Top 10 Best Drywall Sanders For Contractors And DIY-ers!

Gone are the days when professionals relied heavily on sandpapers and manual labor to prepare drywalls for their next upcoming project. Thanks to the technological advancements that have seen the introduction of drywall sanders. You can now manage large projects and get outstanding results within a short period. However, drywall sanders come in varied design, quality, and performance which make it a daunting task to make informed choices. We understand well how a poor quality tool can impact your work. We have carefully selected and reviewed some of the quality drywall sanders to guide you in choosing the best drywall sander for your project.

Our Best Pick

PORTER-CABLE 7800 4.7 Amp Drywall Sander CABLE 7800 4.7 Amp Drywall Sander is lightweight and delivers unmatched sanding power while getting rid of potentially harmful dust making it Our Best Pick. Check Latest Price on Amazon

Our Budget Pick

POWER-PRO 2100 Electric Drywall Sander
POWER-PRO 2100 Electric Drywall Sander is a durable drywall sander for the money which allows users to sand the hard to reach areas through its extended handle making it Our Best Budget Pick.
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Quick Comparison: Top 10 Best Drywall Sanders

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1. ​PORTER-CABLE 7800 4.7 Amp Drywall Sander

PORTER-CABLE 7800 4.7 Amp Drywall SanderCheck Latest Price on Amazon With this drywall sanding tool from PORTABLE CABLE, you do not have to worry about dust when sanding. The sander boasts of an extended 13-foot static-dissipating vacuum hose which gets rid of any potentially harmful dust. The sanding tool has a varied speed of between 1400 to 2000 RPM and delivers a sanding power of 4.7Amps which is good enough for completing your projects. This innovative 8.5-pound sander is handy and lightweight making it ideal for large projects. The Porter-cable electric drywall sander also boasts of a hook and loop straps which make the tool handling easy or as an attachment to the external vacuum.

PROS

  • Lightweight
  • Gets rid of any potentially harmful dust
  • Delivers great sanding power
  • Allows you to adjust your sanding speed

CONS

  • We did not find any
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2. POWER-PRO 2100 Electric Drywall Sander

POWER-PRO 2100 Electric Drywall SanderCheck Latest Price on Amazon The POWER PRO 2100 is designed with strong, low-weight aluminum and hard perdurable plastic which makes the tool pass the test of time. The tool boasts of a 710 watts motor with an easy to access on or off thumb switch which is located at the at the top of the lower handle. The variable six-speed motor has a varied speed of between 1000 to 2100 RPM without speed loads. The unit head has a unique bearing seat which allows side to side, backward and forward movements enabling you to transfer awkward bends and angles to the unit effortlessly. One thing we love about this sanding tool is its ability to allow users to access the hard to reach areas through its extended handle. Another welcoming feature about this tool is detachable handle which is large enough hence increasing user precision and control.   When used along with industrial vacuum cleaners, the tool cleanup time is significantly reduced saving you time. Note that the tool does not come with industrial vacuum cleaners.   The package includes carrying bag, vacuum hose (extends up to 12 feet) a big handle, and sanding papers (80, 100, 120, 150, 180, and 240). We would recommend this sanding tool for commercial and DIYers.

PROS

  • Gives users better control and precision through its large detachable handle
  • Durable
  • Varied speed motor which allows you to adjust your working speed to suit your job
  • Allows easy sanding to those hard to read areas
  • Comes with sanding papers

CONS

  • Slightly heavy
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3. ZENY 800W Drywall Sander

ZENY 800W Drywall SanderCheck Latest Price on Amazon ZENY sanding tool features a superior, long-lasting aluminum frame and a portable grip handle for easy movability. The 10.89lbs sander has an input power of 8000W with a varied motor speed of 1000- 2000 RPM. Its swiveling head allows you to reach out to those areas and angles that are hard to reach. When you buy the sanding tool, you will get one sander hose, two brushes, one hexagon wrench, six sand pads, a screwdriver and one manual bag.

