RIDGID R2600 User manual

1
Your random orbit sander has been engineered and manufactured to our high standard for dependability, ease of operation,
and operator safety. When properly cared for, it will give you years of rugged, trouble-free performance.
WARNING
To reduce the risk of injury, the user must read and understand the operator’s manual before using this product.
Thank you for buying a RIDGID®product.
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
RANDOM ORBIT SANDER
R2600
VARIABLE SPEED

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Introduction ......................................................................................................................................................................2
General Safety Rules.....................................................................................................................................................3-4
Specific Safety Rules........................................................................................................................................................4
Symbols.........................................................................................................................................................................5-6
Electrical...........................................................................................................................................................................7
Features.........................................................................................................................................................................8-9
Assembly........................................................................................................................................................................ 10
Operation...................................................................................................................................................................10-14
Maintenance...................................................................................................................................................................15
Accessories ....................................................................................................................................................................16
Warranty .........................................................................................................................................................................17
Customer Service Information........................................................................................................................................18
INTRODUCTION
This product has many features for making its use more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance, and dependability
have been given top priority in the design of this product making it easy to maintain and operate.
TABLE OF CONTENTS

3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to
follow all instructions listed below, may result in
electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
WORK AREA
Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered
benches and dark areas invite accidents.
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.
Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while
operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to
lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Double insulated tools are equipped with a polarized
plug (one blade is wider than the other). This plug will
fit in a polarized outlet only one way. If the plug does
not fit fully in the outlet, reverse the plug. If it still
does not fit, contact a qualified electrician to install a
polarized outlet. Do not change the plug in any way.
Double insulation eliminates the need for the three-
wire grounded power cord and grounded power supply
system.
Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces such as
pipes, radiators, ranges, and refrigerators. There is an
increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of elec-
tric shock.
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry the
tools or pull the plug from an outlet. Keep cord away
from heat, oil, sharp edges, or moving parts. Replace
damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords increase
the risk of electric shock.
 When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor
extension cord marked “W-A” or “W”. These cords
are rated for outdoor use and reduce the risk of electric
shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common
sense when operating a power tool. Do not use tool
while tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol,
or medication. A moment of inattention while operating
power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry.
Contain long hair. Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves
away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long
hair can be caught in moving parts.
 Avoid accidental starting. Be sure switch is off
before plugging in. Carrying tools with your finger on the
switch or plugging in tools that have the switch on invites
accidents.
Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning
the tool on. A wrench or a key that is left attached to a
rotating part of the tool may result in personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. Proper footing and balance enables better
control of the tool in unexpected situations.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection.
Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing
protection must be used for appropriate conditions.
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long
hair. Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be drawn
into air vents.
Do not use on a ladder or unstable support. Stable
footing on a solid surface enables better control of the
tool in unexpected situations.
TOOL USE AND CARE
Use clamps or other practical way to secure and
support the workpiece to a stable platform. Holding
the work by hand or against your body is unstable and
may lead to loss of control.
Do not force tool. Use the correct tool for your
application. The correct tool will do the job better and
safer at the rate for which it is designed.
Do not use tool if switch does not turn it on or off.
Any tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is
dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from power source before making
any adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the
tool. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of
starting the tool accidentally.
Store idle tools out of the reach of children and other
untrained persons. Tools are dangerous in the hands of
untrained users.
Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp
and clean. Properly maintained tools with sharp cutting
edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, and any other condition that may
affect the tool’s operation. If damaged, have the tool
serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by
poorly maintained tools.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the
manufacturer for your model. Accessories that may be
suitable for one tool, may become hazardous when used
on another tool.
Keep the tool and its handle dry, clean and free from
oil and grease. Always use a clean cloth when clean-
ing. Never use brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based
products, or any strong solvents to clean your tool. Fol-
lowing this rule will reduce the risk of loss of control and
deterioration of the enclosure plastic.

