Sandpaper Grit Reminder: A Simple Disc Sander Tip
I use my disc sander for all sorts of tasks in the shop, from shaping parts to smoothing edges. And because different jobs call for different abrasives, I end up changing sanding discs fairly often.
The trouble is that once a disc is installed, it's easy to forget which grit is on the machine.
To solve that problem, I came up with a simple sandpaper grit reminder using metal-rimmed key tags and a magnetic hook.
Make a Simple Sandpaper Grit Identification System
I store my extra sanding discs in a wooden storage tower, so I started by drilling a series of holes along one side.
Then I installed a small hook in each hole.
Next, I labeled several metal-rimmed key tags with the grit numbers of the sanding discs I keep on hand.
Each tag hangs on a hook next to its corresponding sanding discs.
Use a Magnetic Hook to Track the Installed Grit
The system couldn't be easier to use.
Whenever I remove a sanding disc from the storage tower, I take its matching grit tag off the hook.
Then I hang the tag on a magnetic hook attached to the disc sander.
Now I can tell at a glance which grit is installed without having to inspect the disc itself.
When it's time to change abrasives, I return the tag to the storage tower and grab the tag for the next grit.
An Easy Workshop Organization Tip
This little system takes only a few minutes to set up and uses inexpensive hardware.
Best of all, it eliminates the guesswork when switching between sanding grits.
It's a small improvement, but one that makes working at the disc sander just a little more convenient.