PROS

  • Allows easy maneuverability
  • Varied speed motor
  • Durable

CONS

  • Slightly heavy
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4. ALEKO 804C Electric Variable Speed Drywall Vacuum Sander

ALEKO 804C Electric Variable Speed Drywall Vacuum SanderCheck Latest Price on Amazon The sanding tool comes with six sanding discs, hose, and a telescopic handle. Due to its sturdiness and ability to deliver great sanding power, the ALEKO 804C was specifically designed for industrial use. The sander has a voltage rating of 120V to 60Hz and a varied motor speed of between 600 to 1500 RPM which allows you to adjust your speed to suit the project at hand. With power input of 710W, ALEKO 804C delivers superior results and performance allowing users to complete their large projects effortlessly. The tool is also versatile and does not only sand drywall but also ideal for use on the ceiling, adhesives, floor residue clearing, inner and outer wall surfaces, loose plaster and paint coatings making it one of the best electric sanders.

PROS

  • Versatile
  • Sturdy
  • Delivers great power required to complete your projects
  • Comes with sanding discs

CONS

  • We did not find any
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5. WEN 6369 Variable Speed 5 Amp Drywall Sander

WEN 6369 Variable Speed 5 Amp Drywall SanderCheck Latest Price on Amazon WEN drywall sanding tool boasts of a 5amp head-mounted motor which delivers optimal torque to the sanding disc. With the 8.5inch pivoting head you can easily pivot in any direction. The 9.2-pound sander has an automatic dust removal system which minimizes cleanup along with a 15ft dust hose making the device one of the best dustless drywall sanders in the market.   Changing sanding paper has also been made easier through the hook and loop base pad. Another outstanding feature which makes this sanding tool stand out is its foldable handle design which makes storage easy. To help you complete your project, WEN 6369 comes along with sandpaper discs (60 to 240), and a flexible vacuum dust hose (extends up to 15ft).

PROS

  • Has an automatic dust removal system
  • Allows easy changing of sanding papers
  • Foldable handle design for easy storage
  • Comes with hook and loop sanding papers for helping users meet your project needs

CONS

  • Slightly heavy
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6. Festool 575219 Planex LHS 225 Drywall Sander

Festool 575219 Planex LHS 225 Drywall SanderCheck Latest Price on Amazon Festool sanding tool features two-speed gears for fast and efficient removal of material on ceiling and walls. Planex LHS 225 sander delivers unmatched power with precision allowing you to complete your sanding projects faster. The sanding tool is equipped with a 500W motor which rotates at a speed of between 310 to 920 RPM delivering a sanding power of 4.2amps. When used along with a CT dust extractor, the sander can prevent harmful dust and clean up. With this Planex LHS 225, you do not have to waste time setting up ladders to sand high or difficult to reach angles. The tool has a collapsible and extendable design which allows you to maneuver easily in high and difficult to sand areas. One thing we love about this device is its adjustable suction power which helps reduce the perceived weight of the tool allowing you to complete your projects faster.

PROS

  • Handy
  • Delivers unmatched power with precision
  • Powerful motor
  • Easy to store

CONS

  • We did not find any
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7. Best Choice Products Drywall Sander 710 Watts

Best Choice Products Drywall Sander 710 WattsCheck Latest Price on Amazon This 710 watts drywall sanding tool from Best Choice is equipped with an easy grip handle which enables you to have maximum control over the tool. The 15.95 pounds sander has a perdurable aluminum frame and a powerful motor which makes the tool defy heavy-duty working environments. With a varied speed of between 1000 to 2100 RPM, you can quickly adjust your sanding tool speed to suit the type of your project. When you purchase the sanding tool, you get six rounded sanding pads, attachments tubes, a screwdriver and a vacuum hose.

PROS

  • Allows you to reach the hard to sand areas
  • Has a sturdy motor which delivers power to complete your projects faster
  • Allows you to adjust your working speeds

CONS

  • Heavy
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8. ARKSEN 6FT 5 Speed Swivel Electric 600w Drywall Sander

ARKSEN 6FT 5 Speed Swivel Electric 600w Drywall SanderCheck Latest Price on Amazon Compared to conventional finish methods, this ARKSEN drywall sander delivers optimal results within a short period. Due to its sturdy design and sanding power, the tool is highly advocated to be used for heavy duty sanding projects. With a varied speed of 450 to 1050 RPM, you can easily customize your working speeds to suit your current project. The device features a portable grip handle which allows you to sand the hard to reach areas faster. In case you are looking for a drywall sander with a dust collector then this sanding tool may be a perfect choice. The sander has an inbuilt dust collector which helps get rid of potentially harmful dust creating a serene working environment for you to complete the project at hand. The external cleaner connected to the sander help reduce clean-up time. The 600W sander has a 13ft soft tube which is compatible with all shop vacuum hoses, a feature which makes the tool to stand out from other drywall sanders. To help you complete your project, the sander comes with six sanding pads with grits (80 to 240). Aside from the sanding pads, the tool also comes along with a carrying case and a 13” vacuum hose.

