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Makita BO4556K Orbital Sander

Makita BO4556K Orbital Sander

By Makita · Orbital Sanders · Power Tools · More from Makita

  • 14,000 OPM
  • 2 AMP motor
  • 4-1/2" x 4" pad
  • 2.5 lbs
  • 5-1/8"x4-3/8"x5-9/16"

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Used, refurbished, open-box

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Problems, parts and running costs

Summary

A 2.5 lb, 2.0 AMP fixed-speed 1/4-sheet finishing sander with a through-the-pad dust port and a 1-year Makita warranty.

Strengths

  • Light at 2.5 lb and shaped for one-handed palm finishing work.
  • The through-the-pad dust port connects to a Makita vacuum.
  • A rubber-sealed switch and an aluminum cast shoe base.
  • Dual counterweight balancing is aimed at keeping vibration low.
  • Makita publishes a full parts breakdown and a 1-year warranty.
  • Fixed 14,000 OPM is predictable for fine finishing passes.

Weaknesses

  • The 14,000 OPM is fixed; there is no speed dial.
  • Clamp-style paper only; the hook-and-loop sibling is the BO4555, not this model.
  • No independent instrumented test of this exact model exists.
  • Makita’s own pages disagree on weight and vibration (2.4 vs 2.5 lb; 3.0, 3.5 and 4.0 m/s²).
  • The manual sends all repairs and carbon-brush work to Makita service centers.
  • The manual warns that a cracked or broken pad may cause injury; never run it without paper.

Verified specifications

ModelBO4556K, the case-equipped US retail version; the bare tool inside is BO4556.
Motor2.0 AMP, 200 W continuous input.
Pad4-1/2" x 4" (112 x 102 mm).
Abrasive paper4-1/2" x 5-1/2" (114 x 140 mm).
Orbits14,000 OPM, 28,000 sanding strokes per minute, 1.5 mm orbit.
Speedfixed; there is no variable-speed dial.
Vibration4 m/s² on the USA K page, 3.5 m/s² on the USA bare page and 3.0 m/s² in the EU manual.
Net weight2.5 lb on the USA K page; 2.4 lb on the bare-tool page, flyer and EU manual.
Dimensions5-1/8" x 4-3/8" x 5-9/16" (131 x 112 x 141 mm).
Noise82 dB(A) sound pressure and 93 dB(A) sound power in the manual.
Dustthrough-the-pad collection with a built-in port that connects to a Makita vacuum.
Cord2.0 m (6.6 ft).
In the boxsander, 60/100/150 grit paper, dust bag (166078-4), punch plate (450066-4) and a tool case.
Warranty1-year limited.
Full research notes and sources

Speed and vibration

The motor runs a fixed 14,000 OPM, so you cannot slow it for delicate veneer or speed it up for rough stock. A Makita comparison sheet lists this model alongside the BO4552 and competing sanders, but it is manufacturer-produced, not independent validation. There is no instrumented test of the BO4556K itself.

Makita’s own numbers are not consistent. The USA K page lists 4 m/s² of vibration and 2.5 lb; the USA bare-tool page lists 3.5 m/s² and 2.4 lb; the EU manual lists 3.0 m/s². Treat the vibration figure as a range, not a single measurement. That is a single review, not a failure rate.

Dust collection and running costs

The pad pulls dust through itself into a bag or, better, straight into a Makita vacuum. Owners and reviewers consistently present it as low-vibration and light enough for one-handed finishing work. The consumables are simple: 4-1/2" x 5-1/2" abrasive sheets and dust bags, with no subscription.

Makita’s flyer lists optional abrasive part numbers in 60/80/100/150/180/240 grit and a 12-piece assortment. The manual says to remove the punch plate before operating, empty the dust bag at roughly half full and keep the base flush with the workpiece.

Repairs and parts

Makita publishes a full parts breakdown for the BO4556K that lists the armature, field, switch, fan, balancer, bearing box, pad, dust bag, punch plate and case. iFixit also hosts a device page with a parts diagram. The manual, though, directs all repairs, carbon-brush inspection and replacement to Makita Authorized Service Centers using Makita parts.

Is it worth it?

The K kit and the bare BO4556 are the same tool; the K only adds a case and a paper set. At the lower snapshots the K kit is a solid budget finishing sander from a major brand with real parts support. The Power Tool Store lists the K kit at $89.00, USA Tools at $96.49 and Smith Tool & Supply at $117.13. Home Depot and Ace Tool list the bare BO4556 at $79.00, and Toolmarts at $84.00.

At $89 to $96 the value holds. At $117 and above, the fixed speed and the absence of any independent testing make competing variable-speed 1/4-sheet sanders worth a look. Below $90 the case kit is hard to argue with.

Which model this is

This page covers the BO4556K, the US 120 V case kit, UPC 088381-082044. The bare tool inside the case is the BO4556, UPC 088381-082020. The K suffix only adds a tool case and an accessory paper set; the tool itself is the same. The ASIN is B00171JEE4.

Sources

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