A pole sander is the perfect tool for sanding drywall joints on both walls and ceiling. To make a homemade pole sander from a standard sponge mop:
- Remove the sponge from the mop.
- Wrap a sheet of sandpaper around the sponge.
- Put the sponge back on the handle.
Watch the video above to find out more.
VIDEO TRANSCRIPT
Joe Truini: I know how much you all enjoy sanding joint compound, so I thought I’d share a trick with you. Now in this case, you see, we have damage on the ceiling. There’s water damage from a leak up above. We’ve since repaired the leak. Now we have to scrape off the popcorn, and spread compound on it, and start all over again. Doesn’t require a lot of sanding.
The tool we typically use to sand drywall compound is a pole sander. I don’t happen to have a pole sander, so I made one. I simply took a sponge mop—the kind that has the replaceable sponges. I popped off the sponge. I wrapped it in a 100-grit sandpaper, and I put it back on.
The back of it has a couple of little wing nuts that hold it in place, so you can replace the sponge or in this case the sandpaper. Once it gets worn you just pull it off and put on another one.
Now you have this nice, flat broad surface that you can sand an entire wall or ceiling. It’ll conform—because it’s a sponge—it’ll conform to any shapes on the ceiling. So you get a nice flat even surface.
Now remember when you’re sanding this, be sure to wear eye goggles and a dust mask to protect yourself from the dust.
Further Information
- Homemade Sponge Sander (video)
- Homeowner’s Guide to Sandpaper (article)
- Power Sanders 101 (article)
- Paintbrush and Tool Extension Pole Holder (video)
