Ryobi Be3182 Manual

							Your new sander has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi's high standard for dependability, ease of
operation, and operator safety. 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.
Thank you for buying a Ryobi belt sander.
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
BELT SANDER
BE318
DOUBLE INSULATED
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE 
						

							2
INTRODUCTION

 

 


Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................ 2

 

 


General Safety Rules ..................................................................................................................................... 3-4

 

 


Specific Safety Rules ......................................................................................................................................... 4

 

 


Symbols ............................................................................................................................................................. 5

 

 


Specifications .................................................................................................................................................... 6

 

 


Unpacking .......................................................................................................................................................... 6

 

 


Applications ....................................................................................................................................................... 6

 

 


Features ......................................................................................................................................................... 7-8

 

 


Operation ...................................................................................................................................................... 9-14

 

 


Maintenance ............................................................................................................................................... 14-15

 

 


Parts, Ordering, and Service ........................................................................................................................... 16
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Look for this symbol to point out important safety
precautions. It means attention!!! Your safety is involved.
GLASSES SAFETY
WEAR
YOUR
FORESIGHT IS BETTER
THAN NO SIGHT
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 tool operation, always wear safety
goggles or safety glasses with side shields and a full face shield when needed. We
recommend Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard safety glasses
with side shields. Always wear eye protection which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1.
Your sander has many features for making the use of this
tool more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety, performance,
and dependability have been given top priority in the
design of this sander making it easy to maintain and
operate.WARNING:
Do not attempt to use this tool until you have read
thoroughly and understand completely the operator’s
manual. Pay close attention to the safety rules, in-
cluding Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions. If you
use your tool properly and only for what it is in-
tended, you will enjoy years of safe, reliable service. 
						

							3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to fol-
low 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 atmo-
spheres, such as in the presence of flammable
liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools may 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 po-
larized 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 insu-
lation 
 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 refrigera-
tors. There is an increased risk of electric shock if
your body is grounded.

 

 


Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet condi-
tions. Water entering a power tool will increase the
risk of electric 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 immedi-
ately. 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 inat-
tention 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, cloth-
ing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose
clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in mov-
ing parts or drawn into air vents.

 

 


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 turn-
ing the tool on. A wrench or a key that is left at-
tached to a rotating part of the tool may result in
personal injury.

 

 


Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and bal-
ance at all times. Proper footing and balance en-
ables better control of the tool in unexpected situa-
tions. Do not use on a ladder or unstable support.

 

 


Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protec-
tion. Dust mask, nonskid safety shoes, hard hat, or
hearing protection must be used for appropriate con-
ditions.
TOOL USE AND CARE

 

 


Use clamps or other practical way to secure and
support the workpiece to a stable platform. Hold-
ing the work by hand or against your body is un-
stable 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 mea-
sures reduce the risk of starting the tool acciden-
tally.

 

 


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 condi-
tion that may affect the tool’s operation. If dam-
aged, 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 hazard-
ous when used on another tool. 
						

							4
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the tool may contact hidden
wiring or its cord. Contact with a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live” and shock the operator.
ADDITIONAL SAFETY RULES

 

 


Know your power tool. Read operator’s manual
carefully. 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 eye-
glasses have only impact-resistant lenses; they
are NOT safety glasses. Following this rule will re-
duce the risk of serious personal injury.

 

 


Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if
the operation is dusty. Following this rule will re-
duce 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 in-
jury.

 

 


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
be carefully checked to determine that it will
operate properly and perform its intended func-
tion. Check for alignment of moving parts, bind-
ing of moving parts, breakage of parts, mount-
ing, 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.

 

 


Do not abuse cord. Never carry the tool by the
cord or yank it to disconnect it from the recep-
tacle. Keep cord away from heat, oil, and sharp
edges. Following this rule will reduce the risk of elec-
tric shock or fire.
 

 


Make sure your extension cord is in good condi-
tion. When using an extension cord, be sure to
use one heavy enough to carry the current your
product will draw. A wire gage size (A.W.G.) of at
least 16 is recommended for an extension cord
100 feet or less in length. A cord exceeding 100
feet is not recommended. If in doubt, use the next
heavier gage. The smaller the gage 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 be-
fore using this tool. Following this rule will reduce
the risk of serious personal injury.

 

 


Drugs, alcohol, medication. Do not operate tool
while under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or
any medication. Following this rule will reduce the
risk of electric shock, fire, or 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.
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.
SERVICE

 

 


Tool service must be performed only by quali-
fied repair personnel. Service or maintenance per-
formed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk
of injury.
When servicing a tool, use only identical replace-
ment parts. Follow instructions in the Mainte-
nance section of this manual. Use of unauthorized
parts or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions
may create a risk of electric shock or injury.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES 
						

							5 Important: Some of the following symbols may be used on your tool. Please study them and learn their meaning.
Proper interpretation of these symbols will allow you to operate the tool better and safer.
 SYMBOL NAME DESIGNATION/EXPLANATION
       V Volts Voltage
       A Amperes Current
       Hz Hertz Frequency (cycles per second)
       W Watt Power
      min Minutes Time
Alternating Current                                                  Type or a characteristic of current
       n
0No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load
Class II Construction Designates double-insulated
construction tools
    .../min Revolutions or Reciprocation Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed,
orbits etc. per minute
Safety Alert Indicates danger, warning or caution.
It means attention!!! Your safety is
involved.
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers. The safety symbols, and the
explanations with them, deserve your careful attention and understanding. The safety warnings do not by
themselves eliminate any danger. The instructions or warnings they give are not substitutes for proper accident
prevention measures.
DANGER: Failure to obey a safety warning will result in serious injury to yourself or to others. Always
follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
WARNING: Failure to obey a safety warning can result in serious injury to yourself or to others.
Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and personal injury.
CAUTION: Failure to obey a safety warning may result in property damage or personal injury to
yourself or to others. Always follow the safety precautions to reduce the risk of fire, electric shock and
personal injury.
NOTE:Advises you of information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
SYMBOL MEANING
SYMBOLS
Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damp
locations.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS 
						

							6
SPECIFICATIONS
UNPACKING
INSTRUCTIONS
Your sander has been shipped completely assembled.

Carefully remove the tool and 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
carefully inspected and satisfactorily operated the
tool.

