In this Guide
Belt sanders definitely have a place in the market. They get the job done fast. But you can’t completely eliminate the hand sander from your arsenal as well. What is the best palm sander? Only hand sanders can produce finer scratch patterns that you can successfully align with the grain of the wood. This is important if you need to apply coatings such as oil or stain but don’t like scratches to appear easily.
You will also need to sand surfaces before applying paint in order to get smooth and even results. If you do a lot of painting at home, you definitely need to get a reliable hand sander for your prep work.
Hand sanders have definitely come a long way when it comes to technology. You can now find more powerful hand sanders that will still give you the same, if not better, results as manually-operated ones but are easier to operate.
If you are looking for the best hand sander, you came to the right place. We checked out what the market has to offer and found the best machines that can bring quality sanding results, ease of use, durability, and reliability to the table.
Our Recommendations for the Best Palm Sander
Make sure you check out these product recommendations:
- Features a 3.75 x 5.5 inch pad with an angled tip for precision work
- Powerful one-amp motor provides 13,500 OPM
- Lightweight design weighs in at a mere two pounds
- Dust collection port helps minimize loose sawdust
- Velcro base pad allows for simple sandpaper removal and installation
- 2.3 AMP motor of the electric sander sands at 14,000 OPM
- Rubber overmold texture of the 1/4 sheet sander will provide smooth and comfortable control while sanding
- Improved paper clamp features for better paper retention
- Locking dust-port system that allows the user to lock vacuum hose up with the sander
- Reduced overall height of the sander to get the user closer to their work
- Shaped To Sand Corners, Curves, And Flat Surfaces
- Dimpled Rubber Surface To Adjust For Surface Imperfections
- Easy-To-Grip Handle
- Easy To Load With Standard Sandpaper
Learn more about Other best palm sander
1. Bosch OS50VC Orbital Finishing Sander with Vibration Control
- VERSATILE: Flush sanding ability sands close to vertical surfaces on 3 sides
- ACCURACY: SheetLoc Supreme Paper Clamping System for perfect paper fit. Also accepts stick on paper
- CONVENIENCE: Lowest vibration of any electric orbital sander.Orbit Diameter:3/32 inch
- DUST COLLECTION: Translucent micro filter dust canister with integrated paper filter and screw-off cap for easiest emptying
- KIT CONTENTS: Includes OS50VC sander, micro filter dust canister, removable front handle, VAC024 vacuum hose adapter, 5 mm hex wrench, sanding sheet and punch plate
This mid-range electric power hand sander is a workhorse when it comes to completing different kinds of projects like cabinets. We recommend this for people who do woodwork, people who like doing DIY home improvement work, and professional builders. An easy-to-use hand sander, even people with weak hands or poor handling skills will find this a cinch to work with.
Pros:
This is one has a powerful sanding mechanism. It does what it promises to do when it comes to material removal, thanks to its orbital sanding, which gets the job done rapidly and efficiently.
True to its promise, it does have minimized vibration. Many customers like how easily it glides on surfaces. It doesn’t shake like many traditional hand sanders, which helps in minimizing the possibility of hand fatigue while using it.
Many customers are astounded as to how effectively this collects dust particles. It comes with its own dust collector, which picks up dust as you glide it through the surface of the material. Some even hooked it up to a dust collection system from another brand and they still experienced great results. Virtually no mess is left behind.
This is also an ideal choice for older contractors or those who might have issues with their hands. There is a mechanism where it allows you to put sanding sheets in place without putting in too much effort. The tensioning system is also seamless. It automatically puts tension on the sanding sheets, so you don’t have to keep on tweaking it to get it in place.
Another nifty feature you can get from this model is the ability to use any brand of sandpaper you prefer. Other powered hand sanders might require you to use sandpaper from the same brand but with this one, choose the sandpaper you prefer to use.
Many customers like how it produces flat and even results. This is thanks to the size of the tool that covers a larger surface area. It can be used for different ranges of projects as well. You can use it to sand your deck or a few cabinets.
There are also rave reviews about the length of its cord. Customers said it’s just the right size for their needs. They didn’t have to use an extension to effectively work with it.
Cons:
Some customers wished the product came with a hard case. When storing it, the bag that it came with it might not work that well in protecting it from damages. If you are not careful, you might also lose some of the essential parts and accessories that it came with.
There are also reports about the machine having more vibration when using a low-speed setting. They did not experience it when using the machine at a higher speed level.
2. Makita BO4900V Sander
- Uses commonly available 4-1/2" x 9-1/8" hook-and-loop or 4-1/2" x 11" half sheet abrasive paper
- Efficient through-the-pad dust collection system for a cleaner work environment
- Minimized vibration and contoured grips for added comfort
- Large trigger switch for easier operation
- Variable speed control dial (4,000-10,000 OPM) enables user to match the speed to the application
If you are looking for a hand sander that packs a punch when it comes to quality and performance but isn’t hard on the budget, this is it. It’s a stylish hand sander that will be a great addition to your home improvement and building tools. This is a machine you can rely on to finish small projects like sanding furniture to prepare for painting to bigger ones like sanding a big deck.
Pros:
First impression: this thing is built to last. Everything feels sturdy. The parts feel solid and unlikely to come off or get damaged even after frequent usage.
A lot of users are impressed with its sanding prowess. It does a great job sanding down material so if you are looking for a hand sander that delivers great results, this would be a great option.
It also has a good suspension system. When you use it, there is no lingering numbness or tingling sensation in your hands. It’s a great tool for people with arthritic hands to use. Women might also find this easier to work with as it has a good weight and is easy to operate.
The grips are also economically designed by Makita. You can change the way you grip the machine and it will still be comfortable to use.
