How to Join the Ends of a Sanding Belt

Sanding belts can be repaired.

Sanding belts get old and separate. The glue holding the two ends together fails, but the belt is still usable and can be repaired. You can join the ends back together with wood glue and two clamps in about 15 minutes. The next day when the glue is dry, the belt can be put back on a sander and should work just like new.

Things You'll Need

• Metal file, medium tooth
• Wood glue
• 2 wood blocks
• 2 hand clamps

Instructions

1. Scrape away any glue or abrasive grit using a metal file from the ends of the belts, extending about 1 inch. File the ends of the belts until the surface is rough from the teeth of the file. It should have a leathery quality when it's ready.

2. Spread glue along the ends to be joined. Use your finger to get an even layer where you filed the belt. Overlap one end of the belt onto the other end.

3. Lay one block of wood along the intersection of the belts on top, and one on the bottom, sandwiching the belt between them.

4. Place a hand clamp on one side of the blocks and a second hand clamp on the other side. Check the belt for alignment, make adjustments if needed, then tighten the clamps. Wait 24 hours for the glue to dry.

5. Remove the clamps. Scrape away any residual glue with the file.

Tips & Warnings

• Put a plastic baggie between the blocks and the belt to minimize problems with glue sticking to the blocks.

• Use wood glue. Other glues will heat up, get soft and break.

References

• British Blades: Making a Sanding Belt