Hand tools give you a lot of control, but sometimes a simple accessory can make them even easier to use. Whether you’re shaping a workpiece with a rasp or trying to sand an edge without rounding it over, a small improvement can help produce better results.
These two Woodsmith reader tips use inexpensive solutions to make common shaping and sanding tasks more comfortable and controlled.
1. Get a Better Grip When Using Files & Rasps
Files and rasps are great for shaping wood and smoothing irregular surfaces, but using them sometimes means placing a finger near the tool for extra control. That can get uncomfortable, particularly when your finger rubs against the rough surface of the file or rasp.
Charles Mak of Calgary, Alberta, found an inexpensive solution in an unexpected place: rubber thimblettes.
These small rubber finger protectors are commonly sold as office supplies for sorting and handling paper. Charles slips one over his finger when using a file or rasp.
The rubber protects his finger while also providing a better grip. Many thimblettes have small raised nibs molded into their surface, which makes them especially well suited to this job.
Since they’re inexpensive and available in different sizes, it’s easy to keep a few in the same drawer as your files and rasps.
Tip submitted by Charles Mak, Calgary, Alberta.
RELATED ARTICLE: Rasps & Files for Woodworkers
2. Make a Sanding Block That Keeps Edges Square
Sanding the edge of a board sounds simple, but it’s surprisingly easy to unintentionally round over a crisp edge. A narrow sanding block can rock from side to side as you work, gradually changing the shape of the edge.
Tom Roessler of Appleton, Wisconsin, solves the problem with a simple edge sanding block.
The block consists of two pieces. A narrow piece with rounded ends serves as the sanding surface, with adhesive-backed sandpaper applied to its face. A wider piece attached alongside it rides against the face of the workpiece.
That wider section acts like a fence. As you move the sanding block along the edge, the fence helps keep the abrasive surface square to the workpiece.
The result is a simple sanding guide that makes it easier to smooth an edge while reducing the chance of accidentally rounding it over.
Tip submitted by Tom Roessler, Appleton, Wisconsin.
RELATED ARTICLE: Build Your Own Sanding Block - Free Plan
Better Control for Hand-Shaping & Sanding
These two tips solve common hand-tool problems without requiring expensive accessories. A rubber finger protector provides a more comfortable grip when using a file or rasp, while a shop-made edge sanding block helps keep the abrasive square to the workpiece.
Both are simple additions to the shop, but they can give you a little more control where it matters most.