If any parts are damaged or missing, please call
1-800-525-2579 for assistance.
APPLICATIONS
You may use your sander for the purposes listed below:

Sanding wood, metals, plastics, and other materials.

Smoothing rough boards, chamfering, rounding edges, etc.

Removing rust, paint, varnishes, and stains. Belt Size 3 in. X 18 in. (7.6 cm X 45.7 cm)
Sanding Surface 15 square in. (96.8 square cm)
No Load Speed700 surface ft./min.
*
Input120 Volts, 60 Hz, AC only, 5 amps
Net Weight6.3 lbs. (2.8 kg)
* Speed at which the belt moves
PACKING LIST
Belt Sander
Sanding Belt
Dust Collection Bag
Operator’s Manual
WARNING:
If any parts are missing do not operate your tool until
the missing parts are replaced. Failure to do so
could result in possible serious personal injury. 
						

							7
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
protecting 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 pre-
cautions to avoid electrical shock.
Important: 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 replacement parts when servicing.
FEATURES
ELECTRIC MOTOR
Your sander has a precision built electric motor. It
should be connected to a power supply that is 120
volts, 60 Hz, AC only (normal household current). 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.
SWITCH
Your sander has a conveniently located trigger switch.
LOCK-ON
The lock-on feature allows you to lock the sander on
when you operate it continuously for extended periods of
time.
DUST COLLECTION BAG
The dust collection bag attaches to the sander and
keeps dust to a minimum.
ERGONOMIC DESIGN
The design of the sander provides for easy handling. It
is designed for comfort and ease of grasp when operating
in different positions and at different angles. 
						

							8
FEATURES
Fig. 1
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this tool or create accessories not recommended for use with this tool. Any such
alteration or modification is misuse and could result in a hazardous condition leading to possible serious
personal injury.
FRONT
HANDLE
DUST
COLLECTION
BAG
REAR
HANDLE
SANDING
BELTTENSION
RELEASE
LEVER 
						

							9
OPERATION
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating this tool. Failure to do
so could result in dust, shavings, or loose particles
being thrown into your eyes, resulting in possible
serious injury.
TURNING THE SANDER ON/OFF
See Figure 2.
Follow these directions to turn the sander on and off.

To turn on the sander: Depress the switch trigger.

To turn off the sander: Release the switch trigger.
LOCKING ON
See Figure 3.
The lock-on feature allows you to lock the sander on
when you operate it continuously for extended periods of
time.
If you have the “lock-on” feature engaged during use and
the sander is accidentally disconnected from the power
supply, disengage the “lock-on” feature immediately.
Also, do not lock the trigger switch if you might need to
suddenly stop the sander.
WARNING:
Before connecting the sander to a power supply,
make sure it is not in the “locked-on” position.  Fail-
ure to do so could result in accidental starting of the
tool resulting in possible serious injury.
Follow these directions to lock on.

Depress the switch trigger.

Push in the lock-on button.

Release the switch trigger.

Release the lock-on button.
NOTE: To release the lock, depress the switch trigger.
SELECTING SANDING BELTS
Selecting the correct size and type of sanding belt is an
important step in achieving a high quality sanded finish.
Aluminum oxide, silicon carbide, and other synthetic
abrasives are best for power sanding.
In general, when sanding, coarse grit removes the most
material and fine grit produces the best finish. The
condition of the surface to be sanded determines which
grit will do the best job. If the surface is rough, start with
a coarse grit and sand until the surface is uniform. Then
use medium grit to remove scratches left by the coarser
grit. Finally, use finer grit for finishing the surface. Always
continue sanding with each grit until the surface is
uniform.
Fig. 2
Fig. 3
DEPRESS TO
TURN ON
SANDER
LOCK-ON
BUTTON 
						

							10
OPERATION
Fig. 4
Fig. 6
USING SANDING BELTS
TO INSTALL/CHANGE SANDING BELTS
See Figures 4, 5, and 6.
Follow these directions to install/change sanding belts.

Unplug the sander.
WARNING:
Failure to unplug the tool could result in accidental
starting causing possible serious injury.

Position the sander on its side with the cord on the
left.
WARNING:
Keep hands and fingers clear of front idler roller and
spring mechanism at all times. Failure to do so could
result in them getting pinched, causing possible seri-
ous injury.

Raise the tension release lever.
NOTE: If you are changing sanding belts, remove
the old sanding belt at this time.

Install the sanding belt.
CAUTION:
If the sanding belt is not a bidirectional belt, ensure
that the arrow inside the belt is pointing in the direc-
tion of the rotation (clockwise when looking into the
open side of the sander). Installing unidirectional
sanding belts backwards can create a hazardous
condition.

Align the sanding belt to its correct position.

Lower the tension release lever to secure the sand-
ing belt.
Fig. 5


 







 




 
 






 








 
















 















 



 



 

































 






 








 

























 

 
 


 














 





 



 

 

 






















 

















































 
























































 

































SANDING
BELT
INSTALL UNIDIRECTIONAL BELTS IN THE DIRECTION OF
THE ROTATION
INSTALL BIDIRECTIONAL BELTS IN EITHER DIRECTIONTENSION
RELEASE
LEVER