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What Is The Best Detail Sander?
Our top pick for top detail sander is the PORTER-CABLE 20-V Max Sheet Sander because it comes with so many helpful features, such as variable speed, so you can use it for a variety of applications. It’s also reasonably-priced and received mostly positive reviews from satisfied customers.
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Top 7 Detail Sanders: Our Picks & Recommendations
- PORTER-CABLE 20-V Max Sheet Sander
- WEN 6301 Electric Detailing Palm Sander
- BLACK+DECKER Mouse Detail Sander
- BLACK+DECKER RANDOM Orbit Sander
- Genesis GPS080 Corner Palm Sander
- BLACK+DECKER 20-V Max BDCMS20C
- SKIL 7302-02 Octo Detail
Whether you’re a hobbyist or a professional woodworker, you want a sander that gets the job done right every time. But with so many options to choose from, it can be difficult to know which is the top detail sander. And who has time to do all that research?
We’ve done all the work, so you don’t have to. We looked at a wide selection of detail sanders, taking note of their features, and what customers especially liked (and didn’t like) about them.
We also considered which manufacturer offered the best product at the best price. Without further ado, here are the top 7 detail sanders.
How To Choose The Right Detail Sander
In your quest for the top detail sander, here are some important factors to consider.
Type
The type of sander you need depends on the project you’re working on. For workpieces with tight corners and rough edges, you’ll need a small finish sander.
For larger projects, a palm sander will probably be adequate, provided it’s ergonomically designed so it doesn’t give your hands a workout and cause you to dread your next finishing task.
Weight
Weight can vary from one sander to another. Some of the heavier tools are designed for use with one hand, so, despite their weight, they should be relatively easy to maneuver.
It’s important to have a sander that’s comfortable to hold, or you probably won’t be able to achieve the results you want, at least not without herculean effort.
Power
Multipurpose tools run on more juice because the motor requires more power than less versatile sanders. Some of these multipurpose devices don’t perform as well as those designed primarily for one task.
If you’re more of an amateur in the woodworking department, a device that gives you more control is better than one that’s high-powered. As you learn the ropes, you’ll eventually be able to use more powerful tools.
In this regard, multipurpose sanders may be especially helpful, if, in addition to sanding, you also need to do a bit of scraping and cutting.
Keep in mind that sanders work with one of two power sources: electricity or batteries. One advantage of corded sanders is that they’ll run forever, as long as they’re plugged into a functioning outlet. If you’re using a battery-powered tool, it may only work for half an hour at a time before running out of juice.
However, the battery-operated sanders give you a lot more freedom to move around-a plus if you’re working on especially large projects or multiple workpieces.
Dust Extraction
Because sanding can leave a lot of dust in its wake, it’s best to choose a tool with a good dust-collection system to keep work surfaces free of debris. Additionally, the inner components of the machine should be sealed off so that dust can’t make its way in and potentially cause damage.
Compatibility/Grip
Detail sanders come with either palm grips or barrel grips. Some people find the barrel grip to be a more natural position for their hands, while others prefer the palm grip.
Price
It’s tempting to choose the least expensive sander you can find, especially if it’s received reasonably good customer ratings. But cheaply-made tools may not be able to stand up to frequent use.
On the other hand, buying the most high-end tool is a mistake if you don’t use it often or it’s more than you can really afford. On the market, you’ll find detail sanders that fit just about every budget. That said, your best bet is usually to go with something moderately-priced.
7 Best Detail Sander Reviews
Here’s a list of the best detail sanders on the market today:
1. PORTER-CABLE 20-V Max Sheet Sander
What You Will Love:
- Cordless
- Variable Speed
- Detachable Dust Bag
- Lightweight
- Comes with replacement sanding tips
When it comes to the best overall, the PORTER-CABLE 20-V Max Sheet Sander stood out from the pack because it’s so well-built and easy to use.
Since it’s cordless, you can carry it anywhere you want. Just make sure you have plenty of batteries on hand if you’re planning on using the tool for long stretches.
The variable speed dial allows you to adjust the sander to fit different applications so you can achieve the results you want. The tool can generate 9,000 to 11,000 oscillations per minute (OPM).
With detachable dust bag, you don’t have to deal with an onslaught of sawdust. You can connect the bag to a 1-1/4″ hose for virtually effortless clean-up. Another thing we really like about this tool is that it comes with extra sanding tips, so you can have some on hand when they’re due for replacement.
