Best Overall
Makita BO5030K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
Runner-Up
DeWalt DWE6421 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
Best Bang for the Buck
Black+Decker BDERO100 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
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The finishing touches on a woodworking task can transform comely work into stunning craft , and nothing helps simplify the task like a palm sander . Some DIYers spend hours slowly sanding down wood projects by hired hand to achieve the thoroughgoing destination — a method that is undoubtedly rewarding but also fourth dimension - consuming and tiring . But a thenar sander can get you the same results ( if not better ) in less time . We researched and champaign - test some of today ’s most popular ribbon smoother to determine which are deserving their salt .
Whether you ’re see to impart a agio sander to your woodworking arsenal or just plan on renovate some older furniture , a proficient ribbon drum sander can be mighty useful forrepair and maintenancearound the house . That ’s why we aimed to admit a variety of different eccentric of sanders to suit various needs . For example , our Best Overall pick , theMakita BO5030 K 5 - in Random Orbit Sander , wowed us with its well - rounded design that makes it a handy tool for all variety of sanding tasks . Plus , it ’s a slap-up note value . But we also included more specialized tools . interpret on to discover why we think the models we pluck are the best palm sanders presently on the market place .
Our Top Picks
A sander ’s primary function is to fix a surface for a new finish , such as removing the refinement for a wood floor repair or even smoothing a hard - to - sand tight - set joint compound on dry wall . Nonetheless , this collection of top pick includes both bed sheet sander andrandom orbital sanders . We examine all the products below , evaluating them for stock removal , vibration , engagement with the workpiece , and other important features . All these sanders lead nice culture and did their job for stock remotion ; the difference are in the details .
Offered at a reasonable damage , the Makita random orbit smoother coalesce all the best features found in a peter in its category . During our hands - on testing , we find that it has the power needed for stock remotion , and it runs softly and swimmingly . This electric electric sander pushes enough power into to facilitate strain remotion without sending any uncomfortable vibe back to the exploiter ’s hand .
The Makita smoother ’s body is improbable and thin , making it easy to use for long jobs , and it has a decent cord length . It ship with a blow molded kit box for light storage in the shop or on the truck . The dust bag is a little better than average , and the dust containment works well , too .
Get the Makita orbital sander atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
The DeWalt random orbit sander delivers what ’s needed from a smoother . During our testing , we found that it removes stock excellently , will behind a nice finish to boot . Its counterweight design trim down vibration for smooth surgery , which is swell for extended jobs .
This sander engages with the workpiece faithfully , and it is easy to employ the switch . It ’s a compact shaft and has a small saddlebow , which may be an reward to some users . hold open by a spring , the dust bag is much better than middling and easy to underprice out . The sander machine is simple and it works well . While it ’s a short louder than other top picking , it ’s not too loud overall .
What our examiner says:“To be reliable , I was kind of skeptical about comparing a individual - f number random orbital sander to other models with more features and flexibility . However , this model from DeWalt proved more than desirable during testing . First , it feel lighter than the other corded models , and it was quite comfy in hand thanks to its summary and low-toned - profile design . ” — Tom Scalisi , Bob Vila tester and writerGet the DeWalt 5 - column inch thenar sander atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAce Hardware .
The Black+Decker smoother is ideal for occasional house - economic consumption jobs . The pecker remove stock , runs smoothly enough , and wo n’t break up the bank . It ’s priced at less than one-half of some of the more pro - focused tools , and we found that it also go swimmingly .
This sander ’s switch is sealed and occupy easily . It has a quality junk handbag for a budget - friendly tool . It runs smoothly and despite lacking a varying speed configuration and have a lower OPM than others , we found that it can work on rough pieces , open up the caryopsis of a small-arm of store to accept stain , or even sand a elusive drywall hangout .
Photo: Mark Clement for Bob Vila
Get the Black+Decker decoration sander atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAcme Tools .
Best Cordless
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Variable Speed Sander
The variable speed control of the DeWalt 20V Max XR cordless thenar sander allows it to be set as blue as 8,000 OPM for a hunky-dory finish or as high-pitched as 14,000 OPM when extra great power is require . The cordless hand drum sander feature a brushless motor that increases the lifetime of the creature by decreasing the friction within the motor . The cordless aim let it to be used in the pace , in the shop , or anywhere around the house without having to worry about dragging around an extension electric cord . The handy junk collector aid to keep a project clear-cut of debris .
