In any woodworking or DIY job, sanding is an inevitable part of the whole job. Before, sanding was really a tiring and boring job. It consumes so much time and the job involves a lot of dust.
Good thing the advancement in technology made this task more convenient and efficient through the various hand-held power sanders in the market. Likewise, power sanders come in different categories depending on the nature of the job you wish to do.
Here, we are going to talk about palm sanders or sheet sanders. These types have lesser power compared to a belt and orbital sanders because their main purpose is to do light sanding in preparation for painting, varnishing, or staining of the workpiece.
Even professionals are having a challenging time looking for the right palm sander that meets the majority of their requirements.
Here, we are going to show you a quick and simple guide of choosing the right palm sander for 2020. Likewise, we also included a comparison chart and an in-depth product review for our top 10 best palm sanders for 2020.
More…
Best Palm Sander (January 2022) – Top 10 Picks & Reviews
KNOW WHAT TO LOOK FOR The Best Palm Sander
It is better for you to read the important features you need to look for a good palm sander that will definitely make your sanding efficient and convenient. Below are the things we consider most important to have for any model of palm sanders.
1. Quick and Easy Change of Sandpaper
These types of sanders utilize replaceable sandpaper grit. Changing the pads may consume much time and delays the whole project. It is better to choose for a palm sander with a tool-free means of changing pads.
Others use a ready-to-stick on a pad for more convenient experience and lesser time wasted.
2. Finishing Performance
Remember that this type of power sander is intended for a light sanding before applying any paint, stain, or varnish on the workpiece. It is a misconception to always look for high power for sanding.
When choosing for a palm sander, make sure it delivers a smooth and light sanding, enough to give that final smooth finish without chipping much of the surface.
3. Dust Collection System
Sanding is a messy job because of the dust accumulation from shaving out parts of the workpiece surface. This scenario can be detrimental to one’s lungs, particularly for those who are asthmatic.
In order to avoid this, better choose a unit with a good dust collection system. The dust box must be enough to contain light to medium works. Likewise, it is a good factor if the palm sander can be connected to your vacuum system for a more effective dust collection system.
4. Ergonomic Design
This is a hand-held power tool which is used for long hours if necessary. To avoid any hand fatigue, it is best to choose a unit which allows you to comfortably hold the unit either on top or on its waist level.
Further, a grip handle insulated with a soft rubber would be great in reducing vibration transferred to your hands. Vibration from sanding contributes greatly to your hand’s weariness.
Top 10 Best Palm Sander reviews 2020
1. Makita BO4556 Finishing Sander
FEATURES
- Motor: 2 amp
- Speed: 14,000 OPM
- Dust system: built inside the pad
- Weight: 2.6 lbs
- Others: pad paper size 4.5” x 5.5”
| pros | cons |
| • Strong motor | • Dust bag sometimes slips off |
| • Quieter operation | ? |
| • Effective dust collection | ? |
Best for Overall
Among everything we scanned in the market, we found this Makita Palm Sander as our top pick for 2020. In terms of overall features and performance, this model impressed us in all facets.
You can do any kind of sanding works with this one, you can use a 4×8 inches pad for smoothening plywood. One unique thing we noticed from this model is its sandpaper mounting arms. This one is left to right reverse compared to other older units.
It has enough power to carry out that smooth finish without chipping off much of the surface. Moreover, it works quieter compared to its older models.
The overall construction of this Makita Palm Sander is solid and parts are fairly durable.
One minor issue we found from this one is that its dust bag sometimes slips off.
2. Black+Decker BDEQS300 Palm Sander
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FEATURES
- Motor: 2 amp
- Speed: 1,600 OPM
- Dust system: triple layer filtration system
- Weight: 2.95 lbs
- Others: paddle switch, 270-degree flush sanding clearance
| pros | cons |
| • A triple layer filtration system | • Nothing so far |
| • Low noise level and effective sanding | ? |
| • The ergonomic design of paddle switch | ? |
Best for Dust Filtration
Our second runner up for the best palm sander comes from the prominent Black and Decker. The best feature we have found from this unit is its triple layer dust collection system. It is very useful considering that sanding produces huge amounts of dust.
Second feature worth note taking from this one is its paddle switch. It is easy and soft to use compared to other types of switches. The lock/unlock switch also provides extra convenience and peace of mind when using this one.
This one is also lightweight and perfect for an arm’s length, which makes maneuvering pretty simple. The shape of the sanding pad enables you to sand effectively on corners, unlike the round ones where it is hard to reach on those areas.
