Ask a finisher for a sanding disc and 99% of the time they will hand you a 5” or 6” disc. Not a surprise; 5” and 6” are standard sizes for random orbit sanders. These sizes are so common that we even sell hand sanding blocks designed to use the same size discs. So it may come as a bit of a surprise to find out how large a selection there is for sanding supplies in diameters of 3 inches and under.

A search on 2Sand.com for “2 Inch” or “3 Inch” will produce about 350 results. That’s 350 results on our site alone! And the 350 is not made up of dozens of grits of a few basic products. There are sanding discs and polishing discs in 1.3 inch, touch up discs at 1-3/8 inch, and a huge variety of 2-, 3- and 4-inch sanding discs . We have mandrels and holders in small sizes. Some are for hand work; some attach to a drill or power sander. And yes, we carry  battery powered, air driven, and corded sanders in small diameters.

These smaller discs are available with paper or film backers as well as Abranet mesh. They can be had for sanders that use hook and loop or PSA for attachment as well as Super Loc and standard type-R quick connect. Small sanding discs can be purchased in grits ranging from 24 all the way up to 4000, as well as in dedicated surface conditioning and polishing products.

Smaller sanding disc options are already known to a great number our woodworking customers; many of these sanding disc options are popular with craftspeople who turn bowls. But anyone who needs to finish highly detailed parts wants the ability to work efficiently in tight spaces. An auto finisher needs to work around door sills and inside light pockets, machinists need to polish in and around holding fixtures, and mold makers have ample need for working closely around obstacles.

We have all used 5- or 6-inch discs folded in half or in quarters to smooth and finish tough to work areas. But working these jobs using smaller discs, holders, and sanders can help improve both the speed and quality of the finish being prepared.