September 2022 - 34

Matco Tools 6 " Random
Orbit Palm Sander 3/16 "
Reviewed by Lou Fort, lead technician at K.A.R.S. Inc.
in Huntingburg, Ind.
Q: What kind of setup was involved
before using the product?
A: Setup is simple. Attach your choice of
air supply (be it a nipple or hose), set the
desired speed dial, and slap your choice
of friction disc on the pad.
Q: How was its packaging? Did it
come with any accessories?
A: The MT2516 comes in a heavy cardboard
box with several pictures of the sander
and features called out. It comes with
a wrench for removing the friction pad.
Q: Was there a manual included?
A: Yes, there is a manual and warranty registration
card. I didn't find the manual to
be of much use. Some may find the information
given for attaching a vacuum kit
helpful though.
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
The Matco Tools 3/16 " Random
Orbital Pneumatic Low Noise 6 "
Palm Sander, No. MT2516, features
3/16 " random orbit action for fine sanding.
The integrated wrist support and
rubber overmold helps improve grip
retention and comfort during extended
use. The composite motor housing and
double sealed bearing provide true
oil-free motor design, reducing tool
maintenance, and the precision balanced
pad provides reduced vibration
and smooth action during use. Sand
quietly with the optimized internal air
path and low noise muffler design.
Circle 58 on card or click " PTEN e-inquiry "
on VehicleServicePros.com
Q: What features did you like?
A: The most liked feature is the wrist rest
on the tool. Next would be the directional
exhaust and low vibration and noise level.
Q: What types of jobs did
you use this tool for?
A: I have used the Matco palm sander in
a wide variety of surface prep work from
body panels, trailer beds and frames, and
one home wood project so far.
Q: Have you used a previous
version of this tool?
A: I have, currently, a few different orbital palm
sanders. This is the only one with a built-in
wrist rest. They all have variable speeds,
directional exhaust, etc., although one has a
detectable, dust collection attachment built in.
Q: Is there any way you could think
to improve or add to the tool?
A: I think a reversible fr ict ion disc
pad would be interesting. A reversible
This product was given to the reviewer free of charge from the manufacturer.
34 PTEN SEPTEMBER 2022 www.VehicleServicePros.com
motor would also be nice. I'm also not
a huge fan of hook and loop friction
disc pads. I prefer adhesive pads over
hook and loop.
Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would
you rate this tool overall? Why?
A: The Matco Tools 6 " Random Orbit
Palm Sander 3/16 " , No. MT2516, is a
solid 10 palm sander. Matco has made
a professional-level tool that promises a
long life from heavy use and combined it
with features that make it more comfortable
to use than other options.
LOU FORT has worked in the
automotive industry for 47
years and is the lead technician
at K.A.R.S. Inc. in Huntingburg,
Indiana. Throughout his career,
he has worked for Ford, GM,
and Chrysler dealerships, but the majority of
his time has been spent on the independent
side. Fort holds an associate's degree in applied
science, along with a year spent studying mechanical
engineering.
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September 2022

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of September 2022
