Ryobi R18SS4 User manual

ORIGINAL INSTRUCTIONS
Sheet Sander
R18SS4

Important!
It is essential that you read the instructions in this manual before assembling,
operating, and maintaining the product.
Subject to technical modications.

Safety, performance, and dependability have been given
top priority in the design of your sheet sander.
INTENDED USE
The sheet sander is intended to be used only by adults who
have read and understood the instructions and warnings in
this manual, and can be considered responsible for their
actions.
The product is intended for sanding and nishing metal,
wood, plastics or similar materials using the abrasive pads
or sheets provided.
The product should only be used in well ventilated areas.
This product is designed for dry sanding only. Do not use
for wet sanding.
The product is intended for consumer use only. Do not use
the product for any other purpose.
GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS
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, re 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
■Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or 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 children and bystanders away while operating
a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose
control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
■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.
■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.
■Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions.
Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of
electric shock.
■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.
■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.
■If operating a power tool in a damp location is
unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD)
protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces 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 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.
■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.
■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 energising power tools that have the switch
on invites accidents.
■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.
■Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance
at all times. This enables better control of the power
tool in unexpected situations.
■Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or
jewellery. Keep your hair and clothing away from
moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can
be caught in moving parts.
■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.
■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.
POWER TOOL USE AND CARE
■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.
■Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn
it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled
1

with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
■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.
■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.
■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.
■Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are
less likely to bind and are easier to control.
■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.
■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.
BATTERY TOOL USE AND CARE
■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.
■Use power tools only with specifically designated
battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may
create a risk of injury and fire.
■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.
■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.
■Do not use a battery pack or tool that is damaged or
modified. Damaged or modified batteries may exhibit
unpredictable behaviour resulting in fire, explosion or
risk of injury.
■Do not expose a battery pack or tool to fire
or excessive temperature. Exposure to fire or
temperature above 130°C may cause explosion.
■Follow all charging instructions and do not charge
the battery pack or tool outside the temperature
range specified in the instructions. Charging
improperly or at temperatures outside the specified
range may damage the battery and increase the risk
of fire.
SERVICE
■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.
■Never service damaged battery packs. Service
of battery packs should only be performed by the
manufacturer or authorized service providers.
SHEET SANDER SAFETY WARNINGS
■Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask.
■A suitable breathing respirator must be worn while
sanding lead paint, some woods and metal to avoid
breathing the harmful/toxic dust or air. Contact with
or inhalation of dust produced from these materials can
endanger the health of operator and bystanders.
■Do not throw sanding dust on an open fire because
materials in fine particle form may be explosive.
■The product is not suitable for wet sanding.
■When not in use, all tools should be disconnected from
power source.
■Caution, fire hazard! Avoid overheating the object being
sanded as well as the sander. Always empty the dust
collector before taking breaks.
■Clamp workpiece with a clamping device.
Unclamped workpieces can cause severe injury and
damage. Do not hold the material you are sanding by
hand.
■Do not apply excessive pressure to the product.
■Do not use sanding paper larger than needed. Extra
paper extending beyond the sanding pad can also
cause serious lacerations.
■Ambient temperature range for tool during operation is
between 0°C and 40°C.
■Ambient temperature range for tool storage is between
0°C and 40°C.
■The recommended ambient temperature range for the
charging system during charging is between 10°C and
38°C.
2

