OPERATOR'S MANUAL
10 in. (254 mm)
BUFFER/POLISHER
MODEL RB101
Your new buffer/polisher has been engineered and manufactured to Ryobi's high standard for dependability, ease of
operation, and operator safety. When properly cared for, the buffer/polisher 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 before using this product.
Thank you for buying a Ryobi product.
SAVE THIS MANUAL FOR FUTURE REFERENCE
TABLE OF CONTENTS
General Safety Rules ............................................................................................................................................ 3-4
Specific Safety Rules ................................................................................................................................................ 4
Symbols .................................................................................................................................................................... 5
Specifications ........................................................................................................................................................... 6
Electrical ................................................................................................................................................................... 6
Unpacking ................................................................................................................................................................. 7
Applications .............................................................................................................................................................. 7
Features ................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Operation ............................................................................................................................................................. 9-10
Maintenance ........................................................................................................................................................... 11
Customer Service Information ................................................................................................................................ 12
INTRODUCTION
Your buffer/polisher has many features for making the use
of this product more pleasant and enjoyable. Safety,
performance, and dependability have been given top
priority in the design of this product making it easy to
maintain and operate.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to use this product until you read thoroughly and understand completely the operator’s
manual. Pay close attention to the safety rules, including Dangers, Warnings, and Cautions. If you use your
product properly and only as intended, you will enjoy
years of safe, reliable service.
Look for this symbol to point out important safety precautions.
It means attention!!! Your safety is involved.
WARNING:
The operation of any tool can result in foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can
result in severe eye damage. Before beginning 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.
Page 2
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
WARNING:
Read and understand all instructions. Failure to
follow 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
polarized 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 insulation 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 refrigerators. 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 immediately. 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
inattention 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,
clothing, and gloves away from moving parts.
Loose clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in
moving 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
turning the tool on. A wrench or a key that is left
attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in
personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and
balance at all times. Proper footing and balance
enables better control of the tool in unexpected
situations. 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
conditions.
TOOL USE AND CARE
Use clamps or other practical way to secure and
support the workpiece to a stable platform.
Holding the work by hand or against your body is
unstable 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 accidentally.
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 condition
that may affect the tool’s operation. If damaged,
have the tool serviced before using. Many acci-
dents 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 hazardous when used on another tool.
Page 3
GENERAL SAFETY RULES
SERVICE
Tool service must be performed only by qualified
repair personnel. Service or maintenance per-
formed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk
of injury.
When servicing a tool, use only identical re-
placement parts. Follow instructions in the
Maintenance section of this manual. Use of
unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance
Instructions may create a risk of electric shock or
injury.
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES
Hold tool by insulated gripping surfaces when performing an operation where the buffer/polisher may con-
tact hidden wiring or its own 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 eyeglasses
have only impact-resistant lenses; they are NOT
safety glasses. Following this rule will reduce the risk
of serious personal injury.
Protect your lungs. Wear a face or dust mask if
the operation is dusty. Following this rule will reduce
the risk of serious personal injury.
Protect your hearing. Wear hearing protection dur-
ing extended periods of operation. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
Inspect tool cords periodically and, if damaged,
have repaired at your nearest Authorized Service
Center. Constantly stay aware of cord location. Fol-
lowing 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 function.
Check for alignment of moving parts, binding of
moving parts, breakage of parts, mounting, 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 receptacle. Keep
cord away from heat, oil, and sharp edges. Follow-
ing this rule will reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.
Keep hands away from work surface. Following this
rule will reduce the risk of serious personal injury.
Use both hands to operate buffer/polisher. Follow-
ing this rule will reduce the risk of serious personal
injury.
Do not use this buffer/polisher as a component of
other products.Following this rule will reduce the risk
of serious personal injury.
Inspect for rough surfaces, protrusions and snags
on work surface before using the buffer/polisher.
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.
Page 4
SYMBOLS
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 of current
n
0
/min Per Minute Revolutions, strokes, surface speed, orbits etc. per minute
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.
