3MStickit Sanding Block 2 1/2"

I've been using one of these blocks for 15 years now refinishing an old boat (in my spare time). I love this block and am happy to see that it is still available so I bought 2 more. I use this block in preparing the various wood surfaces for varnishing and then in between coats to make the finish smoother and flatter with each coat. For this, a hard flat block is required. Like a piece of wood. But a wood block is inconvenient. This plastic block is very convenient. It easily pops apart into two pieces, aligned by 4 pointed plastic pins into 4 holes, and secured (lightly) by tabs on the sides of the block. The block is very light, which is a big plus when you have a lot of sanding to do. I've also used the hard rubber blocks, but they are heavy and tire me out faster. They are more flexible, so aren't as good for flattening a surface as this hard rigid block. And it is harder to load the sandpaper into them. In this block, you just press the end of 1/4 of a sheet of sandpaper over two of the pointed locating pins, wrap it over the flat bottom of the block, and over the two locating pins on the other end. Then fit the curved back cover onto place and away you go. No struggle to bend back the hard rubber and fit the sandpaper over the sharp metal spikes inside the block. Amazingly, my first block still works well after all these years. Even though it seems like it is cheap flimsy plastic, I believe all this is by design to make a light, easy to use block.I was surprised when I received my new blocks to see that they are kits (duh, I missed that in the description). By kit, they mean that it comes with an assortment of cut-to-size adhesive-backed sheets of sand paper. And there is a 1/10" thick felt-like pad stuck to the flat side of the block. I don't remember these on my first block. I will be removing the soft pad to get the hard block surface that I desire.I was surprised to see the negative reviews for this block. Yes, it might feel flimsy, but I have found it to be quite durable. It is light by design. It is better than the rubber blocks for the kinds of tasks I describe above. For other tasks the rubber block is better. It comes down to buying the right tool for the job.

I can get a nice sand job

I, like Howard Rush, find this to be my favorite sanding block. I have one that I've had at least ten years, and when I went back to the Big Orange Store to get another I found that all they had are the rubber blocks.I bought three of them. They are OK, though heavy, and I am forever pricking my fingers inserting the sandpaper.Today I found these on Amazon, so I bought two more. Now I can have a block ready-to-go with the various grits that I use on my projects.My only modification, is to apply some self-adhesive cork to the face.Cheers!

My Dad works for 3M and he got me one of these when I was a kid. (early 80s) I ended up letting a "friend" borrow it and never saw it again. The new rubber type available doesn't feel the same. It feels too heavy and fastening the paper is kind of a joke. I was very happy when I found an "old school" block on Amazon. This block is light. You can fasten the long strip type paper fairly easily. I usually use the stick on paper so it's even easier to work with. Works great for what I need.

I use my sanding block for my hobby. i paint and repair other painter wood projects. living in a senior living center it is hard to use a electic sander. sanding by hand can be longer than to repair or complete the projects.thankssevc.

It is very hard to put on the sand paper. Do not waste your time or money purchasing the product. I threw mine away. 😝😝

Needs too much sandpaper to use. I suppose is best used with adhesive sand paper. It has a nice weight to it though. I've tossed it a few times at Chip&Dale with a nice effect.

Awesome sanding block holds paper way better than ordinary rubber blocks