4
Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when per-
forming an operation where the cutting tool may
contact hidden wiring or its own cord. Contact with a
“live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the cutting
tool “live” and shock the operator.
Know your power tool. Read operator’s manual care-
fully. Learn its applications and limitations, as well
as the specific potential hazards related to this tool.
Following this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock,
fire, or serious injury.
Always wear safety glasses. Everyday eyeglasses
have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT
safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk
of serious personal injury.
Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if the
operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of serious personal injury.
Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection during
extended periods of operation. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged, have
repaired at your nearest authorized service center.
Constantly stay aware of cord location. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
Check damaged parts. Before further use of the
tool, a guard or other part that is damaged should
SERVICE
Tool service must be performed only by qualified re-
pair personnel. Service or maintenance performed by
unqualified personnel may result in a risk of injury.
be carefully checked to determine that it will operate
properly and perform its intended function. Check for
alignment of moving parts, binding of moving parts,
breakage of parts, mounting, and any other conditions
that may affect its operation. A guard or other part that
is damaged should be properly repaired or replaced
by an authorized service center. Following this rule will
reduce the risk of shock, fire, or serious injury.
Make sure your extension cord is in good condition.
When using an extension cord, be sure to use one
heavy enough to carry the current your product will
draw. A wire gauge size (A.W.G.) of at least 16 is
recommended for an extension cord 50 feet or less
in length. A cord exceeding 100 feet is not recom-
mended. If in doubt, use the next heavier gauge. The
smaller the gauge number, the heavier the cord. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage resulting
in loss of power and overheating.
Inspect for and remove all nails from lumber before
using this tool. Following this rule will reduce the risk of
serious personal injury.
Save these instructions. Refer to them frequently and
use them to instruct others who may use this tool. If you
loan someone this tool, loan them these instructions
also.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement
parts. Follow instructions in the Maintenance section
of this manual. Use of unauthorized parts or failure to
follow Maintenance Instructions may create a risk of
shock or injury.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
WARNING:
Some dust created by power sanding, sawing, grinding, drilling, and other construction activities contains chemicals
known 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 and other masonry products, and
• 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 filter out microscopic particles.

5
SYMBOLS
Some of the following symbols may be used on this product. Please study them and learn their meaning. Proper inter-
pretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the product better and safer.
Read The Operator’s Manual
Safety Alert
No Hands Symbol
No Hands Symbol
No Hands Symbol
No Hands Symbol
SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
Voltage
Current
Frequency (cycles per second)
Power
Time
Type of current
Type or a characteristic of current
Rotational speed, at no load
Double-insulated construction
Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc., per minute
Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
To reduce the risk of injury, user must read and understand
operator’s manual before using this product.
Eye Protection Always wear safety goggles, safety glasses with side shields, or
a full face shield when operating this product.
Precautions that involve your safety.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in seri-
ous personal injury.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
Failure to keep your hands away from the blade will result in
serious personal injury.
Wet Conditions Alert
.../min Per Minute
Class II Construction
n
o
No Load Speed
Direct Current
Alternating Current
min Minutes
W Watt
Hz Hertz
A Amperes
V Volts
Hot Surface To reduce the risk of injury or damage, avoid contact with any
hot surface.

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SYMBOLS
The following signal words and meanings are intended to explain the levels of risk associated with this product.
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, will
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, could
result in death or serious injury.
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not avoided, may
result in minor or moderate injury.
(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that may result in
property damage.
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
SERVICE
Servicing requires extreme care and knowledge and should
be performed only by a qualified service technician. For
service we suggest you return the product to your nearest
AUTHORIZED SERVICE CENTER for repair. When servic-
ing, use only identical replacement parts.
WARNING:
To avoid serious personal injury, do not attempt
to use this product until you read thoroughly and
understand completely the operator’s manual.
If you do not understand the warnings and
instructions in the operator’s manual, do not use
this product. Call RIDGID®customer service for
assistance.
The operation of any power tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation, always wear safety goggles, safety glasses
with side shields, or a full face shield when needed. We recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over
eyeglasses or standard safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection which is marked to
comply with ANSI Z87.1.
WARNING:
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS
DANGER:
CAUTION:
CAUTION:
WARNING:

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DOUBLE INSULATION
Double insulation is a concept in safety in electric power
tools, which eliminates the need for the usual three-wire
grounded power cord. All exposed metal parts are isolated
from the internal metal motor components with protect-
ing insulation. Double insulated tools do not need to be
grounded.
WARNING:
The double insulated system is intended to protect
the user from shock resulting from a break in the
tool’s internal wiring. Observe all normal safety
precautions to avoid electrical shock.
NOTE: Servicing of a tool with double insulation requires
extreme care and knowledge of the system and should be
performed only by a qualified service technician. For service,
we suggest you return the tool to your nearest authorized
service center for repair. Always use original factory replace-
ment parts when servicing.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
This tool has a precision-built electric motor. It should be
connected to a power supply that is 120 volts, AC only
(normal household current), 60 Hz. Do not operate this
tool on direct current (DC). A substantial voltage drop will
cause a loss of power and the motor will overheat. If your
tool does not operate when plugged into an outlet, double-
check the power supply.
EXTENSION CORDS
When using a power tool at a considerable distance from
a power source, be sure to use an extension cord that has
the capacity to handle the current the tool will draw. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting in
overheating and loss of power. Use the chart to determine
the minimum wire size required in an extension cord. Only
round jacketed cords listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories
(UL) should be used.
When working outdoors with a tool, use an extension
cord that is designed for outside use. This type of cord is
designated with “WA” on the cord’s jacket.
Before using any extension cord, inspect it for loose or
exposed wires and cut or worn insulation.
**Ampere rating (on tool data plate)
0-2.0 2.1-3.4 3.5-5.0 5.1-7.0 7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0
Cord Length Wire Size (A.W.G.)
25' 16 16 16 16 14 14
50' 16 16 16 14 14 12
100' 16 16 14 12 10 —
**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.
NOTE: AWG = American Wire Gauge
WARNING:
Keep the extension cord clear of the working area.
Position the cord so that it will not get caught on
lumber, tools or other obstructions while you are
working with a power tool. Failure to do so can
result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Check extension cords before each use. If
damaged replace immediately. Never use tool with
a damaged cord since touching the damaged area
could cause electrical shock resulting in serious
injury.
ELECTRICAL

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FEATURES
PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Sanding Disc Diameter......................................................................................................................................................5 in.
Orbit Diameter..............................................................................................................................................................3/32 in.
No Load Speed ......................................................................................................................................... 7,000 - 12,000/min
Input ........................................................................................................................................ 120 V, 60 Hz, AC only, 3 Amps
Net Weight....................................................................................................................................................................3.3 lbs.
ERGONOMIC
HANDLE
VARIABLE SPEED
DIAL
DUST BAG
BACKING PAD
AIR VENT
ON/OFF
SWITCH
Fig. 1
LIGHTED
PLUG

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FEATURES
KNOW YOUR RANDOM ORBIT SANDER
See Figure 1.
The safe use of this product requires an understanding of
the information on the tool and in this operator’s manual as
well as a knowledge of the project you are attempting. Before
use of this product, familiarize yourself with all operating
features and safety rules.
BACKING PAD
The Micro-Fiber™ hook-and-loop pad accepts standard
hook-and-loop sanding discs.
DUST BAG
The dust bag attaches to the sander and keeps dust to a
minimum.
ERGONOMIC DESIGN
The design of the random orbit sander provides for easy
handling. It is designed for comfort and ease of grasp when
operating in different positions and at different angles.
INTEGRATED BRAKE PAD
The integrated brake pad prevents pad “overspin,” which
helps eliminate sanding scratches when you apply the
sander to, or remove it from, a work surface.
LIGHTED PLUG
The lighted plug helps to easily identify live tools.
POWER CORD
The 12-foot cord has a built-in cord wrap.
SWITCH
The sander has a conveniently-located ON/OFF switch.
VACUUM ADAPTOR
The built-in vacuum adaptor allows you to connect to a
1-1/4 in. or 2-1/2 in. diameter vacuum hose to help keep
the work area clean.
VARIABLE SPEED
The variable speed feature allows you to operate the sander
at different speeds.