No Load Speed Rotational speed, at no load
Class II Construction Double-insulated construction
Safety Alert Precautions that involve your safety
Eye Protection Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields
and a full face shield when operating this product.
Wet Conditions Alert Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.
SYMBOL MEANING
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. It may also be used to alert against unsafe practices that may cause property damage.
Important: Advises you of important information or instructions vital to the operation or maintenance of
the equipment.
Note: Advises you of additional information concerning the operation or maintenance of the equipment.
Page 5
SPECIFICATIONS
Orbits per minute .............................................................................................................................................. 3200/min.
Orbit Diameter...........................................................................................................................................1/2 in. (13 mm)
Motion ......................................................................................................................................................Random Orbital
Power Cord .............................................................................................................................................. 6 ft. (1.8288 m)
Input ........................................................................................................................ 120 Volts, 60 Hz, AC only, .75 Amps
ELECTRICAL
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 precautions
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.
ELECTRICAL CONNECTION
The buffer/polisher 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.
WARNING:
Your buffer/polisher has a precision built electric motor.
It should only 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.
EXTENSION CORDS
When using a power tool at a considerable distance from
a power source, be sure to use an extension cord that has
the capacity to handle the current the tool will draw. An
undersized cord will cause a drop in line voltage, resulting
in overheating and loss of power. Use the chart to determine
the minimum wire size required in an extension cord. Only
round jacketed cords listed by Underwriter’s Laboratories
(UL) should be used.
When working outdoors with a tool, use an extension cord
that is designed for outside use. This type of cord is
designated with "WA" on the cord's jacket.
Before using any extension cord, inspect it for loose or
exposed wires and cut or worn insulation.
**Ampere rating
(on tool faceplate) 0-2.0 2.1-3.4 3.5-5.0 5.1-7.0 7.1-12.0 12.1-16.0
Cord Length Wire Size (A.W.G.)
25' 16 16 16 16 14 14
50' 16 16 16 14 14 12
100' 16 16 14 12 10 —
**Used on 12 gauge - 20 amp circuit.
WARNING:
Keep the extension cord clear of the working area.
Position the cord so that it will not become entangled in
the rotating foam pad or caught on lumber, tools or
other obstructions while you are working with a power
tool. Failure to do so can result in serious personal
injury.
Page 6
UNPACKING
INSTRUCTIONS
When unpacking the buffer/polisher:
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.
PACKING LIST
10 in.(254 mm) Buffer/Polisher
1 Application bonnet
1 Polishing bonnet
Operator’s Manual
Warranty Registration Card
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.
WARNING:
The buffer/polisher should never be connected to a
power supply when you are assembling parts, making
adjustments, cleaning, performing maintenance, or
when the tool is not in use. Disconnecting the tool will
prevent accidental starting that could cause serious
injury.
APPLICATIONS
You may use the buffer/polisher on the surfaces listed below:
Car
Boat
RV
Personal Aircraft
Motorcycle
Hardwood floors
Large furniture
Page 7
FEATURES
KNOW YOUR BUFFER/POLISHER
See Figure 1.
Before using the buffer/polisher, familiarize yourself with
all operating features and safety requirements.
WARNING:
Do not allow familiarity with your buffer/polisher to make
you careless. Remember that a careless fraction of a
second is sufficient to inflict severe injury.
Your new buffer/polisher is equipped with the following
features.
STEERING WHEEL HANDLE
The buffer/polisher has a steering wheel-shaped handle.
CORD
The buffer/polisher has a 6-foot power cord.
APPLICATION BONNET
The reusable application bonnet is made of 100% terry
cloth.
POLISHING BONNET
The reusable polishing bonnet is made of synthetic tufted
material.
FOAM PAD
The foam pad is 10 in. (254 mm) in diameter.
ON/OFF SWITCH
The on/off switch is within reach of the operator’s thumb.
MOTOR HOUSING
The air vent for the motor is located on top of the motor
housing.
