I dropped my sander and the dust compartment broke and now the machine won't even turn on. Is there a way to bring it back to life? Nothing else appears to be broken.

Something more than likely chipped off/broke from the impact of the drop. Have you tried opening the PSP? *Note - opening your PSP will void your warranty.

a lot of times sawdust gets into the switch contacts and won't allow the tool to operate. I would try turning the switch on/off several times and see if it temporarily helps. Also check the cord. Let me know if you need more assistance.

Hello Radlad84,

There are few things you can look at.First see inside the sander if it full of dust and then clean it .
Second look for the brushes inside .they should have a proper length.
Good luck.

Appie from the Netherlands

Hi, Sanders are prone to getting lots and lots of dust inside the unit. The cooling fan makes this problem inevitable. The only way to fix this is to take it apart and and blast it with a pressurized air tool. Hopefully this will bring back some life to your sander. The effectiveness of this procedure is dependent on how well you can remove all of the dust. hope this helps.

Check the switch for continuity. Check the brushes.

There may be a thermal fuse and some of those are one-shot that have to be replaced. They are usually embedded alongside the windings.

Switches sometimes get dust in them and don't contact inpsite of MOVING.

This info may help;

Features: DeWalt D26451K 5" Random Orbit Sander Kit

• 3.0 Amp motor operates at 12,000 opm providing ideal sanding speed for smooth finish
• Textured anti-slip top & body grip provides ultimate comfort and control during prolonged use
• Controlled Finishing System maintains pad speed and minimizes gouging during start up
• Dust-sealed switch prevents contamination
• Sealed 100 percent ball-bearing construction provides longer life
• High capacity dust bag with built in vacuum adapter provides maximum dust collection with or without vacuum
• Dual-plane counter-balanced fan reduces user fatigue
• Accepts 5", 8-hole hook & loop paper allows sanding discs to be switched back and forth quickly and easily
• The sanding discs mate to the sander plate similar to Velcro, and this particular sander uses a 5" disc with 8 holes in it. Can be purchased in Home Depot, Lowes, etc....

Hope this helps!

The standered screws in the sander are Torx. You will need a torx 15 or 20 (cant remember which) to take it apart.

The slide arm mechanisms and tension arm, springs, etc. need a little light machine oil, 3-in-1, to make them slide easly, a few dropes will do the trick, do not over oil. Move the adjustment knob just hair at a time or it will over adjust, hope this helps you.

Belt sander are very tempermentel and require a light machine oil (3-in-one) on the metal slides and Tension lever and springs to opperate properally, if not they will drive you nuts, it will make a big differance, a few drops will do ya, more it needed, to much will cause a reverse action and collect dust, clean areas before oiling with air preasure and fluids if needed to get rid of build up from wood dust

there isn't an internal fuse. by the sounds of it you probably have a short, a bad brush, or some arcing.

if you use your sander for fine sanding (100+ grit paper) you have to make sure to clean out the motor housing. Fine sanding dust, like any fine dust, creates alot of heat when aerated and can melt the plastic brush holders or can cause the electricity to arc from one wire to another inside the housing.

my advice is to take the 8 (i think it's 8) screws out of the side of the gun and carefully pull the halves apart. there isnt alot you can mess up inside and just visually inspect the wires for burns or melting on the brush holder.

here's a breakdown if you need it.
http://www.makita.com/en-us/Assets/images/Products/_PartsBreakdowns/PB_GV5000.pdf

if you find something inside that you're not sure of, or if you have any additional info i'll keep checking in on this.