How Fine Should Material Be For Meyer Handheld Spreader? Can Sand Go Through It?

Published 10/06/2025

Question:

How fine should the material be for this Meyer handheld spreader? I’ve got some leftover sand from last year’s mix. mostly want it for salt though

asked by: Ron

Expert Reply:

Ron, that’s a good question - you’ll want to skip sand with the Meyer handheld spreader # ME83FR. Like most small handheld spreaders, it’s meant for free-flowing rock salt, calcium chloride pellets, or fine-grain fertilizer. Sand tends to clump and jam the agitator, especially when damp. It's possible it may work a little bit, but they don't advertise it works with sand; for sand mixes, you’d need a larger auger-type or tailgate spreader.

To reiterate, if you're mainly using for salt, but want to try it with sand, there's no harm in that. I just wouldn't buy it primarily for sand if that makes sense.

What kind of surface are you de-icing - walkways, drive, or stairs? That helps narrow down which spreader style will be most efficient for you.

expert reply by: Andrew N