Best Cordless Sanders: Work Outside Without Any Problem
There are a lot of low-quality cordless sanders available, so choosing a good one can be hard. To help you out, we have decided to make a list of the best cordless sanders.
The list contains different models that come with different features. Except for that, we have also shared a lot of pieces of information for cordless sanders.
You can find all the information you need down below.
| Products | Product Name | Details | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
Brushless Motor  | Brushless Motor |
| Buy On Amazon |
40 Minute Run Time  | 40 Minute Run Time |
| Buy On Amazon |
Good Paper Clamp  | Good Paper Clamp |
| Buy On Amazon |
Budget Pick  | Budget Pick |
| Buy On Amazon |
Corded/Cordless Sander  | Corded/Cordless Sander |
| Buy On Amazon |
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Best Cordless Sanders
1. DEWALT DCW210B - Best Cordless Orbital Sander
Best Features 
- Brushless Motor
- Adjustable Speed
- Easy Paper Changing
My Overall Rating
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More detailed review ↴
If you are just starting with cordless machines, then using a DeWalt tool is always a good idea. Although this one doesn't come with a battery and charger (sold separately), it's still a good start.
The DEWALT DCW210B comes with variable speed settings -- meaning that you can adjust the speed to match it with the project you are working on. This helps you to use the same sander for different-sized projects. You can change the speed from 8,000 to 12,000 OPM.
This cordless sander is small, it fits in your hands, and the over-mold grip makes it even more comfortable to use and control. What makes this machine special is the motor, it features a brushless motor that gives the tool more power and efficiency than normal motors.
Pros:
- Brushless Motor – Gives the tool more power and efficiency.
- Adjustable Speed – You can adjust the speed to match it with your project size.
- Small – Fits in your hands and it’s easy to control.
- Dust Bag – You can lock it using only one hand.
- The battery and charger are sold separately.
2. Makita XOB01Z - Best Battery Powered Sander
Best Features 
- 40 Minute Run Time
- Adjustable Speed
- Speed Control Switch
My Overall Rating
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More detailed review ↴
When it comes to cordless machines, the most important thing that you need to check is the run time. How much can the machine run with a single charge? The Makita XOB01Z runs up to 40 minutes with a single charge (low speed) or 20 minutes with high speed.
Just like the previous model, this one too comes with different speed settings -- 7,000, 9,500, 11,000 OPM. You can choose one of the three-speed settings depending on your project size. You can change the speed by clicking the speed control switch.
This cordless orbital sander comes with a dual-sealed switch and bearing that gives the machine a longer life and makes it more durable for different environments.
What makes this cordless sander tool special is the control system and the pad brake -- the control system fixes the pad speed at the startup and the pad brake reduces the free spin for better finish quality.
On the downside, the battery is sold separately.
Pros:
- Run Time – It can run up to 40 minutes with one charge.
- Different Speed – 7,000, 9,500, 11,000.
- Control System – Regulates the pad speed at the startup.
- Durable – Comes with dual-sealed switch and bearing.
- Battery sold separately.
3. DEWALT DCW200B - Best Cordless Palm Sander
Best Features 
- Removable Dust Chute
- Adjustable Speed
- Good Paper Clamp
My Overall Rating
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More detailed review ↴
The next cordless sander in our list is another model from DeWalt. But, this one is a palm sander and not a orbital one.
This cordless palm sander comes with adjustable speed settings -- you can change the speed from 8,000 to 14,000 OPM. This speed range gives you the ability to use the same sander for small, medium, and large projects.
Just like the previous one, this one too comes with a brush-less motor that gives the tool more efficiency and power. It comes with a good paper clamp that holds the paper securely and allows you to easily change it.
The tool height is approximately 5.3 inches and the length is 6 inches. So, the tool is small and will fit perfectly into your hands. The texture rubber over-mold makes the sanding process very comfortable and allows you to control the tool easier.
Pros:
- Palm Sander – 1/4 Palm Sander
- Motor – Features a brushless motor.
- Speed Settings – You can change the speed from 8,000 to 14,000.
