Hey everyone! I'm on the hunt for some quality sanding belts for my 1/2" x 18" bandfile sander. Where do you usually buy yours? Any solid recommendations would be appreciated!
5 Answers
I've had better luck with Milwaukee belts. The lever system makes it easier to adjust, which I really appreciate.
Try the ceramic abrasive belts from Empire Abrasives, too. They're under $3 each and perform similarly to the 3M Cubitron belts but at a better price point. The Cubitron belts use ceramic abrasives, which is why they outperform cheaper options like the Harbor Freight belts that use aluminum oxide.
I usually pick up mine at Harbor Freight. They work fine for basic needs.
I'd recommend grabbing the 3M belts from Amazon. The ones from Harbor Freight don't really last that long, trust me, I was pretty disappointed after trying them out.
We usually go for Norton orange or 3M purple belts in the shop. They might be pricier, but they last way longer than most other brands, which is crucial for us since we do a lot of grinding on spot welds and rivets for collision repairs. If you're looking for local options, check out a collision supply store near you! Here’s a link to the 3M Cubitron belts that we love: https://www.autobodytoolmart.com/product/3m-cubitron-ii-18-inch-file-belt-33443/abrasive-belts
I second the Cubitron belts, they really hold up well.
Will check them out, thanks!

Yeah, tried those and was disappointed as well.