Cordless Detail Belt Sander CRAFTSMAN V20 for Tight HVAC Spaces

Description

“`html

If you’ve ever tried sanding inside a return air plenum, smoothing rough edges on sheet metal ductwork, or deburring cut pipe in a cramped mechanical room, you know standard sanders don’t cut it. We’ve been there—contorting ourselves into impossible positions while a bulky corded sander fights us every inch of the way. That’s exactly why we picked up the CRAFTSMAN V20 Detail Belt Sander to see if this cordless power band file could handle the tight-space metalworking challenges HVAC techs face daily.

After putting this tool through its paces on multiple job sites—from residential duct modifications to commercial pipe fitting prep—we found a surprisingly capable detail sander that punches above its weight class. The narrow profile and cordless design delivered exactly what we needed for finishing work in confined HVAC spaces where traditional belt sanders simply won’t fit.

Bottom line up front: This isn’t replacing your full-size belt sander, but for detail work on metal ductwork, pipe deburring, and finish sanding in tight quarters, the CRAFTSMAN V20 Detail Belt Sander proved to be the specialized tool we didn’t know we needed in our HVAC toolkit.

Why the CRAFTSMAN V20 Cordless Detail Belt Sander Stands Out for HVAC Work

The first thing that grabbed our attention wasn’t on any spec sheet—it was the sheer maneuverability. At just 10.5 inches long with a 3/8-inch x 13-inch belt, this power band file slips into spaces where our standard 3×21 belt sanders never stood a chance. We tested it inside installed ductwork, smoothing welds and sharp edges that would normally require hand files and serious elbow grease.

What really sets this detail sander apart is the articulating head design. The belt runs along a narrow arm that extends out from the body, letting you sand right up against perpendicular surfaces—think inside corners of duct joints or tight against wall penetrations. We found ourselves reaching for this tool constantly during duct modifications where sheet metal edges needed smoothing after tin snips left burrs that could cut through insulation or slice up hands.

The cordless V20 battery platform is the third standout feature that matters specifically for HVAC applications. No extension cords to trip over in crawl spaces, no hunting for outlets in unfinished mechanical rooms, and no cord getting caught on ductwork or piping. If you’re already invested in the CRAFTSMAN V20 system (and many techs are), this bare tool drops right into your existing battery ecosystem.

Compared to the narrow belt sanders from Makita and Milwaukee we’ve used, the CRAFTSMAN holds its own at a significantly lower price point. It doesn’t have the raw power of Milwaukee’s M12 fuel version, but for typical HVAC metalworking—deburring, edge smoothing, and surface prep—the performance gap isn’t worth the 60% price premium for most applications.

Key Features & Specifications

• Belt Size: 3/8-inch x 13-inch (narrow profile for detail work and tight access)
• Motor: Brushless motor for longer runtime and tool life—particularly valuable given the stop-and-start nature of HVAC finishing work
• Speed Control: Variable speed dial (650-1,200 surface feet per minute) lets you dial down for metal to prevent heat buildup and gouging
• Power Source: CRAFTSMAN V20 20V MAX battery system (battery and charger sold separately)
• Weight: 3.6 lbs without battery—light enough for extended overhead work on duct systems
• Dust Collection: Integrated dust port accepts standard shop vacuum hoses (critical for indoor renovation work)
• Belt Tracking: Tool-free belt adjustment knob for quick field changes when belts walk off center

The brushless motor specification deserves special attention. In our testing, this translated to noticeably longer runtime per battery charge compared to older brushed motor detail sanders. During a full day of duct modification work, we completed the job on two V20 batteries where we’d typically burned through three with our old corded setup (accounting for trips back to the truck when cords wouldn’t reach).

That variable speed control proved essential when working with galvanized ductwork. Running full-speed on thin sheet metal can generate enough friction heat to damage the galvanized coating or even warp the metal. Dialing back to 650-800 SFPM gave us controlled material removal without the drama.

Hands-On Performance Testing in Real HVAC Applications

We put this detail belt sander through three distinct HVAC scenarios to see where it excelled and where it struggled.

Test 1: Sheet Metal Duct Edge Finishing
After cutting and fitting a return air trunk line in a basement renovation, we had dozens of sharp tin snip cuts and burrs that needed smoothing. The CRAFTSMAN V20 made quick work of deburring edges, removing sharp points in seconds that would’ve taken minutes with hand files. The narrow belt reached into corners of rectangular ductwork where our 3-inch belt sander couldn’t fit. We burned through one 80-grit belt doing about 40 linear feet of duct edges—reasonable belt life for aggressive metalwork.

Test 2: Refrigerant Line Penetration Cleanup
When drilling through floor joists for refrigerant line runs, we’re left with rough holes that need smoothing to prevent vibration noise and protect the line insulation. The articulating design let us sand the curved interior surfaces of these penetrations—something that’s nearly impossible with traditional sanders. This is where the tool really shined, handling a task that normally requires multiple hand tools and considerable time.

Test 3: HVAC Equipment Stand Fabrication
We fabricated a custom steel equipment stand for a rooftop unit, which involved cutting angle iron and flat bar stock. After welding, we needed to grind down weld beads and smooth edges. Here, the CRAFTSMAN V20 hit its limitations. While it successfully smoothed weld ripples and deburred cut edges, removing significant material from heavy steel welds proved slow going. The limited belt width and moderate power meant this took longer than it would with an angle grinder or full-size belt sander. For heavy steel fabrication, this remains a finishing tool rather than primary stock removal equipment.

One pleasant surprise: battery life exceeded our expectations. On a 2Ah V20 battery, we consistently got 25-30 minutes of intermittent use (typical for detail work where you sand, check, sand, check). With the 4Ah battery, runtime essentially stopped being a concern for single-day applications.

What We Liked (Pros)

• Access to impossible spaces: The narrow profile and extended belt arm reached into ductwork interiors, corner joints, and tight mechanical room spaces where no other power sander we own could operate effectively
• Genuine cordless freedom: No extension cord management transformed this tool’s practicality in crawl spaces, attics, and job sites without convenient power access—we found ourselves using it far more frequently than our corded detail sander simply because setup time dropped to zero
• Excellent control for metalwork: Variable speed and lightweight design gave us the precision needed for sheet metal work without gouging or overheating—particularly valuable on pre-finished ductwork where you can’t afford to damage coatings
• Tool-free belt changes: The quick-release lever and tracking adjustment knob meant field belt changes took under 30 seconds without hunting for hex keys in our tool bags
• Effective dust collection: When connected to our shop vac, the dust port captured an estimated 80-85% of sanding debris—not perfect, but dramatically better than sanding without collection in occupied spaces

What Could Be Better (Cons)

• Bare tool only: At this price point,