We found that the DeWalt cordless sander ’s newspaper substitution is the best among the sander we tested , cordless or otherwise . The fact that it runs smoothly , without a corduroy , and and on equivalence with its corded counterpart makes this a versatile smoother . Factor in the nice switch and a variable stop number telephone dial on top of that and this DeWalt sander could discover a home doing more employment than just sand woodwork projects , include sandpaper fast - set joint chemical compound in a drywall resort on low - speed or detail sanding a floor resort . Swapping out the battery is easy , and the smoother feel nicely equilibrate .
Get the DeWalt cordless medal sander atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAcme Tools .
Photo: Mark Clement for Bob Vila
Most Comfortable
Bosch ROS20VSC 5-Inch Palm Random Orbit Sander
The Bosch random orbit sander delivered on all metrics during our bridge player - on testing . While it could be a bit grabby every now and again , it ’s not enough of a rationality to overlook its smooth , fluent , and easy operation . Generally speaking , most sanding is two - handed sanding , as one hand aid the other move the shaft along the work , sanding out fuss spots . This puppet ’s gravid pommel gives more surface area to fit two hands comfortably , making this creature the easiest for two - handed sanding among all the sanders test .
The varying speed dial on the rear of the handle enables customize the OPM to suit the projection at hand . The unit execute well across the instrument panel , from stock removal to all right finishing . It has a top - notch voiceless plastic dust container that is easy to install and remove .
What our tester says:“I like the affordable monetary value power point , make it a steal ( in my opinion ) . While I did think it felt a bit heavy compared to other cordless models , I liked the comfortable rubber grip and the fact that users could alter speeds easily . ”—Tom Scalisi , Bob Vila tester and writer
Photo: Amazon
Get the Bosch medallion sander atAmazon , The Home Depot , orAcme Tools .
Most Unique Design
Wen 6313 Electric 1/3-Sheet Sander
With a 1.2 - amp motor that delivers up to 12,000 OPM , this electric sander from Wen is sinewy enough for tough projects despite weighing in at only 3 pounds . During examination , the twilled purpose and padded grip allowed for long periods of comfortable working time without worry about go out of mogul , while the integrated debris - accumulation bag minimized sawdust and edit down on cleanup time .
This dual - handled , ⅓-sheet tool is also fun to habituate . While it has a pommel like a typical palm electric sander and can be used as such , it also has a handle extension like a belt sander . The electrical switch is very well-off to engage for “ on ” or ” off , ” it runs sanely smoothly , and it ’s terrific for both one- and two - handed military operation . While it has easy - to - economic consumption check for trapping ⅓ sheets of sandpaper , it ’s also compatible with hook - and - loop paper . Overall , it provided reliable stock removal , sufficient power , and comfortable operation .
Get the Wen palm tree sander atAmazon , Lowe’s , The Home Depot , orWalmart .
Photo: Amazon
Best ¼-Sheet Sander
Skil 7292-02 ¼-Sheet Sander With Pressure Control
During our hand - on testing , the micro - filtration system captured dust particles while we sand , keeping the surface of the task sportsmanlike . With up to 14,000 OPM , the Skil ¼-Sheet Palm Sander is sinewy enough for tough projects , while the press - ascendence scheme help even the most inexperienced DIYer hold the correct amount of pressure for the line of work . The twilled design and padded grip permit for long point of well-off working time without the user worrying about running out of power .
The tool does n’t amount with a punch to enable debris to lead into its fantabulous detritus container ; the user must punch the newspaper publisher manually , which is n’t the last of the world . Much well than a typical textile travelling bag , this severely , see - through plastic case with a filter activate the drug user to see when the case is full and does n’t allow much junk to become airborne or disgorge as with distinctive travelling bag . It offers telling stock removal and an easy - to - use switch .
Get the Skil palm tree sander atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orAcme Tools .