ADDITIONAL BATTERY SAFETY WARNINGS
WARNING
To reduce the risk of re, personal injury, and product
damage due to a short circuit, never immerse your
tool, battery pack or charger in uid or allow a uid to
ow inside them. Corrosive or conductive uids, such
as seawater, certain industrial chemicals, and bleach
or bleach-containing products, etc., can cause a short
circuit.
■Ambient temperature range for battery during use is
between 0°C and 40°C.
■Ambient temperature range for battery storage is
between 0°C and 20°C.
TRANSPORTING LITHIUM BATTERIES
Transport the battery in accordance with local and national
provisions and regulations.
Follow all special requirements on packaging and labelling
when transporting batteries by a third party. Ensure that
no batteries can come in contact with other batteries
or conductive materials while in transport by protecting
exposed connectors with insulating, non-conductive caps
or tape. Do not transport batteries that are cracked or
leaking. Check with the forwarding company for further
advice.
RESIDUAL RISKS
Even when the product is used as prescribed, it is still
impossible to completely eliminate certain residual risk
factors. The following hazards may arise and the operator
should pay special attention to avoid the following:
■entrapment/contact with the sanding sheet
Additional caution must be exercised to prevent
operator’s fingers and hands from coming into contact
with the sanding sheet
■contact with or inhalation of dust
While using the product, considerable dust and fine
particles will be produced. Use the dust collection
device during use. Wear respiratory protection masks
containing filters appropriate to the materials being
worked. Ensure adequate workplace ventilation. Do not
eat, drink, or smoke in the work area.
■risk of explosion
Accumulated fine dust may ignite and cause fire. Keep
the work area clean and free from dust. Dust collection
and vacuum extraction systems should be regularly and
thoroughly cleaned. When sanding metal, hot sparks
may be produced.
■noise and vibration
Wear ear protection when operating the product. Do not
operate the product for extended periods of time.
RISK REDUCTION
It has been reported that vibrations from handheld tools
may contribute to a condition called Raynaud’s Syndrome
in certain individuals. Symptoms may include tingling,
numbness and blanching of the ngers, usually apparent
upon exposure to cold. Hereditary factors, exposure to
cold and dampness, diet, smoking, and work practices
are all thought to contribute to the development of these
symptoms. There are measures that can be taken by the
operator to possibly reduce the effects of vibration:
■Keep your body warm in cold weather. When operating
the product wear gloves to keep the hands and wrists
warm. It is reported that cold weather is a major factor
contributing to Raynaud’s Syndrome.
■After each period of operation, exercise to increase
blood circulation.
■Take frequent work breaks. Limit the amount of
exposure per day.
If you experience any of the symptoms of this condition,
immediately discontinue use and see your doctor about
these symptoms.
KNOW YOUR PRODUCT
See page 7.
1. Switch on
2. Switch off
3. Battery port
4. Dust vacuum adapter
5. Paper clamp
6. Cushion
7. Lever
8. Dust bag
9. Sandpaper (80 grit)
10. Sandpaper (120 grit)
11. Sandpaper (220 grit)
12. Insulated grasping surface
MAINTENANCE
WARNING
Empty bag frequently and before storage to avoid
possible re hazard due to self-ignition of the dust.
WARNING
The product should never be connected to a power
supply when you are assembling parts, cleaning,
performing maintenance, or when the product is not in
use. Disconnecting the product will prevent accidental
starting that could cause serious injury.
3

WARNING
When servicing, use only identical RYOBI replacement
parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or
cause product damage.
WARNING
Always remove the sanding sheet from the product
before cleaning. Failure to do so could cause serious
personal injury.
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to 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 uids, 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 berglass material, wallboard,
spackling compounds, or plaster are subject to accelerated
wear and possible premature failure because the berglass
chips and grindings are highly abrasive to bearings,
brushes and commutators. The manufacturer does not
recommend the use of the product for extended periods of
time on these types of materials.
After each use, remove the sanding sheet and dust
collector if tted. Clean the dust collector as shown in the
illustrations in this manual. Clean the tool thoroughly with a
brush, dry cloth and vacuum cleaner.
WARNING
Do not use compressed air to blow dust from the product
to prevent serious eye injury.
For greater safety and reliability, all repairs should be
performed by an authorised RYOBI service centre.
All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufcient
amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the unit
under normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further
lubrication is required.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION
Recycle raw materials instead of disposing
of as waste. The machine, accessories
and packaging should be sorted for
environmental-friendly recycling.
SYMBOLS
Safety Alert
V Volts
No-load speed
min־¹ Revolutions or reciprocations per minute
Direct current
CE Conformity
EurAsian Conformity Mark.
Ukrainian mark of conformity
Please read the instructions carefully before
starting the machine.
Wear ear protection
Wear eye protection
Waste electrical products should not be
disposed of with household waste. Please
recycle where facilities exist. Check with your
Local Authority or retailer for recycling advice.
SYMBOLS IN THIS MANUAL
Note
Parts or accessories sold separately
Unlock
Lock
4

