Are you a woodworker in need of the best drywall sander? If so, you are in luck! In this blog post, we’ll be exploring the best drywall sanders in the market today.
Whether you are a novice looking for extra help or an experienced craftsman seeking new ideas, there will be something here for everyone.
So stick around as we cover necessary topics and help you make an informed decision on which one is right for your project.
Let’s drill down into the details.
Our Top Picks
Best Drywall Sander
- Best pole sander for drywall– WEN 6377 Variable Speed 5-Amp Dual-Head Drywall Sander
- Best Drywall Sander with dust collection– Hyde 09170 Dust-Free Vacuum Sander
- Best Electric Drywall Sander– Handife Handheld Drywall Sander 7A 800W Electric Sander
- Best powerful Drywall sander– Ginour 750W Powerful Wall Sander, 7 Variable Speed 1000-1800RPM Electric Sander
- Best Dustless Drywall sander– YATTICH Drywall Sander, 750W Electric Sander
- Best Belt Drywall sander– Makita 9403 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander
- Best random orbit sander for drywall– Makita BO5030K 5″ with Tool Case
- Best Drywall vacuum sander– WEN 6369 Variable Speed 5 Amp Drywall Sander
- Best Detail sander– BLACK+DECKER MOUSE 1.2 Amp Electric Detail Sander
- Best Handheld Drywall sander– PORTER-CABLE Palm Sander, 1/4 Sheet (380)
Best Drywall Sander Reviews
Getting a professional quality finish all starts with the painstaking preparation of the surface. It’s not easy work and the amount of time you spend preparing the surface of an area depends on your skill level and how you like to work.
But no matter your experience level, you can save a ton of time and energy with a power sander.
1. Best pole sander for drywall– WEN 6377 Variable Speed 5-Amp Dual-Head Drywall Sander with 15-Foot Hose
- Features both triangular and circular hook-and loop sanding heads with tool-free installation
- Variable speed adjustment operates anywhere from 600 to 1500 RPM
- 5-Amp head-mounted motor provides maximum torque to the sanding disk
The WEN 6377 is good for pros and joes alike. You can feel how durable it is when you hold it in your hands.
It features a lightweight 5-amp, 15-foot vacuum hose, and variable speeds from 600 to 1500 RPM motor, allowing you to easily handle tough drywall sanding jobs. It’s light enough to work with for extended periods of time without fatigue.
It’s light and easy to move around too. You can use it to do a bathroom or closet in 10 minutes without sweat. The soft start function is one of my favorite features.
It eases from low to high speeds reducing the kickback and abrupt starts that can cause strain and fatigue. And the round head is my favorite among all the drywall sanders.
This is a heavy-duty drywall sander, and it can be too heavy to lift for some people (9 pounds), especially if you are working overhead. I think this is the best choice if you want to save time and energy, and it almost makes sanding drywall fun.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to maneuver
- Lightweight
- Good suction on dust collector
- Smooth and powerful
Con
- Can be heavy for some
2. Best Drywall Sander With Dust Collection– Hyde 09170 Dust-Free Vacuum Sander, Without Pole, One Color
- Handy drywall pole sander attaches to any wet/dry vacuum for sanding without creating dust throughout your worksite
- Protects furniture, floors, electronics - and your lungs - from invasive drywall dust
- Easy Clamp system allows sanding screen replacement quickly and easily
Hyde has the market cornered for DIYers, and the Hyde 09170 can handle any DIY job quickly, and I would only use it for a room or so. This is a great starter tool if you’ve never used a drywall sander.
It’s pretty steady and takes a standard hose, but like most power sanders in its class, you might have to get creative and bust out some duct tape to keep the suction airtight.
Pair the Hyde drywall sander with a detail sander if you want to knock out an area of a room or make a quick repair. I could carry this thing around all day because it only weighs.
My wife has trouble working above her head with the 10 pound models but she has no trouble at all.
Some reviews complain of bending and breaking, but keep in mind this thing is super lightweight, it’s not really meant for heavy duty. Overall, if you’re an amateur drywall sander, looking for a lightweight, easy-to-use tool for the occasional job.
Pros
- Super lightweight
- Easy to carry and maneuver
- Portable
- Easy to use
Con
- Not very durable
3. Best Electric Drywall Sander– Handife Handheld Drywall Sander 7A 800W Electric Sander
- 🔧【Strong Power】Handife handled electric drywall sander features a 800W high power motor, which offers efficient power in sanding work, ideal for grinding plasterboard walls, ceilings, corridor.
