No power? No problem. The DeWalt cordless drywall sander offers the ability to work in locations where no electricity is available. The 20-volt brushless motor delivers competitive power, driving the 9-inch head at speeds from 700 to 1,200 rpm. It also features a wireless on/off control when paired with a compatible dust collector.

The swiveling head is designed to clamp a sanding screen rather than using hook-and-loop abrasives. A washable, reusable screen is included, and it will work with any standard broom or painter’s pole with an Acme thread (no pole is provided). Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement. Weight also is an important factor. Most electric models have head-mounted motors. A heavy tool will prove tiring, particularly if the drywall sander is used above shoulder height for extended periods. Sanding Discs and Screens Pole sanders have sanding surfaces attached to the end of a long pole, making it easy to reach ceilings and the tops of walls without a ladder. These are great for overall productivity, but impractical for small tasks and spot treatments. The next progression is to powered solutions. Portable cable sanders or cordless versions can be handheld or attached to a pole. These are effectively large-diameter orbital drywall sanders. They usually hook up to a wet/dry vac or their own dust-collection system. A self-contained dustless sander is not only a rapid way to finish drywall but also dramatically reduce cleanup time. Motor Power and SpeedCordless models are rated in volts, which reflects the battery power. The few models currently available are all 20 volts. The Ah capacity of the battery is another important element. The higher the number, the longer the tool will be able to run without needing to be recharged. It is worth pointing out that cordless tools are often sold “bare.” While the price might look attractive, both the battery and the charger cost extra.

One of the big benefits of the Wen 6377 is the inclusion of a triangular head in addition to the typical 8.5-inch round version. Changing between heads is easy and tool-free. This allows the drywall sander to reach right into corners, something none of its competitors offer. It also has adjustable speeds that vary between 600 and 1,500 rpm. Electric drywall sanders also offer variable speeds. This offers improved control for rapid material removal or fine finishing. It varies depending on the model, but the tools we considered ran anywhere from 500 to 2,000 rpm. Flexibility, Hose Length, and Weight

Bosch 230V 550W 215mm Drywall Sander GTR55225 230V+600

Unfortunately, runtime is only around 30 minutes when using the recommended 5-amp-hour (Ah) battery, so a spare battery is something of a necessity. There is also a bit of a weight penalty, though the tool is well balanced. Automatic dust extraction is possible if you attach a compatible DeWalt vacuum.

Sanding drywall usually involves working from floor to ceiling height and possibly across the ceiling surface. The reach provided by the drywall sander has a major impact on convenience. Handheld electric models—much like an orbital sander but with a larger head—are often more affordable than long-reach versions, but a ladder is required to reach the top of walls. But with so many options, it can be hard to start to look for the right one. To help make the search process easier, we researched and tested some of the top options. We performed 4 days of drywall sanding with each of the models below to put them through a real-deal hands-on test.

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We want to make sure that any of the drywall sanders we suggest are up to typical household tasks. Even if the DIYer only needs it for a job or two, it’s important to us that these tools feel like they will last and work well. We called upon all of our experience with drywall, power tools, hand tools, and DIY projects to come up with a list of the most important features that we feel are necessary. Automatic sanders use corded electricity to rotate their sanding pads, which requires much less user effort to operate. They do require a bit of a learning curve though, and if you’re inexperienced, you can accidentally gauge your wall or ceiling.

The Wen 6377 drywall sander follows a common design for corded electric models with a head-mounted motor. This one has 5-amp power and offers variable speeds between 600 and 1,500 revolutions per minute (rpm). The head can pivot and swivel, allowing use at all angles for easy sanding. The Yattich drywall sander has a lot in common with other tools in our drywall sander test. It has a 9-inch multiposition head that works in conjunction with a vacuum bag to provide a convenient, highly portable, all-in-one solution. Comes with 2 different sanding head shapes for bulk sanding and getting into tight spaces (and they’re easy to swap)

Yes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drywall dust can cause eye, nose, throat, and respiratory tract irritation. Long exposure can lead to coughing, phlegm production, and breathing difficulties similar to asthma. Using some kind of mask while sanding is absolutely vital. We recommend a half-mask respirator with replaceable filters. Q. What is the best way to get rid of drywall dust? Yes, you can. Any good hand sander can be used, though the job will take considerably longer, and most have no kind of dust control. Q. Should I use ear protection when using drywall sanders? Those who already own a sander might wonder whether a dedicated drywall sander is really necessary. It really depends on the area that needs to be sanded. While random orbital or detail sanders can cope with small areas, trying to sand a whole room soon becomes very tiring. Even at their simplest, drywall sanders have the advantage, as the following section explains. Types of Drywall Sanders The Marshalltown pole is also extremely high quality, with aluminum construction and a smooth paint finish—the pole is so nice that we’d like to use it for other tools. Unfortunately, we can’t because both ends are female threads (one universal, one machine), so it won’t work with any other pole-mounted tools. There is a wide range of sanding screens for rectangular pole sanders, which are attached via clamps or clips. It can be difficult, however, to find screens for 9-inch-diameter heads that take hook-and-loop discs. FAQs