Central Pneumatic 97956 Installation manual

STRAIGHT LINE MINI SANDER
Model 97956
SET UP AND OPERATING INSTRUCTIONS
Diagrams within this manual may not be drawn proportionally.
Due to continuing improvements, actual product may differ slightly from the product described herein.
Distributed exclusively by Harbor Freight Tools®.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd., Camarillo, CA 93011
Visit our website at: http://www.harborfreight.com
Read this material before using this product.
Failure to do so can result in serious injury.
SAVE THIS MANUAL.
Copyright©2008 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.
For technical questions or replacement parts, please call 1-800-444-3353.

Page 2SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
SAVE THIS MANUAL
Keep this manual for the safety
warnings and precautions, assembly,
operating, inspection, maintenance and
cleaning procedures. Write the product’s
serial number in the back of the manual
near the assembly diagram (or month
and year of purchase if product has no
number). Keep this manual and the
receipt in a safe and dry place for future
reference.
Safety Alert Symbol and Signal
Words
In this manual, on the labeling,
and all other information
provided with this product:
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.
DANGER indicates
a hazardous
situation which, if not
avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING
indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
death or serious injury.
CAUTION, used
with the safety
alert symbol, indicates a
hazardous situation which, if
not avoided, could result in
minor or moderate injury.
NOTICE is used to
address practices
not related to personal injury.
CAUTION, without
the safety alert
symbol, is used to address
practices not related to
personal injury.
IMPORTANT SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
INSTRUCTIONS PERTAINING
TO A RISK OF FIRE OR
INJURY TO PERSONS
WARNING – When using tools, basic
precautions should always be
followed, including the following:
General
To reduce the risks of re and a.
injury to persons, read all the
instructions before using the tool.
Work area
Keep the work area clean and wella.
lighted. Cluttered benches and dark
areas increase the risks of re and
injury to persons.
Do not operate the tool inb.
explosive atmospheres, such as in
the presence of ammable liquids,
gases, or dust. The tool is capable
of creating sparks, resulting in the
ignition of the dust or fumes.
Keep bystanders, children, andc.
visitors away while operating the
tool. Distractions can result in the
loss of control of the tool.

Page 3SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Personal safety
Stay alert. Watch what you area.
doing and use common sense
when operating the tool. Do not
use the tool while tired or under
the inuence of drugs, alcohol, or
medication. A moment of inattention
while operating the tool increases the
risk of injury to persons.
Dress properly. Do not wear looseb.
clothing or jewelry. Contain long
hair. Keep hair, clothing, and
gloves away from moving parts.
Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair
increases the risk of injury to persons
as a result of being caught in moving
parts.
Avoid unintentional starting. Bec.
sure the Trigger (19) is off before
connecting to the air supply. Do not
carry the tool with your nger on the
Trigger or connect the tool to the air
supply with the Trigger on.
Do not overreach. Keep properd.
footing and balance at all times.
Proper footing and balance
enables better control of the tool in
unexpected situations.
e. Use safety equipment. A
NIOSH-approved dust
mask/respirator, heavy
duty work gloves, non-skid
safety shoes, and a hard hat must be
used for the applicable conditions.
f. Always wear eye
protection. Wear ANSI-
approved safety goggles.
g. Always wear hearing
protection when using
the tool. Prolonged
exposure to high intensity noise is
able to cause hearing loss.
Risk of Electric Shock. This toolh.
is not provided with an insulated
gripping surface. Contact with a
″live″ wire will also make exposed
metal parts of the tool ″live″ and
shock the operator.
Tool use and care
Use clamps or another practicala.
way to secure and support the
workpiece to a stable platform.
Holding the work by hand or against
the body is unstable and is able to
lead to loss of control.
Do not force the tool.b. Use the
correct tool for the application. The
correct tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which the tool is
designed.
Do not use the tool if the Triggerc.
(19) does not turn the tool on or
off. Any tool that cannot be controlled
with the Trigger is dangerous and
must be repaired.
Disconnect the tool from thed.
air source before making
any adjustments, changing
accessories, or storing the tool.
Such preventive safety measures
reduce the risk of starting the tool
unintentionally. Turn off and detach
the air supply, safely discharge any
residual air pressure, and release the
Trigger (19) before leaving the work
area.
Store the tool when it is idle oute.
of reach of children and other
untrained persons. A tool is
dangerous in the hands of untrained
users.

