incinerate or open battery.
4. Disconnect battery pack and store battery pack,
charger, and tool in dry, indoor area out of
reach of children and away from metal objects
(i.e., paperclips, coins) to prevent shorting.
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Tool will not start. 1. Battery Pack not properly
connected.
2. Battery Pack not properly
charged.
3. Battery Pack stopped working.
4. Internal damage or wear.
(Power Switch, for example.)
1. Remove Battery Pack, make sure there are no
obstructions, reinsert the Battery Pack according
to its shape (it should only fit one way), and press
firmly until the Battery Pack locks in place.
2. Make sure Charger is connected and
operating properly. Give enough time for
Battery Pack to recharge properly.
3. Dispose of old Battery Pack
properly or recycle. Replace Battery Pack.
4. Have technician service tool.
Tool operates slowly. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Battery Pack wearing out.
1. Allow tool to work at its own rate.
2. Dispose of old Battery Pack
properly or recycle. Replace Battery Pack.
Performance
decreases over time.
Internal damage or wear.
(gear box, for example.)
Have technician service tool.
Excessive noise
or rattling.
Internal damage or wear.
(bearings, for example.)
Have technician service tool.
Overheating. 1. Forcing tool to work too fast.
2. Blocked motor housing vents.
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.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect Battery Pack and Charger 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. Reference UPC 193175523280.
TM
26677 Agoura Road • Calabasas, CA 91302 • 1-800-444-3353
5-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
This Hercules tool is warranted to the original purchaser to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of five (5) years beginning on the date of purchase. This warranty does not
cover battery packs and battery chargers, which are covered under separate warranties. To obtain
warranty service, visit your local Harbor Freight retail store. Warranty registration is not required. The
product or part must be returned to us with proof of purchase (e.g. in‑store receipt or packing slip/invoice)
and may require shipment by purchaser to a service center at purchaser’s expense. If our inspection
verifies a covered defect in materials or workmanship during the warranty period, we will, at our option,
repair or replace the defective product. We will return repaired products within a reasonable time at our
expense, but if we determine that there is no defect, or that the defect resulted from causes not within
the scope of our warranty, then we will return the product to you if you pay return shipping costs.
This warranty does not cover any failure or damage that we determine is due directly or indirectly
to normal wear and tear, misuse, use not for the intended purpose or not in accordance with the
product manual, abuse, accident, rental, modification or alteration, unauthorized repair, improper
installation, neglect, lack of maintenance, or any other failure not arising from defective materials or
workmanship. Fraudulent returns or claims will be denied. The repair or replacement described in this
warranty shall be your sole and exclusive remedy. THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE AND IN LIEU
OF ALL OTHER EXPRESS WARRANTIES, WRITTEN OR ORAL, AND ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES
ARE DISCLAIMED TO THE EXTENT PERMITTED BY LAW AND OTHERWISE LIMITED TO THE
DURATION OF THE EXPRESS WARRANTY HEREIN. HARBOR FREIGHT SHALL NOT BE LIABLE
UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES FOR ANY INCIDENTAL, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, CONSEQUENTIAL,
OR PUNITIVE DAMAGES OR COSTS ARISING FROM THIS WARRANTY OR THE USE OF THIS
PRODUCT. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW LIMITATIONS ON HOW LONG AN IMPLIED WARRANTY
LASTS OR THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO
THESE LIMITATIONS MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. 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
Email our technical support at: [email protected]
For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353
Copyright
©
2025 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.