Many users also commented on how quietly it operates. When you are going to do sanding jobs for a long time, having a quiet machine comes as an advantage so you won’t end up with hearing issues.
Customers also like the sandpaper fastening feature. It comes with a good-sized cam-lock, which is easy to access.
Many customers also like how much control they get with this machine when sanding edges. Unlike other sanding machines with too much power, this can be used to finish edges without rounding them out.
Cons:
One of its biggest downsides is that it comes with disposable dust bags. Users said the dust bags are durable, so you might be able to re-use them multiple times before they will deteriorate. However, you will still need to buy new bags or hook them up to a vacuum hose to get rid of dust. Some people have also commented that they had a hard time finding a vacuum hose that fits with it.
Some had issues with the clamps after heavy-duty usage. There were also customers who commented that this sander is a bit slower than the others they have used in the past.
3. Festool 571782 RO 125 FEQ Rotex Sander
- Dual-Mode Sanding with a gear-driven, aggressive mode for rapid stock removal or polishing and random orbital mode for fine sanding.
- Jetstream dust extraction design delivers highly efficient dust removal, resulting in cleaner air, better finishes, and longer abrasive and pad life.
- FastFix tool-free backing pad changing system allows the sander to adapt to different surfaces and tasks with appropriate pads.
- Compact Size with a compact form and a 5" pad, the RO 125 delivers performance to even the tightest of places.
- MMC electronic controls deliver soft-start, step-less variable speed control, constant speed under load, and thermal and overload protection.Speed Rotary Motion:300 - 600 rpm
Got more money to spare? Make sure you set your sights on this hand sander. We recommend this for heavy-duty usage, perfect for carpenters or builders who are going to use their hand sander frequently. But if you are a craftsman or a hobbyist who just wants a hand sander that you can turn to for your various hand sanding needs, this is a great option as well.
Pros:
Material removal is never an issue with this. It’s because of its dual mode sanding system. It is a gear-driven feature, so it can remove material and then do some polishing without issues. It even comes with a packing pad changing system. You can use this for various surfaces without the need to change the grit.
We like how it has a soft start. It reduces the panic that you might feel when working on surfaces for the first. This is why it is also an ideal choice for people who are new to hand sanders.
It reduces hand fatigue. Even when working for long hours, you won’t find this machine cumbersome to use. You will like how the manufacturer added ergonomic functions such as having different ways to grip it. It also has a power switch that you can just reach with your thumb.
It seems to be well-built. All parts feel sturdy and many users said they worked with this machine for many different projects and did not have issues with it.
You will like how compact it is. The machine itself comes with a wheel so you can put it in a corner with ease. It doesn’t take up a lot of space.
Festool hand sanders have a reputation of having the best dust extraction system and this one did not disappoint. The Jet stream dust extraction feature lived up to expectations and truly did a great job in collecting dust. There is even a user who said he did not have to use a face mask when working with this product.
Cons:
The price is a little expensive, not ideal for people on a tight budget.
There is also a customer who said he did not like that he had to use two hands to fully control it. The claim is that the machine is a bit jumpy even when it is switched to finishing mode. There are also customers who said they did not like that the center of gravity is higher than what they are used to, which is why the product may be more difficult to control.
Conclusion on the hand sander
So, which of these products should you spend your money on? Which one is the best palm sander? All of them are great choices based on their rave reviews. Whichever you choose, you will get your money’s worth. But if you are having trouble narrowing down your choices to just one, we can help you out.
We suggest the Festool 571782 RO 125 FEQ Rotex Sander is the best palm sander for bigger projects or for those who will need their hand sander for multiple uses. It’s more expensive than the others but Festool is truly a workhorse when it comes to sanding jobs. You won’t have issues with dust collection or hand fatigue.
It’s the perfect tool to use as well if you want quality results.
The Makita BO4900V Sander is the best palm sander for DIYers that even people who are new to woodwork will not find intimidating to use. The sandpaper changing mechanism is simple to understand. It’s also easy to control and doesn’t require too much work to handle. The price is also more accessible.
The Bosch OS50VC Orbital Finishing Sander with Vibration Control is the best palm sander for all types of users. Whether you are a professional or a hobbyist, you won’t find this machine lacking. It has all the bells and whistles you might be looking for in a hand sander, but it doesn’t come with a hefty price tag.
Palm Sander Buying Guide
Need more help in choosing the right-hand sander for your needs? Keep the following things into consideration:
Powerful Sanding Mechanisms
Check how powerful the motor is. A smaller motor might not get bigger projects done or may get them done but may not produce the best results. It’s better to choose those with variable speed mechanisms so you can switch from the highest setting, great for removing more material, to the lowest setting, which is great for finishing.
Dust Collection Functions
The sanding job is inherently messy because you are removing materials from the wood. There will be dust flying everywhere. A good hand sander can eliminate this problem though. Look for one with a dust collector system or one where you can hook it up to a shop vac for easier dust removal.
Sandpaper Replacement Mechanism
Check the sandpaper mechanism. How are you going to replace the sandpaper? Some models have an easy clamp system that allows users to just take out the clamp and install new sandpaper. But make sure the system the product is using provides a good tension for the sandpaper and won’t come off easily when using high-speed settings.
Suspension System
When you are working with a hand sander for a long time, your hands will feel tired. Many reports experience tingling and numbness in their hands. This is why it is important to look for a hand sander that has a good suspension system to prevent this problem from occurring.
What’s Next?
These recommendations are mean to help you fin the best palm sander for your needs. You can start your search for the right-hand sander from here. Just click on the links of the products you think match your specifications. For more information on sanding tools and equipment, make sure you check out our homepage.
