How to Clean Sandpaper to Make It Last Longer!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Buy the Powertec cleaning stick here - amzn.to/3fdHrE3 (affiliate link) Due to lots of comments I tried cleaning sandpaper with a shoe, check it out here - kzbin.info/www/bejne/bISanqyIh7irptU Thanks for watching and for all of your support!

[@minecraftstuffs]

Does 400 grit sandpaper need to get cleaned really if it’s about the same grit as paper?

[@minecraftstuffs]

Or are there higher grits than 400

[@velosapien]

I've been using pieces of a car tyre for the last 40 yrs on handheld and standalone sanders...works a treat

[@mmdirtyworkz]

And it's free!

[@jessejackson4690]

I use the sole of old work boots

[@drizler]

Good idea

[@kathytukavkin2522]

It's probably good for the rough work but the finer sanding you couldn't get the fine finish the steel wool or fine sandpaper produces

[@Umski]

Thanks, that's a revelation for me - I keep all my old belts, not knowing what to do with them, but after a project removing several layers of linseed based paint and gloop coming out of the wood on some big pitch pine pieces (think 40 foot long, 10in wide x2, 4 sides each) - each 40-grit belt lasts about 2 feet and either gives up as the joint breaks or gets clogged up - I will definitely try the tyre trick and get some more life out of them!

[@patpringle5218]

Pat here from Toronto Canada. I am a weekend woodworker and have been using one of these sticks for over 10 yrs. It does a super job on all grits of sandpaper and has not hardened or dried out. Even after using it several 100 times, it is still substantial in size and will likely last another 10 yrs. It is far superior to a wire brush or wheel. Great video. Thanx.

[@jzeerod]

dang they have to get these things to wear a little faster or the will be out of business shortly!

[@shedmanx3640]

Mate I’m from Australia and have used one of these sticks for the past 4-5 years and would have been lucky to have worn off about 1 inch of rubber in that time. I clean my bench top belt sander, mobile belt sander, random sander, 1” x 30” belt sander, electric file and even my hand sanding pad. It’s brilliant. Sure if you’re too tight to spend the $8 on EBay, old rubber soles work too.

[@theoriginalmonstermaker]

Wow. Good info! I'm super cheap and was scrolling the comments knowing I'd get a dozen recommendations for household items that would work in same way, but now that I know they last that long (and pretty damn cheap) I think I'll just splurge and treat myself : ) It seems like a better shape for the function than a shoe anyway, and easier/ cleaner to store in drawer. Sold.

[@michaelbarnes9138]

Can you please do a video on how to make your abrasive cleaning stick last just that little bit longer. Thanks

[@davidcleary9510]

Probably have to clean it with sandpaper. And that's how you make a perpetual cleaning machine.

[@blxtothis]

A fine wire brush (like the type designed for cleaning suede shows)does the job for me!

[@Adi-S]

Same here!

[@aditzu0808]

I just tried a bigger wire brush. Finished the pad in 15 second with no damage to the pad. Talking about free product!

[@theshangwang]

Do you think a nylon brush could work too, or is that too soft?

[@kcgreen4702]

Nylon brush is too soft. Use a big wire brush (along with a heat gun or torch for stubborn clogs).

[@ruggedrickrude1946]

was going to type same type comment

[@solivier7983]

I use an old Croc. I wear out my Crocs regularly and keep them for this, works brilliantly. Like the tip about flipping the belt, though, I'm going to do that too.

[@52memor]

I use an old trainer...... and unless you've only got one leg you've got two old ones

[@aliali4747]

Instead of flipping the belt, why not just turn the rubber stick the other way around?

[@CaptainDickGs]

@@aliali4747Safety! It’s very likely it will get caught & yank/force it out of your hands. Not a smart thing to do, if you do, do this, do it very slow & carefully.

[@jackmclane1826]

Just use anything made from a rubbery substance. No need to buy anything. Piece of old tire, soles of worn out shoes, a hardened cardridge of silicone...

[@joe7272]

and it's suddenly perfect for pyrolization! (turn it into diesel)

[@sarahcash7748]

My husband uses our kids old sneakers to do this same thing.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yes, Sarah! I actually made a video on that if you are interested... kzbin.info/www/bejne/bISanqyIh7irptU Thanks for watching and for the comment!