The following signal words and meanings are intended to
explain the levels of risk associated with this product:
DANGER
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, will result in death or serious injury.
WARNING
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, could result in death or serious injury.
CAUTION
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which, if not
avoided, may result in minor or moderate injury.
CAUTION
(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation that
may result in property damage.
5

6

7
3
4
6
5
7
12
1
2
8
9
10
11

8
3
2
2
1
1 2

9
1
2
3
3 4

10
3
2
2
1
1
2
1
2
3
140 x 115 mm
4

11
2
1
1
2
2
1
5
6
7

12
3
2
2
1
1
2
1
2
3
20190128v4

PRODUCT SPECIFICATIONS
Sheet sander
Model R18SS4
Voltage 18 V
No load speed 12000
min-1
Size of paper (1/4 sheet) 113 x 106 mm
Motion (Orbital action)
Orbit Diameter 1.6 mm (1/16”)
Weight - not incl.battery pack 1.2 kg
Weight - according to EPTA Procedure
01/2014
1.5 kg (1.3Ah) -
2.2 kg (9.0Ah)
Measured sound values determined according to EN 62841:
A-weighted sound pressure level
LpA = 74 dB(A)
Uncertainty K
3 dB(A)
A-weighted sound power level
LWA = 85 dB(A)
Uncertainty K
3 dB(A)
Wear ear protectors.
Vibration total values (triaxial vector sum) determined according to
EN 62841:
Vibration emission value ah= 10.1 m/s2
Uncertainty K 1.5 m/s2
BATTERY AND CHARGER
Model Compatible battery
pack (not included)
Compatible charger
(not included)
Lithium-ion
RB18L13
RB18L15
RB18L20
RB18L25
RB18L30
RB18L40
RB18L50
RB18L90
BCL14181H
BCL14183H
RC18150
RC18627
RC18120
RC18118C
RC18115
VIBRATION LEVEL
WARNING
The vibration emission level given in this information sheet has been measured in accordance with a standardised test
given in EN 62841 and may be used to compare one tool with another. It may be used for a preliminary assessment of
exposure. The declared vibration emission level represents the main applications of the tool. However if the tool is used
for different applications, with different accessories or poorly maintained, the vibration emission may differ. This may
signicantly increase the exposure level over the total working period.
An estimation of the level of exposure to vibration should also take into account the times when the tool is switched off or
when it is running but not actually doing the job. This may signicantly reduce the exposure level over the total working
period. Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration such as: maintain the tool
and the accessories, keep the hands warm and organisation of work patterns.

