Problems w/ 1/4 Sheet Sander

I “break” the paper on the edge of a bench so it curls evenly
at the ends. This makes it easier to get more paper shoved
up under the clamps.

I have that same Makita sander and it has worked fine for me for twenty years. To insert the paper I first fold back one edge of the sheet 1/4 inch so that you have a fold with the back of the paper to the back of the paper. Insert this folded end of the paper under one of the paper clamps on the side of the pad. Drill a 3/8” hole in the end of a wood scrap and clamp it in your vice so the hole points out tqward you. Insert the end of the clamp release arm inside the hole in the board to help you hold the clamp open while you work the other end of the paper into position. If your paper is still too long fold over both ends. If you don’t like the teeth on the clamps just remove the four screws that go through the pad. this will let you remove the pad and the clamps. Grind the teeth off the clamps and reassamble the parts.

-- Nils, So. Central MI. Wood is honest.Take the effort to understand what it has to tell you before you try to change it.

If you can find an abrasive with a lighter backing paper it would make it much easier.

-- Do or do not, there is no try

I have never been too fond of 1/4 sheet sanders for this reason…I hope someday someone comes out with a good one that you don’t have issues with trying to get the paper in and to stay in, but until then I’m not gonna put too much faith into them

-- It's made of wood. Real sturdy.--Chubbs Peterson

Thanks for all your responses. BentheViking: I’ve had similar problems w/ 1/3 sheet sanders also. They can have frustrating jaws as well.

Besides Porter-Cable, does anybody know of a line of sanders w/ “user-friendly” jaws?

-- Jim in Tennessee