How To Change The Sandpaper On A Black & Decker 7404 Finishing Sander

The Black & Decker 7404 is a hardworking, light-duty finishing sander that can enhance the workshop capabilities of any do-it-yourself homeowner. This sander has a standard 4-by-5-inch sanding pad that uses precut sandpaper sheets, making it an effective tool for any size project. Achieving a smooth, blemish-free surface involves a standard method of beginning with a coarser sandpaper and working the surface with progressively finer sandpapers until the desired finish is reached. The Black & Decker 7404 makes the necessary sandpaper changes for standard finishing a simple procedure.

Tip: Black & Decker provides a sanding pad key tool with the 7404 sander that can be used in place of the standard screwdriver in this procedure.

Step 1

Disconnect the sander's cord from any power source.

Step 2

Turn the sander over and rest it on the handles with the sanding pad upward.

Step 3

Remove the existing piece of sandpaper, if applicable. Locate the small slot in the tensioned end clip securing the sandpaper at both ends. Insert the tip of a standard screwdriver into the slot at either side and lift the screwdriver upward to bind the clip and release the end of the sandpaper piece. Repeat the procedure on the opposite end to detach the existing sandpaper.

Step 4

Insert the screwdriver tip into either tensioned end clip and lift the screwdriver upward to bind the clip and spread the sandpaper opening. Slip the end of the new sandpaper piece approximately 1/4-inch into the clip and flush with each side of the sanding pad. Release the pressure on the screwdriver to secure the end of the sandpaper in place.

Step 5

Fold the sandpaper piece flat and smoothly over the sanding pad and slightly curl the end downward to align it with the other tensioned clip.

Step 6

Insert the screwdriver tip into the tensioned end clip and lift the screwdriver upward to bind the clip and spread the sandpaper opening. Slip the end of the new sandpaper piece fully into the clip and flush with each side of the sanding pad. Make certain the sandpaper is laying flat on the sanding pad and release the pressure on the screwdriver to secure the sandpaper in place.