If you work in construction or like DIY projects or prefer being self-reliant when it comes to maintenance and crafts, then you are definitely in the right place.
In today’s segment, I’ll be taking you over the best sanding belts that you can use this year to make the most out of your DIY projects!
Choosing the right bit can be challenging from time to time, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s dive right into it!
Top 12 Sanding Belts
I have briefly reviewed the top 12 models that you can get this year. With each review, I have also highlighted the main pros and cons that make that particular model different from the rest.
Here are the top 12 sanding belts for 2021!
1. S SATC Sanding Belt
You want the best, so I’m starting with the best. The S SATC Belt Sander is the most economical and reliable model that you can get this year.
Owing to its premium quality, the S SATC Belt Sander is known for many innovations such as its firm belt interface and versatile application.
However, since it comes in bulk, some pieces aren’t that quality controlled, so keep that in mind to save yourself the hassle down the road.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Premium material
- Eliminated splice bump
- Firm belt interface
- Versatile use
Cons
- Some seams too large
- Occasional bad piece
2. Aiyard Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belts
On the second spot, the Aiyard Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belts is one model that you should consider.
What the Aiyard Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belts bring to the table is its uniquely made belt, which is both heavy-duty and anti-static, making them suitable for work for longer durations.
Although some of you might find it a little hard to match grips, this is still a pretty neat choice to go with.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Anti-static frame
- Bi-directional tape joint
- Heavy-duty grains
- Good abrasion resistance
Cons
- Grip matching is hard
- Not suitable for smaller knives
3. Sackorange Abrasive Sanding Belts
The Sackorange Abrasive Sanding Belts is an excellent budget-friendly choice that you can get into without making a big dent in your wallet.
It’s easy to handle, resistive to moisture and other elements, and works best on metal and wood.
I think that’s a big hit, which is why it’s a must-have and featured on this list. However, it’s not heavy-duty, which is why I think this model is best suited for DIY tasks only.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Best for wood and metal
- Moisture resistant
- God resin-on-resin bond
Cons
- Issue about sizing
- Not heavy-duty
4. Coceca Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belt
On that budget-friendly note, the Coceca Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belt is another option that I think you should go with.
It’s not best for bigger projects, but for small DIY and home-based work, I think this model fits the bill pretty nicely. You can use it on a bulk of the material, and the variety of grits is something that you can surely benefit from.
However, if you’re a professional, then I think there are other better models to consider. Keep on reading!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Versatile application
- Budget-friendly
- Nice variety of grits
Cons
- Not that durable
- Seams aren’t that good
5. Sackorange Knife Sharpener Sanding Belts
If you’re looking for sanding belts for your knife collection, or even do that as a profession, then the Sackorange Knife Sharpener Sanding Belts is a pretty nice choice that I think would suit you well.
It’s built for this exact task in mind and is precision-engineered to sharp your knife to brand new quality.
However, it’s important to note that it’s not durable, but effective nonetheless.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Great for knife sharpening
- Anti-clogging compounds
- Precision engineering
Cons
- Go bad very quickly
- The purple belt isn’t that good
6. Premium Silicon Carbide Fine Grit Sanding Belts
The Premium Silicon Carbide Fine Grit Sanding Belts is a good choice if you’re looking for a singular model that you can use for serious heavy-duty work.
It’s easy to handle and get the hang of since the packaging is pretty old-school.
This makes this model geared more towards performance rather than any showboating, so if you want a sanding belt that can make things happen for you, the Premium Silicon Carbide Fine Grit Sanding Belts is a good choice to go with.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Easy to handle
- Simple presentation
- Versatile use
Cons
- Not budget-friendly
7. POWERTEC 110163 6 x 48-Inch Sanding Belts
The POWERTEC 110163 6 x 48-Inch Sanding Belts is another good model that is good for heavy-duty work and is simply a must-have if you’re a professional.
It’s made of durable and reliable material, prepared to perfection, but falls short on one account. The packaging folds this belt quite a lot, so anticipate some creases.
After it’s been open, though, then it’s best to use them all. I think they deliver quite well.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Premium grade material
- Heavy-duty application
- Good quality seam
Cons
- Bad packaging
- Wear quickly
8. Shuttle Genius 1/2 Inch x 18 Inch Sanding Belts
The Sanding Belts by Shuttle Genius is a versatile choice that is fit for many applications. Its main flex is that it has a very firm interface with good seams.
This makes working with the Sanding Belts by Shuttle Genius a joy, which is why I think it deserves a feature on this list.
Another good thing about it is that it is anti-static and can be washed easily, so all in all, this is a pretty decent model to go with.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Firm belt interface
- Anti-static
- Washable covers
- Versatile use
Cons
- Some belts are larger than others
9. Sackorange 18 Pack Silicon Carbide Sander Belts
Apart from the fact that all the models are not labeled with grit, I genuinely think the Sackorange 18 Pack Silicon Carbide Sander Belts has almost all it takes to be a very good model that you can use.
