How to Clean Sticks for Sanding Belts

Sanding sticks are tools that are used to hand sand tight areas. There is a small belt of sandpaper wrapped around the stick which can be rotated to move a fresh section of sandpaper to the point or thin flat edge. A spring or tension bar is used to keep the sandpaper belt tightly wrapped around the stick. The spring or tension bar can become clogged with sanding dust. It may need to be cleaned so the tool can be used more effectively.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Small toothbrush
• Can of anti-dust spray

1. Remove the sandpaper from the sanding stick by loosening the tension control for your type of sanding stick.

2. Take the sanding stick apart, placing each piece in order on a flat work surface with an edge to keep all of the parts from rolling off the work surface. There are different types of sanding sticks. Some will screw apart, and some will pull apart with a gentle tug. If there is no obvious way to take them apart, it is still possible to clean them and remove sanding dust with the following method. A small tray is perfect for cleaning and keeping all the parts in one place.

3. Clean each piece with a small dry toothbrush. If the sanding stick is being cleaned while in one piece, be sure to adjust the tension for your type of sanding stick to the most open position to remove all of the sanding dust.

4. Spray the sanding dust out of areas that could not be disassembled. If the sanding stick could not be disassembled, be sure to spray the entire unit while it is in the most extended position. Secure any small parts on the tray so they do not blow off the tray.

5. If the sanding stick could be taken apart, re-assemble the clean sanding stick.

6. Wrap a new piece of sandpaper around the stick so it is in the groove in the rounded end and flush with each side on the pointed end.

7. Using the tension control on the stick, adjust the tension so the sandpaper is tight to the stick. Do not over-tighten, or the thin belt of sandpaper will rip.

Tips & Warnings

• Clean the sanding stick each time you change the sandpaper to prevent the spring or tension rod from clogging up.
• Sanding sticks contain small parts which can be a choking hazard for young children. Be sure to work in a place where small children do not have access to the small parts.

References

• eHobby Tools: Sanding Sticks