Why are drywall sanding blocks so narrow?

[reader2580]

I went to both Home Depot and Menards today looking for a hand sanding block for drywall. All of the sanding blocks are either 2-3/4" or 3-1/4 wide, but the sanding screens are all 4-3/16" or 4-1/4" wide.

Why are the sanding blocks so much narrower than the sanding screens? My father has an old pole sander and his seems to be more like 4" wide.

 

[kd3pc]

generally to sell more sand paper of a specific size and can charge for it. We used to just cut whole sheets...

I was told by a sheet rock finisher, that the narrow ones cut better when used on the diagonal and do not clog when you use it that way.

YMMV

 

[LXCam]

It's so the abrasive rolls over the edge length wise so when your sanding a corner the platen doesn't damage the adjoining corner and actually sands the mud. Otherwise you'd never be able to properly sand that inside edge

 

[reader2580]

It makes some sense to be able to do corners, but it seems like mostly a waste of an inch of sanding screen when doing flat surfaces.

 

[The Cobbler]

if the pad is the same size as the paper, the paper can buckle under itself
fold the paper around the sides of sanding block and use the block on an angle or crossways on the joint. use it inline for edges and where more material has to come off to blend. thats what I do anyway.

 

[reader2580]

I'm debating if it might just be better to get the sanding blocks instead of buying the hand sander and the screens. The project is about 10 sheets of drywall total.

 

[kd3pc]

you can finish it with wet sponges and avoid sanding altogether...just apply your compound and let it dry, then come back over it with a damp sponge..

best of luck

 

[manwithtools]

you can finish it with wet sponges and avoid sanding altogether...just apply your compound and let it dry, then come back over it with a damp sponge..

Better prefect your mudding technique first......

I agree it can be done and prefer this approach myself, I've found not everyone can make this work.