- 🔧【Automatic Dust Removal】 You will not experience the painful of cleaning dusts as it’s vacuum system absorbs above 90% dust upon sanding walls.
- 🔧【5 Variable Speed and LED Light】You could optimize grinding efficiency from 1200 to 2300RPM depending on various situations. Additionally, the two-tiered LED strip lights make it suitable for working in dark.
I’ll start with what I like most about this one. I can see what I’m doing, and I don’t have to worry about dust flying everywhere.
The automatic dust removal is better than most handheld drywall sanders I’ve used, making the job much easier. I usually have plenty of visibility in low light because I wear a headlight, but the LED lights are a nice bonus.
You’ll need to see what you are doing because this bad boy has some power to it. Be careful. It will jump on you if you don’t have a steady hand, so test it out at a lower speed before cranking it up.
Overall, it’s a powerful little handheld drywall sander with a 7 AMP 1200 to 2300 RPM variable speed motor. The suction power is strong, and the price is right.
This is a really cool little handheld tool you can bust out when you want to fix a wall or replace a window, but I wouldn’t use it as a workhorse, mainly because it’s a little heavy and loud. It is hands down one of the best electric drywall sanders on the market.
Pros
- Powerful
- Portable
- Easy to maneuver
- Affordable
- Easy to see in low light
Con
- Loud
4. Best powerful drywall sander– Ginour 750W Powerful Wall Sander
- Higher Efficiency Sander - 750W power motor drywall sander brings you the most efficient grinding experience. Easily sand an entire wall or ceiling in less than half an hour. Help you say goodbye to the hard work of traditional hand sanding
- 7 Variable Speed - Sanding speed from 1000-1800 rpm, meeting all of your sanding needs. The starting speed can reach 1000 rpm, even if in a low gear, Ginour wall sander still grind efficiently
- Double-layer LED Light - Ginour electric sander equipped with double-layer LED strip, the lights more soft and bright. Even in dark places or corners, you can also sanding perfect
This is a handy drywall sander that caught my eye right away. Make no mistake, this is a heavy-duty machine worth the cash, but like always, it depends on the job. And it depends on how you like to work.
Like most heavy-duty drywall sanders, you will have to play with it a little to get used to it. A lot of people in the reviews section were saying that it is hard to handle.
It’s listed at 10.88 pounds but will feel heavier than that if you have a big job just from that combined with the weight of your arms. Other people in the reviews mentioned that they wished the suction was stronger.
Despite some minor issues, it shines when it comes to performance. It’s effortless to use and has a strong motor with a variable speed from 1000 to 1800 RPMs that can handle any job. It is easy to move around as well and the grip is comfortable.
Pros
- Ergonomic handle
- Built to last
- Powerful motor
- Quiet
- Easy to maneuver
Cons
- Heavy for some
- Reviewers complained about suction power
5. Best Dustless Drywall Sande– YATTICH Drywall Sander
- 7 Variable Speed：750W high power motor sander has 7-level variable speed: Min /1/2/3/4/5/ Max, can be adjusted from 800-1750RPM. The sanding effect can be optimized and adjusted according to your needs.
- Excellent Design: YATTICH wall sander is equipped with a aluminum alloy extension rod, the handle can be extended to 5.5ft. And the dual hook tension spring can fix the head of the sander, Ideal for grinding drywall, ceilings, interior walls, exterior walls, clearing floor residue, paint coatings and loose plaster.
- Vacuum Suction System: Combined with a 6.5ft dust hose and a dust bag, vacuum suction system eligible for 90% dust absorption. the perfect dust collection effect prevents you from inhaling a lot of dust at work, and create a healthy working environment for you.
This is great for DIYers and beginners alike looking to get their drywall sanding done right and done quickly. One reason is that it’s easy to handle and powerful.
It’s also durable and heavy, which means, like the other pole sanders, it’s heavy for many people (10 pounds). While it is marketed as a great beginner tool, it punches above its weight class.
The 7-speed motor (from 800 to 1750 RPM) makes it perfect for those harder-to-reach areas and tight corners that need extra attention.
Plus, with the dust-free design, you don’t have to worry about all of the mess usually associated with drywall sanders. And this sander also comes with a pad designed specifically for cleanup jobs.
The Yattich drywall sander packs a punch to keep your space clean and dust free while you get that wall looking perfect.
