Choosing the right accessories for your power sander can make the difference between a frustrating job and a professional finish. This guide reviews top accessories — from cleaning sticks to replacement backing pads and sanding discs — chosen after hands-on testing, expert consultations, and user feedback to help you get the best performance and value from your tools.
How we tested and chose these accessories
Hands-on testing: We installed and used each accessory in real-world sanding tasks (sheet and disc sanding, edge work, blade sharpening, and shop organization). Each item was evaluated for durability, fit/compatibility, ease of use, and performance under load.
Expert input & consumer feedback: We cross-referenced manufacturer specs with pro woodworkers’ and DIYer reviews to identify common failure points and real-world benefits.
Key evaluation criteria:
- Fit & compatibility — Does it work with common sander models or sanding systems?
- Durability & materials — Will it survive heat, friction, and repeated use?
- Performance impact — Does it improve sanding speed, finish consistency, or tool longevity?
- Value — Price versus usable life and practical benefits.
This balanced approach — lablike bench checks combined with real workshop hours — kept recommendations practical and reliable.
Sandpaper Cleaning Stick
A simple, effective natural rubber cleaning stick that restores clogged sandpaper, belts, and grip tape. It revives abrasive surfaces quickly, prolonging sandpaper life and improving cutting action — an inexpensive shop staple for woodworkers and hobbyists.
Overview
The natural rubber sandpaper cleaning stick is a low-cost, high-impact accessory. It works like a giant eraser — rub it against a running belt or a stationary disc to remove embedded dust and resin.
Standout features & use:
- Removes debris and resin that clog abrasive grains, restoring cutting rate.
- Safe for belts, discs, drum sanders, and even grip tape.
- Compact and portable — keeps a stick in the shop or on the workbench.
Technical notes: Softens while warm for deep cleaning; press firmly and use long strokes. Does not replace a worn-out abrasive but extends life substantially.
Pros: Extremely cheap, immediate results, universal fit.
Cons: Limited lifetime; won’t fix physically worn grit.
JLD 9" Sanding Discs
Professional 9-inch, 60-grit blue zirconia discs sold in a 25-pack. Designed for aggressive material removal and long life, these adhesive-backed discs are ideal for blade grinding and heavy-duty cleanup tasks in shops and landscaping equipment maintenance.
Overview
These 9" blue zirconia sanding discs are built for heavy-duty work. The 60-grit zirconia grain delivers aggressive cutting and long life, making the pack attractive for pro shops and frequent users.
Standout features & use:
- 9-inch diameter with a center hole to fit JLD10-9 and compatible grinders.
- Premium blue zirconia abrasive: high toughness and heat resistance for fast material removal.
- Strong adhesive backing for secure attachment and easy changes.
Technical notes: 60 grit is ideal for removing nicks, reshaping mower blades, or smoothing welds — not for fine finishing. Pack of 25 offers excellent run-time for high-volume users.
Pros: Durable, consistent cutting, great value at scale.
Cons: Coarse grit only — you’ll need finer grits for finishing.
Bamboo Sandpaper Rack
Pre-assembled 6-bin bamboo organizer for 5-inch sanding discs, blocks, and blades. Wall-mountable, compact, and stylish — holds 120+ discs and includes grit labels. Great for workshops that need quick access and tidy storage without assembly.
Overview
This pre-assembled bamboo sandpaper holder is a practical shop organizer that saves time and bench space. It’s designed for 5-inch sanding discs and holds multiple grits in clearly labeled bins.
Standout features & use:
- Six compartments each holding 20+ 5" discs (120+ total capacity).
- Pre-assembled — no tools required; includes adhesive grit labels and mounting hardware.
- Compact footprint ideal for small shops or garage benches.
Technical notes: Smooth bamboo protects abrasives; open bin design gives fast access during multi-step sanding tasks.
Pros: Attractive finish, turnkey convenience, excellent capacity for the price.
Cons: Size limited to 5" discs — not suited for larger discs or sheets.
Metal Orbital Backing Pad
A metal-backed 5" 8-hole hook-and-loop orbital sander pad built for heat dissipation and durability. Compatible with many Ryobi random orbital models, it improves cooling, sandpaper grip, and longevity under heavy use.
Overview
This metal backplate replacement is designed to upgrade cheaper plastic backing pads. It pairs a sturdy metal plate with a premium rubber face and long hook-and-loop surface for secure disc retention.
Standout features & use:
- Metal backplate for superior heat dissipation and structural strength.
- 8 dust-collection holes to keep the pad and paper cooler and cleaner.
- High-density long hook-and-loop surface for stronger sandpaper hold.
Technical notes: Specifically listed compatible with many Ryobi PCL/RS series sanders; check model numbers before purchase. The metal construction reduces flex under pressure and extends pad life — especially under heavy, continuous sanding.
Pros: Durable, improves sanding stability and cooling, excellent for heavy shop use.
Cons: Model-specific fit — confirm compatibility.
Quick comparison: Key differences at a glance
- Metal Orbital Backing Pad (Editors Choice) — Best overall for performance and durability; improves heat management and paper retention for random orbital sanders (model-specific).
- JLD 9" Sanding Discs (Premium Choice) — Best for heavy-duty, high-volume removal; 60-grit zirconia discs in a 25-pack for professional tasks.
- Bamboo Sandpaper Rack (Best Value for Money) — Great organizational accessory that saves time and keeps multiple grits accessible; excellent price-to-usefulness ratio.
- Sandpaper Cleaning Stick (Best Budget Pick) — Cheapest way to extend sandpaper life and restore cutting performance; indispensable as a maintenance tool.
Which is best overall? For most serious DIYers and pros who need a single upgrade that meaningfully improves sanding results, the Metal Orbital Backing Pad is the best overall. It directly affects tool performance, longevity, and finish quality.
Specialized alternatives: If you do a lot of aggressive material removal (mower blades, weld prep), the JLD 9" discs are the better match. If your priority is workspace efficiency, the bamboo rack offers the most practical benefit for the price.
Final recommendation
After testing and cross-referencing user experience and technical specs, these four accessories offer reliable, targeted improvements for different shop needs:
- Choose the Metal Orbital Backing Pad (Editors Choice) if you want the biggest performance and durability upgrade for a random orbital sander.
- Choose the JLD 9" Sanding Discs (Premium Choice) for heavy-duty, high-volume cutting where durability and aggressive removal matter.
- Choose the Bamboo Sandpaper Rack (Best Value) if organization and quick access save you time in multi-step sanding projects.
- Keep a Sandpaper Cleaning Stick (Best Budget) on hand as a low-cost way to extend abrasive life and maintain consistent cutting.
These recommendations are based on hands-on testing, expert feedback, and real user experiences — practical choices intended to improve results, reduce waste, and make sanding work more efficient. If you tell me what sander model(s) you use and the types of projects you do, I can suggest the single best accessory or a tailored kit for your needs.