Sanding can be a bit of a challenge to do by hand at times, that is why there are so many sanders out there. But the most difficult part of the wood to sand is the tight spaces and corners. Though luckily there are also some sanders that are designed specifically for that purpose. In this article, we will tell you which sander is used to sand in corners and tight spaces.
So, what sander is used to sand corners and tight spaces? The detail sander is specifically designed for the purpose of sanding corners and does an excellent job of reaching tight spaces. You can also sand by hand if you want using a wedge of wood and sandpaper.
Sanding is essential if you want the finish of your choice to adhere to any piece of wood properly. It primes the surface and removes any scratches or marks that become visible after applying a finish. If you want a scratch and mark-free wooden surface, then start off with low grit sandpaper and take it to a finer grit.
Using The Detail Sander for Sanding Corners and Tight Spaces
So a detail sander is designed and created specifically to reach tight spaces and corners. This particular sander has an attachment that is triangular shaped with pointed ends. The pointed end of the sander allows one to easily reach corners that otherwise would be difficult.
This sander is great for larger projects that require you to sand from edge to edge. One such example of a large project that the detail sander is perfect for is a wooden door. Doors can have intricate designs and frames that can be a pain to sand. They are big and also require you to reach in corners of the frames built in them.
With a detail sander, such a job can be made very easy and it cuts your sanding efforts by half. You can use it for sanding other areas as well, not just corners and edges.
There is sandpaper specifically designed for detail sanding attachments available in various grits. When sanding tight spaces and corners you use the same method as you use for sanding normal surfaces. You start off with a low grit and then take it to a finer grit.
Our Recommendation for a Detail Sander
The BOSCH StarlockPlus Oscillating Multi-Tool Kit is our recommendation for the best detail sander. Although an oscillating tool by design, it also has a detailed sander attachment. This makes it a great value for the money, as it can perform multiple actions at the same time.
Finding the Right Sander for Corners and Tight Spaces
If you are in the market searching for a sander that will help you sand in corners and tight spaces, try to look for one that has pointed edges and flat sides, as it can reach the corners with ease. A circular one is of no help in such situations at all.
If you do not like sawdust that flies from using machine sanders, find a detail sander that has vacuum attachment options. By attaching a vacuum you can also remove the sawdust that gets stuck on the sandpaper. This keeps the sandpaper clean and improves its performance till the abrasive runs out.
How to Sand in Corners and Tight Spaces Without a Detail Sander
Although a detail sander makes the job of sanding in tight spaces and corners easier, it is not impossible to do the same manually. It will just take some elbow grease and a lot of time since sanding is a time-consuming process.
All you need to achieve great results manually is a wooden wedge that can easily reach corners. Wrap a sanding paper around the wooden wedge and just sand it as you normally would.
The wedge acts as a tool that can reach into corners and tight spaces. It helps you use accurate and precise strokes to sand easier and faster.
Pro-Tips for Sanding in Corners and Tight Spaces
If you keep a few things in mind, sanding in tight spaces and corners becomes as easy as sanding any other wooden surface.
- When sanding in corners and tight spaces, try not to over-sand any area.
- Always sand from low grit to high grit for the best results, but don’t take it to too high a grit, otherwise, your finish will have a hard time adhering to that corner.
- When using a detail sander, don’t use force, let the machine do the work for you.
- Wear a mask and goggles if your detail sander does not have a vacuum option because when working with corners you need to move in close to see if you are doing a good job or not.
- Although it is important not to over sand, don’t end up leaving any area unsanded either. It will stick out when you apply your finish. This is especially true for corners as they are harder to sand but stick out the most.
- Move in the direction of the grain of the wood when possible. The detail sander will perform best when you move it in the direction of the grain and not against it.
FAQ
Do you need a detail sander to sand in tight spaces and corners?
You don’t need a detailed sander if you don’t have one, you can use a wedge of wood to achieve similar results but it also requires more effort on your end.
How do you reach in corners and tight spaces using a detail sander?
A detail sander attachment has a triangular base with an edge pointed forward. Using that edge or corner of the triangular-shaped sander, you can easily sand in tight spaces.
Are there different grits of sheets available for a detail sander?
Yes, you can find various grits of sandpaper sheets designed for the detailed sander. Use them to smoothen up the surface of the wood you want.
Can you use a detail sander for both large and small projects?
For smaller projects that require precision, you can try using a rotary tool instead of a detail sander. A rotary tool like one from Dremel will allow you to sand in more detailed areas of a wooden project.
If you are unfamiliar with how to operate a Dremel tool for wood carving purposes, check out this detailed article on it.
Final Thoughts
If sanding in corners and tight spaces was a problem for you before, hopefully after reading this article, it will not be one anymore. Using a detail sander might require a little practice on your end, but with a few hours of use, you can master its operation. But even if you don’t have a detail sander, just do it manually with the technique mentioned above.