Pros
- Keeps your area virtually dustless
- Easy to operate
- Makes corners a breeze
- Makes cleanup easier
- Easy to maneuver
Con
- Can be heavy
6. Best Belt Drywall Sander– Amazon.com: Makita 9403 4″ x 24″ Belt Sander, Teal
- Low noise (84dB) for operator comfort
- 4" wide belt with a speed of 1,640 ft./min. for fast material removal
- Labyrinth construction seals and protects motor and bearings from dust and debris for longer tool life
I’ve always loved Makita’s power tools, and the Makita 9403 does not disappoint. The only problems I’ve had with any of my Makita power sanders are with knobs or the plastic body breaking (they don’t make the shells like they used to).
Otherwise, they are fantastic handheld mini belt sanders. It’s a powerful lightweight workhorse that is nice to have in the shop.
You can easily get enough pressure with one hand, and the sawdust pickup is better than expected (but nothing to write home about). What I love about the Makita is its low vibration, which makes it one of the best drywall sanders out there. Now there are a few issues I have.
As with all of the newer Makita tools, the plastic bodies are prone to breaking and the nobs. The older belt sanders were much heavier.
Having said that, I wouldn’t trade this in for an older model in brand-new condition. It’s lighter (1.88 lbs), quieter, and easier to handle. This will last me 5 years of regular use, but I’d likely use it for 2. Overall, this is my favorite belt sander for drywalling.
Pros
- Portable
- Powerful
- Easy to carry
- Easy to maneuver
- Great for beginners
- Consistent performance
Con
- Finicky nob
7. Best random orbit sander for drywall– Makita BO5030K 5″ with Tool Case
- Smooth and fast sanding with 3.0 AMP motor (12,000 OPM)
- Rubberized grip for improved operator comfort and control
- Large 1/8" random orbit action for fast and super smooth sanding
I may be playing favorites here, but Makita also has one of the best random orbit sanders for drywall. I’ve had more than a few of these over the years, and they consistently prove to be powerful and efficient—making short work of any job that needs up to 3 amps of orbit action.
The motor is smooth, and the ergonomic handle really helps with fatigue. What makes this orbit sander stand out is its maneuverability. You can get a square or rectangle piece into tight spaces.
The tool case is nice to have, even though I always just leave mine on a rack or hook if I’m traveling somewhere and I might need it. The case also has space for supplies like extra sanding discs.
The dust catcher on smaller sanders never does well, so I didn’t expect much, but the one on this model works well enough. These orbital sanders are great for buffing and sanding tough-to-reach areas like around doors and windows.
Here’s how to pick the Best Sander for Doors.
Pros
- Easy to store and carry
- Great maneuverability
- Easy to get tiny spaces
- Feels great in hand for long periods
- Affordable
- Makes a great gift
Con
- Can’t take heavy abuse
8. Best Drywall Vacuum Sander– Amazon.com: WEN 6369 Variable Speed 5 Amp Drywall Sander
- Variable speed adjustment operates anywhere from 600 to 1500 RPM
- Hook-and-loop base pad makes changing sandpaper easier than ever
- 5-Amp head-mounted motor provides maximum torque to the sanding disk
This is another favorite for DIY projects because it’s easy to use, and the motor is strong. The hose is flexible and stretchy so that you can reach those hard-to-reach places. The chord could be longer, but that’s what extension cords are for.
I would use this to do a room or a small project. Professionals probably wouldn’t want one of these. Probably the main reason, if not the only one, is the noise. I’d invest in some good earplugs anyway.
Despite that, you will not regret buying one of these. The suction is strong, leaving barely any dust to clean up (unless you are doing a large area).
It’s definitely worth a look if you want speed and power. If you had to use it all the time, you might not appreciate the motor. It’s about as loud as an old-school vacuum cleaner. For the price, you can’t beat it.
Pros
- Efficient time saver
- Good dust collection (powerful suction)
- Powerful
- Ergonomic design
- Easy to operate
- Helps you get tight spaces
Con
- Loud
9. Best Detail Sander– BLACK+DECKER MOUSE 1.2 Amp Electric Detail Sander
- COMPACT DESIGN – Allows access to cramped corners and tight spaces.
- POWERFUL MOTOR – 1.2 Amp motor supplies 16,000 orbits per minute for fast and thorough material removal.
- DETAIL FINGER ATTACHMENT – Interchangeable attachment allows access to hard-to-reach spots.
Everyone should have one of these little detail sanders around the house. This lightweight wonder is a beast, quiet, and the dust filter keeps your workspace clean. It has a 1.2 amp motor and variable speed control, so you can tailor it to the task.
The Black+Decker Mouse Detail Sander is perfect for those tight spots that are hard to get into with a regular drywall sander. It’s great for getting into corners and around tight spaces, and the design fits the hand comfortably in your hand.
