How to Fix a Splintering Rolling Pin

Sandpaper will help smooth out a splintered rolling pin.

If you have used a wooden rolling pin in the kitchen for several years, it may eventually begin to splinter. This problem often occurs because the rolling pin is repeatedly exposed to wetness and dryness. As wood gets wet, it swells; eventually, the swells can emerge in the form of splinters. However, no need exists to discard a splintered pin. For safety reasons, you do need to fix it before using it again on food.

Things You'll Need

• Sandpaper
• Cloth

Instructions

1. Hold the rolling pin in one hand and hold a piece of 50-grit sandpaper cupped in your other hand. Slide the hand with the sandpaper up and down over the rolling pin to remove the bulk of the splinters. The 50-grit sandpaper is very coarse and will work well. Depending on the severity of the damage, you likely will not have to make many passes due to the coarseness of the paper.

2. Replace the 50-grit sandpaper with 180-grit sandpaper and sand the rolling pin the same way. The 180-grit paper is finer, meaning it will provide the smooth finish you desire. As you sand, spin the rolling pin in your hands to ensure you sand off all the splintered areas.

3. Rinse the rolling pin thoroughly under the tap to ensure it is free of wood dust, and then dry it with a dry cloth. Carefully inspect the rolling pin for any splinters that remain. If you notice any, sand them out with the two grits of sandpaper.

Tips & Warnings

• While a power sander would remove the splinters quicker than manual sanding, it would also leave a flat spot on the rolling pin that would limit its effectiveness.