Detail Sanders

Can also be called a corner sander. A handheld sander that is best for tight spaces and sanding corners.

Brands Of Detail Sanders

Ryobi, Milwaukee, Aeg.
Each website offers a dealer locator facility to find the nearest supplier to you.

Where To Buy Detail Sanders For DIY And Home Use

Ryobi Detail Sander
  • www.diy.com
    B&Q have a broad range of power sanders available for purchase online including brands such as Ryobi.
  • www.homebase.co.uk
    Homebase supply a huge range of power sanders from a wide variety of trusted brands.
  • www.screwfix.com
    An online supplier of power tools, Screwfix offers a wide range of power sanders to suit your needs.
  • www.toolbox.co.uk
    Offers a huge range of power sanders from all the best brands available for purchase online.

Where To Buy Detail Sanders For Trade

Detail Sander
  • www.transtools.co.uk
    Offers a comprehensive range of power tools for trade professionals.
  • www.tooltray.com
    Find an extensive collection of power tools available to purchase online.
  • www.tradecounterdirect.com
    Find a range of high quality power tools supplied with professional tradesmen in mind.
  • www.tools4trade.com
    Find a power tool here to suit your professional needs
  • www.tooltastic.com
    Offers anyone in the trade an extensive range of tools to meet your requirements.
  • www.toolchestdirect.com
    Find top brands and a large selection of power tools ideal for trade professionals.
  • www.adpdiamex.co.uk
    ADP Diamex is a leading UK supplier of construction tools and specialise in diamond cutting and drilling consumables and machinery

Where To Buy Detail Sanders For Professionals

Detail Sander
  • www.transtools.co.uk
    Offers a comprehensive range of power tools for trade professionals.
  • www.tooltray.com
    Find an extensive collection of power tools available to purchase online.
  • www.tradecounterdirect.com
    Find a range of high quality power tools supplied with professional tradesmen in mind.
  • www.tools4trade.com
    Find a power tool here to suit your professional needs
  • www.tooltastic.com
    Offers anyone in the trade an extensive range of tools to meet your requirements.
  • www.toolchestdirect.com
    Find top brands and a large selection of power tools ideal for trade professionals.
  • www.adpdiamex.co.uk
    ADP Diamex is a leading UK supplier of construction tools and specialise in diamond cutting and drilling consumables and machinery

Buying Tips for Detail Sanders

For anyone who needs to smooth down a small, detailed wooden surface, a detail sander is a wise investment. These small, handheld tools feature triangular-shaped pads that help the sander get into narrow, hard-to-reach spaces. Below are nine tips to keep in mind when shopping for a detail sander.

Grip Type. One of the advantages of a detail sander is its small, handheld size. Buyers should try to maximize this advantage by buying a sander with an ergonomic grip. Such grips not only make the sander more comfortable to hold, but also improve the operator's ability to control the tool and prevent slippage. Using a comfortable grip also makes the operator more confident. It is a very good idea to try many different models to see which sander feels best in the hand.

Weight. Although most detail sanders are relatively light tools, the specifications vary greatly from model to model and manufacturer to manufacturer. Since most sanding work involves holding the tool for an extended period of time, the weight of the tool is an important consideration. Again, the buyer should pick up and hold many different models to choose a suitable weight.

Belt and Grit Material. Any sander includes a sanding belt made from either paper-based or cloth-based material. Paper is more affordable, but tears easily. Cloth belts are more expensive, but tend to last longer. Likewise, the grit itself may be made from ordinary aluminum oxide or ceramic aluminum oxide. The former is inexpensive but tends to wear out quickly, while the latter costs more but usually lasts longer. Many buyers find that opting for the higher quality materials actually saves money in the long run.

Grit Coarseness. The sanding belt's grit rating describes the coarseness of the sanding surface. Grit ratings range from the coarsest 24 to the ultra-fine 320. In general, coarser grits leave a rough finish, while finer grits leave the surface very smooth. For detail sanders, most buyers prefer finer grits to get a high-quality finish on their detailed objects.

Grit Type. Grit also comes in two types. Closed-coat grit is compacted very tightly in the resin of the sanding belt, while open-coat grit is spaced wider. Each type is suitable for different types of surfaces. Closed-coat grit does efficient work on hardwoods and metal, while open-coat grit is ideal for preventing clogging when sanding resinous woods, such as pine, or any painted surface. The buyer should thus consider the types of surfaces he intends to sand when choosing a detail sander.

Fastening System. The fastening system holds the sandpaper in place. Since it will be necessary to change the sandpaper sooner or later, it is best to pick a tool with a fastening system that facilitates easy sandpaper changes. Hook and Loop fastening systems are the best option, especially if the tool is going to get a lot of use.

Dust Extraction. As a side effect of smoothing wood down so quickly, all power sanders tend to produce a lot of sawdust. This dust can be a health hazard, especially when sanding pressure-treated wood or anything with lead-based paint. It can also shorten the useful life of the tool. As such, it is best to opt for a detail sander with some sort of dust extraction system. Active dust extraction systems come with a dust bag to pick up the sawdust during operation, while passive dust extraction systems feature an adapter to connect the tool with a shop vacuum. Either system will reduce health risks and extend the useful life of the tool.

Orbital Speed. As with all other specifications, motor speeds vary greatly from model to model. Detail sanders should feature orbital speeds of at least 12,000 oscillations per minute (OPM) for efficient sanding. Faster motors mean faster sanding, but can also make the tool more difficult to control.

Other Features. Some detail sanders involve finger-shaped grooves that help with sanding around slots and grooves. This optional feature can be very helpful for certain sanding jobs. The buyer should carefully consider the objects and areas where he will use the tool, and select a detail sander with the right features for the job.