[@mohabatkhanmalak1161]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair So you can actually us any rubber material like tires, tubes etc??

[@EowYeah]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair iôphy mm

[@henryrollins9177]

I want to be your husband..!

[@sarahcash7748]

@@MightyGimp Ha ha haa!

[@brianbrewster6532]

I saw this item suggested by Amazon. Up until now, I'd have thought that rubber block a waste of time & money. But not no more! Thanks for posting this. I can only imagine how many thousands of DIY enthusiasts out there over the years have thrown away perfectly good sandpaper not knowing this money saving invention.

[@petehafner1659]

I have been wondering what that yellow substance was for a while. Thank you so much for showing it in action. Very well done video.

[@duitfotografie]

I always use a tightly rolled plastic shopping bag works like crazy

[@dmaifred]

Man been using for years with 80% success BUT never thought to FLIP the belt. Big thanks !!

[@thomaslemay8817]

Just remember to flip it back before useing it if it is a directional, most are .

[@FabulousFindsbyAmy]

What also works that you already have is an old tennis shoe, just use the rubber sole as well as my personal favorite, silicone caulk. Every time I use caulk I put all of the excess together, roll it into a ball, put it in a tin or ziploc bag then throw it in the bag that I keep all my sanding stuff in, both ways costs $0.

[@garymcmullin2292]

I've used old rubber shoe soles. Mostly I had on hand old boots with a soft sole. In a pinch you can get pretty good results with pieces of rubber tire.

[@garymcmullin2292]

@unreal 99 that's a two thumbs up!!

[@sosteve9113]

i do the same in my shop,a old shoe or rubber works ferfectly

[@bluecollar58]

Lol , I just wrote almost the same thing , but I’ve used the boots I was wearing. Run the belt on the edge of the heel. Not very good for your boot but it works.

[@S___________D]

The toothbrush worked just fine for me so far. I'll give a shot to the rubber too.

[@bluecollar58]

@@S___________D , on a belt sander ? This is really meant to work on belts , disk , spindles , things like that. They would just eat a toothbrush.

[@andrewtongue7084]

Given the cost of woodworking materials (now), this is an excellent product for prolonging the life of sandpaper; quick, simple to use, with no fuss. Nice !!

[@FarmerBoBonYoutube]

Very nice tip. Thanks brother, like your video presentation as well 👍👌👏 In my own workshop i always used a fine wirebrush and air. But also seen a few comments below about old sneakers and especially that dried silicone tubes. I always just chuck those.. i will definitely give them a try next time.. Thanks ...😊

[@ts109]

I find a file cleaning brush or wire brush works good along with the rubber cleaner. And the really stubborn spots can be picked away with with a razor knife blade. That said, once the sharp points are rounded down, its dull and not cutting but buffing even though its clean and looks good.

[@Onionbaron]

If your sanding lacquered or oiled wood, use a stick of margarine on the belt and the gunk wont stick.

[@jessejackson4690]

Thats about all margarine is good for 😆

[@Onionbaron]

@@jessejackson4690 Agree!

[@asierdebenito-luthier6215]

Rubber sticks work well on almost all sandpaper and clogged dust. But some woods like rosewood or pauferro are oily, and others like linden tend to release long fibers. Their clogged dust it difficult to remove specially from drum sanders. So, as it uses sanding cloth, I put it in water, wait one hour, and then rub with a nail brush. It works great and all dust are removed. Then simply hang the strip from the ceiling to dry, and ready to use again.

[@21burt15]

Hey Mr. Rebel...the eraser stick - well, it's only been out for about 40+ years. Remove the plastic wrapper... by all means. After all, the stick is gum rubber and removing the plastic wrapper will only speed up the drying out process, which, is to the advantage of the manufacturer as you will likely toss it much sooner than if you left it wrapped, and then you'll go out and buy a new one. A win-win! The manufacturer gets to sell more sticks and you've got a fresh new stick much more often. By the way, I've kept my gum rubber stick in the wrapper and it's about 15 - 20 years old... and it still works just fine.

