What are manual sanders made of?

4th March 2020

What are manual sanders made of?


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		Manual sanders can be made from many different materials, depending on the individual make and model.

		Here are some of the most common materials found in the manufacturing of manual sanders, along with the benefits each material can provide.

		Sander head
		Aluminium Aluminium is often used for the sander head. It is a metal which is widely used in the production of tools due to its high corrosion-resistant and durable qualities.

		Sander heads made from aluminium are recommended for pole sanders, rather than sander heads made from plastic. This is because the aluminium is stronger and heavier than the plastic, meaning the head is less likely to flip over when sanding walls and ceilings.

		Plastic Plastic is another material commonly used for the sander head because it is lightweight and wear-resistant, which is ideal for many manual tools.

		The manufacture of plastic is less costly, meaning a sander made from plastic may be cheaper to buy than other models.

		Base
		Foam A hand sander’s base is usually made from foam, a lightweight, spongy material made with trapped pockets of air. Foam is often used as it has a level surface area which can also conform to different shapes whilst sanding.

		Handle
		Bi-material A manual sander’s handle is commonly made from bi-material, a component made up of two different materials – usually rubber and plastic.

		A bi-material handle gives the user a comfortable and cushioned grip when sanding materials. It is also designed to prevent the handle from slipping out of the user’s grasp.

		Wood Some manual sanders have a handle that is made out of wood. Wood is used because it is lightweight, a factor which is essential when sanding as the user does not want to be manoeuvring a heavy tool.

		Wood is preferred by some users because of its traditional look and feel.

		Clamps
		Aluminium The clamps on most manual sanders are made out of aluminium. Clamps need to be strong and durable, as they are constantly being used to hold the sandpaper in place. Aluminium is an ideal material because it is unlikely to break, and relatively lightweight.