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Ryobi PCL406 Random Orbital Sander Review
Ryobi’s new five-inch random orbital sander, the PCL406, delivers significant improvements over its predecessor. With 40% reduced vibration and increased power, this sander is an excellent option for professional and DIY users alike. In this review, we will take a closer look at the features, performance, and value of this new sander from Ryobi.
Features and Specifications
The Ryobi PCL406 features a five-inch hook and loop pad with holes for dust extraction, making it easy to swap out sanding discs. The sander comes with an onboard dust collection pouch, which, as we will see, is surprisingly effective. There is also a dust extraction port with internal and external diameters of 1.25 inches and 1.625 inches, respectively.
The PCL406 is a random orbital sander, which means it offers dual-action sanding with both an orbiting and rotating motion. This design ensures that the sandpaper does not create sanding scratches in the same place every time, resulting in a smoother finish. The sander is capable of 10,000 oscillations per minute (OPM), providing efficient sanding performance.
An ergonomic grip and a switch for turning the sander on and off complete the design of the PCL406, making it a user-friendly option for a variety of sanding tasks.
Performance
During our testing, we found the Ryobi PCL406 to perform exceptionally well. The reduced vibration is a noticeable improvement over previous Ryobi sanders, allowing for more comfortable and precise sanding.
The PCL406’s dust collection system was particularly impressive. While dust bags are typically inefficient, the PCL406’s dust bag managed to collect a sizable amount of dust during sanding. For even more effective dust extraction, using a dust extractor can virtually eliminate any residual dust in your workspace.
The sander performs well with a variety of sanding discs, but we found that opting for high-quality discs like Abranet or Diablo’s sand net drastically improved cut speed and overall sanding performance.
Pricing and Warranty
The Ryobi PCL406 is available for purchase as a bare tool for just $59, making it a very affordable option for a five-inch random orbital sander. You would be hard-pressed to find a comparable sander at this price point. The sander is backed by a three-year warranty, available through Home Depot and homedepot.com.
The sander can also be purchased as part of a kit, which includes a 4Ah battery and charger. The kit is expected to be priced slightly above $100, offering excellent value for a complete sanding solution.
Conclusion
Ryobi’s PCL406 is a solid choice for a five-inch random orbital sander. It delivers excellent performance with reduced vibration, improved power, and an effective dust collection system. At just $59 for the bare tool, it is an incredible value for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.
If you are in the market for a new random orbital sander, the Ryobi PCL406 is a great option to consider. Its user-friendly design, impressive performance, and affordable price make it a standout choice in the world of sanding tools.
Remember to follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for more updates, and don’t hesitate to let us know your thoughts on the Ryobi PCL406 in the comments below. Happy sanding!
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
I use the sticky sanding pads not hook and loop at work. How well would they stick to this? Or would this not be a good choice of a sander for that type of sand paper?
Appreciate your time going over a very detailed and easily understandable review of the tool! I've been looking at getting this for some time.
I got the previous P411 version for my parents on sale for $29 and I thought this one would be just a re-packaging of the old one but it definitely looks like small improvements here and there.
For the price, though, the previous one was hard to pass on.
So if I push down with pressure the wheel stops turning, is that correct operation.
Or just let it sand with its own weight?
Why have the vacuum cleaner attached when you use paper without holes in it?
Got on today for $59 with 2ah high intensity batter at HD online
So boring. Just go to show how to use.
Ryobi days
I just ordered the the battery kit that home depot has. Two 4ah batteries and charger for $100 and the sander comes with it. I'm excited for this. Been finding projects at goodwill that I like to sand and stain. I originally had a sander attachment for my drill and the circle it leaves is really noticeable which is why I jumped on the deal home depot had.
They made made us wait a decade with the noisy, forearm crushing P411 , for this??! Not brushless, not even variable speed.. Shameful Ryobi!
Brushless on a sander makes all the difference in runtime and not burning out motors/brushes. Ryobi should at least have a higher tier brushless model by now.
I broke ranks and went yellow a couple years ago over this , picking up their brushless orbital . It's a dream..
the first one a workhorse had issues with power switch getting dust in it and it not working till blown out looks like they fixed that issue.
Was really looking forward to seeing a comparison with the old one. Specially the vibration difference. What is 40%? Thanks for the vid anyway.
the problem I've found with any Ryobi sander is actually the batteries. the fuel gauge button gets wood dust inside and stops working. I guess it clogs the contacts and fuel gauge stops working. multiple batteries did this to me
that pad looks soft.
Looks alot like the milwaukee 🤔
Would love to see a speed dial and brushless HP version. I'd damn sure go out and buy one then!!! Might seriously consider this one though as all my sanders are corded and that really limits what I can do as a mobile installer. Til I make a decision, my 3M sanding block and sweet beautiful purple sandpaper (also 3M and I absolutely love it) will keep things buttery smooth!!
Very cool. I’ve wanted an random orbital sander for a while, but I already bought the Dewalt. Great review.
is that a Rockler or Infinity extraction kit? I have the Infinity and its great.
For me not having a speed control dial or it being brushless is a deal breaker. Let’s hope Milwaukee releases such a sander to to replace their current one which is bizarrely still brushed too.
Since Ryobi is under the same company as Milwaukee, hopefully this means they are going to release an update to the Milwaukee orbital sander soon. If Milwaukee does release a newer model, it NEEDS to be brushless. I don't see why this Ryobi wasn't.
Thanks, again, Tim. Can this be used to wet sand a car paint?
This version seem to be a little quieter than the previous. However, it seems about the same. Good review. It's not that fantastic to buy this version since I already have the previous.
I would have liked it seen compared head to head with the old model to see the performance difference.
Why didn’t they make it brushless
The Ridgid 5" random orbital sander is a beast…💪
LET'S GO TJ!!!🏁
What is the thread pitch for the backing pad?
The older version has been an absolute workhorse for me, but I do like the on off switch a lot better on the newer version. Great review, man!
great sander.