# Best grit to smooth burrs? **URL:** \ **Category:** Yo-Yo Mods and Maintenance\ **Created:** [September 30, 2014, 9:46pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-grit-to-smooth-burrs/69804 "2014-09-30T21:46:45Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 9\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Nikolai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8491ac/32.png) [@Nikolai](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Nikolai)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 9:46pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-grit-to-smooth-burrs/69804/1 "2014-09-30T21:46:45Z")
What grit of sandpaper or emery cloth should I use to smooth out all these burrs that have been cutting my hands recently(because I’ve been “shredding”[-spencer berry] too hard) I don’t intend to polish the metal at all just get it somewhat smooth. ---
**Author:** ![Moise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/moise/32/955_2.png) [@Moise](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Moise)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 9:50pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-grit-to-smooth-burrs/69804/2 "2014-09-30T21:50:29Z")
> [@Nikolai](#): > > What grit of sandpaper or emery cloth should I use to smooth out all these burrs that have been cutting my hands recently(because I’ve been “shredding”[-spencer berry] too hard) > > I don’t intend to polish the metal at all just get it somewhat smooth. i have gotten dings out by using 400 grit, but that was with the yoyo spinning on a lathe. if youre doing it by hand, you will probably want something LOWER than that, around 200 maybe. note that if you sand a yoyo, you will be removing the top layer, and thus the anodization will rub off, leaving you with a raw aluminum color. ---
**Author:** ![jasonwongzero](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jasonwongzero/32/725_2.png) [@jasonwongzero](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jasonwongzero)\ **Post date:** [September 30, 2014, 10:06pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-grit-to-smooth-burrs/69804/3 "2014-09-30T22:06:59Z")
I’d start with 400 and see how that goes. It it’s a very deep gouge and you just want to smooth out the burr, you could also try using a nail file very gently as well. Sometimes a metal nail file or even emery board nail file will give you a little more control vs. sandpaper. Jason ---
**Author:** ![mullicabob](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/mullicabob/32/1108_2.png) [@mullicabob](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/mullicabob)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2014, 12:27am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-grit-to-smooth-burrs/69804/4 "2014-10-01T00:27:44Z")
Glass beads propelled by compressed air. ---
**Author:** ![jasonwongzero](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/jasonwongzero/32/725_2.png) [@jasonwongzero](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/jasonwongzero)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2014, 12:37am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-grit-to-smooth-burrs/69804/5 "2014-10-01T00:37:49Z")
> [@mullicabob](#): > > Glass beads propelled by compressed air. Great choice assuming one has access to a blasting setup and has the knowledge to operate one. Should note, however that blasting is only a good option if you’re committed to doing the whole YoYo. Not a good choice for small, local repairs. Jason ---
**Author:** ![Nikolai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8491ac/32.png) [@Nikolai](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Nikolai)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2014, 1:29am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-grit-to-smooth-burrs/69804/6 "2014-10-01T01:29:16Z")
> [@jasonwongzero](#): > > Great choice assuming one has access to a blasting setup and has the knowledge to operate one. > > Jason Unfortunately both my uncle and my buddy’s machine shops don’t have a blasting setup. Thanks for all the help guys ! I’ll probably end up using some 400 grit for now. ---
**Author:** ![rizki\_yoist](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/flex015/user_avatar/forums.yoyoexpert.com/rizki_yoist/32/7925_2.png) [@rizki\_yoist](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/rizki_yoist)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2014, 6:42am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-grit-to-smooth-burrs/69804/7 "2014-10-01T06:42:18Z")
Nail file can be more accurate in flattening sharp dings… sandpapers can scratch unwanted places if you are not super careful. ---
**Author:** ![Mikers](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/958977/32.png) [@Mikers](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Mikers)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2014, 8:36am UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-grit-to-smooth-burrs/69804/8 "2014-10-01T08:36:32Z")
I have an Avon nail file with a Penguin on it I’ve been using to file burrs since high school. Definitely worth the like, 75¢ I paid for it. Definitely pick something similar up and toss it in your yoyo drawer/case/closet/whatever. Its not even metal, it seems to be a dense foam, but its held up. ---
**Author:** ![Nikolai](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/n/8491ac/32.png) [@Nikolai](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/u/Nikolai)\ **Post date:** [October 1, 2014, 10:06pm UTC](https://forums.yoyoexpert.com/t/best-grit-to-smooth-burrs/69804/9 "2014-10-01T22:06:26Z")
> [@Mikers](#): > > I have an Avon nail file with a Penguin on it I’ve been using to file burrs since high school. Definitely worth the like, 75¢ I paid for it. Definitely pick something similar up and toss it in your yoyo drawer/case/closet/whatever. > Its not even metal, it seems to be a dense foam, but its held up. Haha a penguin, have you used it on a puffin? Hehahahe