Page 4SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Maintain the tool with care.f. Keep
the Sandpaper sharp and clean. A
properly maintained tool, with sharp,
clean Sandpaper reduces the risk of
binding and is easier to control.
Check for misalignment or bindingg.
of moving parts, breakage of
parts, and any other condition
that affects the tool’s operation.
If damaged, have the tool serviced
before using. Many accidents are
caused by poorly maintained tools.
There is a risk of bursting if the tool is
damaged.
Use only accessories that areh.
identied by the manufacturer for
the specic tool model. Use of an
accessory not intended for use with
the specic tool model, increases the
risk of injury to persons.
Service
Tool service must be performed a.
only by qualied repair personnel.
When servicing a tool, use onlyb.
identical replacement parts. Use
only authorized parts.
Use only the lubricants suppliedc.
with the tool or specied by the
manufacturer.
Air source
a. Never connect to an air
source that is capable of
exceeding 200 psi. Over
pressurizing the tool may
cause bursting, abnormal operation,
breakage of the tool or serious injury
to persons. Use only clean, dry,
regulated compressed air at the rated
pressure or within the rated pressure
(90 PSI maximum) as marked on the
tool. Always verify prior to using the
tool that the air source has been
adjusted to the rated air pressure or
within the rated air-pressure range.
Never use oxygen, carbon dioxide,b.
combustible gases or any bottled
gas as an air source for the tool.
Such gases are capable of explosion
and serious injury to persons.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.
SYMBOLS AND
SPECIFIC SAFETY
INSTRUCTIONS
Symbol Denitions
Symbol Property or statement
noNo-load speed
.../min Revolutions or reciprocation per
minute
PSI Pounds per square inch of pressure
ft-lb Foot-pounds of torque
BPM Blows per minute
CFM Cubic Feet per Minute ow
SCFM Cubic Feet per Minute ow at
standard conditions
NPT National pipe thread, tapered
NPS National pipe thread, straight
WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Eye Injury. Wear ANSI-approved
eye protection.
Chart continued in next column.

Page 5SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Symbol Denitions
Symbol Property or statement
WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Hearing Loss. Wear hearing
protection.
WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Respiratory Injury. Wear NIOSH-
approved dust mask/respirator.
WARNING marking concerning Risk
of Explosion.
Specic Safety Instructions
The warnings and precautions1.
discussed in this 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.
WARNING: Some dust created by2.
power sanding, sawing, grinding,
drilling, and other construction
activities, contains chemicals
known [to the State of California] to
cause cancer, birth defects or other
reproductive harm. Some examples
of these chemicals are:
• Lead from lead-based paints
• Crystalline silica from bricks and
cement or other masonry products
• Arsenic and chromium from
chemically treated lumber
Your risk from these exposures
varies, depending on how often you
do this type of work. To reduce your
exposure to these chemicals: work in
a well ventilated area, and work with
approved safety equipment, such as
those dust masks that are specially
designed to lter out microscopic
particles. (California Health & Safety
Code § 25249.5, et seq.)
WARNING: The brass components
of this product contain lead, a
chemical known to the State of
California to cause birth defects (or
other reproductive harm). (California
Health & Safety code § 25249.5, et
seq.)
Only use with accessories rated to3.
handle the forces exerted by this tool
during operation. Other accessories
not designed for the forces generated
may break and forcefully launch
pieces.
Attach all accessories properly to the4.
tool before connecting the air supply.
A loose accessory may detach or
break during operation.
Obey the manual for the air5.
compressor used to power this tool.
Install an in-line shutoff valve to allow6.
immediate control over the air supply
in an emergency, even if a hose is
ruptured.
Use this tool with both hands only.7.
Using tools with only one hand can
result in loss of control.
Do not lay the tool down until it has8.
come to a complete stop. Moving
parts can grab the surface and pull
the tool out of your control.
Vibration Precautions
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:
Anyone using vibrating tools regularly1.
or for an extended period should

