Hand Sanding Block

Plain-Paper Sanding Blocks

The best thing about these blocks is that they use ordinary sheet paper that costs a lot less than belts or self-stick pressure-sensitive-adhesive or hook-and-loop paper. They also allow you to use specialized paper, like wet-dry paper, that’s available only in plain-backed paper. They require cutting the full sheets of sand-paper into one-half, one-quarter, one-third or one-sixth sheets, which can be a bit of a pain. I prefer the quarter-sheet blocks. That size fits nicely in the hand and it’s easy to divide the paper into quarters.

Recommendation

The Preppin’ Weapon ($20) is well-designed and made in the United States of durable, high-impact ABS plastic. The contoured shape is comfortable whether you’re sanding one-handed or bearing down with two. Easy-to-use lever-action clips make paper changes a snap. The clips use very little sandpaper to grip and they pull the paper tight. Plus, the block can hold as many as four sheets of abrasive at once. Just tear off each sheet as it wears out. Other features I like include tapered edges that allow the block to get right into corners and a tough rubber pad that’s firm, not mushy.

The Preppin’ Weapon is designed for either wet or dry use. Its styrofoam core keeps the block floating in a bucket of water and the stainless steel clip mechanism will never corrode.

Pressure-Sensitive-Adhesive or Hook-and-Loop Blocks and Pads

These blocks use either hook-and-loop (H&L) or pressure-sensitive-adhesive (PSA) sandpaper. The big advantage to this style of block is the speed and ease of grit change. Just peel off the old and stick on the new. I like hook-and-loop paper best because it can be taken on and off multiple times; in contrast, the self-stick never sticks as well the second time.

Recommendation

I like Rockler’s Sanding Block and Pad package ($15). This pair is a must-have for anyone who already owns an H&L random-orbit sander. The Rockler set includes a comfortable, wedge-shaped foam block plus a flexible sanding pad. Both offer the quick-change convenience of the hook-and-loop system. The sanding pad is excellent for shaping anything you can get your hand around or into, including round-overs, spindles and coves.

If you’re stuck on PSA paper, check out the similar block and pad from Scotton Co. (see wooden block in photo above).

Specialized Sanding Blocks

For people with specialized sanding needs, like carvers or boat builders, there’s a host of specialized blocks. Here are some examples:

1. Contour Sanding Grips (see Editor’s Choice, below).

2. The Flex Base from Scotton Co. ($20) is just the ticket for boat builders or anyone who regularly sands curves. The company has models designed to hold plain, pressure-sensitive-adhesive or hook-and-loop paper.

3. The Vario Hand Profile Sander ($30) is a shape changer. The base can conform itself to molding profiles to create an instant, custom sanding block. The Vario works fine on simple moldings, such as a cove or round-over, but I found it softened the crisp 90-degree details on more complex router moldings.

4. Paper changes are awkward on these plain-paper contour sanding blocks.

5. Sanding Sticks are good for tight spaces, like those on a carving. The belts must be special-ordered from the manufacturer.

6. The Hook & Loop Hand File is used like a file. H&L strips make grit changes a breeze. The file is flexible enough to conform to a gentle curve.

7. Belt Sanding Blocks

The main advantage to this style is its use of long-lasting 3- x 21-in. belts designed for power belt sanders.

Recommendation

There’s one set of specialized blocks I think any woodworker would find useful: little rubber “tadpole” sanding blocks. They come in a variety of shapes and are just the thing for sanding router-molding profiles. They can’t be beat when you need to match some small profiles. Tadpole sanding blocks don’t cost a lot and they’ll save you from hunting for the right dowel size or having to make your own profiles.