How to attach sandpaper to hand sander?

Hand sanders come in two common types—hook-and-loop (Velcro-style) and clip-on—and the attachment method varies slightly for each.

Follow this concise guide for a secure, wrinkle-free fit:

1. Prep the Sander and Sandpaper

Choose the right grit sandpaper for your project, ensuring it matches the sander pad size (cut oversized sheets to fit with scissors if needed).

Wipe dust, debris, or old adhesive residue off the sander pad with a dry cloth; this prevents uneven adhesion.

2. Attach to Hook-and-Loop Hand Sanders

This is the most common and user-friendly design:

1. Align the sandpaper sheet with the sander pad, making sure the hook side of the pad faces the loop side of the sandpaper.

2. Press the sandpaper firmly onto the pad, starting from the center and working outward to the edges. This eliminates air bubbles and wrinkles.

3. Test the adhesion by tugging gently at the corners; re-press any loose areas before sanding.

3. Attach to Clip-On Hand Sanders

These sanders use metal clips on the pad edges to hold paper in place:

1. Lay the sandpaper over the pad, aligning it evenly with the edges.

2. Lift one clip on the sander, slide the sandpaper edge under it, then snap the clip back down. Repeat this for all clips (usually 2–4) around the pad.

3. Stretch the sandpaper slightly as you secure the clips to keep it taut—loose paper will tear or cause uneven sanding.