Sanding small crate parts can feel too simple to track, but that is exactly why one edge often gets skipped. A rail may get two careful passes while the matching rail only gets a quick swipe before assembly.
For repeat work, write the grit sequence on a scrap of cardboard, a blue-tape flag or the corner of the bench: 120 for cleanup, 150 or 180 for touch points, then a final hand check. It does not need to be fancy; it just needs to be visible.
As each batch of slats, handles or corner blocks moves across the bench, use the note as a small checklist. If the part has been through that grit, turn it the same way in the stack or make a light pencil tick on the hidden face.
This helps most on repaired crates, where old wood, new patches and glue lines can all sand at different speeds. The note keeps the goal steady: remove splinters and proud spots without polishing one side so much that it no longer matches the rest.
The habit also makes cleanup easier. When the sanding block comes out again later, the grit note tells you where you left off instead of forcing you to guess by feel under shop dust.
Practical takeaway: before sanding a small crate batch, write the grit order where you can see it. Move every handled edge through the same short sequence, then do one final hand check before finish or reassembly.
SandingShop HabitsCrate Repairs