Hand Sanding Blocks: Hook & Loop vs. PSA

[Wamsutta]

You guys that work in body shops, which do you prefer as far as sanding blocks go: Hook & Loop (Velcro) or PSA (pressure sensitive adhesive)?

Dura-Block

Motor Guard

 

[gahrajmahal]

I don’t work in a body shop but I now use hook and loop on my Baxter palm sanders. With sanding grits getting finer and finer I wet sand with the DA, and the hook and loop works well for doing that. If dry sanding only sticky discs work fine. I have multiple pads I just screw them off and on. (You need a super skinny wrench)

 

[jmdirk]

I don’t work in a body shop but I now use hook and loop on my Baxter palm sanders. With sanding grits getting finer and finer I wet sand with the DA, and the hook and loop works well for doing that. If dry sanding only sticky discs work fine. I have multiple pads I just screw them off and on. (You need a super skinny wrench)

This makes a lot of sense. The water when wet sanding makes the adhesive not work that well. Though it seems like some of the PSA sandpapers are supposed to be specifically designed for wet adhesion.

In addition to the two blocks the OP listed, also look at Linear Blocking Tools. They seem to get a lot of good reviews and recommendations

Sets

Linear Blocking Tools are striving to innovate the Automotive Paint & Body industry through our Polycarbonate Sanding Blocks as well as spreading our professional knowledge through in person classes and online courses!

www.linearblockingtools.com

 

[toolenthusiast]

Believe it or not, peeling off PSA abrasives can really cause some significant repetitive stress injuries. Velcro is a lot easier on your wrists/hands/etc.

 

[dnschmidt]

Depends. All of the show car guys use PSA at it doesn't have the give of Velcro so it's flatter. Show car guys are sort of nuts in a lot of ways, "The sides of the car must be laser straight", so they use super flat and hard blocks. However, normal people use Velcro as it's just a more user friendly system. Whether the show cars guys are right is a good question as I've never been able to see the difference myself.

 

[gahrajmahal]

Depends. All of the show car guys use PSA at it doesn't have the give of Velcro so it's flatter. Show car guys are sort of nuts in a lot of ways, "The sides of the car must be laser straight", so they use super flat and hard blocks. However, normal people use Velcro as it's just a more user friendly system. Whether the show cars guys are right is a good question as I've never been able to see the difference myself.

I usually finish up my power sanding with a long block and some hand sanding. It just allows me to see any imperfections before spraying. If I’m at the buffing stage I skip the blocking.