Sandblast Gun Not Feeding Media? 7 Fixes You Can Try in Minutes

When your sandblast gun stops feeding media, blasting power drops instantly. You’ll see weak impact, uneven finish, or even air only, no abrasive — one of the most common problems for both hobby users and industrial operators.

The good news?
Most media-feed issues come from simple causes you can fix in just a few minutes.

This guide explains 7 quick fixes to restore full abrasive flow and get your blasting efficiency back.

1. Check for Moisture in the Media — the #1 Silent Killer

Moisture causes abrasive to clump, bridge, and stick inside the gun or hopper.

How to fix:

• Drain the air compressor’s water trap

• Empty the abrasive tank and refill with dry media

• Add a moisture filter or air dryer

• Store media in a sealed bucket

Signs moisture is the issue:

• Media feeds for a few seconds, then stops

• Abrasive feels soft or sticky

• Visible dust clumps in the tank

2. Inspect the Nozzle — Worn or Wrong Size Causes No Flow

A worn-out nozzle changes air pressure and reduces suction.
A too-small nozzle restricts airflow and prevents the venturi effect needed to pull media.

What to check:

• Replace ceramic nozzles every 5–10 hours (depending on media)

• Upgrade to boron carbide for long life

• Match nozzle size to compressor CFM

3. Clean the Suction Tube or Pickup Line

If your sandblast gun uses a siphon system, any blockage in the pickup tube will stop media flow.

Quick fix:

• Remove the suction hose

• Blow compressed air through the tube

• Check the end of the pickup tube — remove any clog

• Ensure the hose isn’t kinked or flattened

4. Increase Compressor Power (Low CFM = No Suction)

Most media-feed issues come from insufficient air volume, not PSI.

Minimum requirement:

• Small guns: 6–10 CFM

• Medium guns: 10–15 CFM

• Heavy-duty guns: 15–25+ CFM

If CFM is too low, the gun can’t generate suction to pull media.

Quick fix:

• Reduce nozzle size

• Increase compressor CFM

• Avoid running multiple air tools on the same line

5. Check Abrasive Type — Wrong Grit Won’t Feed

Some media grades don’t flow well through smaller guns or narrow suction hoses.

Fix:

• Use consistent grain media like glass beads or aluminium oxide

• Avoid wet sand or low-quality mixed abrasive

• Use recommended grit size for your gun

6. Inspect Gun Interior for Wear or Damage

Internal wear reduces pressure and suction.

What to check:

• Venturi throat worn out

• Air jet misaligned

• Internal seals damaged

• Gun body cracked

These lead to air leaks that reduce media suction.

Quick fix:
Replace worn components or upgrade to a new gun if internal wear is serious.

7. Ensure the Media Hose Is Lower Than the Gun

Gravity matters.

A siphon gun needs the abrasive hose positioned below the gun to create proper suction.

Fix:

• Place the media container directly below the gun

• Shorten the suction hose if possible

• Avoid sharp bends or upward angles

Bonus: Fast Checklist (Bookmark This!)

If your sandblast gun is not feeding abrasive, check these in order:

1. Moisture in the media

2. Worn or wrong-size nozzle

3. Blocked suction/pickup tube

4. Low compressor CFM

5. Wrong abrasive grit

6. Air leaks or worn parts

7. Hose height and angle

Fixing just one of these usually restores full blasting power.

Want Reliable Sandblast Gun Performance?

If you’re tired of:

• inconsistent media flow

• weak blasting power

• fast-wearing nozzles

• downtime during jobs

Explore HOLDWIN industrial-grade sandblast guns & nozzles designed for stable pressure and long life.

Stronger suction, smoother flow, zero clogging — built for professionals.

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