How to Make Sanding Sticks for Jewelry & Metalworking

SLIDESHOW: Affordable, Indispensable, and Easy Handmade Sanding Sticks

To put it simply, sanding sticks are great. Particularly when you need good, firm pressure behind the sandpaper to accomplish your task. I like to use sanding sticks when I need to sand down edges and corners of sheet, to sand bezels and in tight spaces. They also save my tender, over-worked fingers from the ravages of the sanding job!You can purchase sanding sticks of various grits from jewelry supply shops but, considering how fast we eat up sandpaper in our jewelry-making world, it is not a cost-effective option at all. This slideshow will show you how to fashion your own sanding sticks for less than $1.50 each. AND they're reusable!

Options for sanding sticks of different shapes

You can make similar sanding sticks using different armatures. Instead of the paint stick, use a dowel rod to create a rounded sanding stick - perfect for inside ring shanks! Or use a popsicle stick for a smaller shape. Look around your house to see what will work for you! Save your fingers and make your sanding jobs quicker & easier!

Materials Needed

Large Sheet of Sandpaper,
Masking Tape,
Paint Stick

Wrap the Paint Stick

Wrap the paint stick with your sandpaper. Start with the sandpaper flush against one edge and leave about 1/2″ of stick showing on the end.

Trim Leftovers

Once the sandpaper is tightly wrapped around the paint stick, trim off any leftover paper so the edge is flush with the edge of the stick.

Tape & Mark the Ends

Use the masking tape to securely attach both ends of the sandpaper to the stick. Mark the grit on the tape for reference.

Tape & Mark the Ends

Use the masking tape to securely attach both ends of the sandpaper to the stick. Mark the grit on the tape for reference.

When Your Sandpaper is Exhausted

Once you’ve used up one side of your sandpaper, simply tear it off against the taped end and along the edge of the stick, exposing a fresh new piece.

Sticks for Every Grit

Make a sanding stick for all your favorite grits so you can easily reach for the one you need for your jewelry making task.

Sanding Sticks Make Sanding Easy!