One more important thing you might like to know is that this sander is just under 2.5 pounds, making it even easier to maneuver, especially since there’s no cord in your way.
Pros:
- Variable speed
- Dust compartment
- Replacement sanding tips
Cons:
- Tips wear out quickly
- Doesn’t come with battery or charger
2. WEN 6301 Electric Detailing Palm Sander
What You Will Love:
- Affordable
- Angled tip for precision sanding
- Hook-and-loop base for easy sandpaper installation
If you’re looking for the best on a budget, look no further than the WEN 6301 Electric Detailing Palm Sander. It packs a lot of power into a compact machine.
With a 1-amp motor, it generates 13,500 oscillations per minute, allowing for even sanding of abrasive surfaces.
One thing we really liked about this tool is its 3.75″x5″ sanding pad and angled tip, making it possible to reach into tight corners for precise smoothing.
With fan-assisted dust-collection, you can get all the debris out of those tight spots so you can achieve not only a smooth finish, but a clean one. To make clean-up even easier, the unit comes with a dust-collection port.
Another plus: This palm sander features a hook-and-loop base pad that makes it easy to remove and replace sandpaper as needed, so you won’t experience significant interruptions to your work.
As if this machine couldn’t get any easier to use, it also comes with an ergonomic handle so it won’t tire your hands out. It tips the scales at around 2lbs., so you don’t have to feel like you’re going through weight-training every time you use it.
Pros:
- Angled tip tits in tight corners
- Fan-assisted dust collection and port
- Lightweight
- Easy to swap out sandpaper
Cons:
- Some customers had difficulty getting the sandpaper to line up with the pad.
3. BLACK+DECKER Mouse Detail Sander
What You Will Love:
- Small and lightweight for easy maneuvering in tight spaces
- 3 different gripping positions
- Micro-filtration dust collection
What caught our attention about the BLACK+DECKER Mouse Detail Sander, Compact Detail Sander (BDEMS600) is its ease of use and affordable price. BLACK+DECKER is a trusted name in appliances and tools, so we expected this product to deliver as promised.
According to many satisfied customers, it didn’t disappoint. This compact tool runs at 1400 orbits per minute, which is a fair amount of power for such a small device.
One especially helpful feature on the tool is its 3-position grip for ultimate control. When sanding surfaces, the palm grip is best. For extra maneuverability, you can use the precision grip. To get into those really tight corners, the handle grip is the way to go. It comes with a finger attachment for easy handling.
With micro-filtration dust-collection, you can enjoy a clean workspace. Also, the dust canister is transparent, so you can see when it’s full before it starts to compromise the machine’s performance.
Like most detail sanders we reviewed, this one comes with a sanding pad. So if you have sandpaper on hand, you can get to work as soon as it’s out of the box.
Pros:
- 3 positions for gripping
- Compact, lightweight design
- Micro-filtration dust-collection
- Affordable price
Cons:
- Not as durable as some other tools we reviewed
4. BLACK+DECKER RANDOM Orbit Sander
What You Will Love:
- Self-adjusts for different application
- 3 interchangeable sanding pads– no tools needed
- Sealed on/off switch keeps dust out
- Easy-to-empty dust canister
When it comes to the top detail sander, the BLACK+DECKER RANDOM Orbit Sander with Smart Select (MS2000) lives up to its moniker (Smart Select). This all-in-one tool for detail and finish sanding self-adjusts to fit various applications.
With the tool-free change base, you get 3 interchangeable sanding bases for random orbit, finish sanding, and detail sanding.
Like the BDEMS600, this tool comes with a finger attachment for enhanced ease-of-use. The Smart Select dial lets you customize the device for four different applications.
Just dial in your application, and Smart Select Technology suggests a base and adjusts to the appropriate speed.
This feature is especially helpful if you’re not sure what setting is best for a particular project. The bases are color-coded to match the applications on the knob.
Another advantage of this tool is that the on/off switch is sealed to keep debris out, and the dust-collection canister makes clean-up a snap.
Pros:
- Durable design
- Smart Select Technology
- 3 sanding pads that you can change at the touch of a button
- Sealed on/off switch and dust port
Cons:
- Some design flaws may compromise its overall performance, may be better-suited to one or two applications rather than 4.