Moreover, this unit operates at a much lower noise level compared to its previous models.
3. WEN 6362 Palm Sander
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FEATURES
- Motor: 10 amp
- Speed: 1500 – 2300 RPM
- Dust system: 7.5’ hose dust collection
- Weight: 6.6 lbs
- Others: the auxiliary handle can be reversed
| pros | cons |
| • Affordable and excellent motor power | • Nothing so far |
| • An efficient dust collection system | ? |
| • Easy to maneuver | ? |
Best for Motor Power
Hitting the third spot in our list is a palm sander from WEN. Looking into its features, the best highlight we found is its 10 amp powerful motor which is excellent for light to heavy-duty sanding.
This unit can perform comparably like the expensive Porter-Cable palm sanders. The ergonomic design of this sander enables you to maneuver it perfectly despite the wobbling.
The dust collection system of this one works perfectly as well. You can easily attach its 7.5-ft hose to your vac. A hose adapter may also be used in attaching it to your vac.
The sandpaper size of this unit is ideal for all sorts of sanding areas. The overall housing construction of this palm sander is fairly strong and reliable. Moreover, its auxiliary handle can be reversed, so it’s totally friendly for both left and right-handed users.
4. WEN 6301 Palm Sander
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FEATURES
- Motor: 1 amp
- Speed: 13,500 OPM
- Dust system: attached to the vac system
- Weight: 2.5 lbs
- Others: pad paper size 5.5”x5.5”x3-1/8”
| pros | cons |
| • Lightweight and easy to manipulate | • Availability of its sandpaper |
| • Velcro pad | ? |
| • Dust collection system | ? |
| • Smooth sanding action | ? |
This may sound bias but definitely, it is another WEN palm sander hitting the fourth spot in our list. Compared to our third palm sander in the list, this one has a lower motor amp but delivers comparable sanding quality.
We are truly amazed at how WEN has totally improved the quality of its products. It is relatively lower-priced but its performance can now compete with other expensive brands like PC. In terms of weight, it is lighter compared to its Ryobi counterpart.
The handle of this unit fits perfectly to your hand which is easier to maneuver and swerve over the surface of the workpiece. The mouse shape of its pad allows you to reach corners with ease.
Further, it works on a low noise level and the vibration is tolerable in the hand. The Velcro pad system is an added convenience as well. Its dust collection system can be easily attached to your existing vac if you have the necessary adapter and hose.
The issue regarding this unit is the shape of its pad. It is difficult to find an exact pad for this palm sander. Thus, the most practical thing to do is buy a smaller pad and then trace the shape of the pad and trim off the excess.
5. Dewalt DWE6411K Palm Grip Sander Kit
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FEATURES
- Motor: 2.3 amp
- Speed: 14,000 OPM
- Dust system: can be attached to the vac
- Weight: 2.8 lbs
- Others: includes paper punch, bag, and dust bag
| pros | cons |
| • Efficient sander | • Tightening the connection of the hose to the sander |
| • Excellent sanding kit | ? |
| • Easy and simple to use | ? |
Best Sanding Kit
In our fifth spot, is a complete set for sanding works coming from the famous Dewalt. This sanding kit includes paper punch, bag, dust bag, and the DWE6411 palm sander.
This is a perfect solution if you want everything in one set already so you won’t have to buy them separately from stores. It saves you time and energy and allows you to focus more on the important stuff.
There are two things to admire from this set: (1) pad replacement is quick and easy, and (2) reliable dust collection system. Meanwhile, in terms of performance, the motor of this palm sander fairly delivers good speed and sanding action.
The overall housing and the switch have both good aesthetics and functionality.
Beside that, there is slight difficulty attaching the hose to an existing vac. You need to tighten it up with something, but overall, it works as expected.
6. Hi-Spec Palm Detail Sander
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FEATURES
- Motor: 1.6 amp
- Speed: 15,000 OPM
- Dust system: dust box
- Weight: 3 lbs
- Others: includes 10 pcs sanding pads
| pros | cons |
| • Effective little sander with Velcro bottom | • Dust box sometimes falls off |
| • Quieter operation and tolerable vibration | ? |
| • Solid housing construction | ? |
In our 6th spot is a mouse palm sander from Hi-Spec. This unit is small but amazingly delivers sufficient sanding action to any of your projects. It may not be an expensive one, but its performance is almost comparable to its expensive counterparts.
