How to Use an Edging Sander
Written by: Samina Ahmed
Date: 15 July 2025
Categories: Sanding, How to Guides - Tools, Inspiration - Tools, Tips & Advice - Home Improvement, Tips & Advice - Home Improvement, DIY,

Hands up, who knows how to use an edging sander?
No need to worry if you don't know. That's what HSS DIY are here for!
If you're giving yourself the challenge of restoring your wood floors, you're going to need an edging sander along the way.
Find out how to use an edging sander and how the power tool can help you with your flooring transformation.
What is an edging sander?
An edging sander is a tool specifically designed for sanding the edges & corners of floors.
Where can I use an edging sander?
You can use an edging sander in a range of areas that a standard floor sander can't reach like:
- skirting boards
- edges of walls
- under radiators
- stair treads
Are edging sanders easy to use?
Absolutely! Once you've read through the instructions, you'll be an edging sander professional.
Ready to get started?
Let's get in to it.
How to use an edging sander: step by step instructions
- Before you start, remove all furniture, curtains, wall hangings & anything else that can get caught in the edging sanders way.
- Next, use a nail punch & a hammer to drive any protruding nail heads below the surface.
- Once all the nail heads are below the surface, open all the windows so the room is fully ventilated.
- To set up the edging sander, turn it upside down and unscrew the centre bolt with the key provided. Place your chosen sanding disc on to the sander, then use the key to screw the bolt back in through the centre of the disc.
If you're unsure which sanding disc to use, we'd recommend starting with a medium grade, then work through to a finer grade until the finish you want has been achieved.
Make sure the sander is turned off and unplugged before you set it up. - Next, attach the dust bag by clipping it into place at the back of the sander.
- When the sander is set up, turn it the right way up and plug it in using an RCD plug.
- Before turning the sander on, get your safety equipment on. You'll need googles/glasses, ear defenders, gloves and a mask.
- It's time to start - take the power cable and put it over your shoulder. Get in to a kneeling position and tilt the sander back on it's castors.
Turn on the power tool by pressing & holding down the on/off switch. If you release the switch, the sander will stop working. - Lower the sander until it makes contact with the floor and off you go! The disc will move anti clockwise to sand your flooring. Move the tool back & forth along the edges of the room or area you're using it.
You won't need to use addition pressure to ensure the sander is doing it's job. Let the sanders own weight carry itself over the floor. - When the sander is in use, make sure to move it straight lines only. If you don't, you might rut the floor.
- Once the work is done, tilt the machine back on it's castors, release your right thumb from the on/off switch & wait for any moving parts to stop before putting it aside.
- Switch the sander off at the main power supply, remove the disc and dust bag then give the machine a good clean.
Neatly coil the power cord on the back of the sander, so it's ready to be return to your local HSS branch.
Want to see how it's done?
If you'd rather see how an edging sander works, watch our instructional video below.
Transform your wood flooring with HSS DIY
And just like that, you've been given all the information you need to renovate your wooden flooring by using an edging sander.
The powerful tool can get right in to those tight, hard to reach places so your entire floor can be sanded.
Easy to set up & use, our edging sander can be perfectly paired with our floor sander. Together they work as a sanding power house duo for your flooring transformation.
Check out all our sanding equipment at HSS DIY. If you have any questions or queries, contact your local HSS branch and speak to one of our colleagues who are always happy to help.
FAQs
Can I hire an edging sander from HSS DIY?
Yes, you most definitely can hire an edging sander from us.
You can either hire the tool by itself or you can choose the floor & sanding hire pack where you'll get both the edging sander & floor sander.
Can I use the edging sander on my entire floor?
We wouldn't recommend you use the edging sander on your entire wooden floor.
Stick to using it for the edges and corners of your room.
If you need to cover a larger area, hire our floor sander which has been designed to sand the main section of the floor.
What type of vehicle do I need to collect the edging sander from my local HSS branch?
To collect the edging sander from your local HSS branch, you'll need a vehicle that's the size of an estate car.
If your vehicle isn't big enough, you can have the edging sander delivered to your home instead.





















































