How to Put Sandpaper on a Sander


Without proper sandpaper, achieving a good sanded surface is almost impossible. It is the heart of the overall sanding work. If you go to the store, you will find that it comes in different grits. Lower grits are used only to sand rough surfaces, whereas higher ones are used to get a smooth finish. 

So, you have to use the correct type according to the condition of the material that you are going to sand. Thus, to get a smooth wooden surface, you first have to know how to put sandpaper on a sander. 

In this regard, the following article will let you know all about it. Read on to find out more. 

Get All the Required Equipment

  • Sandpaper
  • Utility Scissors

Steps To Put Sandpaper Properly

Below, you will find out the steps to put sandpaper on a sander easily. 

Step 1: Check the Clamps

Gently hold the sander and check both the front and rear clamps to make sure they are in the right place. As different models come with different clamps, you must give it a check before you start placing the sandpaper.

Step 2: Adjust the Sandpaper

Take the sander and put it on top of the sandpaper. Adjust the machine properly so that you will get the chance to cut a large number of sandpapers from a single sheet. Leave sufficient length of sandpaper so that it can cover the base of the sander at both ends in an upward direction. 

This is done to ensure that the sandpaper can attach the front and rear clamps, which you can find on top of the sander. 

Make sure you cut the sandpaper (lengthwise and widthwise) precisely so that the base of the sander can be covered properly.

Step 3: Use the Utility Scissors

Fold the sandpaper first and then cut it with the utility scissors. Take the sandpaper and place it on the sander base. In this step, position the smooth side of the paper towards the base of the machine. 

Keep in mind that the sandpaper length should properly align with the sander length in a parallel form. Also, remove or cut out any kind of additional sandpaper that might be sticking out of the sander base. 

sandpaper showing on a sander

Step 4: Attach the Sandpaper onto the Clamp

This step is very important, and you must take time and patience throughout this task. Pick one end of the sander from the top and attach the cut sandpaper onto that position clamp. As already mentioned above, different sanders come with diverse kinds of clamps. 

To be on the safe side, you should read the instruction manual about the proper way to safely secure the sandpaper onto the clamp. After that, take the rest of the sandpaper and wrap it around the sander base. Also, take the sandpapers’ other end and wrap it in an upward direction. You should do this from the sanders’ other end. 

Step 5: Turn on the Sander

Open the clamp first and connect the end of the sandpaper to it. The presence of slack is very dangerous, as it can reduce the efficiency of the sandpaper during the sanding process. Therefore, to prevent slack, pull the sandpaper with a bit of a force after you have inserted it onto the clamp. . 

Check the sander base a final time to make sure that the sandpaper is covering the base area. Turn the machine on and test the performance of the sandpaper. Your job is done, congrats!

Conclusion

Putting sandpaper on a sander is an effortless task if you have proper knowledge about it. Get a good understanding of this article so that you can apply it to your own benefit.

Have a nice day!

David Harper

I'm David, and I've been a craft & woodworking enthusiast for over 10 years. Sanders Guide is the place where I share some tips, tricks and reviews on all things DIY, tools and of course sanding!

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