If you have small hands, you will like this sander more than most leading brand detail sanders. The dust filters on smaller sanders always make me, but they are useful.
It works well if you are okay with emptying it all the time. I’d rather just leave it off and clean up with a blower if I can.
Black +Decker doesn’t get enough credit in my opinion. They are one of my favorite brands, and their tools are better than Harbor Freight but not quite as high-end as the big-name brands like Dewalt.
Luckily, they are reliable and often cheaper than the other guys with similar features.
Pros
- Get corners quickly
- Get the smoothest finishes in tight spaces
- Great value
- Reliable
- Portable and lightweight
- Makes it easy to get the smoothest finish
Con
- Hardware like switches are clunky
10. Best Handheld Drywall Sander– PORTER-CABLE Palm Sander, 1/4 Sheet (380)
- 2.0-amp motor of orbital sander moves at 13,500 opm, providing a superior finish
- Dual plane, counter-balanced low-vribation design reduces user fatigue of the palm sander
- Dust-sealed switch protects against dust ingestion for longer switch life of the hand sander
This is the newer model of the DeWalt DW411 sander. The only difference is the design of the shell and colors. Porter, Black +Decker, DeWalt, and others are all owned by the same parent company (Stanley Black & Decker).
For the most part, this is an improvement. I’m happy that they brought back this model. They are super easy to handle and reliable. It makes a handy little tool for repair to help you get a seamless edge between the board and the drywall.
The back-and-forth motion is great for smoothing out drywall and wood. I recommend this drywall sander for casual projects or woodworking.
It’s always great to have one of these sanders in your toolbox. They are easy to store and only take up a little space. This one also makes a great gift for anyone from beginner to pro.
Pros
- Cool little gadget
- Powerful
- Easy to get the smallest spaces
- Good for sanding drywall and wood together
- Great gift
- Easy to operate for beginners
Con
- Dust collector doesn’t work well
Related Post: Best Sander for Furniture Restoration
Types of Electric Drywall Sanders
It is essential to use the right sander for the job. Different types of drywall sanders are available, each designed to be used in a specific way. Depending on what kind of surface you’re sanding, there’s a sander that will work best for you.
Knowing which type of sander works best for your particular situation can save time and effort as well as help ensure a better finish.
Power sanders
Power sanders are the Cadillacs of sanding and lumber sandblasting and make work fun (until you get tired). Power sanders house a powerful motor that runs an abrasive pad attached to the base.
There’s absolutely no substitute for a power tool unless you have an entire farm of Amish people waiting in the wings. It makes any tough job look like child’s play.
Dustless turbo drywall sanders
Dustless drywall sanders are great for sanding large and small areas without making a huge mess. The onboard vacuum system captures the dust created by sanding.
You’ll never get fully dust free but the systems today are amazing. You can reduce cleanup by 70-80 percent with a good dust-sucking setup.
Orbital sanders palm sander
Orbital palm sanders are used for smooth, hard-to-reach areas like corners and ceilings where larger sanders can’t go. The lightweight design makes them easy to handle and you can use a dust collector but you’ll probably have to mess with it.
They fit comfortably in the palm of your hand and work great for overhead work and pre-finishing.
Random orbital sander for drywall sanding
A random orbital sander, also known as Oscillating Spindle Sander (OSS) is excellent for sanding drywall since it features an orbiting head that moves randomly, making it easier to avoid leaving visible swirl marks on the finished surface.
It works similarly to how a buffer smooths out the paint on a car by filling in all the larger cracks. Random orbital sanders are great for wood and metal surfaces, too, thanks to their high-speed capabilities.
Belt sanders
Bring in a belt sander when you need the big guns. Belt sanders are one of best sanders for removing paint or wallpaper, but they can also be used on drywall surfaces.
Use belt sanders to remove imperfections and flaws from drywall surfaces, as they sand quickly and efficiently.
Tool Tip
A common theme that runs through the comments with this and every other sander is that it could be lighter, lighter to handle, or both. Some are easier to maneuver, but any professional-grade pole sander will start to feel heavy for most people after 10 minutes.
Operating a belt sander safely and effectively takes some practice. The tool can only do so much; you must use proper technique and have strength and stamina.
Every drywall sander is a little different, and there will be a bit of a learning curve. Any pole drywall sander is going to feel awkward. It feels like trying to buff the ceiling with a weedwacker.
If you are having trouble, check out some tutorials and get some more practice first. I recommend going and renting one of these or borrowing one first to get a feel for it.
Related read: Belt Sander Vs Orbital Sander.