Suitable for use on all, especially glass, this model is a heavy-duty choice that operates on both ends.
Another added benefit is that it is water-proof, so you really will have the best of both worlds with the Sackorange.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Bi-directional
- Heavy-duty application
- Best for glasswork
- Waterproof material
Cons
- Not all labeled with grit
10. Red Label Abrasives Metal Grinding
Red Label Abrasives Metal Grinding is one of the most commonly used models that you can get on this list and is one that will pop up if you ask for a recommendation from the local convenience store.
It’s easy to use but fairly strong and provides the additional benefit of being bi-directional.
However, its main shortcoming is that the presentation is a little off-putting, but that’s pretty much it. Give it a shot!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Very strong
- It can be run either way
- Best for heavy-duty
Cons
- Wear fast on hardened steel
- Bad presentation
11. Red Label Abrasives Silicon Carbide Sanding Belts
My second last choice for you is another Red Label feature.
The Red Label Abrasives Silicon Carbide Sanding Belts is one of the most reliable models to go with if you need a belt for glass or lapidary.
As far as downsides go, there is virtually nothing that you need to be concerned about or worried about excessively.
Just pay attention to the setup phase, and you’ll be good to go.
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Extremely sharp cuts
- Fully waterproof
- Best for lapidary and glass
Cons
- None
12. Red Label 1 X 30 Sanding Belts for Knife Makers
Last but not least, the Red Label Abrasives Non-Woven Surface Conditioning Sanding Belts is my belt of choice for you if you’re looking for something for knife work or similar-related jobs.
It’s easy to handle, use, and maintain, and requires an almost non-existent setup. It’s as durable as the others but can still give a solid performance while it lasts.
Overall, I think the Red Label Abrasives Non-Woven Surface Conditioning Sanding Belts is a good choice, but it’s not geared for too many heavy-duty tasks, so choose wisely!
More photo & price on amazon.com
Pros
- Ideal for blending
- Flexible material
- Easy to handle
Cons
- Not that durable
- Not heavy-duty
Buyer’s Guide
When it comes to choosing the right sanding belt, there are a handful of things that you should keep in mind. These features are very important and will go a long way in ensuring that you got the better end of the deal.
Here’s what you should look out for!
Material
The first thing that I would highly recommend you look into is the material of the sanding belt.
Sanding belts are made from one of four materials, with the most common being silicon carbide and aluminum oxide. I almost always recommend that you should go for silicon carbide since they get the work done quickly.
But the catch is that they wear out quicker as well.
Make sure to assess the different types properly and if it might suit your task or not.
Purpose
On that note, it’s also important to assess the type of work that you intend to do and the overall purpose for which you’re getting the sanding belt.
This will help you better analyze what strength materials might work best and what won’t. Furthermore, the quantity will also help you get a better sample for future projects.
Quantity
Yes, quantity is also important when it comes to choosing a model. Always ensure that you’re getting a good deal, or at the very least, you’re getting a few belts. This will make transitioning easier and save you the hassle of getting more if your new belt goes bad.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What kind of sanding belts are best for metals?
The best type of sanding belts for metals are those that are either zirconia or ceramic. They are more durable and generally last longer, making them suitable for removing metals or working on/with them.
How long do sanding belts last?
How long sanding belts last depend on a multitude of factors, such as their exposure to humidity and temperature. Furthermore, other things also come into play, such as how often you use them.
But at a minimum, you should expect about 12-18 months of service.
How do my sanding belts keep breaking?
This can be caused due to many reasons: the main being heat, age, or just the general humidity.
However, if you feel that you’ve covered all bases and the problem persists, then look at the tension in the belt. It’s best if you release it whenever the sander isn’t in use.
Which is better: silicon carbide or aluminum oxide?
Both have their respective pros and cons. For instance, silicon carbide is seen as sharper with a harder grain but isn’t that durable due to its brittle frame.
Plus, the shape is narrower. Aluminum oxide, on the other hand, is almost the opposite. However, silicon carbide is optimal for finishing tasks.
How do you glue sanding belts together?
The best way to go about it is by laying one end of the belt grit-side down and then applying glue to that end. Then place the other layer on top and press it gently for a few minutes, and repeat throughout.
What are sanding belts made of
Sanding belts are often made from one of these four materials, which are aluminum oxide, Ceramic, Silicon Carbide, and Zirconia.
How do you clean sanding belts?
The best way to clean a sanding belt is by using an abrasive cleaning stick. But make sure to be gentle and thorough with the process if you really want results.
Conclusion
I believe it’s integral to the process that you get a sanding belt that you can rely on. Hence, I would always recommend that you choose carefully and pay attention to detail when about it.
If you liked any of the models above and have feedback or questions, do share them in the comment section below!
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