How to Cut Sandpaper

This one is SIMPLE! But don't underestimate it. I've seen a lot of people damage shears by cutting sandpaper with them.

Materials you need:

- Sandpaper
- Straight edge
- Scribe (this one is carbide)

I did this at TechShop Detroit: "Build Your Dreams Here"! Using your tools safely and to their best advantage!

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Step 1: What To Do

Step one: TURN YOUR PAPER OVER so the gritty side is facing down. Mark any size and shape you need on this smooth paper side.

Step two: Use your scribe along a straight edge (or maybe a template if you want to make curves or complex shapes) and SCORE the paper. Don't try to go through, we don't want to dull the scribe with grit.

ta-dah! You'll see that the paper weakens so it will tear with a very clean edge.

hjjusa says: Apr 10, 2012. 10:00 AM

I allways jus fold my sand paper backing side out and run along my sanding disc, the disc scorres the paper and I just tear it along the crease.

ilpug says: Mar 28, 2012. 4:45 PM

My dad who was a painter would always fold it in half by hand and then cut it using the putty knife on a painters tool.

Jason von Techshop (author) in reply to ilpugMar 31, 2012. 5:39 PM

this works well - same general idea. what's nice about scoring from behind is you could actually cut points/curves/circles by tracing a scribe around a template.

profpat says: Mar 30, 2012. 8:58 PM

l like it!

Jason von Techshop (author) in reply to profpatMar 31, 2012. 5:38 PM

gracias!

biomcanx says: Mar 29, 2012. 9:24 AM

I've always just had a hacksaw blade attached to my workbench. I feed the sand paper or emory paper under the blade and use the teeth of the blade to tear the paper to the desired width.

Jason von Techshop (author) in reply to biomcanxMar 31, 2012. 5:38 PM

this is a great idea!

criswilson10 says: Mar 30, 2012. 1:11 PM

Fine grit sandpaper will usually clean/sharpen the scissors, but coarse grit sandpaper will definitely gouge, dull, and scratch up scissors.

SlickSqueegie says: Mar 28, 2012. 6:44 PM

Actually, cutting sandpaper "sharpens" scissors... I know it sounds crazy. But it really works. I use my scissors all the time on sandpaper and they don't get dull...