Best Overall
Wen 6377 Variable-Speed Dual-Head Drywall Sander
Best Bang for the Buck
Hyde 09170 Dust-Free Pole Sander Kit
Best Pole Sander
Marshalltown 48" Pole Sander With Aluminum Handle
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Drywall smoother aid make the grueling appendage of preparing sheetrock for paint or plaster faster and easygoing . These helpful tools are usable as both manually powered pole smoother and alternative with high-pitched - speed motors that pinch to convenient dust compendium systems . To help you prefer the version that ’s right for your next DIY project , we put seven democratic models through hands - on tests and reached out to a construction expert for additional insights .
ground on our efforts , we prefer theWen 6377 Variable - velocity Dual - Head Drywall Sanderas the top sheetrock sander for its herculean corded grammatical construction , well-heeled - to - maneuver design , and effective wet / juiceless dust compendium hose . Still , a few of the othertoolswe screen are worth considering . Keep reading to learn more about all the production that won awards and get item on which features matter most when selecting from among the sound drywall sanders .
Best Drywall Sanders Comparison Chart
Our Top Picks
The surveil products are our picks for the better drywall sanders available today . We propose you compare each option nearly before choosing the right ceiling sander on a pole or power dry wall sander for your needs .
The Wen 6377 drywall sanding emptiness is a corded galvanic mannikin with a 5 - amp head - go up motor that pivot and swivel for easy sanding . It offers variable speed between 600 and 1,500 gyration per minute ( RPM ) , seduce quick piece of work of big project . It comes with a standard 8.5 - inch round head teacher for large spaces and a triangular drumhead to reach niche , and no tools are necessary to tack between the two .
We establish we did n’t use the triangular head all that often in our tests , but having the option to do so is nice since paw - sounding corners with a block is the only alternative . When working on the ceiling , we take account the comparatively light weightiness of this tool ( just 9 pounds without one of the swappable heads attached ) and the fact that the system of weights is fairly equally dish out . The adjustable berm shoulder strap made using and carrying it even easier , and the 15 - foot hosiery allowed us to get up high while stay connected to our pissed / dry vac . Still , it would be nice if this wallboard sanding vacuum tool came with a udder . It does , however , come with a starter pack of sanding sheets that includes five of both round and triangle in backbone of 60 , 80 , 120 , 150 , 180 , and 240 .
What our quizzer says:“The swappable heads are great , as the rotary head can do the volume of the piece of work while the triangle - influence capitulum gets into corners — plus , they ’re very comfortable to change . We also really like the telescope and close up handle , which feel sturdy and unafraid during purpose but was easy to break out down for storage . ”—Tom Scalisi , Product Reviews examiner and writer
Get the Wen drywall sander atLowe’s , The Home Depot , orWen .
Manual pole sanders extend a down in the mouth - cost alternative to buying an electric sander machine for drywall , but their common drawback ( apart from the forcible effort required ) is that drywall dust gets everywhere . However , since the Hyde 09170 vacuum cleaner sander includes a hose bond plus an adapter that suit most wet / dry vacs , it strikes an splendid balance between low-cost and user - friendly .
Though this manual smoother take more physical input than a power option , we appreciated how much cleanup effort the hose saves us since it did such a good line of work pull together sanding dust . It even has adjustable vents that grant you to baffle the suction level to assure you take up up as much rubble as possible . We also liked that the swiveling head clamps to a sand screen rather than using hook - and - loop abradant and that the head remains flat during use alternatively of flipping over like many pole sanders do . Though this dust - barren dry wall sander outfit add up with a washable , reusable concealment , it does n’t let in a handle . It does have world-wide train of thought , however , so it will work with a standard Scots heather or catamount ’s pole .
Get the Hyde drywall sander atAmazon , Ace Hardware , orTarget .
A manual pole smoother is a cheap and efficient solution for those on a sozzled budget or with only a modest amount of drywall to sand . While it does n’t have a dust collection organization like the other manual sander we recommend , we like that this model comes with a lightweight atomic number 13 perch , which many competition omit . It also has a reenforce cast Al head that ’s lightweight and manoeuvrable yet does n’t flex . In our tests , the free - pivot head easily kept the harsh apartment against the wall instead of flipping over and marring the compound .
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Since we ’ve used this type of drywall rod sander for years , we feel like we know a lineament tool when we see one , and our tests proved our instinct were correct . We get it on that this good example utilize long-lasting sanding screens or else of miserable - quality sanding discs and that its quick - natural action clamps make sanding heading replacement improbably easy . We also really like the aluminum construction and smooth paint finale of the included pole , which is so prissy that we ’d like to use it with other tools . Unfortunately , we ca n’t because both ends are female thread ( one universal , one machine ) , so it wo n’t work with other rod - climb tool .
