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Whether you’re prepping for a paint job, patching up holes, or leveling freshly installed drywall, these sanders get the job done quickly and with minimal cleanup.
If you have problems with .css-3wjtm9{-webkit-text-decoration:underline;text-decoration:underline;text-decoration-thickness:0.125rem;text-decoration-color:#1c6a65;text-underline-offset : 0.25rem;color:inherit;-webkit-transition:all 0.3s smoothly in and out;transition:all 0.3s smoothly in and out;}.css-3wjtm9:hover{color:#595959;text- Decoration-color : border-link -body-hover;} When laying drywall, don’t let bad sanding ruin the final product. A drywall sander smooths out the ridges of dirt and plaster, leaving a smooth surface ready for painting. They come in a wide variety of sizes, from small portable models to powerful motorized models that can reach walls and ceilings. Because drywall dust is very fine and difficult to clean, drywall sanders also prioritize dust collection over orbital sanders, and most larger models can be connected to a separate workshop vacuum cleaner.
The sander has a long stand with a sanding surface attached to the end, allowing easy access to ceilings and walls without a ladder. They are great for general performance, but impractical for small tasks and localized processing.
Handheld drywall sanders offer more control and are ideal for small repairs and touch-ups on drywall and surfaces with delicate or decorative features.
Automatic sanders use a wired power supply to rotate the sanding pad, requiring less effort from the user. However, they require some training and you may accidentally measure a wall or ceiling if you are not experienced.
Drywall hand sanders provide a wide, flat surface on which to place sandpaper, but you’ll have to use your hands and some elbow grease to move the sander. While not as fast, they are much cheaper and lighter than the automatic versions. You can even find a hand-held nozzle at home with a mount that screws onto the broom handle.
Sanding drywall can generate a lot of dust, so if you want to keep post-project cleanup to a minimum, opt for a vacuum hose that attaches to a store vacuum cleaner. These hoses are supplied with most automatic sanders as well as some hand sanders. Just make sure the vacuum hose is the correct size for your vacuum cleaner.
I have completed a number of drywall sanding projects in my career, from grouting and sanding entire rooms and ceilings to patching small holes in wall anchors. This experience, plus extensive online research and expert opinions, has allowed us to list the best drywall sanders with confidence. We make sure to only include brands we trust, such as Hyde, Wen, 3M and Porter Cable, and exclude models that don’t meet our quality standards, from ease of use to durability and practicality for any type of work.
This automatic Wen model includes two different sanding heads, so whether you’re sanding large areas with the round attachment or working around edges and corners with the triangular attachment, you’ve got everything you need.
These sockets are also easy to install, so you don’t have to waste time looking for tools or fasteners when you need to replace them. This particular model is also an upgrade from the same 2017 version and features a more efficient dust collector configuration to improve dust collection.
The variable speed controller also enhances overall versatility and functionality as you can fine-tune the speed of rotation or vibration of the pad. This feature really comes in handy if you want to be more refined and avoid over sanding or planing your work surface.
This 9″ round attachment is compatible with any extension rod, and thanks to the convenient Velcro backing, you can remove and install interchangeable burrs in seconds.
Our favorite feature of this rug is its soft, pointed edges, which, unlike rugs with hard edges, are less likely to tip over and cause nasty damage to the drywall. Its steel core not only enhances durability, but also ensures it is placed evenly and balanced on the work surface.
This durable construction is especially important if you prefer to remove the pole and use it by hand for small tasks.
We have been using Festool power tools for many years and this professional drywall sander is a great example of their commitment to quality and precision.
Weighing just 7.9 pounds and perfectly balanced for maximum comfort, this is a great choice for those working on large multi-room projects. The brushed edges of the nozzle prevent excess dust from escaping, allowing the vacuum hose to do its job with ease.
You can even remove some of this edge to get as close as possible to difficult inner edges, reducing manual sanding time. This model is significantly more expensive than the other options on our list, but for those looking for a durable professional-grade option, this Festool model is well worth the investment.
The 8.5″ diameter round pad on this Wen model is suitable for larger sanding jobs, while the textured handle provides a comfortable grip and control while working.
We are very pleased that the handle can be attached to either side of the device, so it is comfortable for both right-handers and left-handers. What really sets this hand sander apart from similar models is that it comes with its own dust container, so there’s no need to purchase your own vacuum cleaner.
You can also adjust the suction power of the vacuum cleaner using the adjustment wheel mounted on the handle. Weighing in at 6.6 pounds, it’s relatively light and helps reduce hand and shoulder fatigue during all-day work.
This handheld grinder is a great option for those looking for the control and convenience of a handheld grinder, and you can also connect your own vacuum cleaner to it. The included hose comes with a connection adapter to fit any wet or dry vacuum cleaner and is six feet long, which is long enough to not drag the vacuum cleaner too hard.
A simple clip system makes it easy to switch sanding screens while you work, and there’s even a sanding screen to help you get started. In addition, the control valve at the bottom of the grinder allows you to adjust the suction force.
Inside corners are notoriously difficult to sand, which is why Norton sponges and their angled shape are such a useful option.
At 7″ long and 4.5″ wide, these handy grinders are large enough to get the job done quickly and hold them securely during use.
Because they are waterproof, they can be rinsed out if they become clogged, extending their lifespan and lowering the overall cost of the project. If you want to clean up corners quickly and easily, try these sponges.
With an aluminum handle and head, this handheld grinder is more durable than models with predominantly plastic parts, yet light enough for comfortable long-term use.
The rectangular head fits into corners with ease, and the 9.25″ length helps cover large areas of drywall with every pass. It’s also a great option for beginners as it features a simple clamp locking system to secure the sandpaper and a design to prevent accidental tipping. Marshalltown also provides a limited lifetime warranty on this grinder.
Alex Rennie is a freelance writer specializing in home improvement, DIY and tools. A former residential and commercial carpenter, Alex uses his hands-on experience to write helpful buying guides, how-to articles and product reviews. His work has also appeared in Business Insider’s Insider Picks magazine, and before he started writing, he worked as a full-time carpenter and lived in New York City. There, he worked as part of a team designing, manufacturing, and installing large-sized furniture, as well as undertaking various home renovation and maintenance projects. Alex currently lives in Los Angeles, California and spends his free time exploring the beaches and mountains with his fiancée and their dog Louie.
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Post time: Sep-06-2023