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Top 10 Best Power Sanders

Be it rust or paint removal, metal polishing, or sanding wood, the best power sander accomplishes each task in less time and with minimal effort. Available in both cordless and corded designs, you can choose any, depending on whether you’re a DIYer or a professional craftsman.

For DIYers who indulge in minor home renovations, cordless sanders work best. On the other hand, professionals would find corded models handier due to their higher OPMs and power.

But which is the best power sander? How to buy a power sander that suits all requirements?

This article will answer all these questions. All you need to do is keep reading.

What Features To Look For When Buying A Power Sander?

Narrow your research for the best power sander with the following buying tips.

Type Of Sander

Among the various types of power sanders, orbital and random orbital are your go-to types. Both these sanders use an “orbital” motion for light to heavy-duty applications. These include making or restoring furniture, stripping paint, countertop smoothing, etc.

Note: A random orbital sander orbits in a figure eight-type pattern to do away with the swirl marks. Check out this video for a better comparison between these two sander types.

Dust Collection

Even a few minutes of sanding work generates a good amount of sanding/sawdust and other debris. A built-in dust collection bag helps store all this stuff for disposal later.

Variable Speed

If the power sander has variable speeds, you can adjust the sanding speed according to your project for better and fast results. Most sanders have 2-6 variable speed settings.

Dust-Sealed Switches

Only buy a power sander with a dust-sealed switch. Such switches are protected with a special cover to prevent any dust accumulation. As a result, the product runs for longer.

Balanced Weight

Whether buying a power sander for short- or long-term, always use counterweighted models as they feel “just right” in every human hand. This also prevents hand fatigue or pain in a particular region of the palm.

Hand Grip

Not all power sanders have a rubberized grip. Some cheap models have plastic-based gripping as well. This is what you must avoid!

A rubber-based hand grip is soft on your palms and vibration-absorbing. Furthermore, rubber grips don’t develop cracks at higher OPMs.

10 Best Power Sanders - Reviewed In Detail

From orbital sanders to palm sanders, from DeWALT to BLACK+DECKER, I’ve bought and tested the best models and brands. Among them, these 10 power sanders made the cut.

BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander

BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander

Specifications

Get it here on Amazon: BLACK+DECKER Random Orbit Sander

If you’re a DIYer searching for a reliable and compact power sander for your wooden crafts, check this Random Orbital Sander from BLACK+DECKER.

Fitted with a decent 2A motor, this orbital sander delivers over 12,000 OPM (orbits per minute). As a result, you get a quick swirl-free finish on any wooden piece, which means no or minimum scratches.

Are you wondering how to attach and detach the grit paper? It’s very straightforward with the hook-and-loop attachment system. I liked this system as it also prevents damage to the grit paper while removing it.

With its paddle switch functionality, you can easily switch the sander on or off while holding it. Do you work for extended hours and often face hand fatigue with other sanders? You won’t feel it with this model due to the comfortable rubber grip with an anti-slip coating.

Coming to the messy sanding aftermath, luckily, you’ll hardly see any sanding dust adorning the surface with a built-in dust collection bag taking charge.

Pros

Cons

AVID POWER Orbital Sander

AVID POWER Orbital Sander

Specifications

Get it here on Amazon: AVID POWER Orbital Sander

While the above sander is primarily for DIYers, professional craftsmen can consider this AVID POWER Orbital Sander for their wood-based projects. And here’s why.

This random orbital sander is decently sized to cover more area in less time for a swirl-free finish, even hard-to-reach corners. Application-wise, you can deploy it for car paint removal, rust removal, metal polishing, and wood polishing (or sanding). But don’t use it on walls!

Despite being compact, it has a powerful 2.8A motor that delivers 13,000 RPMs. With 6 variable speeds, you can run the sander at the most appropriate speed for your project and achieve better results.

Don’t worry about the handling, as its rubberized palm grip design suits every palm size and prevents any slippage or hand fatigue. Isn’t this a must-have if you work on big and time-taking projects?