- Paper Clamp – The clamp holds the paper security and you can easily change it.
- Comfortable – The texture rubber 0ver-mold gives you a comfortable experience.
- Battery sold separately.
4. Black & Decker BDCRO20C - Best Battery Operated Sander
Best Features 
- Budget Pick
- 12,000 OPM
- Effective Dust Collector System
My Overall Rating
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More detailed review ↴
If you are on a budget and looking for a smaller cordless sander then you should check the Black & Decker BDCRO20C. This cordless sander is mostly used for quick touches such as small house repairs, removing paint from small surfaces, etc.
The Black & Decker BDCRO20C comes with 12,000 OPM speed -- which is more than enough for most DIY projects. On the downside, it doesn't come with adjustable speed.
What I like most about this sander is that it comes with an excellent dust collector system. The system gets rid of all dust that is produced while working, this helps you to keep a cleaner environment. Another good thing is the hook and loop system that helps you to change the paper faster and easier.
If you are a beginner or on a budget then you should check this one. It ticks all the boxes.
Pros:
- Budget Pick – It doesn’t cost a lot of money and does a great job.
- Fast – Comes with 12,000 OPM.
- Dust Collector – It comes with an effective dust collector system.
- Hook and Loop System – Allows you to change the paper easier.
- Doesn’t have adjustable speed.
5. Festool 201531 -Best Rechargeable Sander
Best Features 
- Corded/Cordless Sander
- 30 Minutes Run Time
- Comfortable
My Overall Rating
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More detailed review ↴
If you are an expert and don't mind paying a big price for an excellent tool then you should check the Festool 201531. This sander has everything you ever need to complete your projects.
First of all, this sander comes with a hybrid power source -- which means that you can choose its power source. You can choose to use it either with electricity or battery. Basically this is a cordless/corded sander. This allows you to use this same sander for different projects and environments.
The battery charges very fast and it allows you to use the sander up to 30 minutes with full speed.
Moreover, it comes with a dust extraction that is very effective, it helps you to keep the surface cleaner. The tool comes with a balanced design that gives you more comfort while sanding.
Pros:
- All in One – It’s a corded/cordless sander.
- Run Time – The battery charges fast and it lasts up to 30 minutes at full speed.
- Dust Extraction – Very effective.
- Versatile – The hybrid power source allows you to use this sander for different types of projects.
- Balanced Design – Comfortable
- Battery Life – Up to 30 minutes.
- Pricey
Best Cordless Sanders -- Buyers Guide
Choosing a cordless sander for the first time can be confusing. There are a lot of features that do different things. Some features might help you with your project and some might not.
That's why, the first thing that you need to know before choosing a cordless sander, is the project type. If you know the project then you will also know what features will help you.
When choosing a cordless sander, there are some features that you need to check:
Usage
If you are going to use the cordless sander for only one project then go for the budget pick. Just make sure that the sander has the power and speed that you need.
If you are going to use the sander for different projects, then it's best to choose a cordless sander that comes with a lot of features.
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Adjustable Speed
One of the things I like most about sanders is the adjustable speed. This feature allows you to use the same sander for different projects. It allows you to change the speed so you can match it with your project size.
If you are going to use the sander for more than one project, then the cordless sander should allow you to change the speed. If not, then you are buying the wrong tool.
Speed (OPM)
Speed is very important. The OPM stands for orbits per minute. The higher the OPM, the faster the sander is.
Cordless sanders usually come with a speed between 7,000-14,000 OPM. This speed is more than enough for most woodworking projects.
I don't recommend buying a cordless sander that has more than 14,000 OPM. If you do, then the run time of the battery is lower.
Battery
The cordless sander can have all the features of the world, but if the battery isn't good enough the sander won't work as excepted. That's why the first thing that you need to check for cordless machines is the battery.
Usually, cordless power tools come with a lithium 20V battery, these types of batteries are very good and tend to last a lot. If you use the sander daily then you need a 20V battery. If you use the sander once a month or week, an 18V battery will do just fine.