10
ASSEMBLY
UNPACKING
This product has been shipped completely assembled.
Carefully remove the tool and any accessories from the
box. Make sure that all items listed in the packing list are
included.
Inspect the tool carefully to make sure no breakage or
damage occurred during shipping.
Do not discard the packing material until you have care-
fully inspected and satisfactorily operated the tool.
If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-866-539-1710 for assistance.
PACKING LIST
5 in. Random Orbit Sander
80-Grit Sandpaper
Tool Bag
Operator’s Manual
WARNING:
If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate
this product until the parts are replaced. Failure to
heed this warning could result in serious personal
injury.
WARNING:
Do not connect to power supply until assembly
is complete. Failure to comply could result in
accidental starting and possible serious personal
injury.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this product or create
accessories not recommended for use with this
product. Any such alteration or modification is
misuse and could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possible serious personal injury.
OPERATION
APPLICATIONS
You may use this product for the purposes listed below:
Sanding wood or wood product surfaces.
Sanding steel surfaces.
Removing rust from steel surfaces.
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with this product to make
you careless. Remember that a careless fraction
of a second is sufficient to inflict serious injury.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating power tools. Failure
to do so could result in objects being thrown into
your eyes resulting in possible serious injury.
SANDING DISC SELECTION
Selecting the correct size grit and type sanding disc is an
extremely important step in achieving a high quality sanded
finish. Aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and other synthetic
abrasives are best for power sanding. Natural abrasives,
such as flint and garnet are too soft for economical use in
power sanding.
In general, coarse grit will remove the most material and finer
grit will produce the best finish in all sanding operations. The
condition of the surface to be sanded will determine which
grit will do the job. If the surface is rough, start with a coarse
grit and sand until the surface is uniform. Medium grit may
then be used to remove scratches left by the coarser grit and
finer grit used for finishing of the surface. Always continue
sanding with each grit until surface is uniform.

11
ATTACHING HOOK-AND-LOOP SANDING
DISCS
See Figure 2.
Unplug the sander.
Align holes in hook-and-loop type sanding disc with holes
in pad, then carefully press fuzzy side of sanding disc
against pad as tightly as possible.
NOTE: Hook-and-loop type sanding discs can be reused
for the life of the sanding abrasive. It is recommended that
you keep the sanding disc backing pad clean to provide
for best adhesion. Clean occasionally by brushing lightly
with a small brush.
INSTALLING THE OPTIONAL PRESSURE
SENSITIVE ADHESIVE (PSA) SANDING PAD
AND DISC ATTACHMENT
See Figure 3.
The sander comes assembled with the Micro-Fiber™ hook-
and-loop pad. To attach the optional pressure sensitive ad-
hesive (PSA) pad, you must first remove the hook-and-loop
pad. Inspect sanding disc before installing. Do not use if
broken or defective.
Unplug the sander.
Remove the four screws that hold the hook-and-loop pad
in place.
Remove the hook-and-loop pad.
Clean dust particles from the pad brake.
Apply a thin layer of lightweight grease to the back of the
pad.
Align the holes in the pressure sensitive adhesive (PSA)
pad with the four screw holes in the sander.
Replace the four screws securely.
Carefully peel paper backing from the pressure sensitive
adhesive type sanding disc.
Align holes in sanding disc with holes in backing pad,
then carefully press sticky side of disc against pad as
tightly as possible.
NOTE: Holes in sanding disc must line up with holes in
the backing pad in order for the dustless feature of the
sander to function properly.
NOTE: It is recommended that you clean backing pad
occasionally by brushing lightly with a small brush. Dust
buildup on backing pad could cause sanding disc not to
stick properly.
REMOVE OPTIONAL PSA SANDING DISC
BEFORE STORAGE
Do not store the sander with the PSA sanding disc installed.
Heat generated from sanding causes the pressure sensitive
adhesive to flow and form a tight bond between the backing
pad and sanding disc.
OPERATION
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
Removing the sanding disc soon after you have finished
a sanding operation avoids letting the adhesive set up. If
the sanding disc is left on the backing pad for an extended
period of time after use, the adhesive will set up and cause
the sanding disc to become difficult to remove.
It may also tear when removing. When this situation occurs,
it becomes difficult to clean the backing pad for the next
sanding disc.
NOTE: If you forget to remove the sanding disc after a sand-
ing operation, sand for a few minutes to soften the adhesive
backing before attempting to remove sanding disc.
PSA SANDING PAD
AND DISC ATTACHMENT
SOLD SEPARATELY

