The Best Palm Sanders, Tested

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Save time and effort with the right palm sander for your woodworking project.

The finishing touches on a woodworking project can transform decent work into stunning craftsmanship. Using just the right sanding and finishing techniques can make all the difference. For this reason, some DIYers spend hours slowly sanding down wood projects by hand to achieve the perfect finish—a method that is time-consuming and tiring.

Whether the type of electric sander needed is a sheet sander or a random orbit sander, investing in the right kind of palm sander for your woodworking needs can help save both arm fatigue and time. Just attach a sandpaper to the bottom of a palm sander and the foot of the wood sander will vibrate rapidly in tiny orbits to efficiently sand down wood to a consistent finish, doing most of the work for the DIYer. Sanding can also open up the grain on a piece of wood so it accepts a finish coat more evenly.

Purchasing a high-quality palm sander machine is key to getting the woodworking results you want to achieve. We’ve researched and field-tested some of the most popular palm sanders on the market and narrowed the list to the following top-rated models in their individual categories.

1. BEST OVERALL: Makita BO5030K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
2. RUNNER-UP: DeWalt DWE6421 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
3. BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Black+Decker BDERO100 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander
4. BEST CORDLESS SHEET SANDER: DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Variable Speed Sander
5. MOST COMFORTABLE: Bosch ROS20VSC 5-Inch Palm Random Orbit Sander
6. MOST UNIQUE DESIGN: WEN 6313 Electric 1/3 Sheet Sander
7. BEST ¼-SHEET SANDER: Skil 7292-02 ¼-Sheet Sander With Pressure Control
8. BEST SHEET EXCHANGE: DeWalt DWE6411K ¼-Sheet Palm Grip Sander Kit

How We Tested the Best Palm Sanders

In order to get the widest array of uses in a single side-by-side power sander test—everything from bulk stock removal to detailing a surface—we chose to see how the tools performed on a beat-up, weather-stained Hem-Fir 2×10 that had been outside for a few months.

As we wanted to re-create typical use for these sanding tools, each sanding machine was used with three grits of sandpaper: rough (50-grit), medium (80-grit), and fine (120-grit).

• 50-grit sandpaper test: Evaluated stock removal and power in the mill marks and knots on the 2×10.
• 80-grit sandpaper test: Tested further stock removal and how each tool engaged with the piece of material.
• 120-grit sandpaper test: Determined how well each tool polished the material and opened the grain of the wood.

In addition to the performance of each tool, we evaluated the user’s experience. Cord length and flexibility, switches, paper exchange, smoothness, and comfort in use were also important criteria during our hands-on tests.

While sanding projects can look super smooth before finishing them, applying a finish can reveal swirl marks or blemishes the naked eye can’t pick up. We applied a finish to the wood to check that the sanded area was completely smooth before applying a finish to the main piece.

Our Top Picks

Although a sander’s primary function is to prepare a surface for a new finish, like removing the finish for a wood floor repair or even smoothing a hard-to-sand fast-setting joint compound on drywall, this collection of top picks includes both sheet sanders and random orbital sanders. Used in preparing bare wood for appearance and finish, the products below have been hands-on evaluated for stock removal, vibration, engagement with the project, and other important features. All these sanders left nice finishes and did their job for stock removal; the differences are in the details.

Best Overall

Makita BO5030K 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander

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The Makita random orbit sander combines all the best features found in a tool in its category and is offered at a reasonable price. During our hands-on testing, we found that it has the power needed for stock removal, and it runs quietly and smoothly. The sander sends power and vibration into the work for stock removal without sending any back into the user.

The Makita sander’s body is tall and slender, making the sander easy to use for long jobs, and it has a decent cord length. It ships with a blow mold kit box for easy storage in the shop or on the truck. The dust bag is a little better than average, and the dust containment works well, too.

Product Specs

• Speed: 12,000 orbits per minute (opm)
• Power: 3 amps
• Cord: Corded

Pros

• Smooth operation creates a seamless finish easily; limited vibration allows for easy use.
• Powerful 12,000 opm motor can quickly manage most sanding tasks
• Quiet operating volume compared to similar options; should not disturb others during use in the home workshop

Cons

• Better-than-average dust bag still may not be suitable for heavy-duty use

Get the Makita orbital sander at The Home Depot or Acme Tools.

Runner-Up

DeWalt DWE6421 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander

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The DeWalt random orbit sander delivers what’s needed from a sander. During our testing, we found that it has excellent stock removal and it leaves a nice finish. Its counterweight design reduces vibration for smooth operation, which is great for long jobs.

The sander has excellent engagement with the work, and it is easy to employ the switch. It’s a compact tool and has a small pommel, which may be an advantage to some users. The dust bag—held open by a spring—is much better than average and easy to dump out. The sander is simple and it works well. While it’s a little louder than other top picks, it’s hardly loud overall.

Product Specs

• Speed: 12,000 opm
• Power: 3 amps
• Cord: Corded

Pros

• Counterweight design reduces vibration for steady sanding and hands; won’t cause strain to wrists or hands
• Dust bags are easy to empty after use; simply twist off and empty
• Small pommel may suit some user preferences, and it’s particularly ideal for DIYers

Cons

• Louder than some other palm sanders in its category; may disturb others while in use

Get the DeWalt 5-inch palm sander at Amazon or The Home Depot.