PROS

  • Delivers great power for heavy duty  projects
  • Inbuilt dust collector for collecting harmful dust
  • Has a 13 Ft. soft tube which is compatible with all vacuum hoses
  • Comes with a carrying case, sanding pads and a vacuum hose
  • Portable grip handle for easy maneuverability when sanding

CONS

  • Slightly heavy
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9. Comie 750W Drywall Sander

Comie 750W Drywall SanderCheck Latest Price on Amazon With power input of 750W and variable speed range of 1000 to 2000 RPM, the Comie sander delivers unmatched power allowing you to complete your heavy-duty projects faster. The 11V sander is lightweight with a powerful aluminum frame which defies the test of time. Through its portable grip handle, the sander provides you with better control and enables you to sand those hard to reach areas. Built inside the sander is a dust collection hose which gets rid of harmful dust each time you are using the tool. By use of external cleaner, you can reduce the clean-up time by connecting it to your sanding tool. That’s not all; tool delivers superior results faster saving you the hassle of completing your projects or cleaning the job site. The sanding tool comes along with a carrying bag, six sanding pads, two carton brushes, one hexagon wrench, one screwdriver, and a sander hose.

PROS

  • Has an inbuilt dust collection hose
  • durable
  • Portable handle grip for sanding the hard to reach areas
  • Delivers excellent power to complete commercial projects
  • Lightweight

CONS

  • We did not find any
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10. Goplus 750W Drywall Sander

Goplus 750W Drywall SanderCheck Latest Price on Amazon The Goplus sander is designed using a superior quality aluminum frame which gives the tool long lasting lifespan. The 750W sanding tool has an inbuilt brush and extra connection hose which can be used along with a vacuum cleaner to minimize clean up time. With the double free adjustable handle, you can easily customize your handle length to suit your needs. The sander is equipped with a high-quality cooper motor which rotates up to 2000 RPM delivering great power. One thing we love about this sander is its ability to deliver strong power without consuming much electricity. Goplus sander comes fully assembledwith all must have accessories a feature which is not common with most sanders. Compared to conventional methods, the sanding tool delivers unmatched performance and superior results.

PROS

  • Sturdy
  • saves power
  • Powerful motor
  • Comes fully assembled with all must have accessories
  • Adjustable handle length

CONS

  • Slightly heavy
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Benefits of Using a Drywall Sander

Drywall Sanders are Safe

Studies have shown that long-term exposure to dust can cause irritation of eyes, coughing, hay fever, and respiratory complications.  Modern drywall sanders are equipped with dust collection hose which helps get rid of harmful dust keeping you safe each time you are using your sanding tool.
 

Economical

Tools are made to make work easier and the sanding tools have proved this. Drywall sanders have reduced the cost of hiring manual labor and investing in lots of sandpapers to get the job done. You can now complete your projects faster without much hassle. Modern sanders are designed to deliver great power without consuming less electricity reducing your energy bills.  

Saves Time

Compared to conventional methods, drywall sanders deliver unmatched power which gets the job done within a short period. Unlike traditional methods, these tools can significantly minimize the cleanup time when used along with vacuum cleaners.  

Superior Results

There is no better way to sand your dry walls other than using a drywall sanding tool. The tools have added features which help you get a high-quality finish for your project.  

User-friendly

Modern sanders are user-friendly and enable you to reach the hard to reach areas without setting up ladders. Drywall sanders also have long handles which can be extended to reach high walls and ceilings effortlessly.  

Things to Consider When Buying a Drywall Sander

Sanding tools are a great time saver, especially when handling large projects. However, not every sanding tool on the market will match your project needs, and a wrong choice of your sander can ruin the experience and end results. Here is a quick rundown of important factors to look at when choosing the best sanding tool for your project.

Quality

The quality of your sander will dictate its lifespan. The quality of any tool is determined by the materials used to design it. For drywall sanders, Aluminium makes a perfect choice due to its sturdiness and low weight.  