12
OPERATION
WARNING:
The sander should never be connected to a power
supply when you are assembling parts, making
adjustments, cleaning, performing maintenance, or
when the tool is not in use. Disconnecting the tool
will prevent accidental starting that could cause
serious injury.
ATTACHING THE DUST BAG
See Figure 4.
The dust bag provides a dust collection system for the sand-
er. Sanding dust is drawn up through the holes of the sanding
disc and collected in the dust bag during sanding.
To attach the dust bag:
Unplug the sander.
Using a slight twisting motion, firmly slide dust bag
assembly in blower exhaust on sander.
ATTACHING THE SANDER TO A VACUUM
See Figure 5.
You can easily attach the dust collection system of the
sander to a vacuum.
Unplug the sander.
Remove the dust bag from the sander.
Attach vacuum hose to blower exhaust.
NOTE: Vacuum hose fits inside blower exhaust.
Connect sander and vacuum to power supply.
WARNING:
When sander is not connected to vacuum, always
reinstall dust bag assembly back onto sander.
Failure to do so could cause sanding dust or
foreign objects to be thrown into your face or eyes
which could result in possible serious injury.
TURNING THE SANDER ON/OFF
See Figure 6.
To turn the sander ON/OFF:
Turn on the sander: Push the ON/OFF switch to the
left.
Turn off the sander: Push the ON/OFF switch to the
right.
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
Fig. 6
TO TURN ON
TO TURN OFF

13
OPERATION
OPERATING THE SANDER
See Figure 7.
To operate the sander:
Secure the workpiece to prevent it from moving under
the sander.
WARNING:
Unsecured workpieces could be thrown towards
the operator causing injury.
WARNING:
Keep your head away from the sander and the
sanding area. Your hair could be drawn into the
sander causing serious injury.
Place the sander on the workpiece so that all of the sand-
ing disc surface is in contact with the workpiece.
CAUTION:
Be careful not to let your hand cover the air
vents.
Turn on the sander and move it slowly over the
workpiece.
Make successive passes in parallel lines, circles, or
crosswise movements.
Turn off the sander and wait until the sanding disc
comes to a complete stop before removing it from the
workpiece.
Do not force. The weight of the unit supplies adequate pres-
sure, so let the sanding disc and sander do the work. Apply-
ing additional pressure only slows the motor, rapidly wears
sanding disc and greatly reduces sander speed. Excessive
pressure will overload the motor causing possible damage
from motor overheating and can result in inferior work. Any
finish or resin on wood may soften from the frictional heat.
Do not allow sanding on one spot too long as the sander’s
rapid action may remove too much material, making the
surface uneven.
Extended periods of sanding may tend to overheat the mo-
tor. If this occurs, turn sander off and wait until sanding disc
comes to a complete stop, then remove it from workpiece.
Remove your hand from vent area, remove sanding disc,
then with your hand removed from vent area, turn sander
on and run it free without a load to cool motor.
Fig. 7

