If you’ve gone to the bother of installing drywall sander, you don’t want a shoddy sanding job to damage the finished result. These are intended to smooth away mud and spackle, resulting in a smooth, even surface that is suitable for painting. They come in a variety of sizes, from small, portable versions to heavy-duty electric ones that can reach the tops of walls and ceilings.
Top 8 Best Drywall Sanders for Amateurs & Professionals
Because drywall dust is incredibly fine and notoriously difficult to clean up, drywall sanders emphasize dust collecting over standard orbital sanders, and most bigger choices can connect to a separate shop vac.
What to Think About
When selecting a drywall sander, the most essential question to ask yourself is, “How much drywall sander will I be sanding?” This is crucial to understand since if you have a very large task, like as many rooms, you’ll generally want to go with an option that needs the least amount of work to run. Going for a cheaper, smaller alternative may seem like a good idea at first, but it will most certainly take much longer and will most likely not be worth it in the long run. For minor drywall repair projects, such as home repairs or single walls, a single sanding block or sponge is generally more feasible.
How We Decided
In our experience, we’ve worked on a variety of drywall sanding tasks, from mudding and sanding whole rooms and ceilings to repairing minor holes caused by wall anchors. This expertise, along with extensive internet research and expert comments, has provided us with the knowledge to confidently compile this list of the finest drywall sanders. We made certain that only reputable brands like Hyde, Wen, 3M, and Porter-Cable were included, and we rejected models that did not meet our quality requirements. We have tried our best to include a range of sizes, styles, and pricing, so no matter how big or little your project is, you should be able to find an option that works for you.
1.
This Wen model comes with two different sanding heads, so you can cover large swaths with the round head or go along edges and corners with the triangular attachment. These heads are very simple to install, so you won’t have to waste time fumbling with tools or fasteners while swapping them out. We really like the variable speed settings, which enable you to fine-tune how rapidly the pads spin or vibrate. This function is quite useful if you want to prevent over-sanding or gouging your work area.
Pros
- A 15-foot dust hose produces 600 – 1500 RPMs.
Cons
- At 16.5 pounds, it’s a little hefty.
2.
This 9-inch circular pad is meant to be easy to use and will not turn over, as rectangular pads may often do. This not only makes it easier to use but also lowers the possibility of harming the drywall as you sand. An adapter on the rear of the pad lets you replace the pole with a handheld attachment, which may be useful for working on smaller areas with more precision. It does not come with a vacuum attachment like some of our other models, so expect to perform some cleanup afterward.
Pros
- It is also available in a triangular form.
- light in weight
Cons
- There is no vacuum attachment.
3.
This hand sander is ideal for anybody seeking the control and convenience of a hand sander, as well as having their own vacuum that can be connected to. The supplied hose has a coupling adaptor that can suit any wet-dry vac and is 6 feet long, allowing you to work without dragging the vac about. The Easy-Clamp mechanism allows you to easily swap out sanding screens while working, and it even comes with one to get you started. Furthermore, the control valve at the sander’s base allows you to adjust the suction strength.
Pros
- cost-effectiveness
- Design that is lightweight
4.
If you only need to sand a small area, such as after spackling or repairing a hole, a sanding sponge should suffice, and any dust should be well contained and easily cleaned or swept up. We prefer using 3M sponges for small projects like this since they last a long time without losing their roughness. This four-pack should last a long time and, unlike larger choices, is small enough to fit in a drawer or toolbox. They’re also simple to clean; simply rinse them in water or clap them off outside.
Pros
- Low price
Cons
- Not suitable for huge tasks.
- There is no dust gathering.
5.
The 8.5-inch circular pad on this Wen model enables you to blast through bigger sanding tasks swiftly and comfortably, and the textured handles make it simple to retain optimum control while working. We like how this handle can be connected to either side of the device, making it handy for both right and left-handed users. It’s also very lightweight at 6.6 pounds, which could reduce hand and shoulder discomfort during long-term tasks.In addition, a convenient suction control wheel lets you change the amount of suction power from your vacuum.
Pros
- It comes with a dust collecting bag and two hose adaptors.
6.
If you don’t have the space or need a huge cumbersome sander but yet want the cleaning power of a vacuum, this tiny device could be precisely what you need. Its straightforward design allows you to plug a normal drywall sponge — which may need to be trimmed to size — into a fitting on the front of the hose and you’re ready to go. This sander also includes a hose adaptor, so you should be OK regardless of the size or kind of your shop vac. It’s an excellent alternative for people on a tight budget at this cheap price.
Pros
- cost-effectiveness
- size is small
- It includes two sponges.
Cons
- The vacuum hose is rather short.
7.
This sander is meant to be gentle on your walls and ceilings, featuring a protective foam ring and a pivoting hinge that gives users full control. This foam ring surrounds the disk’s edges and protects it from harm caused by knocking into the edges of walls and corners. It takes 9-inch sanding pads with hook and loop attachments, allowing for quick and easy pad swapping while working. Unlike other heavier-duty screens, the Hyde-brand sanding disks are meant to leave a few lines or scratches as possible.
Pros
- It just weighs one pound.
- Low cost
8.
This sander is much more expensive than the others on our list, but for those searching for a professional-grade alternative that will endure, this Porter-Cable model may be worth the price. The fact that the motor is located at the end of the handle rather than on the sanding head is our favorite design element of this sander. This makes it considerably easier to move, especially overhead, and reduces user fatigue. The 13-foot hose is good and lengthy, allowing you to reach higher-up areas without having to drag the shop vac around too much.
Pros
- Controllable speed
- Simple to use
- light in weight
Cons
- extremely costly