Weight

Whether handling small or large projects, the weight of your sanding tool is very critical. Bulky sanders will put much strain on the body and hands increasing your fatigue levels.  

Maneuverability

A sander which does not allow you to reach on corners and high levels like ceiling can impact your project completion time. A good sanding tool should allow you to move freely and reach the hard to reach angles and areas effortlessly. Sanders with swiveling heads allow easy maneuverability in hard to reach areas and are highly advocated. Collapsible handle is also another sanding tool feature which allows you to extend the length of your handle to reach high walls and ceilings.  

Speed 

Most modern sanders have a motor which operates at varied speeds. While these tools allow you to adjust your speed to suit the project at hand, a powerful motor will deliver unmatched power enabling you to complete the project faster.    

Dust Collection System

Collecting dusts when sanding your drywalls does not only get rid of potentially harmful dust, but also minimize cleanups. To avoid messing the job site, have a look at how your sander has been designed to minimize clean-up. Most tools will require you to attach them to vacuum cleaners. Get to know which type of vacuum cleaner can work with your sanding tool.  

Compatibility with Other Attachments

A vacuum hose is required to collect dust for most sanding tools. However, not all vacuum hoses are compatible with every drywall sander. Choosing a tool that is compatible with any shop vacuum hose will help you minimize any hassle or stress of sourcing for one.  

Warranty

As much as warranty covers you, it will differ in terms of period, services, and geographical area. Before investing in any tool, get to know what is exactly covered and for how long.  

Storage

After using your tool, you will require to store it properly for the next job. While storing your tools in a cool, dry place is highly advocated drywall sanders with foldable handles allows you to reduce it in length before storing making the process manageable.  

Maintenance

For durability, every tool will require care and maintenance to extend its lifespan. Investing in a tool which requires more attention will consume much of your time and may end-up deteriorating in quality due to lack of proper care.  

How to Sand A Drywall Fast

A quality sander can help you complete your project faster, but the process can be hectic especially when you do not have the right skills. While we cannot be good at everything, having few tips and techniques can help complete your project much faster. The following tips will help you sand your drywall like a pro leaving it flawless.  

Ensure You Have Everything

Sanding tools will require you to have other attachments. Before starting your project ensure you have your machine properly assembled and all necessary accessories well fitted to avoid wasting time. Store your sandpapers somewhere you can access them easily and ensure you have enough for the day. This will help save you time and hassle of rushing to the nearest shop to buy more. Walls are of different heights, and very tall walls will require you to use a drywall sander pole. Using ladders or step stool can cause accidents, and it’s not recommended. However, pole sanders require proper positioning since they may turn over leaving your wall with scratches need to be positioned properly. Ensure the pole is compatible with the type of sander you are using. You can contact your manufacturer on the best pole to use.  

Prepare Your Working Area

This is one of the most important steps which most people forget. If you are sanding old paint, ensure that all furniture’s, carpets, and anything that can be messed is covered. Open all windows to ensure a free flow of air inside the room.  

Take Safety Measures

As much as sanding tools reduce dust, before starting your project, you should wear goggles and protective masks.  This minimizes any chances of inhaling dust which may cause respiratory complications. Tie long hair and cover it to avoid it from getting dusty.      

Test Your Sander

If you have never used a sanding tool, testing it can help you have a clue on how to use it. Ensure it is properly connected to power before commencing the sanding process. Note that, drywall sanders are recommended to be used on dry walls.  

Change Your Sanding Tool Speed

As much as you will be required to change your sanding paper, you will also need to adjust your working speeds. This will depend on the type of project at hand. Never use much pressure, let your tool do its work.

Inspect your Work

Never leave the job site without inspecting your work. Sometimes you may have problems viewing the walls especially when the room is dark. Using a torch or flashlight can help you inspect the quality of work.  

