What Should I Consider When Buying a Sanding Belt?

For anyone who enjoys do-it-yourself projects, a belt sander is an invaluable tool. The devices are great for refinishing projects, smoothing rough edges and a number of other applications. In order to get the most from your sander, it is important to choose the right sanding belt for your needs. Here are some tips that will help you make the right selection.

While not everyone is aware of this fact, sanding belts are not necessarily universal. It is true that the majority of sanders do use belts that come in standard sizes. Chances are your sander does take standard belts, which means you can usually find what you need at a hardware store with ease. However, make sure to read your owner’s manual in advance, so you know what sizes will fit best with your sanding equipment.

Among the standard belts, you will also notice there are different widths. The typical sander will work with at least two different widths. Often, the types of projects you have in mind will determine the dimensions of the belt. For this reason, it is a good idea to keep in mind how you typically use the sander and shop for belts that will work well with those particular tasks.

Another important consideration is the grit type of the belt you want to purchase. There is a range from a fine grit to a coarse grit. Choosing a sanding belt with the proper grit also goes back to the tasks you have in mind. For jobs that require a fine sanding, such as preparing a tabletop for refinishing, going with a fine grit is probably the best option. For jobs such as removing paint from metal, the coarse grit is probably a better choice.

Purchasing the right sanding belt, like many other tool purchases, also involves checking on the warranty offered with the product. For many types of sanding belt, the warranty is not for more than thirty to sixty days at the most. Still, if you find that the belt has some defect that renders it useless, it is good to know you can have it replaced at no charge. Keep in mind that not all sanding belt manufacturers offer any type of guarantee or warranty, so beware spending a lot of money on belts if you can’t at least return the defective belt for a replacement.

While you should be able to find the sanding belt you need at any hardware, home, or building supply store, you also have the option of going with online shopping. If you can’t find what you need locally, direct order the sanding belt from a manufacturer. Chances are you will receive the belt in less time that it would take for you to order the item through a local outlet. As a bonus, the belt will be delivered to your home, making it unnecessary to make another trip to the hardware store.