Page 6SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
rst 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 medical
or physical symptoms related to
vibration (such as tingling, numbness,
and white or blue ngers), seek
medical advice as soon as possible.
Do not smoke during use. Nicotine2.
reduces the blood supply to the
hands and ngers, increasing the risk
of vibration-related injury.
Wear suitable gloves to reduce the3.
vibration effects on the user.
Use tools with the lowest vibration4.
when there is a choice between
different processes.
Include vibration-free periods each5.
day of work.
Grip tool as lightly as possible (while6.
still keeping safe control of it). Let
the tool do the work.
To reduce vibration, maintain tool as7.
explained in this manual. If abnormal
vibration occurs, stop immediately.
SAVE THESE
INSTRUCTIONS.
FUNCTIONAL DESCRIPTION
Specications
Maximum Air Pressure 90 PSI
Air Inlet 1/4” -18 NPT
Maximum Speed* 2400 SPM (No Load)
Air Consumption 5 CFM @ 90 PSI
Sandpaper Size 11” L x 2-3/4” W
Sandpaper Type
Aluminum Oxide PSA
60, 100, 150, 240 Grit
(1 Each Included)
* Maximum speed at stated maximum air pressure.
Excess air pressure is hazardous and may cause the
tool to exceed stated maximum speed.
Components and Controls
FIGURE A
TRIGGER
(19)
AIR INLET
(15)
KNOB
(17)
HANDLE
(18)
PAD
(34)

Page 7SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
INITIAL TOOL SET UP/
ASSEMBLY
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.
Note: For additional information regarding
the parts listed in the following pages,
refer to the Assembly Diagram near
the end of this manual.
Unpacking
When unpacking, check to make sure
that the item is intact and undamaged. If
any parts are missing or broken, please
call Harbor Freight Tools at the number
shown throughout the manual as soon as
possible.
This air tool may be shipped with a•
protective plug covering the air inlet.
Remove this plug before set up.
Air Supply
TO PREVENT
EXPLOSION:
Use only clean, dry, regulated,
compressed air to power this
tool. Do not use oxygen,
carbon dioxide, combustible
gases, or any other bottled
gas as a power source for this
tool.
Tool
Air
Compressor
Quick
Coupler Air Hose
on Reel
Filter
Regulator with
Pressure Gauge
Male
Connector
Male
Connector
Valve
Quick
Coupler
Recommended Air Line Components
Oiler
1. Incorporate an in-line oiler, shut-off
valve, regulator with pressure gauge,
and lter for best service, as shown
in the diagram above. An in-line
shutoff valve is an important
safety device because it controls
the air supply even if the air hose
is ruptured.
Note: If an automatic oiler system is not
used, add a few drops of Pneumatic
Tool Oil to the airline connection
before operation. Add a few more
drops after each hour of continual
use.
Attach an air hose to the2.
compressor’s air outlet. Connect
the air hose to the air inlet of the
tool. Other components, such as
a connector and quick coupler (not
included), will make operation more
efcient, but are not mandatory.
WARNING! TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Do not install a female quick
coupler on the tool. Such a coupler
contains an air valve that will allow

Page 8SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
the air tool to retain pressure and
operate accidentally after the air
supply is disconnected.
Note: Air ow, and therefore tool
performance, can be hindered by
undersized air supply components.
The air hose must be long enough3.
to reach the work area with enough
extra length to allow free movement
while working.
Make sure the tool’s Trigger (19) is in4.
the off position; refer to “Components
and Controls” section for description
of controls. (See Figure A.)
Close the in-line safety valve between5.
the compressor and the tool.
Turn on the air compressor according6.
to the manufacturer’s directions and
allow it to build up pressure until it
cycles off.
Adjust the air compressor’s output7.
regulator so that the air output is
enough to properly power the tool,
but the output shall not exceed the
tool’s maximum air pressure (90 PSI)
at any time. Adjust the pressure
gradually, while checking the air
output gauge to set the right pressure
range.
Inspect the air connections for leaks.8.
Repair any leaks found.
If the tool will not be used at this9.
time, turn off and detach the air
supply, safely discharge any
residual air pressure, and release
the throttle and/or turn the switch to
its off position to prevent accidental
operation.
Note: Residual air pressure should not be
present after the tool is disconnected
from the air supply. However, it is a
good safety measure to attempt to
discharge the tool in a safe fashion
after disconnecting to ensure that the
tool is disconnected and unpowered.
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.
Inspect tool before use, looking
for damaged, loose, and
missing parts. If any problems
are found, do not use tool until
repaired.
Tool Set Up
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn off the tool, detach the
air supply, safely discharge
any residual air pressure in
the tool, and release the
Trigger (19) before performing
any inspection, maintenance,
or cleaning procedures.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY:
Do not adjust or tamper with
any control or component in a
way not specically explained
within this manual. Improper
adjustment can result in
tool failure or other serious
hazards.