14
EMPTYING THE DUST BAG
See Figures 8 - 9.
For more efficient operation, empty the dust bag when it is no
more than half full. This will permit the air to flow through the
bag better. Always empty and clean the dust bag thoroughly
upon completion of a sanding operation and before placing
the sander in storage.
WARNING:
Collected sanding dust from sanding surface
coatings such as polyurethanes, linseed oil,
etc. can self-ignite in the sander dust bag or
elsewhere and cause fire. To reduce the risk of
fire always empty the dust bag frequently (10-15
minutes) while sanding and never store or leave
a sander without totally emptying its dust bag.
Also follow the recommendations of the coatings
manufacturers.
To empty the dust bag:
Unplug the sander.
WARNING:
Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious injury.
Remove the dust bag from the sander.
Shake out the dust.
Reattach the dust bag to the sander.
For a more thorough cleaning of the dust bag, remove dust
bag from frame, and shake out dust. Replace dust bag over
frame then install dust bag assembly on sander.
VARIABLE SPEED SWITCH
See Figure 10.
The variable speed feature allows the sander to operate
at speeds that can be adjusted by rotating the dial on the
variable speed switch from A to F. The dial is conveniently
located on the motor housing, allowing operator control of
disc speed. To increase sanding disc speed, turn the dial on
the variable speed switch to a higher setting. Turn dial to a
lower setting to decrease sanding disc speed.
OPERATION
Fig. 8
Fig. 9
Fig. 10

15
MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
When servicing use only identical RIDGID®
replacement parts. Use of any other parts may
create a hazard or cause product damage.
WARNING:
The random orbit sander should never be
connected to a power supply when you are
assembling parts, making adjustments, cleaning,
performing maintenance, or when the tool is not in
use. Disconnecting the tool will prevent accidental
starting that could cause serious injury.
GENERAL
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of
commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use
clean cloths to remove dirt, carbon dust, etc.
WARNING:
Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline,
petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc.
come in contact with plastic parts. They contain
chemicals that can damage, weaken, or destroy
plastic.
Electric tools used on fiberglass material, wallboard,
spackling compounds, or plaster are subject to accelerated
wear and possible premature failure because the fiberglass
chips and grindings are highly abrasive to bearings, brushes,
commutators, etc. Consequently, we do not recommended
using this tool for extended work on these types of materials.
However, if you do work with any of these materials, it is
extremely important to clean the tool using compressed
air.
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields during power tool operation or when
blowing dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a
dust mask.
BEARING LUBRICATION
All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient
amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the tool under
normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further lubrication
is required.
BRUSH REPLACEMENT
See Figure 11.
Unplug the sander.
WARNING:
Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious injury.
Remove screws (3) from top cover of sander.
Remove top cover.
Remove clamp screws (2).
Remove brush tube clamps (2).
Disconnect red and black lead terminals from brush
tubes.
Remove brush assemblies (2).
Check for wear. Replace both brush assemblies when
either has less than 1/4 in. length of carbon remaining.
Do not replace one side without replacing the other.
Reassemble using new brush assemblies. Make sure
curvature of brush matches curvature of motor and that
brush moves freely in brush tube.
Reassemble by reversing the steps listed above.
Tighten all screws securely. Do not over tighten.
BRUSH
ASSEMBLY
RED
LEAD
BRUSH
ASSEMBLY
Fig. 11
SCREWS
TOP
COVER
CLAMP
SCREWS
BRUSH TUBE
CLAMPS
BLACK
LEAD

16
Look for these accessories where you purchased this product:
Pressure Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Sanding Pad and Disc Attachment ......................................................... 300527003
WARNING:
Current attachments and accessories available for use with this product are listed above. Do not use any
attachments or accessories not recommended by the manufacturer of this product. The use of attachments or
accessories not recommended can result in serious personal injury.
ACCESSORIES