Best Bang for the Buck

Black+Decker BDERO100 5-Inch Random Orbit Sander

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The Black+Decker sander is ideal for occasional home-use jobs. The tool removes stock, runs smoothly enough, and won’t break the bank. Priced at less than half of some of the more pro-focused tools, we found that it also runs smoothly.

This sander’s switch is sealed and engages easily. It has a quality dust bag for a budget-friendly tool. It runs smoothly and despite having a lower rpm than others and no variable speed, we found that it can work on rough pieces, open the grain of a piece of stock to accept stain, or even sand a tough drywall repair.

Product Specs

• Speed: 12,000 opm
• Power: 2 amps
• Cord: Corded

Pros

• Affordable compared to other palm sanders on the market; comes with many of the same features but costs less
• Large dust bag for catching dust and debris; easy to empty after use
• Leaves a smooth finish quickly and easily; 12,000 opm power output creates a smooth finish

Cons

• Low power compared with similar options; may not be best for heavy-duty sanding

Get the Black+Decker palm sander at Amazon, The Home Depot, Acme Tools, or Target.

Best Cordless Sheet Sander

DeWalt 20V MAX XR Cordless Variable Speed Sander

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The variable speed control of the DeWalt 20V Max XR palm sander allows the sander to be set as low as 8,000 opm for a fine finish or as high as 14,000 opm when extra power is needed. The cordless hand sander features a brushless motor that increases the life of the tool by decreasing the friction within the motor. The mobile design allows it to be used in the yard, in the workshop, or anywhere around the house without having to worry about dragging around an extension cord. The handy dust collector helps to keep a project clear of debris.

We found that the DeWalt cordless sander’s paper exchange is the best among the sanders tested, cordless or otherwise. The fact that it runs without a cord to move and that it runs smoothly and on par with its corded counterpart makes this a versatile sander. Add a nice switch and a variable speed dial and this DeWalt sander could find a home doing more work than just sanding woodworking projects, including sanding fast-set joint compound in a drywall repair on low-speed or detail sanding a floor repair. Battery exchange is easy, and the sander is nicely balanced.

Product Specs

• Speed: 8,000 to 14,000 opm
• Power: 20 volts
• Cord: Cordless

Pros

• Cordless operation allows for portability and ease of use; can be transported easily if needed
• Variable speed control is suitable for multiple sanding tasks; suitable for light to heavy sanding
• Excellent paper exchange; easy to change between soft and coarse sandpapers

Cons

• Costs more than corded tools; may be too expensive for some users

Get the DeWalt cordless palm sander at Amazon, Lowe’s, or Acme Tools (battery bundle included).

Most Comfortable

Bosch ROS20VSC 5-Inch Palm Random Orbit Sander

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The Bosch random orbit sander delivered on all metrics during our hands-on testing. While it could be a bit grabby every now and again, it’s not enough of a reason to overlook its quiet, smooth, and comfortable operation. Most sanding is two-handed sanding, as one hand helps the other move the tool along the work, sanding out trouble spots. This tool’s larger pommel gives more surface area to fit two hands comfortably, making this tool the easiest for two-handed sanding among all the sanders tested.

The variable speed dial on the rear of the handle enables customizing the opm to the work. The unit performs well across the board, from stock removal to fine finishing. It has a top-notch, easy-to-install-and-remove hard-plastic dust container.

Product Specs

• Speed: 7,500 and 12,000 opm
• Power: 2.5 amps
• Cord: Corded

Pros

• Comfortable compared to similar options; will not cause fatigue while in operation
• Variable speed control allows for easy use during multiple sanding projects
• Outstanding dust-container design prevents dust and debris from floating in the air

Cons

• A little “grabby” from time to time when engaging the work

Get the Bosch palm sander at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Acme Tools.

Most Unique Design

Wen 6313 Electric 1/3-Sheet Sander

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With a 1.2-amp motor that delivers up to 12,000 opm, the Wen Electric ⅓ Sheet Sander is powerful enough for tough projects despite weighing in at only 3 pounds. We found that the corded design and padded grip allow for long periods of comfortable working time without worrying about running out of power, while the integrated dust-collection bag minimizes sawdust and cuts down on cleanup time.

This dual-handled, ⅓-sheet tool is also fun to use. While it has a pommel like a typical palm sander and can be used as such, it also has a handle extension like a belt sander. The switch is super-easy to engage for “on” or ”off,” it runs reasonably smoothly, and is terrific for one- or two-handed operation. While it has easy-to-use stays for trapping ⅓ sheets of sandpaper, the pad is also hook and loop, making hook-and-loop paper an option. Overall, it delivered good stock removal, enough power, and comfortable operation.

Product Specs

• Speed: 12,000 opm
• Power: 1⅕ amps
• Cord: Corded

Pros

• Dual handles make for very comfortable operation and limited vibration
• Only peel-and-stick pad in our list of sheet sanders
• Biggest pad at ⅓ sheet; suitable for large sanding projects

Cons

• No hole punch for perforating paper; may not be suitable for some user preferences and needs

Get the Wen palm sander at Amazon, The Home Depot, or Lowe’s.

Best ¼-Sheet Sander

Skil 7292-02 ¼-Sheet Sander With Pressure Control

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During our hands-on testing, the micro-filtration system captured dust particles while sanding, keeping the surface of the project clean. With up to 14,000 opm, the Skil ¼-Sheet Palm Sander is powerful enough for tough projects, while the pressure-control system helps even the most inexperienced DIYer apply the correct amount of pressure for the job. The corded design and padded grip allow for long periods of comfortable working time without the user worrying about running out of power.