Page 9SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
This Straight Line Mini Sander1.
uses PSA, 11” long x 2-3/4” wide
Sandpaper.
To attach Sandpaper to the Pad (34)2.
of the Mini Sander, rst wipe pad
surface face of dust and debris. Next
remove the protective covering from
the glued side of the Sandpaper.
Then attach the glued side of the
Sandpaper to the Pad. (See Figure
A.)
Work Piece and Work Area Set Up
Designate a work area that is clean1.
and well-lit. The work area must not
allow access by children or pets to
prevent injury and distraction.
Route the air hose along a safe2.
route to reach the work area without
creating a tripping hazard or exposing
the air hose to possible damage.
The air hose must be long enough
to reach the work area with enough
extra length to allow free movement
while working.
Secure loose workpieces using a vise3.
or clamps (not included) to prevent
movement while working.
There must not be hazardous objects4.
(such as utility lines or foreign
objects) nearby that will present a
hazard while working.
General Operating Instructions
If an automatic oiler is not used,1. add
a few drops of Pneumatic Tool Oil
to the airline connection before use.
Add a few drops more after each
hour of continual use.
Once the Straight Line Mini Sander2.
is connected to its air supply, and the
compressor’s regulator is set at no
more than 90 PSI, simply squeeze
the Trigger (19) to turn on the tool.
To turn off the tool, release pressure
on the Trigger. (See Figure A.)
If the tool requires more force to3.
accomplish the task, verify that the
tool receives sufcient, unobstructed
airow (CFM) and increase the
pressure (PSI) output of the regulator
up to the maximum air pressure
rating (90 PSI) of this tool.
CAUTION! TO PREVENT TOOL
AND ACCESSORY FAILURE,
RESULTING IN INJURY:
Do not exceed the tool’s maximum
air pressure rating (90 PSI).
If the tool still does not have sufcient
force at maximum pressure and
sufcient airow, then a larger tool
may be required.
To prevent accidents, once the job is4.
done, turn off the tool, detach the air
supply, safely discharge any residual
air pressure in the tool, and release
the Trigger (19) after use. Clean
external surfaces of the tool with
clean, dry cloth, and apply a thin coat
of tool oil. Then store the tool indoors
out of children’s reach.

Page 10SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
USER-MAINTENANCE
INSTRUCTIONS
Procedures not specically
explained in this manual
must be performed only by a
qualied technician.
TO PREVENT
SERIOUS INJURY
FROM ACCIDENTAL
OPERATION:
Turn off the tool, detach the
air supply, safely discharge
any residual air pressure in
the tool, and release the
Trigger (19) before performing
any inspection, maintenance,
or cleaning procedures.
TO PREVENT SERIOUS
INJURY FROM TOOL
FAILURE:
Do not use damaged
equipment. If abnormal
noise, vibration, or leaking
air occurs, have the problem
corrected before further use.
TO PREVENT EXPLOSION:
Lubricate the tool only
with specied lubricants.
Lubricate the air inlet
using only pneumatic tool
oil. Lubricate the internal
mechanism using only
white lithium grease. Other
lubricants may damage the
mechanism and may be
highly ammable, causing an
explosion.
Cleaning, Maintenance, and
Lubrication
Note: These procedures are in addition to
the regular checks and maintenance
explained as part of the regular
operation of the air-operated tool.
Cleaning:1. Wipe exterior of the tool
with a dry cloth. Do not use solvents.
Do not immerse the tool in liquid.
Daily - Air Supply Maintenance:2.
Every day, perform maintenance
on the air supply according to
the component manufacturers’
instructions. The lubricator’s oil
level needs to be maintained and
the moisture lter must be regularly
drained. Performing routine
maintenance on the air supply will
allow the tool to operate more safely
and will also reduce wear on the tool.
Before each use:3. If an automatic
oiler is not used, add a few drops
of Pneumatic Tool Oil to the airline
connection before use. Add a
few drops more after each hour of
continual use.

