The Clarke EZ-8 is confusing because Clarke made two completely different versions with the same name. One uses clamping-bar sheets (like the DU-8), the other uses an expandable drum with belts. If you've rented an EZ-8, you need to know which version you have—order the wrong sandpaper and you're dead in the water. This guide covers both versions, how to identify yours, and the correct sizes for each.
Clarke EZ-8 Specifications (Both Versions)
| Specification | Clamping Bar Version | Expandable Drum Version |
|---|---|---|
| Sandpaper Type | Sheets (clamping bar) | Belts (expandable drum) |
| Sheet/Belt Size | 8 × 19.5 inches | 8 × 19 inches |
| Drum Width | 8 inches | 8 inches |
| Motor | 1.5 HP | 1.5 HP |
| RPM | 1725 | 1725 |
| Weight | ~72 lbs | ~72 lbs |
| Common Year | Older models (pre-2010s) | Newer models (2010s onward) |
How to Identify Your Clarke EZ-8 Version
This is critical. Look at the top of the drum sander:
Clamping Bar Version (Older)
- You see a metal bar that hinges up and down at one end of the drum
- Sheets slide under this bar and are clamped down by tightening a lever or knob
- The drum itself is smooth and rigid (doesn't expand)
- Looks very similar to a Clarke DU-8 (and is functionally the same)
Expandable Drum Version (Newer)
- No clamping bar visible; the top of the drum looks smooth
- The drum has a seam down the middle (the expandable sleeves)
- Belts wrap around the drum and are held by the drum's expansion
- You'll see a lever or knob on the side for expanding/contracting the drum
Call the rental company if you're unsure. Tell them the year of the machine or ask directly: "Is it clamping bar or expandable drum?" They know instantly. Getting this wrong wastes money.
Clamping Bar Version: 8×19.5" Sheets
If you have the older, clamping-bar style EZ-8:
Sandpaper Type and Specifications
- Exact size: 8 × 19.5 inches (same as Clarke DU-8)
- Backing type: Paper or cloth (standard)
- Grit range: 36–180 grit available
- Coat type: Closed coat (standard for hardwoods)
Virginia Abrasives Clamping Bar Sheets
Order these specific products:
- VA 60 Grit, 8×19.5" (first pass)
- VA 80 Grit, 8×19.5" (second pass)
- VA 120 Grit, 8×19.5" (final pass)
Loading Instructions (Clamping Bar)
- Turn off and unplug the machine
- Open the clamping bar (hinges down)
- Slide the new sheet under the bar, aligning edges
- Tighten the clamping lever (snug, but don't over-tighten)
- Roll the machine forward gently to check for wrinkles
- Ready to sand
How Many Sheets Per Room?
| Room Size | 60 Grit | 80 Grit | 120 Grit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 250 sq ft | 3–4 | 2–3 | 2 |
| 400 sq ft | 5–6 | 4–5 | 3–4 |
| 600 sq ft | 8–10 | 6–8 | 5–6 |
Expandable Drum Version: 8×19" Belts
If you have the newer, expandable-drum EZ-8:
Sandpaper Type and Specifications
- Exact size: 8 × 19 inches (note: 19", not 19.5")
- Format: Loop/belt (not sheets)
- Backing: Cloth or polyester (standard)
- Grit range: 36–180 available
- Coat type: Closed coat (standard)
Virginia Abrasives Expandable Drum Belts
Order these specific belt products:
- VA 60 Grit, 8×19" Belt (first pass)
- VA 80 Grit, 8×19" Belt (second pass)
- VA 120 Grit, 8×19" Belt (final pass)
Loading Instructions (Expandable Drum)
- Turn off and unplug the machine
- Locate the drum expansion lever (usually on the side or back)
- Pull the lever to expand the drum slightly (makes it easier to wrap the belt)
- Wrap the belt around the drum, aligning one edge with the drum edge
- Release the expansion lever to contract the drum and lock the belt in place
- The belt should be held snugly by the drum's grip
- Ready to sand
How Many Belts Per Room?
Same as the clamping bar version (see table above). Consumption is identical.
Key Difference: Sheet vs. Belt
Why does the size differ by 0.5 inches?