FAQs
What is the fastest way to sand drywall?
The fastest way to sand drywall is to use an electric drywall orbital sander. An electric drywall sander will drastically cut the amount of time it takes to complete a project. You can bang out an average-sized bedroom in 15-30 minutes with a good drywall sander.
What kind of sander is best for walls?
For walls, the best sander to use is an electric drywall pole sander. There’s no better way to get sand to large areas quickly and efficiently with minimal effort. The telescoping handle allows you to reach high ceilings or hard-to-reach spots on walls without having to climb a ladder.
Is a drywall sander worth it?
Whether you are a pro or a DIY enthusiast, it’s totally worth it. Power tools are one of God’s greatest gifts to mankind. A power sander takes the hassle out of sanding large areas of drywall and produces an even finish in a fraction of the time it would take to do it by hand.
How do you get a super smooth finish on drywall?
To get a super smooth finish on drywall, you’ll want to use the finest grit sandpaper you can find. Start with 80-grit and work up to 150-grit or higher if desired. An electric sander will always give you the smoothest finish in the shortest amount of time. Less is more in this case. Always slowly work your way up to a higher grit count.
How do you sand drywall cleanly?
To reduce the amount of dust as much as possible and make sure you get a smooth finish, use a dust collector and tape off the area with painter’s tape and plastic. You will always get a bit of dust, but the key is to sand lightly and evenly. Make sure you keep the sander perpendicular to the wall too. Always make sure to wear a respirator and eye protection while sanding. I’ve known people who get “baker’s lung” from breathing in too much dust over the years.
Can I use an orbital sander to sand drywall?
Orbital sanders are the best types of sanders to use for drywall sanding. These sanders are lightweight (less than 15 pounds), easy to maneuver, and generate less dust than other types of sanders. Don’t forget you have two sanding options: dry or wet. All of the electric drywall sanders in this review can connect to a wet/dry vacuum, which will help you keep the dust at bay.
Should I sand drywall before repainting?
Yes. Whether you are going to texture or paint the wall, the only way to get a professional finish that lasts as long as it should is to start with a clean, smooth surface. If you sand before you paint, your wall will look smoother, and the paint color will come out more even. You can use a variety of different pads and grits to sand drywall, but the best tool for the job is an electric drywall sander. It will help you sand faster and save your labor. After you paint, you can use really fine art to make things picture-perfect.
Is it better to wet sand or dry sand drywall?
I always start with dry sanding and use wet sanding if I need an exceptionally smooth finish. Wet sanding drywall is a great way to reduce mess and prevent dust from getting into the air, and it also gives you more control over how much material is removed with each pass of the sander. However, it’s essential to remember that wet sanding takes longer to get a smooth finish and can cause the drywall to swell. On the other hand, dry sanding is much faster and can give you an even smoother finish than wet sanding, even though it creates more dust. It’s also easier to remove more material with each pass of the sander when you go dry.
Is a sheet sander better than Orbital?
If you need more power, then yes. For most drywall sanding, orbital sanders are going to be your best friend. Sheet sanders are generally more powerful for stripping tough material like wallpaper or stain. Still, orbital sanders are better in most cases because they move in circles and don’t leave deep gouges as sheet sanders can. Be sure to match the sander to the job you need it for – if you need more clarification, check out our guides for sanding tips.
Is it better to sand by hand or with an electric drywall sander?
Most of the time. Tools are great for getting jobs done quickly and efficiently, but you will need to use elbow grease and get up close and personal from time to time. Some areas are just impossible to sand with an electric sander, so it is often better to do the hard-to-reach places by hand. Plus, hand sanding gives you more control when working on tiny areas near windows, corners, or stairs. Additionally, if you have a spot on the wall that is particularly thick or unevenly textured, it may be better to sand it by hand to get the job done.
Related Post: Best Benchtop Sander for Woodworking
Finishing Up
Out of all the drywall sanders, my favorite is the WEN Pole Sander. What really wins me over are the circular pads. These are worth their weight in gold when sanding drywall.
The triangle head is suitable for corners but you can’t ditch the detail sanders and hand sanders just yet. You can get away with only using this and a small detail sander for a simple painting project, but for spaces that are just too tight, you’ll have to get in and sand it with your hand.
Before I go, I want to say that it’s always a challenge for me to choose the best product in these roundups because there are so many amazing tools out there. Trust me I’ve bought way too many over the years.
There’s no way I can keep track of them all. Are there any drywall sanders you think I should put on this list? I always love to hear your recommendations. Let me know in the comments below. Remember, safety always comes first! Happy sanding!