RYOBI®WARRANTY APPLICATION CONDITIONS
In addition to any statutory rights resulting from the purchase, this product is covered by a warranty as stated below.
1. The warranty period is 24 months for consumers and commences on the date the product was purchased. This date
has to be documented by an invoice or other proof of purchase. The product is designed and dedicated to consumer
and private use only. So there is no warranty provided in case of professional or commercial use. This warranty applies
only on new products.
2. There is a possibility to extend for a part of the range of power tools (AC/DC) the warranty period over the period
described above using the registration on the www.ryobitools.eu website. The eligibility of products for extended
warranty is clearly displayed in stores and / or on packaging and is contained within the product documentation. The
end user is required to register his/her newly-acquired products online within 30 days from the date of purchase. The
end user may register for the extended warranty in his/her country of residence if listed on the online registration form
where this option is valid. Furthermore, end users must give their consent to the storage of their personal data that is
required to be entered online. They must also accept the terms and conditions. The registration conrmation receipt,
which is sent out by e-mail, and the original invoice showing the date of purchase will serve as proof of the extended
warranty.
3. The warranty covers all defects of the product during the warranty period due to faults in workmanship or material at
the purchase date. The warranty is limited to repair and/or replacement and does not include any other obligations
including but not limited to incidental or consequential damages. The warranty is not valid if the product has been
misused, used contrary to the instruction manual, or has been incorrectly connected to a power supply. This warranty
does not apply to:
–any damage to the product that is the result of improper or lack of maintenance
–any product that has been altered or modified
–any product where original identification (trade mark, serial number) markings have been defaced, altered or
removed
–any damage caused by non-observance of the instruction manual
–any product not displaying the CE approval mark on the rating plate
–any product that has been attempted to be repaired by a non-authorised warranty service centre or without prior
authorisation by Techtronic Industries
–any product connected to an improper power supply (amps, voltage, frequency)
–any damage caused by external influences (water, chemical, physical, shocks) or foreign substances
–normal wear and tear spare parts
–inappropriate use, overloading of the tool
–use of non-approved accessories or parts
–Power tool accessories provided with the tool or purchased separately. including but not limited to screw driver bits,
drill bits, abrasive discs, sand paper and blades, lateral guide etc.
–Components (parts and accessories) subject to natural wear and tear, including but not limited to Service &
Maintenance Kits, carbon brushes, bearings, chuck, SDS drill bit attachment or reception, power cord, auxiliary
handle, transport carry case, sanding plate, dust bag, dust exhaust tube, felt washers, impact wrench pins &
springs, etc.
4. For servicing, the product must be sent or presented to a RYOBI authorised service station listed for each country in the
following list of service station addresses. In some countries your local RYOBI dealer undertakes to send the product
to the RYOBI service organisation. When sending a product to a RYOBI service station, the product should be safely
packed without any dangerous contents such as petrol, marked with sender’s address and accompanied by a short
description of the fault.
5. A repair / replacement under this warranty is free of charge. It does not constitute an extension or a new start of the
warranty period. Exchanged parts or products become our property. In some countries delivery charges or postage
will have to be paid by the sender. Your statutory rights arising from the purchase of the product remain unaffected.
6. This warranty is valid in the European Community, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Turkey and Russia.
Outside these areas, please contact your authorised RYOBI dealer to determine if another warranty applies.

ACD PLANT LTD
145 Southbank Road
Coundon
Coventry, West Midlands
CV6 1FG
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.acdplant.co.uk
CBS Power Tools Limited
Unit 4, V P Square
Storeys Bar Rd, Fengate
Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
PE1 5YS
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.cbspowertools.com
C D Powertools
76 Old Road
Churwell Morley, Leeds
LS27 7TH
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web : www.cdpowertools.co.uk
C J Sinclair Limited
44 Victoria Road
St Peters
Broadstairs, Kent
CT10 2UG
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.cjsinclairltd.co.uk
Powertech Ind Ltd
Unit 2C, Ellison Road
Norwood Ind, Killamarsh
Shefeld, South Yorkshire
S21 2JG
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.powertech-industrial.co.uk
RYCKO Technical Services LTD
104 Green Lane
St Albans, Herts
AL3 6EX
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.ryckotechnical.com
ToolTech Industrial Equipment
227 E Dunhill Road, Macosquin
Coleraine, Co Londonderry
BT514LQ
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
AUTHORISED SERVICE CENTRES
For an updated list of authorised service centres, visit http://uk.ryobitools.eu/header/service-and-support/service-agents.

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
Techtronic Industries GmbH
Max-Eyth-Straße 10, 71364 Winnenden, Germany
Herewith we declare that the product
Sheet sander
Brand: RYOBI
Model number: R18SS4
Serial number range: 46233103000001 - 46233103999999
is in conformity with the following European Directives and harmonised standards
2006/42/EC, 2014/30/EU, 2011/65/EU,
EN 55014-1:2017, EN 55014-2:2015, EN 62841-1:2015, EN 62841-2-4:2014
RoHS documentation is compiled according to EN 50581:2012
Todd Chipner
Sr. Director, Regulatory & Safety
Winnenden, Oct. 30, 2018
Authorised to compile the technical file:
Alexander Krug, Managing Director
Techtronic Industries GmbH
Max-Eyth-Straße 10, 71364 Winnenden, Germany

Techtronic Industries GmbH
Max-Eyth-Straße 10,
71364 Winnenden, Germany
20190128v4
RYOBI is a trademark of Ryobi Limited,
and is used under license.