- 8×19.5" sheets are cut flat. The 0.5" overlap provides adequate cover when clamped to the 8" drum.
- 8×19" belts are formed into a loop. The 19" loop wraps around an 8" drum with a slight gap (which is fine; the drum expansion holds it).
The difference is small but critical. Order the wrong size and it won't fit or won't function properly.
EZ-8 vs. DU-8: Which Machine Do You Have?
Easy confusion: both are Clarke 8-inch drum sanders. Here's how to tell:
| Factor | Clarke DU-8 | Clarke EZ-8 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Badge | Clearly marked "DU-8" | Clearly marked "EZ-8" |
| Design | Only clamping bar | Either clamping bar OR expandable |
| Sandpaper | 8×19.5" sheets always | 8×19.5" sheets (old) or 8×19" belts (new) |
| Market Position | Professional/reliable choice | Budget/easier loading |
| If You're Unsure | Check the machine badge/label | Check the machine badge/label, then call rental |
Sanding Technique (Both EZ-8 Versions)
Technique is identical regardless of which version you have:
Grit Sequence
- 60 grit: First pass. Opens the surface and removes old finish.
- 80 grit: Second pass. Removes 60-grit scratches. Critical pass.
- 120 grit: Final pass. Smooth, stain-ready surface.
Sanding Best Practices
- Sand with the grain. Always.
- Overlap passes by 3–4 inches to avoid striped patterns
- Don't linger. Keep the machine moving steadily. Hesitation causes gouges.
- Use light pressure. Let the weight and drum speed do the work.
- Empty the dust bag frequently. A full bag reduces suction and loads sandpaper faster.
- Edge separately with a Clarke 7R or hand-sanding after the main sanding
Troubleshooting
Sheet/Belt Slips
Clamping bar: Tighten the clamping lever more. Don't over-tighten; you'll strip the mechanism.
Expandable drum: Lever might not be releasing fully. Pull it harder. If the belt still slips, the drum expansion is worn and needs service.
Uneven Sanding
- Not overlapping passes sufficiently. Increase overlap.
- You're moving too fast. Slow your pace.
- Drum might be slightly out of alignment (rare). Have the rental company check it.
Sheet/Belt Tears
- Over-tightening the clamping bar (clamping bar version). Loosen slightly.
- The drum expansion might be too aggressive (expandable version). Have the rental company adjust.
- Nail or wood splinter hit the sandpaper. Inspect the floor before sanding.
Sandpaper Options
Virginia Abrasives (Recommended)
- Industry standard; consistent quality
- Available on Amazon with Prime shipping
- Price: ~$3–$5 per sheet/belt
- Available in all grits: 36–180
3M or Bosch
- Premium option; slightly higher cost (~$5–$7)
- Excellent consistency; ideal for fine work
Generic or Budget Brands
- Variable quality; may be dull out of the box
- Not recommended for a floor refinish
After Sanding
- Vacuum thoroughly with a HEPA filter
- Tack with a damp cloth to remove dust
- Let dry 24 hours before staining
- If grain raises, light 150-grit pass is optional but improves final finish
Complete Shopping List for a 400 sq ft Floor (Clamping Bar Version)
- 6 sheets Virginia Abrasives 60 Grit, 8×19.5"
- 5 sheets Virginia Abrasives 80 Grit, 8×19.5"
- 4 sheets Virginia Abrasives 120 Grit, 8×19.5"
- 3–4 edger discs (Clarke 7R or compatible 7-inch discs) in 60, 80, 120 grit
Total cost: ~$60–$80 for sandpaper; ~$30–$40 for edger discs
Complete Shopping List for a 400 sq ft Floor (Expandable Drum Version)
- 6 belts Virginia Abrasives 60 Grit, 8×19"
- 5 belts Virginia Abrasives 80 Grit, 8×19"
- 4 belts Virginia Abrasives 120 Grit, 8×19"
- 3–4 edger discs (same as above)
Total cost: ~$60–$80 for belts; ~$30–$40 for edger discs
Shop Virginia Abrasives on Amazon
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Need the full grit progression? See our sandpaper grit chart for the complete NWFA-aligned sequence with machine compatibility and sheet counts.