Buying a sander
- Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks.
- Avoid buying second-hand sanders as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards.
- Key safety features include adjustable guards, work rests, efficient dust extraction, and emergency stop controls.
- Register your sander so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered.
Using a sander safely
- Before you start, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them.
- Be aware that homes built before the mid-1960s may have lead-based paint as it wasn’t formally banned for domestic use until 1992. Don’t attempt to sand lead-based paint as this can lead to lead poisoning.
- Check your appliance has a UK 3-pin plug. If it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adaptor as it may not meek UK safety standards. Get in touch with the retailer and ask for their advice.
- If it has a cable, make sure the cable is long enough to easily reach the area you’re working in. If it isn’t, plug the sander into a fully-unwound extension lead to extend your reach.
- Wear appropriate eye protection and a dust mask. Belt sanders can be especially loud, so wear hearing protection. Keep loose clothing and jewellery away from moving parts.
- Make sure the item you’re sanding is properly secured.
- Check the ventilation slots of the sander are clear of dust and debris before you begin.
- Ensure you have a firm grip on the handle of the sander before turning it on. The sander should be kept flat and should be constantly moving as you work.
- Only apply gentle pressure when using a sander. Don’t push down as the weight of the sander should do the hard work.
- Keep the cable well out of the path of the sander as you work – draping it over your shoulder is safest.
- Keep the plate underneath clean and free from dust.
- Using a sander on metal creates sparks so make sure the tool is free of all sawdust and empty the dust bag before using it on a metal surface.
- Work slowly in the same direction, overlapping passes and allowing the sander to go past the end without dipping.
- Metal parts of the sander may become hot during use, so take care when handling.
- When finished, lift the sander off the wood, turn it off, and wait for it to stop.
- Switch off and unplug the tool when it’s not in use or before doing any maintenance on it such as attaching sandpaper, fitting or removing the dust canister, replacing or adjusting the belt on a belt sander.
- Store your sander somewhere dry and indoors.
- If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the tool off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer.
- An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the sander. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the tool is plugged in.
- For a cordless sander, only charge the battery using the original charger or a replacement charger obtained from the manufacturer or reputable retailer.
- Charge it in a safe place on a stable surface and disconnect batteries once they are charged. Don’t leave it charging overnight as this could be a fire risk.
- If the battery emits any unusual odours, sparks, smoke, swelling, cracks, or you see any form of damage, stop using the battery immediately and make sure it is unplugged from the charger.
- If you need a replacement or additional battery, or if your current battery no longer holds a charge, buy directly from the original manufacturer or authorised retailer.
- Don’t use batteries from other manufacturers or battery adapters, as these may pose safety risks.