Photo: Amazon
Best Sheet Exchange
DeWalt DWE6411K ¼-Sheet Palm Grip Sander Kit
For site , workshop , or jobs where sandpaper need to be change out frequently , DeWalt ’s system is far and away the best among those we tested . A simple release in front makes catching the paper super tardily , as it promptly traps it in the back with the help of the conducting wire clinch .
With enough power for knotty material , the user can really lean on this peter to handle difficult stock remotion . It runs restfully , has a expert - than - modal debris bag , a build - in vac transcriber for hook right away to a vacuum without transition piece , an include sheet punch , a substantial corduroy , and it operates smoothly . By invention , the shaft is compact enough to allow user to work in slopped infinite .
Get the DeWalt ¼-sheet palm sander atAmazon , Lowe ’s , orThe Home Depot .
Photo: Amazon
Jump to Our Top Picks
How We Tested the Best Palm Sanders
We aim to include a broad array of use of goods and services in a individual side - by - side power sander test , including everything from bulk stock removal to surface detail . To do that , we chose to see how the shaft performed on a beat - up , atmospheric condition - tarnish Hem - Fir 2×10 that had been outside for a few month .
Because we wanted to re - produce typical utilisation cases for these sandpaper tools , we used each sand machine with three moxie of emery paper : rough ( 50 - guts ) , intermediate ( 80 - grit ) , and fine ( 120 - grit ) .
In addition to evaluating each tool ’s performance , we assessed the overall drug user experience . corduroy length and tractability , switches , paper exchange , smoothness , and comfort during utilization were also important standard during our hand - on tests .
Photo: Amazon
While sand projects can look super smooth before coating , applying a conclusion can bring out convolution marks or blemishes the au naturel eye would n’t otherwise detect . We apply a stopping point to the wood to check that the sanded area was completely smooth before applying a finish to the master spell .
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Palm Sander
take the right laurel wreath drum sander depend on the project . Some of the most important retainer let in whether the drum sander is cord or battery - powered , how many celestial orbit per hour it provides , and what dust - collection features it offer .
Corded vs. Battery-Powered
Most ability tools now add up with these two options for their model : corded and battery - powered . Depending on available infinite , a corded sander can be good and efficient , never extend out of power or slowing to a lower OPM level than needed . For undertaking in a cellar shop , a garage , or a shed , corded sanders tend to be the best option . Simply pair them with anextension cordand they can be used in any workshop space that has electricity .
stamp battery - power sanders decimate the need to finagle a cord , which can get in the agency on a workbench or a employment mesa . A cordless drum sander can be easily used while outdoors , or indoors where the exploiter is far from approachable outlets . While these sanders can have issues with maintaining a set OPM storey if their battery induce low , superfluous batteries can work out this result when they are switched at regular intervals . Cordless sanders also win out in terms of maneuverability . There is no need to sidestep cords to avoid tripping over them while working .
Orbits Per Minute
The al-Qaida of both a random - orbit sander and sheet sander move in flyspeck orbits . The dull the velocity of the orbit , the cooler the sander and emery paper will stay . However , the sander will also be slow and less aggressive at removing material . flying reach per minute ( OPM ) will finish a projection quicker but can also result in high temperatures that can damage warmth - sensitive material .
The right selection for optimal control for any undertaking is a ribbon sander with a variable fastness setting . This will allow the usance of the sander in o.k. program that require a slow OPM or in more extensive applications that would gain from a fast OPM .
Pressure Detection
Newer models of the palm sander are beginning to use atmospheric pressure - detection feature to help avid DIYers reach the pristine goal they ’re looking for . These pressure detection organisation influence by displaying a gauge on the side of the sander that indicates the amount of pressure being applied . If the press becomes too keen , a sensor light or a vibration alerts the user to comfort up the amount of force per unit area .
Dust Collection
Sanding woodis a mussy problem that ’s necessary for those who require certain projects or repairs to appear as perfect as possible . While each unit can be hitched up to a vacuum , where they will sand more expeditiously , dust - seizure container on some units have come a long way .
Even more important than the last finish of a undertaking is the user ’s wellness . Wearing a rubble mask while workings can forbid inspire any junk and wood fibers that are being kick up into the air , but a built - indust collectorcan supporter to promptly murder irritating or harmful particulate from a project before they can become airborne .