Pros

Cons

BLACK+DECKER MOUSE 1.2 Amp Electric Detail Sander

BLACK+DECKER MOUSE 1.2 Amp Electric Detail Sander

Specifications

Get it here on Amazon: BLACK+DECKER MOUSE 1.2 Amp Electric Detail Sander

Another power sander worth considering from BLACK+DECKER is this MOUSE 1.2A Electric Detail Sander. Continue reading to know why the company has named it “MOUSE.”

If you check its design, its sanding area is slightly pointed, unlike other circular sanders. This gives it a mouse-like ability to reach and sand even the toughest areas no other sanders can reach. In addition, the accompanying “detail finger attachment” further fortifies the sander’s versatility.

Talking about the motor, it may not be the best (in Ampere) at just 1.2A, still, the motor delivers a staggering 16,000 OPM for a fast-paced sanding.

The dust collection bag is also quite unique because of the micro-filtration system. It keeps your project and the surroundings free from sawdust and debris. Don’t bother about the bag’s capacity and quality, as the company has done a good job here.

Lastly, the 3 position grip at the top is super comfortable and humanized for utmost ease while sanding. All these aspects make this BLACK+DECKER MOUSE Orbital Sander a steal deal under $50.

Pros

Cons

BOSCH ROS20VSC Palm Sander

BOSCH ROS20VSC Palm Sander

Specifications

Get it here on Amazon: BOSCH ROS20VSC Palm Sander

This BOSCH Palm Sander is my favorite of all the models I’ve reviewed in this piece.

Though a little pricey, the features it brings to your table makle it worth it. To start with, it houses a variable speed dial in the front that lets you adjust the sanding/polishing speed per the project’s requirements.

The motor has the standard rating of 2.5A and delivers a peak 12,000 OPMs. The best thing is that you won’t feel any vibrations even at such high OPMs due to the built-in “vibration control mechanism.” So thumbs up for that!

At the bottom of the sander, you find the integrated pad dampening system comprising a microcellular backing pad. If you’re wondering what that is, it simply prevents swirl marks during sanding.

The dust collection canister is also the standout feature of this sander that collects every dust particle, no matter how small it is, even 0.5 microns.

Pros

Cons

DeWALT Palm Sander

DeWALT Palm Sander

Specifications

Get it here on Amazon: DeWALT Palm Sander

If you want to try something more unique than the regular disc sander, look at what I’ve found for you - DeWALT ¼ Sheet Palm Sander.

Instead of a sandpaper disc, this sander uses ¼ inches sheets of sandpaper that are long-lasting and yield better finishes at 14,000 orbits per minute. A powerful 2.3A motor powers this sander.

On the design front, the sander is lightweight, compact, and sturdily built. In addition, its rubber over-mold texture lends a good and tight grip for sheer control while sanding. I also liked the paper clamp in the front, which ensures more sandpaper sheet retention.

Since wood sanding generates a huge amount of sawdust, it’s common for the sander’s switches to get covered with it, thus reducing their shelf life. However, DeWALT has taken care of the same by placing a “rubber dust boot” over the switch.

Pros

Cons

SKIL Corded Multi-Function Detail Sander

SKIL Corded Multi-Function Detail Sander

Specifications

Get it here on Amazon: SKIL Corded Multi-Function Detail Sander

This SKIL Corded Multi-Function Detail Sander will suit you if you want a power sander for more than just regular wood.

Besides sanding, this power sander comes with 3 other attachments to finely finish large surfaces, any surface contour, and corners/edges. These attachments are made of high-quality materials and are easy to attach/detach.

The motor is suitable for minor home renovations at 1.2A and the maximum OPMs delivered are 13,500 for more work in minimal time! Another highlight of this SKIL Power Sander is its dust collection system.

Unlike other sanders with a single collection bag at the rear, here you get two! You can choose between the micro-filtration system for smaller dust particles and the 1-1/4” dust port for vacuum attachment. This perfectly sucks up all the large dust remains.

Pros

Cons

GoGonova 6 Speeds Random Orbital Sander

GoGonova 6 Speeds Random Orbital Sander

Specifications

Get it here on Amazon: GoGonova 6 Speeds Random Orbital Sander

The GoGonova 6 Speeds Random Orbital Sander operates the most powerful motor, rated at 3A. Thus, this model is your answer if you’re wondering what the most powerful orbital sander is.