[@irksome100]

I always used one of my kids old flip-flops. Works wonders.

[@ThPaScCo]

99 cents for two in various colors

[@redheadedgypsy1939]

Learn something new every day, thanks, this will save me some coin!!!!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yes! Thanks for checking it out!

[@DrIngo1980]

Newer belt sanders can be clamped down on a workbench upside down. So if you clamp it down upside down, you can easily press the trigger and apply the cleaning stick. Works like a charm for me. And thanks a lot for the belt flipping tip. Hadn't thought about that yet.

[@grizztough4091]

ok, this will save me some money. Just bought 3 of them. Well worth it to extend by sand paper life.

[@woodman3416]

I’m been using this type of sand paper stick for over 10 years and I’m still using the same one. Nice Video.

[@MrFmiller]

I’ve always just used a very stiff plastic scrub brush. It works well.

[@theshangwang]

Do you think a nylon brush could work too, or is that too soft and won't get much grit off? I would think a steel brush might scrub off some of the sandpaper's own grit.

[@coppertopjohnson9782]

Any idea that saves a bit of money is a great idea. Thank you for sharing. Stay safe.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yes! I agree and happy to hear that! Thanks for watching!

[@ranaldh1]

An old=fashioned pencil eraser will do the same job.

[@jacobsandoval9970]

Skateboarders have been using a similar looking thing to clean the grip tape for at least 10 years now

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

I have used one of those for years and it works great.

[@deejaycalanoc]

Its the same thing sold in skate shops used to clean skateboard grip tape. Grip tape is essentially sandpaper. A wire brush helps get all the left over gunk.

[@petroHare]

Never thought about flipping the belt around to get the rest of the gunk off. Thanks!!!!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

You got it!

[@barnes9001]

Thank you for sharing...

[@blipco5]

I use my ball sac pressed against the sandpaper belt. It's cheaper yet.

[@dangermartin69]

and feels divine!!

[@yougetagoldstar]

You shouldnt say vulgar things, just makes you feel hurt when people tell you that its still wrong to say vulgar things. God created your body and it deserves to be spoken of with more respect.

[@caeden5178]

​@@yougetagoldstaroh dear lord shut up

[@johnbuell8035]

@@yougetagoldstargrow up, snowflake

[@johnbuell8035]

Better yet, use someone else’s ball sack

[@northoltrfc]

Another great human beingmaking a wonderful contribution to society. Cheers!

[@jacquelyngonzales7006]

Your gonna have a million subbies soon great job dude im new to ur channel I've learned alot from your channel keep it up cuz I need help haha

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Awesome to hear that! Thanks so much for your support!

[@jacquelyngonzales7006]

Your very welcome

[@MrBer43]

I started cleaning sander belts this way 40+ years ago🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@siriosstar4789]

40 years ago we use to trade tool stories and knowledge during coffee breaks , including the belt sander cleaning stick . 😂

[@pspence1963]

Love these little tips.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

That’s good to hear! I will keep posting them if you keep watching! Thanks!

[@pspence1963]

@@TheFixerHomeRepair I will for sure

[@themlotproductions]

Interesting idea. The rubber was placed on the direction of the belt travel rather than against it like you advised.

[@jimmygarcia3068]

I'm from south Texas n always wanting to learn something new....

[@aliali4747]

Thanks, great tip! I didn't get why you flipped the belt around instead of holding the rubber stick the other way around?

[@lar10101]

They're called "resin blocks". At least here in Canada. They work as well as this video shows. Pays for itself in no time.

[@bitelogger]

Hi, great video, also really liked your logo with the effect of fixing the last word!

[@jodifinnegan8797]

That sandpaper cleaning stick is amazing! No more trying to use the part of sandpaper that hasn't gotten gunked up! 😂

[@hareshbhaipatel9280]

.

[@Kei-Kei]

Cool. I left my reciprocating saw blade in the cart at Home Depot and stopped at a different hardware store to grab one. I saw that cleaning thingy and wondered what it was for. Thanx.

[@rcb3921]

3:30 for demonstration.

