Belt sanders are identified by which of the following characteristics?

Belt sanders are primarily identified by the width of the belt. This characteristic is crucial because it directly influences the sander's performance, including the area of material that can be covered in a single pass and the type of jobs for which the sander is most suited. Wider belts are generally used for larger surfaces and more aggressive material removal, while narrower belts are better for detailed sanding work or tighter spaces.

While weight, power cord length, and noise level can play a role in the usability and performance of a belt sander, they are not defining features that classify the type of sander. The weight might affect portability or ease of use, the power cord length pertains to convenience, and noise levels are related to user comfort and safety. However, it is the width of the belt that is the key distinguishing feature when identifying and differentiating between various belt sanders in a practical context.