I recommend buying an extra battery as a backup. While you work with one battery you can charge the other one, and once that battery dies, then you can use the one you charged. This helps you to work faster without having to stop to wait for the battery to recharge.
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Dust Extractor System
One thing is for sure, sanders produce a lot of dust, especially if you are using it on an old wood surface. Dust can be bad for your health, to prevent you from inhaling a lot of dust, the sander should have a good dust extractor system.
Some cordless sanders only come with a dust extractor port -- which means that you need to have an extra vacuum to connect it to the sander.
And some others come with a dust bag and a system that automatically gets rid of the dust, but the dust bag is usually small so you will have to stop a lot of times to clean it. Depending on your needs, you can choose one or the other.
How to use cordless sanders?
Cordless sanders can be used for a lot of things, but mostly they are used for woodworking or paint removal. Although using them isn't hard, you still have to follow some steps and do some tricks to get better results. Here are some things that you have to keep in mind while working with cordless sanders.
Protect Your Self
The most important thing about power tools is safety. You should protect yourself and the tool too. In most cases, the only problem with sanders is the dust that they produce.
If you have a low-quality cordless sander that doesn't come with a good dust collector then you are going to face a lot of problems. Dust can be bad for your health, to protect yourself you have to wear safety goggles, masks, and gloves. These safety measures prevent you from inhaling dust.
Except for yourself, you have to protect the tool too, after all, you spent a lot of money to buy it, right? One of the most important things that you need to keep in mind about cordless sanders is that they might overload fast.
Don't use a full speed at the start-up, wait until the cordless sander starts and then gradually raise the speed.
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Choose the Right Cordless Type
There are a lot of different cordless sanders -- orbital, palm, detailed. belt ,etc. Although they might do the same job, they still are used for different surfaces.
Depending on how large the surface is then you can choose one or the other. If you are dealing with large surfaces then orbital, palm, and belt cordless sanders are the best. They are bigger, faster, and will do a better job.
If you are dealing with smaller surfaces then you need a detailed cordless sander -- these types of sanders are made for small surfaces.
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Choose The Right Sandpaper
As you may know, there are different types of sandpapers. Depending on the type of surface you are working on, you can choose one or the other. You can know the type of sandpaper by checking its grit number.
Sandpaper with a lower grit number is rougher than sandpaper with a higher grit number.
- Coarse (20 -35 Grit) -- Used for rough surfaces.
- Medium (40-60 Grit) -- Used for paint removal
- Fine (150-180 Grit) -- Used for refinishing, usually to give the surface the last touch.
Corded vs Cordless Sanders
Corded and cordless sanders don't have a lot of differences. They both can be used for the same projects, and most of the time, they come with the same features.
But, still here are some differences between a corded sander and a cordless sander.
Portability
As you know, corded sanders get their power from electricity, and cordless sanders get their power from their battery. This means that corded sanders are limited by a power outlet/ power cords. If you don't have a power outlet near, then you can use the corded sander. This could be a big problem if you are to work outside.
On the other hand, you can use cordless sanders wherever you want, you are not limited by anything. Just make sure to fully charge the battery before using it.
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Run Time
Corded sanders can work as long as you want, you can work for hours and they will do a good job. On the other hand, cordless sanders usually work for 20-40 minutes, and then you have to recharge them.
If you are dealing with a large project, then cordless sanders are not recommended. It takes about 30-60 minutes for the battery to fully charge so you can use it again.
Power
Corded sanders usually come with a powerful motor and a high speed. Cordless sanders are on the same level too, they are very fast and do the job as good as a corded sander.
Which one do I recommend? Unless you are working on a very large project, then I recommend cordless sanders. You can move around easily, you are not limited by anything, and they do a good job.
Final Words
And this is it -- this is all the information that you need for cordless sanders. All of the tools that we listed here are great and will do a good job.
If you don't know which one to pick, then make sure to read the buyer guide to get an idea of what you should look for. If you still don't know then just pick the first one, it has great features and will come in handy whenever you are a professional or a beginner.
As always, if you have any questions make sure to send us an email.
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