[@martingerken7094]

Yeah, bad information to bla_bla ratio, sadly. But that's how YT works

[@wills5482]

Thanks, he could've made the video 1min long.

[@samoxafonic]

I use offcuts of pvc tube 25-35mm left on jobsites. Costs nothing and gets the paper just as clean, even removes clogged paints

[@twowongs8266]

This is an oldie but goodie...been using that for at least 35 years.

[@cherylsims2053]

Thank you for keeping the good tips coming.

[@NB-Philly]

That was amazing!! I have thrown away so many sanding belts that totally could have cone back to life with this. Great video!

[@mp180170]

PhillyUX Guy you can use the sole of an old trainer

[@WarrenPostma]

This is particularly useful when you have sandpaper glued to a glass disk or a sanding plate.

[@stevemurphy402]

I have heard using a old sneaker sole will achieve similar results. Think my kids will notice?

[@YouD0ntSay]

Just don't use the Air Jordan's.

[@garychandler4296]

Or stop if the wife moves like Quasimodo when jogging...

[@zeke112964]

Just make sure to do each one evenly so they wear proper!

[@dmaifred]

Do only one to watch him run in circles 🤣

[@YouD0ntSay]

@@dmaifred Or use them on a 1000 grain paper and watch him moonrun.😁

[@anthigham7757]

Old nylon chopping board works for me

[@SSSCya]

I had something like this over 30 years ago. The one I had was about 4" wide, 6" long, and 3" thick and it was glued to a piece of sheet metal so you could screw it down on a bench top. When your belt got gumped up you just walked over to it and ran your sander over the top and in a minute you were back to sanding.

[@AndyTheXTech]

Nice Dude! You should get 2 belt sanders and mount them to your shoes. 🤣 I’ll try it if your scared. 👍😉

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Oh you think I won't!? haha thanks for checking it out, Andy!

[@darknewt9959]

Arduino controlled, via YT comments.

[@jackieworthington6892]

I wondered what these blocks were for, great example

[@danjones3009]

Ha! My first thought was a piece of car tire as well. 👌

[@lawnmowerdude]

Thanks. I got a stick of that in some tools give to me and had no idea what it’s used for.

[@WickedNature2112]

I installed a wire brush under the front spindle, set to where it BARELY touches it (the tricky part) - hardly gets dirty!

[@rancidpitts8243]

I had wondered if they were just a gimmick, or did they have any value. Now I know. Gonna git one.

[@jpreimer1]

Thank you! Another thing that works great for me is just a simple wire brush. Extends the life of the paper for sure!

[@martinpammenter3149]

.After watching this video I thought I was a heathen destined for hell for using a wire brush.

[@djvasforever]

Or you can use old dried up tubes of silicone. Cut them open and use the same way.

[@jaysgood10]

My local hardware store sells those.

[@Garanon5]

that's an incredible hack! Much appreciated

[@deOliveiraFilipe]

Just be aware that silicone contaminates surfaces. So depending on the finish You want to apply (think paint, clearcoat...) this may be an issue.

[@raymondpalacios3032]

Nice video, and I ordered one from Amazon. Thank you.

[@dlwaterloo2221]

Great tip. I’m going to be using my belt sander on some deck railings. I’m going to give this a try. Thanks.

[@grvues8494]

Maybe ”No need to remove Wrapper” means it’s better not to. Unless you are using the whole bar in one go, you get to store it clean in the wrapper after each use.

[@user-ov7su1lg3h]

Thank you! Now I know it's good to buy.

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yeah! Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@richragan4810]

This was a good find both for me to cleam my 6 inch Rikin belt sander and to watch your channel to learn more. Thank you. BTW relly liked the slow mo!

[@paulkramer4176]

Yeah, I've been using one for 30 or 40 years. But better yet, for those expensive belts for wide belts and drum sanders, put the whole paper into a solution of simple green or similar, and let it sit overnight, then hose it off really well. WAY better than the stick of rubber.

[@Baltihunter]

I’m impressed

[@semskguy]

Also works great on skateboards

[@SalvatoreBoi]

Sincerely I use for this kind of purpose compressed air (6 bar) with the electric tool running, with very good results.