How to Extend Your Sanding Tool Lifespan

Nothing can make your sander to last longer like proper care and maintenance. If you have no idea on how to achieve this here is how.
  • Some manufacturers lubricate their tools with a high-quality lube while others will require you to lubricate them regularly. Read your manufacturers manual and get to know whether your tool requires lubrication and the ideal lube to use.
  • Keep your tool clean all the time. Using a clean soft damp cloth, clean all the sander plastic parts. Do not use solvents to clean the plastic parts since it can dissolve or damage them.
  • Using an air compressor, blow all your sander air passages
  • Never leave your sander outside during rainy seasons
  • Store your sanding tool in a cool, dry place away from any unskilled individuals. Tools are a hazard especially when in the wrong hands

Safety Tips for Using a Drywall Sander

  • Wear respiratory masks, protective glasses, gloves, non-skid shoes, and ear protection
  • Never plug your tool when the switch is on
  • When changing your accessories, ensure your machine and power switch are turned o to avoid starting your machine accidentally
  • Wrenches and start keys should be removed before powering your tool to minimize the risk of causing injury
  • Always hold your sanding tool with both hands and ensure proper footing
  • Always concentrate when using your tool. Do not encourage discussions during working station since it may steal away your concentration. Keep bystanders, children’s and visitors away from the job site
  • Never use your sanding tool when chewing, under the influence of alcohol, on medication or tired. This may cause serious accidents
  • Do not use your sander if any of the parts are faulty
  • Keep drinks and food from the working area. Clean your hands, mouth, and face before taking a drink or food
  • Never use your machine when some of its parts are not functioning well
 

Common Drywall Sander Problems and How To Fix Them

With time, your sander part may start to deteriorate impacting the performance of your sanding tool. Before thinking of investing in a new one, it is good to get to know if the problem can be fixed. Here are some of the problems you may encounter when using a drywall sander and how to solve them.    

Oil Smells When Using Your Sander

When the lubricating solid inside the gearbox separates, you will encounter this problem. To fix the problem, open the sander gear train box and clean the old grease and replace it with bearing grease. You can purchase bearing grease from the nearest auto spare store. To fill the tooth gaps, cover your gear teeth ensuring there is no excess grease on the box. If replacing your gearbox grease does not fix the problem, contact your manufacturer.  

Nothing Happens To Your Sander When You Power It On

Connecting your sander to a switch which is not supplied with power can cause your tool to behave this way. However, if the sander is supplied with power, the problem may be caused by worn out motor brushes. Before the motor brushes are entirely worn out, you may experience sluggish start-up of your sander. As time goes by, the motor brushes continue to wear out then all over sudden your sanding tool fails to start. Once you experience sluggish start, ensure your brushes have been inspected for any signs of wear by an authorized dealer. This will help fix the problem early enough before it gets out of hand.  

Motor Overheats

Power tools will generate some heat when in use, but too much of it may not be good for the tool. When your sanding tool is old, it may extremely get hot. Though this may not stop you from using your sander, ignoring the problem will worsen day after day. One cause of sander overheating is poor lubrication. Though most sanding tools are lubricated with high-quality grease, the old tool grease can cause your sander to overheat. Replace your gearbox grease to resolve the problem.    

Dust Collection System Not Working

Covering your sanding pad holes with a sanding disc where the tool collects dust can cause the system to fail. Always ensure the sanding disc is in place and not covering the dust collection system holes. When the system holes are clogged, with time the dust collection feature will not function well. To unclog the system, blow air through the holes using an air compressor. If the system does work after trying the above solutions, contact your manufacturer for assistance.  

Sanding Tool Leaving Un-Sanded Areas

When the belt which attaches the sanding pad to the sanding tool gets damaged, it causes the pad to slip leaving some areas un-sanded. Take your sander for inspection to your nearest repair center.  

Sander not Sanding

When sandpaper has lots of grit, it may be too smooth to sand. In case your sander does not sand then it may be time to replace your sandpaper.  

Sander Running Slow

Connecting your sander to the incorrect power supply can lower its speed. Check if your sanding tool is supplied with the correct power voltage. If yes, then the problem may be caused by the motor or the power cord. Inspect the adapter and power cord for any signs of damage, cracks or exposed wires. Replace damaged power cord if any of these signs are present. Internal motor problems can cause your sander to gradually slow down. Replacing the motor can help resolve the issue.      

What makes a good drywall sander?

  • A good drywall sander should be easy to operate
  • A great drywall sander should deliver enough power required for sanding
  • A good drywall sander should be easy to maintain
  • A good drywall sander should provide superior result faster

Final Verdict

Sanding drywall using your hand is costly and will consume much of your valuable time. Taking advantage of a sanding tool can help get the job done faster and in a professional way leaving your customers satisfied. However, only a quality sander can help you get superior results faster. When choosing the best drywall sander for your project, ensure that it is not heavy; user-friendly, durable, easy to maintain, and delivers unmatched power and performance.