17
WARRANTY
Proof of purchase must be presented when requesting war-
ranty service.
Limited to RIDGID®hand held and stationary power tools
purchased 2/1/04 and after. This product is manufactured
by One World Technologies, Inc. The trademark is licensed
from RIDGID, Inc. All warranty communications should be
directed to One World Technologies, Inc., attn: RIDGID Hand
Held and Stationary Power Tool Technical Service at (toll
free) 1-866-539-1710.
90-DAY SATISFACTION GUARANTEE POLICY
During the first 90 days after the date of purchase, if you are
dissatisfied with the performance of this RIDGID®Hand Held
and Stationary Power Tool for any reason you may return
the tool to the dealer from which it was purchased for a full
refund or exchange. To receive a replacement tool you must
present proof of purchase and return all original equipment
packaged with the original product. The replacement tool
will be covered by the limited warranty for the balance of
the 3 YEAR service warranty period.
WHAT IS COVERED UNDER THE 3 YEAR
LIMITED SERVICE WARRANTY
This warranty on RIDGID®Hand Held and Stationary Power
Tools covers all defects in workmanship or materials and nor-
mal wear items such as brushes, chucks, motors, switches,
cords, gears and even cordless batteries in this RIDGID®
tool for three years following the purchase date of the tool.
Warranties for other RIDGID®products may vary.
HOW TO OBTAIN SERVICE
To obtain service for this RIDGID®tool you must return it;
freight prepaid, or take it in to an authorized service center
for RIDGID®branded hand held and stationary power tools.
You may obtain the location of the authorized service center
nearest you by calling (toll free) 1-866-539-1710 or by log-
ging on to the RIDGID®website at www.ridgid.com. When
requesting warranty service, you must present the original
dated sales receipt. The authorized service center will re-
pair any faulty workmanship, and either repair or replace
any part covered under the warranty, at our option, at no
charge to you.
One World Technologies, Inc.
P.O. Box 35, Hwy. 8
Pickens, SC 29671
RIDGID®HAND HELD AND STATIONARY POWER TOOL
3 YEAR LIMITED SERVICE WARRANTY
WHAT IS NOT COVERED
This warranty applies only to the original purchaser at retail
and may not be transferred. This warranty only covers de-
fects arising under normal usage and does not cover any
malfunction, failure or defect resulting from misuse, abuse,
neglect, alteration, modification or repair by other than an
authorized service center for RIDGID®branded hand held
and stationary power tools. Consumable accessories pro-
vided with the tool such as, but not limited to, blades, bits
and sand paper are not covered.
RIDGID, INC. AND ONE WORLD TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
MAKE NO WARRANTIES, REPRESENTATIONS OR
PROMISES AS TO THE QUALITY OR PERFORMANCE
OF ITS POWER TOOLS OTHER THAN THOSE SPECIFI-
CALLY STATED IN THIS WARRANTY.
ADDITIONAL LIMITATIONS
To the extent permitted by applicable law, all implied war-
ranties, including warranties of MERCHANTABILITY or FIT-
NESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, are disclaimed. Any
implied warranties, including warranties of merchantability
or fitness for a particular purpose, that cannot be disclaimed
under state law are limited to three years from the date of
purchase. One World Technologies, Inc. and RIDGID, Inc.
are not responsible for direct, indirect, incidental or conse-
quential damages. Some states do not allow limitations on
how long an implied warranty lasts and/or do not allow the
exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential dam-
ages, so the above 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.

18
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
RANDOM ORBIT SANDER
R2600
VARIABLE SPEED
Customer Service Information:
For parts or service, contact your nearest RIDGID®authorized service center. Be
sure to provide all relevant information when you call or visit. For the location of the
authorized service center nearest you, please call 1-866-539-1710 or visit us online
at www.ridgid.com.
The model number of this tool is found on a plate attached to the motor housing.
Please record the serial number in the space provided below. When ordering repair
parts, always give the following information:
Model No.
Serial No.
R2600
983000-274
2-1-08 (REV:04)