It was a hot Tuesday in my dusty garage. I was three hours into sanding a cedar chest for my wife. The wood looked great and the grain was finally popping. Then it happened. My Milwaukee orbital sander stopped working right in my hand.
It did not smoke or make a loud noise. It just went dead. I stood there in the quiet with sawdust in my hair. I felt that sinking feeling in my gut. I had a half finished project and a tool that would not budge.
If your sander just quit, do not panic yet. I have been through this exact mess. I spent the afternoon taking it apart to find the truth. Most of the time, it is a five minute fix you can do at home.
Why My Milwaukee Sander Quit on Me
The first thing I did was check the obvious stuff. I made sure the plug was tight in the wall. I checked my M18 battery to see if it was still full. Everything looked fine on the outside, so I knew the issue was deeper.
I found that most Milwaukee power tool failures come down to three things. It is usually the power source, the switch, or the motor brushes. I took my tool to my workbench to find out which one was the killer.
Quick Fix Guide for Common Failures
| Part | What I Noticed | How I Fixed It |
| Power Cord | Frayed wires near the base | Cut and replaced the plug |
| Carbon Brushes | Small sparks and low power | Swapped for a new $10 set |
| Power Switch | The trigger felt stiff or stuck | Blasted it with clean air |
| Battery Tabs | The tool cut out when shaken | Cleaned the metal contacts |
The Mystery of the Dead Motor
I really thought my motor had burned out at first. That is the worst thing that can happen. It costs a lot of money to fix a motor. But then I noticed a tiny click when I hit the switch. That meant power was trying to move.
I opened the plastic case and saw a desert of dust. It was like a bird nest made of wood grit. I used my air tank to blow it all out. A huge brown cloud filled my shop, but the tool felt better.
Dust is the number one killer of these tools. It gets into the vents and stops the air from moving. This makes the motor get too hot. When it gets hot, the wires inside can melt or short out.
Checking the Carbon Brushes
If you have a corded model, you must check the brushes. These are small blocks of carbon that rub the motor. Over time, they wear down just like brake pads. Mine were almost gone when I looked.
When they get too short, the connection gets weak. The tool might run for a second and then stop. I keep a spare set in my drawer now. It is a cheap way to save a very expensive tool.
M18 Battery Connection Issues
If you use the Milwaukee M18 sander, the battery is often the culprit. My buddy had his sander quit last week. He thought the tool was trash. It turns out the heavy shaking was the real problem.
The battery is heavy and it wobbles as you sand. This wear makes the metal clips get loose. I found that if I cleaned the tabs with a bit of alcohol, it worked again. A tight fit is the key to power.
When the Pad Will Not Spin
Sometimes the motor runs, but the pad stays still. Or maybe it spins way too fast. I call this the spin of death. When this happened to me, the wood started to burn. I was so mad at the tool.
This is usually a broken sander brake. There is a small rubber ring inside the base. It keeps the speed under control. When it snaps, the tool goes wild. Replacing it took me less than ten minutes.
How I Keep My Tools Running Now
I learned my lesson the hard way that day. Now, I have a new plan to keep my tools alive. I blow out the vents with air after every big job. This keeps the dust from turning into a solid block.
I also check my sanding pad for wear. A bad pad makes the motor work twice as hard. If the paper does not stick, change the pad right away. It saves the motor and saves your hands from vibration.
FAQs: Milwaukee Orbital Sander Stopped Working
Why did my Milwaukee orbital sander stop working suddenly?
Most Milwaukee power tools stop when dust clogs the power switch. Try blowing it out with clean air or check for a loose M18 battery. It is a quick fix that often saves the tool.
How do I know if my Milwaukee carbon brushes are worn out?
If you see sparks or the motor runs slow, your brushes are likely old. These small parts wear down over time and are cheap to replace. Swapping them out can restore full power in minutes.
Why does my Milwaukee sander pad spin too fast and burn wood?
This is known as the “spin of death” and usually means the brake is broken. Replacing the rubber brake ring will fix the speed control. It keeps your work smooth and protects the wood surface.