Sanders @ Power Tools Supply

Black & Decker MS500K Mouse Sander/Polisher/Detail Sander Kit with 14 Accessories

Black & Decker
Shipping weight: 3.7 pounds
ASIN: B0000302UY
Check price and buy @ amazon.com

This mouse sander/polisher is ideal for sanding, polishing and scrubbing projects.

Features:

Ideal for sanding, polishing and scrubbing projects
Storage case organizes and stores accessories and tool
Lightweight ergonomic design with soft grips for maximum comfort
Interchangeable bases for let you maneuver in tight places and into corners
Velcro fastening system for quick and easy pad changes

Amazon.com Review
The smooth, contoured grip on Black & Decker's Mouse sander/polisher fits snugly in your hand, making this tool remarkably easy to use. The two interchangeable bases are easy to put on and take off (although we had to do it a couple of times to get the hang of it). The iron shaped base is specially designed for larger sanding, scrubbing, and polishing jobs, while the base with a detail tip is perfect for maneuvering in smaller, hard-to-reach areas. The Velcro fastening system makes paper changes quick and easy, saving you both time and frustration. And, because the tip of the sandpaper commonly wears out first, each sheet of sandpaper comes with an extra tab; simply rip the tab off along the perforated lines and use it to replace the tip when it wears out. The Mouse runs at 11,000 orbits per minute, a nice balance between strength and finesse.

We tested ours sanding in between chair spindles and were immediately impressed with the smooth (and fast) results. Then we switched bases and put the Mouse to work on larger surfaces; vibration was minimal. The Mouse is easy to control which is a big plus if you plan to use the tool for long periods of time. It's a great buy for home hobbyists. In fact, when you get right down to it, your imagination might be the only limit on how many projects this tool can tackle.

From the Manufacturer
The Mouse Sander/Polisher is ideal for sanding, polishing and scrubbing projects. Its interchangeable bases help you squeak in and around tight spaces and corners so you can reach all surfaces. This unit runs at 11,000 orbits per minute which can tackle just about any job around the house. It features a lightweight/compact design with soft grips to maximize comfort and control, plus a Velcro fastening system that makes paper changes fast and easy. Includes: kit box and 14 accessories.

Technical data:

Amps: 5
Volts: 115 AC
Watts out: 575
Orbits per minute: 11,000
Strokes per minute: N/A
Orbit diameter: N/A
Stroke length: N/A
Pad size: Tear drop
Paper attachment type: Hook and loop
Grip type: Palm
Cord length: 6 ft.
Cord type: 2-prong, rubber
Paper included: 22 sheets
Grade: Consumer
Country of manufacture: Mexico
Also included: 23 accessories
Variable speed: No
Ball bearing construction: Yes
Dust collection: Yes
Cushion grip: Yes
Orbital motion: Yes
Dust bag included: No
Sandpaper included: Yes
Carrying case included: Yes
Other features: Dust-sealed switch
Length: 11-7/8 in.
Width: 4-5/8 in.
Height: 12-3/4 in.
Tool weight: 3 lbs.
Shipping weight: 3.4 lbs.
Product: 30-day no-risk trial, 2-year home-use warranty
Service: None

Customer Reviews:
Need Feedback from "Orange" Mouse Owners, September 14, 2002
Reviewer: A home improvement enthusiast from Pennsylvania
Reviews by early (dark blue-green) Mouse owners indicated that the baseplate won't stay on after significant use. Second-generation (orange) Mice, however, have two screws for the baseplate rather than one; does this fix that problem?

P.S.: Sandpaper for mice is available at some home improvement stores at half the price. It doesn't have the replacable tip like the B&D paper, though.

P.P.S.: The new Mega-Mouse has a 50% larger sanding pad and is much more ruggedly built, but it's also much heavier and larger. I.e., it might not be a good replacement for a Mouse in all situations.

Sandpaper availability is limited., February 26, 2002
Reviewer: tricia94523 from Pleasant Hill, CA USA
I have very small hands and most sanders are too uncomfortable to use. The Mouse was the perfect solution for me. It fits my hand and is lightweight so I can use it for longer periods without having to stop and rest my hand.

The first project I used it for was to sand a child's rocker. The finger attachment was perfect for sanding down spindles and hard to reach places.

I used the polisher on an oak table and was pleased with the results.

Actually, the only complaint I have is the availability of sandpaper. It can be found here on-line, but if you really need some right away the only place I've found so far to carry sandpaper is Ace Hardware. And both Ace and on-line prices are high.

