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.

[@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)

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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

[@dmaifred]

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

[@theoldman8877]

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

[@davestelling]

Same, here!

[@davestelling]

Same, here!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 !!

[@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.

[@petroHare]

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

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

You got it!

[@irksome100]

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

[@ThPaScCo]

99 cents for two in various colors

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@northoltrfc]

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

[@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.

[@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

[@scotsmanofnewengland7713]

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

[@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!

[@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.

[@fourkings7897]

I use old slippers, works great too Edit: works on wood and pvc stuff, but when it comes to steel, doesn't work

[@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.

[@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 ...😊

[@aliali4747]

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

[@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.😁

[@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.

[@redheadedgypsy1939]

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

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yes! Thanks for checking it out!

[@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.

[@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.

[@grizztough4091]

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

[@WickedNature2112]

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

[@themlotproductions]

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

[@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.

[@BOWADDICTRDX]

Wire brush is also an option. I use wire brushes of various hardness to clean.

[@jacobsandoval9970]

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

[@medwayhospitalprotest]

Thanks bruh! I'm pleased how much I can learn on KZbin!

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

😁👍

[@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.

[@lawnmowerdude]

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

[@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

[@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.

[@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

[@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 . 😂

[@jackieworthington6892]

I wondered what these blocks were for, great example

[@Jason-o5s]

Cheer~~~paper with sand or another abrasive stuck to it, used for smoothing or polishing woodwork or other surfaces.😊

[@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

[@twowongs8266]

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

[@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

[@WarrenPostma]

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

[@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.

[@Whatsupbruther]

​@@yougetagoldstaroh dear lord shut up

[@johnbuell8035]

@@yougetagoldstargrow up, snowflake

[@johnbuell8035]

Better yet, use someone else’s ball sack

[@jimmygarcia3068]

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

[@NoferTrunions]

Any tips on delaying the belt joint tape failure?

[@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.

[@user-ov7su1lg3h]

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

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Yeah! Hope you enjoyed the video!

[@bitelogger]

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

[@ranaldh1]

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

[@lobitome]

Harbor freight has the same ones for $3-$4, if you have one nearby. I have been using the same one for 3 years, and the same sanding belt on my tabletop belt sander. Works a charm, but I don't let it get as built up as in this video.

[@micahned]

Pretty sure they are 8 or 9 bucks over at Harbor Freight

[@raymondpalacios3032]

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

[@SalvatoreBoi]

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

[@davestelling]

It's crepe rubber, same material shoe soles are made up with. This material has been around at least as long as I have...and that's well over sixty years. Cheers!

[@danjones3009]

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

[@MartinMaat]

10 dollars for a small bar of recycled plastic does not exactly make a good deal in my book. Reading the comments I understand any old soft shoe will do. It's worth a try. I used a wire brush up until now but will definitely look for plastic or rubber next time.

[@LucidDreamer54321]

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

[@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.

[@jimbo2629]

If it’s safe use it while sanding. If not, alternate every few seconds. The aim is to prevent clogging rather than trying to remove it.

[@ilariochiera8361]

Cut open a dryed up silicon tube and use that. Save some money that way.

[@garychandler4296]

OH SNAP! How many of these did I toss over the years? But no more: I drill my wine corks with a step drill and cap my tubes now.

[@rust8663]

Quick and better way is to use a vacuum and with the brush attachment if you have that. It works best when it off your tool so it can bend and deattach any stuck dust

[@stephentsun8560]

an old tube of dried silicone works well.

[@joeyaldente8858]

Looked dirtier as it was winding down before you quickly transitioned to a spotless upside down sander at 4:20. The fade out transition in that moment serves nothing other than to potentially hide the actual results.

[@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.

[@jimlambrick4642]

Easy off oven cleaner. We use it on our 25 wide belt industrial sander. Easy off and wire brush and wash off with water. You're welcome

[@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

[@peterc.876]

Abs pipe works well too, or is it pvc?

[@mickcarson8504]

Where do you buy that yellow block?

[@garydouglass9577]

A wire brush held lightly works fine.

[@nickkraitor6560]

Same

[@rancidpitts8243]

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

[@cherylsims2053]

Thank you for keeping the good tips coming.

[@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.

[@bertjacobson9550]

Would piece rubber tire work lol never tried it yet lol👍

[@grahamallen3941]

Bert it works just as well. Got a piece that has lasted me years! Just mind the wire belting inside the tire!!

[@Triple7Reviews]

Try a wire brush, does a similar thing without the fanfare

[@devas522]

We learn something new every day. Thanks

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

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

[@menotyou7762]

best wau to make your sandpaper last longer is too buy the correct sandpaper. There is sandpaper for wood ( open or semi open coat ) and sandpaper for metal ( closed coat - Aluminum and brass, copper you should use wood paper ) Use higher quality sandpaper as well like a zirconia product. The better the quality = less time sanding and accomplishing the job. reversing the belt at the end oif its life will also increase your overall life but that will be a temporary improvement.

[@sportakiss888]

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

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Great to hear! Thanks for watching!

[@barnes9001]

Thank you for sharing...

[@husafel]

Great video!👍🏼

[@LilMomma_1]

great to know! sandpaper really is STUPID expensive anymore! thank you for this!

[@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.

[@tonypage9175]

Cork works as well I got mine from a pair of hi heel shoes cork,also I use discarded hard rubber dog toys ,I do believe that the one you bought is a natural rubber .safer to use than rubber

[@TheFixerHomeRepair]

Oh cool! Thanks for the info! And thanks for watching!

[@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

[@Aronneronnie]

What was that he cleaned it with?

[@liambaker1597]

How many cleanings do you get on that rubber btw?