Page 11SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Troubleshooting
Problem Possible Causes Likely Solutions
Decreased output. Not enough air pressure and/1.
or air ow.
Obstructed trigger.2.
Incorrect lubrication or not3.
enough lubrication.
Blocked air inlet screen (if4.
equipped).
Internal air leaks.5.
Mechanism contaminated.6.
Check for loose connections and make sure1.
that air supply is providing enough air ow
(5 CFM) at required pressure (90 PSI) to the
tool’s air inlet. Do not exceed maximum air
pressure (90 PSI).
Clean around trigger to ensure free2.
movement.
Lubricate using air tool oil and grease3.
according to directions.
Clean air inlet screen of buildup.4.
Have the tool inspected and serviced by a5.
qualied technician.
Have qualied technician clean and lubricate 6.
mechanism. Install in-line lter in air supply
as stated in Initial Set Up: Air Supply.
Housing heats
during use.
Incorrect lubrication or not1.
enough lubrication.
Worn parts.2.
Lubricate using air tool oil and grease.1.
Have qualied technician inspect internal 2.
mechanism and replace parts as needed.
Severe air
leakage.
(Slight air leakage
is normal,
especially on
older tools.)
Cross-threaded housing1.
components.
Loose housing.2.
Damaged valve or housing.3.
Dirty, worn or damaged valve.4.
Check for incorrect alignment and uneven1.
gaps. If cross-threaded, disassemble and
replace damaged parts before use.
Tighten housing assembly. If housing cannot2.
be tightened properly, internal parts may be
misaligned.
Replace damaged components.3.
Clean or replace valve assembly.4.
Follow all safety precautions whenever diagnosing or servicing the tool.
Disconnect air supply before service.
PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY
THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR DISTRIBUTOR HAS PROVIDED THE PARTS LIST AND ASSEMBLY
DIAGRAM IN THIS MANUAL AS A REFERENCE TOOL ONLY. NEITHER THE MANUFACTURER OR
DISTRIBUTOR MAKES ANY REPRESENTATION OR WARRANTY OF ANY KIND TO THE BUYER THAT
HE OR SHE IS QUALIFIED TO MAKE ANY REPAIRS TO THE PRODUCT, OR THAT HE OR SHE IS
QUALIFIED TO REPLACE ANY PARTS OF THE PRODUCT. IN FACT, THE MANUFACTURER AND/OR
DISTRIBUTOR EXPRESSLY STATES THAT ALL REPAIRS AND PARTS REPLACEMENTS SHOULD BE
UNDERTAKEN BY CERTIFIED AND LICENSED TECHNICIANS, AND NOT BY THE BUYER. THE BUYER
ASSUMES ALL RISK AND LIABILITY ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER REPAIRS TO THE ORIGINAL
PRODUCT OR REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO, OR ARISING OUT OF HIS OR HER INSTALLATION
OF REPLACEMENT PARTS THERETO.

Page 12SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
PARTS LIST & ASSEMBLY DIAGRAM
Part # Description Qty. Part # Description Qty.
1 Body 1 21 Screw 1
2 Cylinder Bushing 1 22 Spring Pin 1
3 Piston Ring 2 23 Screw 1
4 Cylinder 1 24 Brass Liner 2
5 Rack 2 25 Gear 1
6 Rivet 4 26 Pin 2
7 Gasket 1 27 Support Roll Rim 1
8 Rear Head 1 28 Valve Seat 1
9 Valve Spring 1 29 Valve 1
10 Valve Shaft 1 30 Valve Shaft 1
11 O-Ring 1
12 O-Ring 2
13 Valve Seat 1
33
Pin
8
14 Spring Pin 1
34
Pad
1
15 Air Inlet 1
35
Screw
2
16 Screw 1
36
Nut
2
17 Knob 1
37
Side Strap
2
18 Handle 1
38
Screw
6
19 Trigger 1
39
Sandpaper (60, 100, 150, 240 Grit)
1 ea.
20 Screw 1 ------ ------------------------------------------------- -------
Sandpaper (39) not shown.
40
41
Pin
Rack
2
1

Page 13SKU 97956 For technical questions, please call 1-800-444-3353.
Record Product’s Serial Number Here:
Note: If product has no serial number, record month and year of purchase instead.
Note: Some parts are listed and shown for illustration purposes only, and are not avail-
able individually as replacement parts.
LIMITED 1 YEAR 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 one year from the date
of purchase (90 days if used by a professional contractor or if used as rental equipment).
This warranty does not apply to damage due directly or indirectly, to misuse, abuse,
negligence or accidents, repairs or alterations outside our facilities, 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 veries 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 specic legal rights and you may also have other rights which
vary from state to state.
3491 Mission Oaks Blvd. • PO Box 6009 • Camarillo, CA 93011 • [phone]