[@jackstanford550]

Wash with soap and water. Really works well on bib sanding belts. 6X80. Let soak 15-20 minutes then scrub lightly with a stiff brush. Let dry thoroughly before using.

[@billyjay4672]

Just subscribed, as I found this very interesting.

[@SH-cu9rc]

I think the same video can be reduced by at least 2 minutes to get straight to the point. Shorter means more views.

[@robsmith8277]

I put my sander in a vice upside down… No need to screw it down on a table

[@Fanta....]

Ooooh look out mr fancy pants has himself a vice. ooh lala

[@sportakiss888]

Love this. Just bought some! Thanks!!!!!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@davidbelitz7692]

Medium wire brush lightly pressed on belt cleans it.

[@bladerunnersn]

Thanks bro

[@piotrlenarczyk5803]

Thank you for video.

[@golfinguna]

Iv`e thrown a lot of belts away. great tip thank you.

[@juselii]

Damn thats pretty nice, i use compressed air to clean sandpaper at work but it won't get all the stuff. Not really a problem because i don't have to pay for suplies but this could be very handy at home.

[@pieknylolo-s8i]

I use this same, very good method.

[@jlo9231]

Nice. I use my pressure washer, 15 degree tip. I just need to let them dry. works well.

[@JustinShaedo]

Any issues with spraying an electrical tool with water? Is the focus/aim good enough not to be a concern?

[@micahned]

@@JustinShaedo Pretty sure that guy is trolling

[@waterbourne9282]

Very cool.

[@stephentsun8560]

an old tube of dried silicone works well.

[@michebre]

Thanks great information. Thanks so much.

[@marvab.4024]

WOW Thanks for sharing!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for checking it out as always, Marva!!

[@allens9573]

I just use an old chunk of tire rubber works great

[@wileycoyotesr8623]

what a great product thanks for sharing it

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thanks for checking it out, Wiley!

[@markthomasson5077]

I have have always used soap and hot water. All more substantial papers are fairly water resistant. Though this sounds better, thanks.

[@chrisbodum3621]

I use to clean 48" wide belt sander paper and occasionally fabric belts leaving four or five to drip dry overnight (hanging from cardboard tubes with another tube at the bottom to keep the shape) and it probably saved me thousands of pounds over the course of 4 or 5 years. A passing salesman had demonstrated in a few minutes a magic solution that really did work. One part solution to ten parts cold water. I bought a 25 gallon drum and it lasted about 2 years, but then when I needed more, the company had gone. So I tested some washing up liquid (dish soap) and water. Imagine my surprise when it work equally as well ! But one night when I knew I would need a clean belt the next day, I ran out of soap. I simply cleaned it with hot water. I remember cleaning the electric hand sanding belts with Perspex. All of this was with using Scandinavian redwood timber which is very resinous.

[@stavrost6559]

Good one..even though I use an air compressor to clean it

[@LucidDreamer54321]

At 1:03 Pro Tip: Always leave the old hardware in place when using salvaged lumber.

[@devas522]

We learn something new every day. Thanks

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

No problem, Javier! Had fun making this video! Thanks for watching!

[@dgb5820]

That is bloody amazing

[@killdbxatz]

congrats on 100k dude

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Thank you!!

[@kjgas6945]

Thank you sir👍👍🤠🤠🎯🎯

[@davidlean8674]

I found it helps to just keep the sawdust off the work. So the sanders with little holes in them help. As does moving in broader circles & blowing/sucking the dust from the sides of the sander.

[@reneecooper7009]

Do you have any help for avid woodworkers allergic to rubber products. When I worked in the furnature factory, helping my spouse, we use to use these large rubber erasers to remove residue from our sanding belts and sandpaper. My husband is no longer with me, but I still enjoy woodworking, however, after working in the healthcare industry for a lifetime I developed a laytex allergy, which includes rubber products. I've heard that rubbing alcohol will work. Any suggestions? Thanks, R. Cooper

[@tomtheplummer7322]

Used the cleaner block on the large disc/belt sander. The big floor mount machine. 🤷‍♂️👍🏻

[@yt66228]

I have been using this for decades. What is old is new again.