Another thing to admire from this little sander is its Velcro bottom which makes pad replacement really easy and quick. Like any other mouse sander, its pointed tip allows you to reach and sand those corners with ease.
Overall feature and performance are great for its price.
Sometimes the dust box falls off during operation.
7. HICO HPT100-B Palm Sander
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FEATURES
- Motor: 2 amp
- Speed: 12,000 OPM
- Dust system: dust box
- Weight: 3.4 lbs
- Others: hook-and-loop pad system
| pros | cons |
| • Small and effective palm sander | • Nothing extremely negative about it |
| • Functional dust box and cloth bag | ? |
| • Comfortable grip and easy to use | ? |
Best for Budget
If you are looking for a really affordable palm sander without undermining performance, then the 7th sander in our list can be your best option. This is a palm sander from HICO.
The best thing to admire from this unit is, you get the expected performance at an affordable price. Its ergonomic shape and grip handle covered with soft rubber strikes both comfort and ease of operation.
This unit also removes the hassle of finding for a hose adapter to connect your sander from your existing vac. It has a dust box with a cloth dust bag to completely store the dust created from sanding the surface.
Indeed, Velcro bottom makes pad replacement really quick and easy, but the hook-and-loop pad system ensures you that the pad does not fell during sanding.
Overall housing and design are good and functional.
8. Tacklife PSS02A Palm Sander
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FEATURES
- Motor: 2.5 amp
- Speed: 6,000 – 12,000 OPM
- Dust system: dust box
- Weight: 5.3 lbs
- Others: dial knob for speed adjustment
| pros | cons |
| • Aluminum base | • It is slightly hard to find a pre-made size for its sheets |
| • A reliable dust collection system | ? |
| • Powerful motor and great speed adjustment dial knob | ? |
Best for Speed Adjustment
Majority of the palm sanders in our list has a fix speed rate. In our 8th spot is a variable speed palm sander. The good thing about it, you can easily adjust its speed depending on the nature of the task you are currently working on.
This unit has a larger sanding area compared to the conventional ¼ sanders. Its 2.5 amp motor can effectively produce 6,000 to 12,000 opm. This is ideal for light to medium sanding.
It has an aluminum base, much durable compared to plastic ones. The dust port system of this unit is fairly good and reliable. Overall, we love its solid housing and design.
The pre-made size of its sheet is limited to the 120 grit only. This is not a big deal, just stating for knowledge purposes.
9. Ryobi P440 Cordless Palm Sander
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FEATURES
- Motor: 18V
- Speed: 12,000 RPM
- Dust system: detachable dust bag
- Weight: 2.3 lbs
- Others: lock on/off switch
| pros | cons |
| • Portable and efficient | • Nothing so far |
| • An effective dust collection system | ? |
| • Provides excellent speed | ? |
Best for Cordless Palm Sander
This Ryobi Cordless Palm Sander is ideal for light sanding works in places where the socket is far and you do not have an extension cord.
The stereotype for most cordless power tools is that it has lesser power and easily dies out. That is true for some but not for this Ryobi cordless palm sander. It becomes slightly heavy because of its 3.0Ah battery. You can use 2 Flylinktech 18V 3Ah batteries for this unit. It surely provides a longer battery life and decent power.
The compact and ergonomic design of this small sander makes it very easy to manipulate and store in your cabinet or shop. Likewise, the lock on/off gives you much convenience when working as you do not need to always press the switch.
The dust collection system of this unit works as expected and its vibration level is tolerable.
10. Black+Decker BDEQS15C Palm Sander
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FEATURES
- Motor: 1.5 amp
- Speed: —
- Dust system: dust bag
- Weight: 2.7 lbs
- Others: hook-and-loop pad system
| pros | cons |
| • Great compact palm sander | • Dust collection absorbs around 75 percent dust only |
| • Long and sturdy power cord | ? |
| • Comfortable to use and effective sanding | ? |
Now in our 10th spot, is another model from Black and Decker. This compact little palm sander is great for its price. You get the expected performance and features from this unit.
First of all, this little sander is ideal for light to medium sanding works. It uses a hook-and-loop pad system which works as expected. It takes a little while but no problem with falling off sheets while working.
Next, its grip handle is comfortable because it is covered with soft rubber. The design and size are perfect for single-hand manipulation.
Likewise, it has a strong and long power cord, giving you much portability for work.
The dust collection system absorbs only about 75 percent of the dust created.