HANDLE
FOAM PAD
MOTOR
HOUSING
AIR VENT
ON/OFF
SWITCH
CORD
Page 8
Fig. 1
OPERATION
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with
side shields when operating this tool. Failure to do so
could result in dust, or loose particles being thrown
into your eyes, resulting in possible serious injury.
PREPARE THE SURFACE
For best results, the surface should be clean and dry. Most
high-gloss surfaces can be cleaned with a mild soap and
water solution. For removal of stubborn dirt such as road
tar, grease, and bug stains, you can use a mild ammonia
solution such as that used in glass cleaners. Before using
any cleaning product, check the label for recommended
applications and follow the directions for use.
Never apply cleaner directly onto surface to be polished.
Apply to a clean cloth then use the cloth to clean the
surface.
Do not use any type of abrasive cleanser as it may damage
or scratch the surface.
WARNING:
Before connecting your buffer/polisher to the power
source, always check to make sure the switch is not in
ON position. Failure to do so could result in accidental
starting of your buffer/polisher resulting in possible
serious personal injury.
ATTACH THE APPLICATION BONNET
See Figure 2.
WARNING:
WARNING:
The drawstring must be tucked securely inside the
bonnet before turning the buffer/polisher on. Failure to
do so could result in the drawstring being caught between the motor housing and orbiting foam pad, increasing the risk of serious personal injury.
Fig. 2
APPLY POLISH TO THE APPLICATION BONNET
Most polishes are either in paste or liquid form. Before
using any polish read all directions on appropriate
applications and proper use.
APPLICATION OF PASTE POLISH
See Figure 3.
Use a putty knife or other flat, blunt object to apply
approximately one rounded teaspoon of paste onto the
bonnet. Evenly spread the paste over the entire surface of
the bonnet.
Do not apply paste directly to the surface being polished.
To avoid injury, always make sure the buffer/polisher is
unplugged before attaching bonnets.
Your buffer/polisher comes with two bonnets, one for
applying the polish to the surface and another for buffing
the surface. Both are fitted with a drawstring. The application
bonnet is the one made of 100% terry cloth.
To attach the application bonnet to the pad, loosen the
drawstring so that the bonnet fits completely over the pad.
Place the bonnet over the pad so that the outer edge can
be drawn over the top of the pad. Then carefully tighten the
drawstring around the pad and secure it with a bow knot.
Tuck the drawstring inside the bonnet.
Fig. 3
Page 9
OPERATION
WARNING:
Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields during operation.
APPLICATION OF LIQUID POLISH
See Figure 4.
Apply a small circle of liquid (about the size of a half-dollar)
around the center of the bonnet, followed by two more
rings, each slightly larger than the previous one. After the
first application, the bonnet will not absorb as much polish.
Apply two rings of polish to the bonnet for subsequent
applications, using half of the initial quantity.
APPLY POLISH TO SURFACE
See Figure 5.
While holding the polisher firmly against the surface, slide
the ON/OFF switch to the ON position with your thumb.
Always start and stop the polisher on or against the surface
being polished.
Begin by polishing larger flat surfaces, such as the hood,
trunk and roof. Use a broad sweeping motion in a crisscross pattern. Do not press down on the surface with the
polisher. Let the orbital action of the pad and bonnet do the
work.
Once flat surfaces have been covered, polish curved
surfaces such as car doors and quarter panels. Use small
circular motions. Grip polisher with your hands at 3 and 9
o'clock so that the cord hangs free.
After applying polish to the entire surface, turn polisher off
by pushing the ON/OFF switch with your thumb. Wait until
the pad stops rotating before lifting the polisher from the
surface. Unplug polisher.
For hard to reach areas, such as the underside of bumpers
or side mirrors, apply polish by hand.
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
WARNING:
Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry and contain long
hair when operating buffer/polisher. They could get
caught in moving parts, causing serious injury.
CHANGE TO BUFFING BONNET
See Figure 6.
