How to Maintain a Handheld Sander

As power tools replace old manual ones, small handheld sanders are increasingly sold as power tools. The old manual sanders did not require maintenance, but for any power tools, some maintenance standards apply, and it helps to keep your sander safe from excessive wear and to avoid having to continually buy new tools.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Plastic sheeting
• Good storage environment

1. Keep the sander from ingesting excessive dust. The sander tool is at a high level of exposure as dust is always being stirred up by sanding. Clean the sander regularly and prevent a lot of dust from getting into the interior motor area.

2. Keep a supply of sandpaper. Whether your power sander uses circular or linear motions to sand surfaces, the paper will quickly wear out and get thin, or periodically come away from the machine's grip. Don't keep sanding with thin, worn-out paper.

3. After use, wrap up the machine, keeping the cord coiled tight around the body of the sander and angling the plug in to avoid bending the tines of the plug or letting the cord be exposed to hazards.

4. Wrap up the machine in plastic for prolonged storage to keep it protected from the elements.

5. Store power tools in a climatized and safe environment. Lock up your tools and know where they are. Keep tools away from heat sources or icy conditions.

Tips & Warnings

• With handheld sanders, there's also your own safety to consider. It might not seem like one of the most dangerous tools when compared to saws and planers, but the rapid abrasive motion of the machine wouldn't feel good on your skin. Hold the sander firmly and in the direction of the job. Also, it helps to avoid trying to sand corners by shoving the machine against the wood, as the paper can tear and the motor will work too hard. Don't jam the sander; instead, hold it lightly against an appropriate surface and give it time to work.

Resources

• Guides to power tools
• OSHA's tips for tool use and maintenance