If you’re a DIYer, then you know that having the right tools can make all the difference. When all the drywall is up and the joint compound has been applied, then the boring and tedious sanding needs to be done.
Doing this by hand with a simple dust mask on is absolutely horrible. Especially if you’re going to sand the ceiling as well!
Trust me, I have done that in my early days as a painter. It’s strenuous and extremely dusty. You need the proper tool for that, and that is a drywall sander with a dust collecting function.
But as a DIYer, you just can’t go out and buy the stuff the professionals use since they are expensive. The one I use in my work cost over $1000 and if you’re just going to use it for 1 or 2 rooms there is no need to buy one of those.
In this article, I’ll list some drywall sanders that will make sanding ceilings and walls a breeze for you and they won’t break the bank.
When it comes to drywall sanders, the WEN 6369 Drywall Sander is highly recommended by thousands of DIYers on Amazon.
With its pivoting 8.5-inch head that swivels in all directions, this drywall sander automatically adjusts to be flush against every surface that crosses its path.
The 5-Amp head-mounted motor provides maximum torque to the sanding disk and makes it lightweight and easy to maneuver.
You can adjust the speed anywhere from 600 to 1500 RPM for optimal results. Whether you’re sanding a ceiling or a wall, this feature will ensure that you’re not going too fast or too slow.
The hook and loop base pad make changing sandpaper a breeze. No more struggling to get the old paper off. Just rip off the used one and attach the new sandpaper disc and you’re good to go.
Plus, with its lightweight 9-pound body and telescoping design, it’s easy to reach lengths up to five feet away.
This package also includes six drywall Sandpaper disks (60, 80, 120, 150, 180 and 240 Grit) and a flexible dust vacuum hose that stretches up to 15 feet for reliable drywall sander dust removal.
What are people saying about WEN 6369 Drywall Sander?
Buy it! I think of all the mud I’ve sanded by hand over the years and I want to cry! Just took this for an hour test drive and WOW!
I’m a residential painting contractor. I didn’t expect much out of this machine for the price but have to say that it worked much better than expected.
It actually almost makes sanding fun. Yes, it’s heavy (compared to a sanding pole) but saves a ton of elbow grease. It does a great job of blending butt joints and is virtually dust-free even using my small Ridgid vac.
This was just what I needed. I had old swirly hand-mudded texture on my ceiling and needed it cleaned off to put modern texture up. I was dreading the work but this tool made it possible. Took 2 hours to do a 22×15 foot ceiling taking it down to the bare drywall.
I definitely recommend this. I am a serious DIYer who is building my own 2800sf house. I have used the Porter-Cable and considered springing for one but couldn’t justify the cost for this one miserable project. Glad I didn’t. I had reservations about the Wen but I am very glad I went with it. Especially with the price.
The WEN 6369 drywall sander has received very positive reviews from users on Amazon with an average of 4.5/5 stars.
Customers like the drywall sander’s automatic dust removal system, 5-Amp head-mounted motor, and variable speed adjustment.
They also find the hook and loop base pad to be a convenient feature.
Overall, customers are happy with their purchase and would recommend the WEN 6369 drywall sander to other DIYers.
Handife 7A Drywall Sander features a 7 Amp 800W high power motor and 5 variable speeds (800-1800RPM) so it is slightly heavier than the WEN 3639.
The rotating sanding disk with an LED light is perfect for working in dark areas. And thanks to its extendable and collapsible design, this sander can reach high places easily while saving space!
It comes with 12× Sanding Papers (150/180/240 grits×4)
What are people saying about Handife 7A Drywall Sander?
Recently remodeling my room on our own, we were sanding the walls by hand and couldn’t finish it, so decided to buy this drywall sander. It’s saved us a lot of time and work, powerful, long length to reach and sanding the rough ceiling, its comes dust correct bag and bright light which is very nice, no more dust all over the head all over the face. Important, this sanding machine does smooth the walls and saved us a lot of time, especially the ceiling area. Recommend it to anyone who wants to model the house by themselves!!
I bought this to sand drywall but quickly realized it’s great for light sanding of hardwood floors. Variable speed is nice. Suction isn’t great, but it helps with less cleanup.
This tool is exactly what we needed to properly prep the new drywall for priming and painting. And it is a LOT of tool for the money. Expect to spend some time getting used to it and be patient. You will adjust to the weight distribution if so. Also try adjusting the RPM and the various grits of sandpaper for a given area of wall or ceiling (we found some areas sanded very easily and others required much more work). Friends are already asking to borrow my new system here, which is always a good sign of having made the right purchase.
Great for the price! Was pretty good at containing the Sheetrock dust. Impressed! Pleased with it and it cuts the time needed to sand. In past, I have always hand sanded and am VERY particular about my work.
Wish I bought it sooner! Like having 3 extra people. Covers a great amount of area at one time.
Users are happy with this drywall sander as well, although it can be heavy to use and the dust collection could have been better.
A cheaper but more labor-intensive option
If you’re only going to sand the walls in a small room then this 3rd and last option might be for you. It’s cheap and removes the dust, but you will have to do it manually by hand.
Since it’s rectangular shaped it can sand corners easily. You can complement it with the other drywall sander, that’s how I do it!
Is a drywall sander worth it?
A drywall sander can save you a lot of time and energy when sanding drywall. The dust can be a nightmare so the dust collecting function is a godsend.
They’re typically easy to use and provide the power and performance you need for any drywall project. So, if you’re looking for an easy way to get the job done, a drywall sander is definitely worth it!
How do you know when you’re done sanding drywall?
The drywall should feel smooth to the touch when you’re done sanding. If drywall sanding is done properly and drywall dust is removed, you shouldn’t be able to feel any texture after sanding.
Close your eyes or look away from the drywall and move your hand across joints to try to feel any irregularities. If it’s bumpy you need to sand some more.
The circular drywall sanders can’t reach some corners so you will need to sand those by hand.
Do you have to wipe off drywall dust before priming?
No, I usually don’t do that.
After the first coat of paint has been applied move your hand across the surface. If it’s not smooth to the touch then sand gently with fine-grit sandpaper, at least 120.
Is it OK to vacuum drywall dust?
Yes, drywall dust is fine to vacuum. Just be sure to use a HEPA filter and frequently check your vacuum filter for drywall dust buildup. This will help you prevent drywall dust from getting caught in the motor.
Is drywall dust harmful to my health?
Drywall dust can be harmful to your health and cause silicosis if drywall sanding is done regularly without proper protection. When drywall sanding, make sure to use a respirator or mask to avoid drywall dust inhalation even though the drywall sander will suck up most of it.