L-shaped auxiliary handle provides maximum comfort and reduces fatigue while sanding in awkward positions Handheld drywall sanders offer more control and are ideal for smaller drywall repair and patching jobs, as well as surfaces with delicate or ornate elements. Power 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. 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.

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. 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 Many drywall sanders use hook-and-loop discs that are inexpensive and easy to change. A range of grits is available and includes anywhere from 60 grit for fast material removal to 220 grit for final finishing before painting. 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. FAQsFor those on a tight budget or who have only a modest amount of drywall to sand, a manual pole sander is a cheap and efficient solution. This model from Marshalltown is just that, and it includes a lightweight aluminum pole, which is something many rivals omit. The reinforced cast-aluminum head is light, maneuverable, and doesn’t flex, thus keeping the abrasive flat against the wall. We liked how free swiveling it is while not simply flipping over and marring the compound like many pole sanders tend to do. 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? 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. 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.

With a round pad that offers both rotating and orbital movement, random orbital sanders are ideal as an all-rounder. Their versatility allows them to effectively function like a belt For small drywall repairs, a finishing sander can do a reasonable job. For large areas, particularly those projects that include more than one room, a drywall sander is faster. Plus, most offer much better dust control, making it one of the best drywall sanding tools for the job. Q. Can you use a hand sander to sand drywall? 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. 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. 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).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. 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. Over the course of his decades-long career, Bob Vila has helped millions of people build, renovate, repair, and live better each day—a tradition that continues today with expert yet accessible home advice. The Bob Vila team distills need-to-know information into project tutorials, maintenance guides, tool 101s, and more. These home and garden experts then thoroughly research, vet, and recommend products that support homeowners, renters, DIYers, and professionals in their to-do lists. Meet the Tester