Remove the application bonnet by loosening the drawstring
and slipping the bonnet off the pad. Replace with buffing
bonnet, attaching it the same way as the application bonnet.
Buff the surface in the same order as it was polished,
starting with large flat surfaces and ending with hard-toreach areas. Use the same motion as for polishing, a broad
sweeping criss-cross pattern on large flat areas and small
circular motions on all other areas. Remember to let the tool
do the work.
Fig. 6
Page 10
MAINTENANCE
WARNING:
When servicing use only identical Ryobi replacement
parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or
cause product damage.
WARNING:
The buffer/polisher should never be connected to a
power supply when you are assembling parts, making
adjustments, cleaning, performing maintenance, or
when the tool is not in use. Disconnecting the tool will
prevent accidental starting that could cause serious
injury.
GENERAL
Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most
plastics are susceptible to damage from 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 fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc. come in
contact with plastic parts. They contain chemicals that
can damage, weaken, or destroy plastic.
types of materials. However, if you do work with any of
these materials, it is extremely important to clean the tool
using compressed air.
APPLICATION AND BUFFING BONNETS
Both the application and buffing bonnets are reusable. For
maximum life and performance, hand wash after use and
allow them to air dry. If needed, the bonnets can be
machine washed in cold water with a small amount of
detergent, then machine dried using low heat.
FOAM PAD
It is important that the pad retains its original shape and
dimensions. Allow it to dry completely after each use. Make
sure to remove the bonnets, wash them and store separately.
Polisher should be stored with the pad facing up in order to
extend pad life and retain its shape. Be careful not to use
too much polish at one time. If the pad becomes saturated,
it will not last as long.
MOTOR AND INTERNAL COMPONENTS
The motor and internal components are designed to be
maintenance free. The exterior surface can be cleaned with
a mild soap and damp sponge.
If you suspect a problem with the motor or other internal
components, do not attempt to remove the motor housing
or otherwise expose the internal components. Contact
Ryobi Customer Service at 1-800-525-2579 for the
authorized service center nearest you.
Electric tools used on fiberglass material, wallboard,
spackling compounds, or plaster are subject to accelerated
wear and possible premature failure because the fiberglass
chips and grindings are highly abrasive to bearings,
brushes, commutators, etc. Consequently, we do not
recommend using this tool for extended work on these
LUBRICATION
All of the bearings in this tool are lubricated with a sufficient
amount of high grade lubricant for the life of the tool under
normal operating conditions. Therefore, no further
lubrication is required.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Problem Possible Cause Solution
Wax does not go on evenly. Too much wax on the bonnet. Remove a portion of the wax and retry.
Polishing seems difficult. Bonnet may be worn. Replace bonnet.
Polisher does not turn on. Bad connection to receptacle. Check to make sure plug is properly
seated in outlet. If using an extension
cord, check connection and wire gauge.
Problem with motor. Call your Ryobi authorized service center.
Bonnet surface is creased or Drawstring is loose. Untie drawstring and retighten.
wrinkled, resulting in uneven
application/buffing.
Pad spins slower than normal or Motor needs to be serviced or Call your Ryobi authorized service center.
not at all. replaced.
Page 11
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
10 in. (254 mm)
BUFFER/POLISHER
MODEL RB101
CUSTOMER SERVICE INFORMATION
For parts or service, contact your nearest Ryobi authorized service center. Be sure to provide all relevant
information when you call or visit. For the location of the authorized service center nearest you, please call
1-800-525-2579 or visit us online at www.ryobitools.com.
The model number of this tool is found on a plate attached to the buffer/polisher. Please record the serial
number in the space provided below. When ordering repair parts, always give the following information:
Model No.
Serial No.
RB101
RYOBI TECHNOLOGIES INC.
1428 Pearman Dairy Road Anderson, SC 29625
Post Office Box 1207 Anderson, SC 29622
www.ryobitools.com
1-800-525-2579
983000-243
8-04
Page 12
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