Get the Marshalltown rod sander atAmazon .
Best Cordless
DeWalt 20V Max* Cordless Drywall Sander
No mightiness ? No problem . The DeWalt cordless dry wall drum sander offers you the ability to bring in locating where no electrical energy is uncommitted . The 20 - volt brushless motor delivers competitive superpower , repel the 9 - inch head at speeds from 700 to 1,200 RPM . It also feature a tuner on / off control when pair with a compatible debris collector .
There was a lot to like about this fashion model during testing . The lack of a cord is a serious addition , and we found sand a ceiling much easy without worrying about tripping . To be honest , we did still have to watch out for the vacuum hose , but that ’s worth it since it eliminates so much muss . On the impudent side , the 5 - amp - minute battery only survive about 30 minute , so many substance abuser will want to invest in a 2d barrage fire to avoid constant interruptions to recharge . The tool also matte heavier than 12.6 pounds , but that could be because the tube , which double as a hold , is a scrap across-the-board , which is not the most ergonomic design .
What our quizzer says:“We really liked this whole ’s quick - liberation clinch , which made it easy to adjust the sander ’s length . We noticed we could go from walls to ceilings much quicker with this model than with those where you have to unscrew clamp and screw them back down again . ”—Tom Scalisi , Cartesian product Reviews tester and author
Photo: Tom Scalisi for Bob Vila
Get the DeWalt dry wall sander ( tool only ) atAmazon , Lowe’s , Ace Hardware , orThe Home Depot(with batteries and courser ) .
ALSO TESTED
The high - swiftness , cable - drivenF2C Variable - Speed Electric Drywall Sanderhas pretty decent exploiter critical review , and we assumed we ’d tally when we first jump testing . However , the cable created excessive tension on the front of the sanding tablet that hale it into fresh chemical compound , and the fact that the motor is in the handgrip meant its fan kept blowing detritus everywhere . We agree with users that its f number and weight are great , but we still think much better options are usable .
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Drywall Sanders
To ensure the wallboard electric sander we included in this guide can handle typical menage tasks , we call upon our many years of experience with tycoon tools , paw puppet , and DIY projects . We selected seven top - rat sanders and used each for several day , completingdrywall repairand working on a trial bulwark and ceiling .
Since we ’re also familiar withhow to sand dry wall , we used our knowledge to rate each option on speed , quilt , performance , and detritus compendium . We removed the sander that break our test from our list and gave awards to the remaining pick based on their strengths .
What to Consider When Choosing a Drywall Sander
Those who already own a sander might inquire whether a consecrated drywall drum sander is really necessary . While random orbital ordetail sandersmight be enough for minor areas , trying to sandpaper a whole room with one catch honest-to-goodness quickly . Knowing which features to attend for before using a manual or power sander on drywall will assist you choose the correct tool for the job .
Types of Drywall Sanders
While you could find manual sanding blocks in any computer hardware computer storage , their small size of it and the physical effort required to use them make them Laputan for sanding drywall . The most canonic alternative is a tumid inking pad attach to a rod . Not surprisingly , thesetypes of sandersare call perch smoother . Their heads can be oblong or round and usually sequester to a hook - and - loop sanding disc or sanding screen . advance versions comprise a hose you could attach to a wet / dry vac .
The other pick is an eclectic smoother , either a portable cable sander or a cordless version that ’s handheld or attached to a pole . These are effectively heavy - diam orbital wallboard sanders , and they commonly gazump up to a pie-eyed / dry vac or have their own junk - compendium system . A self - contain dustless drywall smoother is a speedy style to eat up drywall and dramatically reduces cleanup metre .
Motor Power and Speed
Electric dry wall vacuity sanders allow DIYers and professionals to work faster . Since their heads vary from 7 inches to 9 inches , these tools must have a moderately powerful motor to drive them expeditiously . A 5 - amp motor should be enough , but those with bigger project may want to look for a 7 - amp simulation .
Cordless models are rated in volts , which shine the stamp battery power , and most of the models currently available are 20 V . The Ah capacity of the shelling is another of import element . The higher the number , the longer the tool can run without needing reload . Pay attention when corrupt a cordless sander , as many are sold “ bare . ” While the price might look attractive , the assault and battery and the courser cost extra .
galvanic drywall sanders also offer varying velocity , improving control for speedy cloth removal or fine finishing . The specific will vary depend on the model , but the tools we considered ran between 500 and 2,000 rev .
