Best way to sand floorboards around radiators?

[SJRSJR]

Hello

I've just sanded floorboards with a floor sander and edging sander. Now I've got to get into the corners and around the radiator pipes. The boards were already stained and the floor sander needed quite a few sheets of 24 grit , so I can see it's not going to be easy.

I've had a go with a mouse sander and 40 grit but it barely made a mark. Is there a better tool that would do it? Thanks

 

[aveatry]

Same edge sander but protect the pipes with something. no need to get right up to the pipe as a wooden pipe collar will cover

 

[SJRSJR]

Thanks - I was hoping to not have to take the radiators off so was hoping for something smaller.

 

[aveatry]

Thanks - I was hoping to not have to take the radiators off so was hoping for something smaller.

I find the vibrating type of sanders rubbish sounds like you will be better off with an angle grinder with a sandpaper disks, you can buy a cheap one with 2 years warranty for les than hiring the edger for 2 or 1 day

 

[SJRSJR]

Thank you, that's sounds like a plan. I have got a Titan angle grinder that I use occasionally so will look out for a compatible fitting. As you say, those small sanders aren't up to it.

 

[SJRSJR]

I found the parts for the angle grinder so hopefully that will work.

I also came across a file belt sander but it might not be powerful enough for this type of job. I think I'll get one anyway as it looks like a useful tool for sanding in small areas like staircase spindles.

 

[stevie888]

I found the parts for the angle grinder so hopefully that will work.

I also came across a file belt sander but it might not be powerful enough for this type of job. I think I'll get one anyway as it looks like a useful tool for sanding in small areas like staircase spindles.

Both of these can be pretty savage unless you're very careful

 

[aveatry]

Both of these can be pretty savage unless you're very careful

And throw dust everywhere although you can buy shrouds for them that you connect a vacuum to. I made one myself which worked very well so I imagine the proper ones are very good

 

[opps]

If the floor varnish is oil based, you can use old skool methyl chloride paint stripper to remove the varnish. If the stain is oil based you can hit is a few coats of white spirit and then sand it.

If waterbased, cellulose thinners will soften the waterbased varnish.

If you want to purchase a small quantity of methyl chloride, PM me, I can send you a link to a company that sells small quantities- btw, I have no links to the company (other than having purchased from them last year).