5. Genesis GPS080 Corner Palm Sander
What You Will Love:
- Mouse-shaped sanding pad for hard-to-reach places
- Comes with 3 mouse sandpapers for different applications
- No clips needed to change sandpaper
- Built for fast, efficient sanding
If you’re looking for the detail sander for small projects, such as chair legs and table stands, the Genesis GPS080 just might be the solution you need. For fast, efficient sanding, this powerful tool generates 14,000 orbits per minute, plenty of time to get your work done in short order.
If you don’t like to deal with pressing clips when changing sandpaper, you’ll be happy to know that this unit doesn’t require them. Hooks and loops secure the paper to the tool.
Like some other sanders we reviewed, the GPS080 comes with an on/off switch that’s sealed to keep dust out. With the tool’s ergonomic design, you can use it comfortably for extended periods.
Another plus, this sander features a mouse-shaped pad for detail and corner sanding, giving you access to those hard-to-reach places that belt sanders can’t touch.
This sander provides a welcome alternative to the hand-sanding that often is necessary in especially tight corners. Included with the sander, you’ll find 3 mouse sandpapers (80-, 120-, and 240-grit) that you can use for a variety of applications, such as finishing old furniture or smoothing DIY projects.
Pros:
- Built for speed and precision
- Fits in tight spaces
- Comes with 3 different sandpapers
Cons:
- Mouse pad may not align completely with recommended sandpaper size
- May not hold up to frequent use and large projects
6. BLACK+DECKER 20-V Max BDCMS20C
What You Will Love:
- Cordless
- Compact
- No cord, and the battery is included
- 2-position grip with detachable finger attachment
The BLACK+DECKER Max Sheet Sander (BDCMS20C) is a relatively lightweight tool (just over 2.5 pounds), but it’s durable and powerful.
With its ergonomic design, you can maneuver it comfortably without cutting corners. Two gripping positions and a finger attachment allow you to reach tight spaces with ease.
Another thing we liked about the tool is that it has a sealed on/off switch to keep debris out of the machine. For convenient clean-up, the unit features a dust-collection system too.
To ensure you can use the sander right out of the box, the 20-V 1.5Ah battery needed to power it is included too. (Some manufacturers require you to purchase batteries separately).
Pros:
- Cordless convenience
- Sealed switch and dust-collection system
- Compact design
- 2-position grip and finger attachment
Cons:
- Short battery life
- Not suited for heavy-duty jobs
7. SKIL 7302-02 Octo Detail
What You Will Love:
- Micro-filtration system
- 8 detail attachments
- Pressure-level indicator
Last but not least, another item on the list that we’d like you to know about it the SKIL Octo Multi-finish Sander. What we loved about this tool is that it allows you to exert just the right amount of pressure so you can sand your workpieces to perfection.
The pressure control indicator lets you know when you’re applying just the right level of force. Plus, it comes with 8 detail attachments– which you can change without tools-to fit just about any application. With micro-filtration, the machine captures the finest dust particles to ensure seamless clean-up.
And you can see at a glance when the transparent dust canister is full. While we’re on the topic of dust, you might like to know that the on/off switch is sealed to keep wood residue out.
You can move the nose in 3 different positions, depending on how abrasive the wood is. For optimal control and comfort, the machine features a soft-grip design.
Pros:
- Soft-grip design
- 8 attachments for added versatility
- Sealed switch and dust-filtration
- Pressure-level indicator
Cons:
- We didn’t find much to complain about.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What Is A Detail Sander Used For?
Detail sanders reach tight corners where other sanders don’t fit. You can use some detail sanders for regular sanding, too.
How Much Is A Detail Sander?
Detail sanders can range from less than $20 to more than $250, so must people can find one that fits their budget. The more expensive tools tend to be made of higher-quality materials and usually come with more features.
Where Can You Buy Detail Sanders?
Most utility shops carry sanders. You can always purchase it online from HomeDepot, Amazon, and others, too.
What Is A Detail Sander Commonly Used For?
Detail sanders are used for finishing workpieces with tight corners or sharp edges– such as furniture joints– that other sanders can’t reach. Some detail sanders can also be used for general sanding tasks, too.
Conclusion
It can be difficult to choose the right detail sander. But knowing a little about their different types, features, and prices will help you select the one that’s right for you. Doing a little research up-front helps you avoid any surprises down the road. When it comes to woodworking, the best detail sander allows you to finish strong.
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