If you can accept the price of paper and can find it, then the sander is well worth the money.

good but not great, February 20, 2002
Reviewer: richard moyer from Sullivan, MO USA
I refinish a lot of furniture and love the way the mouse handles but after two months the paper will not stay on. I looked for a replacement pad but after reading everyone else's responses I see that I'm not the only one with this problem. The paper is too high.

I love it!!1, January 3, 2002
Reviewer: Leslie Hemme from Lancaster, CA USA
Yes the paper is exprensive and I had to glue that velcro pad back on the base but other then that I have had no problem. If they only sold the paper in bulk!

Convenient, but poorly made, January 3, 2002
Reviewer: A home improvement enthusiast from Pearland, TX USA
The size and shape of the sander made it useful for detail sanding, but after about a dozen uses, the adhesive holding the velcro pad to the base began coming loose. I've glued it back on, but do not think there is any excuse for it coming loose in the first place - I've never had any problems with my Porter Cable random orbit sander. My recommendation is to ante up a little more money and buy quality.

This mouse is a louse, December 11, 2001
Reviewer: Randall K Sparks from Mount Gilead, OH United States
I bought this thing about 6 months ago. I've used it only a few times. I'd guess 2-3 hours of total use. The little plastic teeth that secure the base to the sander have broken off. The only thing holding the base on now is a single screw.

I should have known better. I have shyed away from cheap tools for many years after my experience with other Skil and Black & Decker junk. I'm going back to the more costly but durable and dependable tools.

Nix the Velcro, Black & Decker!, November 26, 2001
Reviewer: Woodworker from Long Beach, MS United States
I am an avid woodworker and use my Mouse on a daily basis. The only problem I have with this sander is that if you, like me, change sanding pads frequently - either from heavy use or to change to a finer/coarser grit sand paper - you will find that the velcro adhesive comes apart from the base. I tried gluing the velcro back on, which works as long as I don't change pads again. Once I change the sandpaper out, no matter how careful I am to hold the velcro while pulling the sandpaper off, the velcro still will not stay.

I have considered buying a different detail sander, but do like the Mouse for its lightness and orbiting features. The Mouse's size also enables me to get into smaller areas, which helps with the type of woodworking I do. Because of the positive features, I have settled into a compromise with the beast. I no longer have the velcro on the Mouse at all, but use adhesive sandpaper which I put directly onto the cushioned pad where the velcro used to sit. I have to trim the sandpaper to the correct size and shape, but it works just as well. If it weren't for the velcro pad not holding up, I'd give this little sander five stars.

poorly made, November 23, 2001
Reviewer: Alan Kinsolving
I could tell from looking at this sander that it wasn't "industrial quality" but I really thought it would last longer than a week. After a week of use (probably 9 hours actual on-time) the pad at the front was shot, the motor would only work intermitently and the on/off switch had broken. The first time I took it apart (to bypass the on/off switch) the thing was already jammed with sawdust. The second time I took it apart(to see why the motor wasn't working) I found that the motor was the cheapest looking little sealed unit I've ever seen. No chance you are ever going to replace the brushes in this thing. Of course there is also no chance it will last that long.

If you plan to do anything more demanding than clean the grout in your kitchen, look elsewhere.

This rodent needs better teeth, October 26, 2001
Reviewer: A home improvement enthusiast from Austin, TX USA
A year after I purchased it, I finally opened the case and put this tool to the test by finish sanding an oak door and sidelights which I had just stripped. It seemed perfect for the detailed molding and narrow rails and styles. About three hours into the task the point of the pad was worn and wouldn't hold the tip of the sandpaper securely. After eight hours, the pegs used to attach the base to the sander were so badly worn that only the screw was holding the base plate on the unit. It was much faster than hand sanding but I sure didn't expect to wear the unit out on the first job. I haven't looked into the cost of a new base plate but if its comprable to the sand paper then I think I now have a corded paper weight.

Has Great Potential- but won't stay together!, May 1, 2001
Reviewer: jelizuba from DeSoto, IL USA
This sander has great potential- the size is nice and it works really great with one major exception. The mouse itself has an orange layer which the velcro sensitive pad adheres too. This has a mildy adhesive substance on it which is completely gone after only using the mouse for one small project. The sandpaper stays on the velcro pad with no problem so I don't understand why they didn't use the same idea for attaching the velcro pad to the mouse. The sawdust from the wood completely obliterated the adhesive that was on the mouse- which would be expected since it is a woodworking tool. I have had to use electrical tape to keep the thing together in order to use it.