Additional Features
Many sanders come with additional features that can make a sand job easier . Since sanding can be a lengthy job , and work with a bulky woodwind sander can be tiring even after just a few minute , one of the best features to look for in a palm electric sander is an optimal ergonomic pattern .
Some manufacturers rivet on the professional program of laurel wreath sanders and contrive their tools with add up protection against impact . This prevents the tool from take a single smash and breakage . For those who frequently drop their tools or regularly dispose them into the back of a work motortruck , count choosing a palm smoother from aprofessional peter make .
Some woodworkers , finish up carpenter , or DIYers who make items in the workshop may need a more robust sander with a professional marque ’s characteristic to get the suavity of functioning that is helpful during long - length high - particular projects .
Photo: Amazon
Types of Sanders
There are varioustypes of sanders , and understanding which are appropriate for your needs is all-important while shopping . While all drum sander that can be held in the medal of one mitt are often lumped into a single class — palm sander — there are two different tools that do the same eccentric of work . Both sander types move emery paper in an orbital fashion , but they each do so other than . They also take two unlike types of emery paper and hand over different outputs of power and stock remotion . While both are useful tools , choosing the wrong type of sander for a woodworking project can lead to problems and forestall accomplish the want effect .
Sheet Sanders
The first type is call palm drum sander , also commonly mention to as piece of paper sanders . Typically , thenar smoother are stocky tool that require the drug user to cutsheet sandpaperinto rectangles , which are then held on the tool with consideration springs . The dear ribbon sander are design to move the sandpaper in a repeating scope to wear out away the grooves that the sandpaper gritrock leaves on the open . For serious work , a palm tree sander is followed by a final bridge player - sanding with the grain of the material . These sanders are best for unfinished Mrs. Henry Wood .
Random-Orbit Sanders
A random - orbit sander also swirls its platten ( the part the sandpaper move on ) , but in a much more gonzo and random field than a palm sander , creating fine convolution marks that are harder to see . They also retain their paper with “ hook and closed circuit ” ( Velcro ) rather than conducting wire clips . Their head are orbitual and they tend to go forth a better finish . They also cost more .
While both types of sanders are often used to remove finish — say , pigment from a objet d’art of furniture — finish remotion of anything much beyond a bed or two of a hard urethane is an rising battle for these tools . It ’s not because they do n’t have enough might ; it ’s because friction between the sandpaper and the finish create warmth . The heat melts and liquefies the finish , and that rapidly gums up the sand of the report . bridge player scratch often works best for several layers of conclusion removal .
FAQs
Sanders are all-important tools , even if they sit for longsighted period of time between uses . When sanding need to be done , it needs to be done well . With two basal types of handheld electric sander — random orbital cavity and palm sheet sanders — figuring out which tool work well at which diligence can need some study .
A random orbit sander is regarded as being the right of the two tools . While the square launchpad on a good palm electric sander may enable getting up nigh to something like an inner corner , random scope sanders in the main withdraw more stock . Plus , the noise of their orbits is harder to detect in a finished piece and they are less likely to wire through a finish .
Yes , a flat solid sander and a palm sander tend to be used interchangeably to account the same tool that hold typical sandpaper to the tool with a wire clamp . It is unlike the hook - and - loop tablet of random range sanders .
Photo: Amazon
Most of the sanders on our list perform comparably in price of their capableness for stock remotion and finish . But anecdotally , theSkil ¼-Sheet Palm Sanderseemed to be the most aggressive at murder stock during our examination .
Meet the Tester
Mark Clement has expend his whole biography in home improvement and maintenance . A carpenter and professional remodeler , he loves recount stories about pecker and how - to ’s in any way he can . With his married woman , Theresa Clement , he acquire the web log MyFixitUpLife , launch the way to other rest home melioration dangerous undertaking : trade display , podcasting , and television .
Tom Scalisi is a freelance writer specialise in the home design , construction , tools , and automotive industries . He has been involved in the trade for over 15 years as both a contractor and a commercial building shop mechanic , and he ’s always looking for unexampled tools and techniques .
Everything You take for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Photo: Amazon
Keeping your grass green and your plant thriving does n’t just take a green thumb — it start with the right tools and supplies .
