High-Performance Sanding Belts for Metal, Wood, Composites, and More

Explore Our Range from Coarse Grinding to Fine Finishing – Custom Size Orders Welcome

Over 50,000 Sanding Belts in stock ready to ship, plus custom belts available. Largest selection of sanding belts online offered in Aluminum Oxide, Zirconia, Ceramic, and non-woven surface conditioning belts. Empire Abrasives is trusted by professionals for sanding belts and grinding belts for every application, from metalworking to woodworking and knifemaking

Sanding Belt Sizes

We stock an extensive range of sanding belt sizes, including popular dimensions like 2x72 sanding belts, 1x30 sanding belts, 4x36 sanding belts, and 3x21 sanding belts, with widths from ⅜” to 52” and lengths from 13” to 103”.

How to Measure Sanding Belts Length 

Not sure what size sanding belt to order? If you have an existing belt, you can use that to measure for a comparison. 

• For an old/worn out belt you don’t plan on reusing, simply cut the belt and measure it from end to end.
• If your only belt(s) is still in working condition, press the belt flat and measure it from end to end. Multiply that number by 2 and that is your sanding belt length.

Wide Belts

Our selection of wide sanding belts and extra large sanding belts are commonly used by our customers with industrial or larger-scale machinery. These larger belts range from 25 inches up to 52 inches in width, and lengths from 48” up to 103”. For other sizes, we do also offer the ability to place orders for custom sanding belt sizes.

Custom Sanding Belts

Need custom sanding belts? If your machinery requires non-standard sanding belt dimensions, we can help. Empire Abrasives can get your custom sized sanding belts made quickly. Whether it's a unique length, width, or a specific abrasive material for your custom belt, our specialists are ready to assist.

Choosing the Right Sanding Belt Abrasive Materials

The abrasive material of your sanding belt is key to its performance, durability, and the finish you'll achieve. Different materials excel on different surfaces like metal, wood, or plastics. Here’s a quick guide to the abrasive grains and materials we offer. 

• Aluminum Oxide Sanding Belts - An economical option that is considered a general-purpose abrasive for sanding and grinding. Aluminum oxide is a great sanding belt for wood, composites and plastics as well as grinding ferrous metal. 
• Ceramic Sanding Belts - Ceramic alumina is a stronger abrasive material that self-sharpens and has the added benefit of running cooler than most of its alternatives. Ceramic is one of the best sanding belts for metal like super alloys, stainless steel, nickel, cobalt and non-ferrous metals.
• Zirconia Sanding Belts - Zirconia, aka zirc, belts are a fast cutting and grinding abrasive. Unlike aluminum and ceramic, zirc sanding belts can be used for both wet and dry applications.
• Silicon Carbide Sanding Belts - Silicon carbide is a commonly used abrasive for floor sanding belts. This abrasive is useful for sanding hardwood floors and concrete as well as on stone, glass, and some non-ferrous metals or for between-coat finishing in woodworking.
• Surface Conditioning Belts - Non-Woven Surface Conditioning Belts are excellent for cleaning, finishing, blending, and deburring metal surfaces. They provide a uniform finish without undercutting the workpiece. Ideal for creating satin finishes or removing rust and discoloration.
  

FAQ

What are the Best Sanding Belts for Knifemaking?

Abrasive belts are one of the most important tools in a knifemaker’s workshop. Using a belt grinder with knives significantly speeds up the process of grinding down and shaping the blade and/or the handle. 

The best sanding belt for knifemaking depends on the task:

• For aggressive steel removal (profiling, bevel grinding): Ceramic belts are top choice. They cut fast, last long on hard steel, and are great for coarse grits (e.g., 36-120 grit).
• For versatile steel and handle work: Zirconia belts offer a great balance of performance and durability. They work well for stock removal and shaping both steel and handle materials across various grits.
• For finishing, handle shaping, and general use: Aluminum Oxide belts are economical and excellent for finer grit work (e.g., 220-800+ grit), achieving smooth finishes, and working on wood or contoured handles, especially with flexible J-weight backings.
• For ultra-fine finishing & consistent scratch patterns: Structured abrasive belts (like Trizact™) are ideal for achieving a high-quality, uniform finish before polishing or for a refined satin look.

How do you Clean Sanding Belts?

Like any other abrasive products, sanding belts can get loaded up with material through regular use. To extend the life of your sanding belts, you can clean most of the accumulated material with a rubberized cleaning stick, also available for sale on EmpireAbrasives.com.

Can I use sanding belts for wet sanding?

Yes, but not all of them. Some zirconia and ceramic belts, and most silicon carbide grinder belts can be used for dry or wet sanding. Be sure to check the product specs on each to make sure the belt material is waterproof.