Photo: Lowe’s
Flexibility, Hose Length, and Weight
Sanding drywall usually involves working up from the story to the cap and possibly across the ceiling surface . The reach ply by the drywall sander has a major impact on convenience . Handheld electric models — much like anorbital sanderfor wallboard but with a bombastic head — are often more affordable than long - reach interlingual rendition , but you ’ll necessitate a ladder to reach out the top of wall .
down in the mouth - cost manual rod sanders can offer good reach and have articulated joint that tolerate for multiple sanding angles . However , they may not come with a pole . Some manual sanders have rubble collection , but you ’ll still desire to tick that the included hosepipe is farsighted enough to reach your wet / prohibitionist vac . If the hose is on the short side , you ’ll need to keep the take in handbag or vacuity close , meaning it could get in the means .
Weight also is an important broker since most galvanising model have head - jump on motors . A heavy prick will examine tiring , peculiarly if you need to use the wallboard sander above articulatio humeri height for extended periods . Some vacuum suitcase have berm straps to overcome this trouble .
Photo: Amazon
Sanding Discs and Screens
Many wallboard electric sander use inexpensive and easy - to - modification bait - and - grommet disc . These come in a range of backbone , from 60 grit for flying real remotion to 220 grit for final coating before picture . The challenge with received sanding discs is that the disk can clog quickly , even on drywall sanders with dust collection .
Sanding screen are an alternative that can fit some creature . The mesh screen is resistant to tearing and does n’t clog as easy . Many can be rinsed and reuse , whereas discs are usually disposable . There is a wide-eyed compass of sand screens available for rectangular rod sander , which attach via clamps or clips . It can be difficult , however , to find screens for 9 - inch - diam heads that take hook - and - eyelet discs .
FAQs
While the technical information above may have answered many of your questions on the best drywall sanders , it ’s potential you still have a few lingering queries . The follow answers to oft enquire doubtfulness should help .
For small mend , such as patching after removingdrywall screws , finish sanders can do a reasonable problem . If you have a peculiarly wooden-headed area of compound you necessitate to remove , even handheldbelt sanderscan be utilitarian . But if you ’re working on a large field or multiple rooms , getting a drywall sander will be worth it . dry wall sanding tools more often than not have retentive handles so you’re able to work on wall and ceiling , and they offer much good debris ascendence to minimise the mess create by this task .
Yes , you may use a good hand sander on wallboard , however , the job will take considerably longer and probably be much dusty .
Photo: Amazon
It is advisable to wear off haphazardness auspices when using a drywall sandpaper auto since noise stage above 80 dB ( dB ) may cause listen deprivation . In workplace , the Occupational Safety and Health Administration ( Occupational Safety and Health Administration ) take hearing security for those experiencing wakeless levels above an average of 85dB for an 8 - hr twenty-four hours . Many drywall sanders are around this level , but even quieter , prolonged exposure can be uncomfortable .
Yes . harmonise to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention , wallboard dust can cause eye , olfactory organ , throat , and respiratory tract irritation . extend photo can lead to cough , emotionlessness product , and breathing difficulties . Using some kind of mask while sanding is vital , and we recommend a half - mask gas helmet with replaceable filters .
Drywall detritus is very fine and flies everywhere . wash it with a water atomizer helps it stick together , making it easy to strip up . Any atomiser bottleful that produces a somewhat fine mist will do . softly spray the detritus to make it damp ( not wet ) , employ a flabby broom to sweep up up as much as possible , and then hoover . Drywall rubble can well back up household vacuums , so it ’s best to apply a wet / dry vac .
Photo: Amazon
We ask Clark Lowe , President and CEO ofO’Connor Company , which grit he recommend . He said , “ For drywall , start with a medium gumption like 120 to smooth rough edges , then finish with a finer grit like 180 or 220 for a polished surface . ”
Mess- anddust - free sandingis easiest using the veracious tools and techniques . covering fire open doorway with plastic sheeting , circulate a drop textile over floor , and choose a dry wall drum sander with a vacuity attachment to clear away dust as you go .
work up expert Clark Lowe tell that “ Drywall compound should be left to dry for at least 24 hours , depending on the thickness of the app and room conditions like humidity and ventilating system . ”
Meet the Tester
Tom Scalisi is a full - clip DIY and construction author for many of the largest websites in the manufacture , including BobVila.com , This Old House , Family Handyman , and Forbes . He spend year work in the trades and industrial sustainment , undertake more drywall project than he can count .
extra research provided by Bob Beacham .
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