If you're planning for an upcoming project that involves drywall, you may be considering doing all the sanding by hand. Unfortunately, this task can be very messy and exhausting. It may be a good idea to consider investing in a drywall sander.
Today, owning a drywall sander will not only make the task easier on you, but it will drastically cut down on the time spent doing work. Additionally, you'll want to do a little research before you purchase your drywall sander. Based on the overall quality and price of the sander, some items might be more of a hassle and could potentially add time to your project.
To help you make the best choice, we are going to review five of the best drywall sanders out there. Before you make your final decision, ask yourself these three questions:
Top 5: Drywall Sanders Review
Product Image & Rating (Out Of 10) | Product Name | Price |
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9.8 | ||
9.8 | ||
9.6 | ||
9.4 | ||
9.2 |
This lightweight PORTER-CABLE 7800 4.7 Amp Drywall Sander is a powerful and durable sander and is the perfect addition to your toolset. Note that while this product is lightweight, it is recommended that you have some experience with powered sanders before you use this product.
With that said, this sanders weighs 8.5 pounds. The dimensions are 64 x 11.8 x 11.5 inches, and it has a variable speed range of 1,400 to 2,000 RPM. Not only is it effective, but it also has a built-in 13 foot static-dissipating hose for convenient dust collection. Having this capability can cut down on clean-up time.
It has over 130 five star ratings, and many of these satisfied consumers are impressed with how light the sander is compared with other big brands. The lightweight feature makes it easier to use and allows you to stand for longer periods of time.
Another big selling point of the sander is the dust collection. While some say you may need to empty out the vacuum bag frequently, it sure beats hours of clean-up afterward. For contractors working in occupied homes, this is a very desirable feature.
As mentioned earlier, it may not be the best tool for beginners or those who have never used a drywall sander. Without a good amount of practice, you may see some swirl marks. Some have also said that the built-in brush skirt may get in the way of the sanding disc.
Pros
Cons
The WEN 6362 handheld sander weighs about 6.6 pounds and is a great tool for any home. The dimensions are 11.9 x 8.5 x 9.8 inches and its variable speed ranges from 1,500 to 2,300 RPM. It has an internal dust removal system and a 7.5 foot hose for dust control. It also has a reversible handle for left or right-handed people.
For the generally low price, many of the reviewers are impressed with the value of the handheld sander. Some have even said that it paid for itself within a few uses. On top of the great price, WEN offers a two-year warranty and a friendly customer service helpline.
While some have said that it does collect the majority of dust, a common complaint is that the dust collects in the head of the sander and when it is shut off, all the dust falls out. Many of the buyers suggest being very careful when sanding a ceiling. No one wants a face full of dust.
Pros
Cons
The Radius360 Sanding Tool weighs less than two pounds. But it's claim to fame is its size. The sanding surface is about 90% larger than most standard rectangle pool sanders with its dimensions at 8.8 x 2.5 x 8.8 inches. It can also easily transition to a hand sander.
Out of 108 reviews, 78% are five stars. Past consumers seem most impressed with the fact that it doesn't flip while sanding, minimizing the risk for wall gouges. This is a common issue with your average pole sander.
Others love the large size and round shape of the product. Additionally, the large diameter of the pad covers more surface area so you can complete your project in almost half the time. Not only that, but the round shape of the pad keeps it from getting stuck in corners, making it easier to use.
While most of the reviewers are in love with the product, there seem to be a few drawbacks. A few people reported that it's difficult to remove the sandpaper, and if it's not done carefully, it may damage the grip pad. Others have also said that the sandpaper may come up after a few uses.
You may also want to have a plan in place for the amount of dust that this sander will produce. Always wear a mask to protect yourself. It may also be a good idea to seal off the work area to prevent dust from spreading through the house.
Pros
Cons
The Goplus Electric Handheld Drywall Sander has variable speed control with a range of about 800 to 2,400 RPM.
If you’re looking for a handheld sander with a built-in vacuum feature, this may be your favorite one on the list. Handheld sanders are notorious for kicking up a lot of dust and this built-in vacuum can help to minimize that. The only drawback with the vacuum seems to be the hose connection. Some buyers say the clips come off too easy.
Well priced, this sander weighs only seven pounds. It also comes with a built-in LED adjustable light, making it easy to always see where you’re sanding.
The product seems to be a perfect choice for absolute beginners. The smaller size and light weight make it easy for almost anyone to use. Sanding is already such a tiring activity, why not make it a little easier on yourself.
It doesn't seem like the product can get all the way in the corners. However, the handle is removable, allowing you to get closer than other handheld sanders. We believe this product will be better suited as an at-home DIY project as it is not a professionally certified product.
Pros
Cons
The ALEKO 690E is a great product if you're looking for a real heavy-duty industrial sander. This sander is best fit for professionals who might have to sand drywall on a regular or semi-regular basis.
This model is a sturdy 14.2-pound sander. The sander has vacuum attachments that can fit into any standard Shop-Vac. The dimensions are 6 x 35 x 11 inches and has an adjustable speed range of 1,000 to 2,000 RPM.
A few of the reviewers are handymen or contractors and have great things to say about this one. However, one buyer noted that even though the sander worked great on their walls, it did not perform well on the ceiling. In particular, the weight of the tool made it difficult to balance.
While many are impressed with the dust collection, a common complaint is the holes on the head becoming clogged with dust. This doesn’t seem to be a deal-breaking issue, so make sure to weigh your pros and cons if considering this item.
Pros
Cons
best drywall sander
It’s hard to say which drywall sander is the best as it all really depends on your project and experience. With that said, we believe in the Porter-Cable brand since they make great tools. Therefore the Porter-Cable 7800 is our top choice. This sander is balanced, lightweight, and comes with a reliable, functional vacuum.
Of course, the price is something to keep in mind when you’re looking for a sander. If you are looking for a sander for only a few uses, you may not want to invest too heavily. While the Porter-Cable is awesome, it’s a better investment for a professional.
For an easy price-point, the WEN 6362 is a great product. The large range of speed and the dust minimization makes this tool an excellent value. WEN products are backed by a two-year warranty, giving you plenty of peace of mind with your project.
If you have an idea of which tool is your favorite, don’t hesitate to check out the product page to get a better idea of its specifications. The great thing about Amazon is the fast-shipping and extensive reviews. If you’re starting your project soon, it's important to consider purchasing the sander before you need it.
Other options
Many people also end up getting a drywall screw gun to go with their sander, and we have reviews just for that!
Final Verdict
Drywall sanders are a must-have if you plan on doing any sort of drywall work in the future. They cut down on the time, clean up, and even physical effort. Although most sanders will require some extra labor getting into the corners, you can’t beat the time saved on the rest.
Be sure to keep a lookout when it comes to knock-off brands or extra cheap tools. While you think you’re saving money, you may actually be throwing away your money by purchasing a poorly designed product. You want to feel comfortable with your tools.
Make sure that you also look into the best sander for your project needs and personal experience. Many of these sanders are beginner-friendly and easy-to-use. Get ready to find your perfect sander and you’ll be on your way to completing your drywall project.
