The Porter Cable 371, a 2 1/2 by 14-inch belt sander, is by far one of the best belt sanders any carpenter can have. This belt sander is compact and small enough to hold with one hand, making it perfect for sanding down shims, toe kicks, small brad nails, screws, providing paint-grade sanded finishes, and shaping panels. I have personally used this sander for up to seven years before Porter Cable halted production, making it almost impossible to find anywhere. Parts are also impossible to find, so you need to hold on to the old broken ones and salvage them for parts.
I have been searching for a good small handheld sander like this one for so long. I have finally found it! The Triton 2 1/2 by 16-inch belt sander is perfect and, in some cases, even better than the original Porter Cable 371. The Triton is 2 inches longer, allowing you to sand over more surface area. With its 2 1/2-inch belt width, it’s still small enough to get into smaller spaces and light enough to hold with one hand. The 2 1/2 by 16 sanding belt is commonly used and is easily available at any hardware store or online.
There is no bulky handle at the back of the sander, which gives professionals the ability to one-hand this sander and rough sand something in the field. It has a good grip, so it feels like a small hand tool. It operates at 3.5 amps.
In conclusion, while the Porter Cable 371 remains a cherished tool for many due to its compact size and versatility, the Triton 2 1/2 by 16-inch belt sander proves to be a worthy successor. Its extended length, availability of sanding belts, and user-friendly design make it an excellent choice for carpenters seeking a reliable and efficient handheld sander. Whether you're working on fine details or larger surfaces, the Triton sander delivers outstanding performance, ensuring you have the right tool for the job.
Replacement for Small belt sanders.