However, the OPMs delivered are not much, with the peak being 13,000 OPMs. Still, you won’t find any lag while sanding contoured or flat surfaces. With 6 variable speeds, you can match the required speed as required by your project.

I like the ergonomic palm design with a soft-touch rubber coating that helps grip and absorb considerable vibrations. You get a transparent dust collection system with a vacuum adapter to suck every sawdust and debris generated during sanding.

As accessories, GoGonova provides you with 15 pieces of sanding discs of 80, 100, and 120 grits for various applications. And the conventional hook and loop system allows a quick disc replacement without any damage.

Pros

Cons

DeWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander

DeWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander

Specifications

Get it here on Amazon: DeWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander

If you often struggle to arrange for a reliable power switch to run your sander, let go of this struggle with the battery-powered DeWALT 20V MAX Orbital Sander.

DeWALT has also housed a brushless motor inside the sander, in addition to a high-performance, quick-charging, and long-lasting battery. As a result, you get double the standard runtime and four times the sanding efficiency.

The orbits per minute (OPM) are 12,000 due to its cordless design. If you’re a professional artisan who undertakes major projects at hand, I don’t suggest it to you. DIYers can’t ask for more than this, on the contrary.

The sander’s dust collection system is basic, and so is the gripping strength. Talking about the size, this orbital sander has a low-height profile for accessibility in tight corners.

Pros

Cons

DongCheng Random Orbit Sander

DongCheng Random Orbit Sander

Specifications

Get it here on Amazon: DongCheng Random Orbit Sander

This DongCheng Random Orbital Sander is a corded model with a 3A copper motor that delivers 12,000 OPMs to cater to your finishing applications. And with a unique structural design, rest assured of at least 22% longer life when compared to its competitors.

I also like the power cord length of 9-feet for more coverage area without searching for a nearby power socket. Some vibrations are produced as you reach higher OPMs, but the counterweight balance design manages it well!

Dust collection bag may look average but it’s sturdily built and ensures no dust particles escape its walls. You receive 10 sandpapers, a detachable dust bag, and a pair of carbon brushes as accessories.

Pros

Cons

TECCPO Detail Sander

TECCPO Detail Sander

Specifications

Get it here on Amazon: TECCPO Detail Sander

Last but not least, here’s my recommendation for absolute beginners who are trying their hands on home-based finishing jobs.

The key highlight of this sander from TECCPO is the 1.5mm diameter high eccentric orbit that covers a bigger sanding area in one go. Thus, more finishing in relatively less time. Its 1.1A motor with a peak 14,000 OPMs delivery further cuts down your sanding time.

Another plus point of this sander is its fan-driven dust collection system that traps every dust particle and ensures nothing flies back out again. With the sander, the package includes 12 pieces of coarse, medium and fine grade sandpaper for varied applications.

Lastly, the hand tool easily fits in small hands with the soft rubberized grip ensuring no slippage.

Pros

Cons

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is The Best Type Of Power Sander?

Ans: An orbital sander is the best type of sander for fine jobs. It delivers a swirl-free finish on any surface, are lightweight, and features a palm grip at the top for easy one-hand handling.

For instance, check out this on Amazon: AVID POWER Orbital Sander (affiliate link ).

Which Is The Best Sander For DIY?

Ans: This sander on Amazon: BLACK+DECKER MOUSE 1.2 Amp Electric Detail Sander (affiliate link ) is my top recommendation for DIYers. It’s cheap, extremely compact, and delivers 16,000 OPMs for fine detailing.

Which Sander Has The Best Dust Collection?

Ans: On Amazon the BOSCH ROS20VSC Palm Sander ( affiliate link ) has the best dust collection with a micro-filtration system. This system helps it trap even the minutest dust particles measuring 0.5 microns.

Conclusion

Here you go. Today’s power sanders come in all price brackets, from the cheap models for basic wood sanding to expensive ones for multi-functionality. Thus, it’s not as easy to choose the best power sander as you would think.

To make things easy for you, I discussed my top 10 tried and tested sanders in this piece along with the crucial features to look for. Go through each review and make an informed decision.