If you’ve sanded ceilings, walls and drywall then you know how strenuous and exhausting it can be. I’ve tried a few different drywall sander models and I’ve been using the Mirka Leros for a few years now.
This sander comes with some great features that make it ideal for sanding walls and ceilings. Let’s take a closer look at what this wall sander has to offer.
What is Mirka Leros?
Mirka is a Finnish brand that was founded in 1943 and its focus has always been on surface finishing and precision sanding solutions.
Mirka Leros is one of their latest innovations and it’s a drywall sander that’s been designed to make your life easier.
This wall sander is lightweight, efficient and easy to use. They had the user in mind when they designed this tool and it shows.
Best Features of Mirka Leros
Not only does it have a brushless motor and random orbital movement but other the top features of the Mirka Leros are:
Lightweight
It weighs less than 7.7 lbs (3.5 Kg), making it one of the lightest drywall sanders on the market.
This is a big advantage because you won’t get as tired when using it, it’s easier on your shoulders and you’ll be able to work for longer periods of time.
Ergonomical
The designers of this sander have had your comfort in mind and it shows. The sander is well-balanced and easy to hold onto, even when you’re working overhead.
The length is perfect for most sanding but you can attach an extension to it if needed.
If you need an even shorter version they just released the Mirka Leros-S which is the same sander but with a shorter shaft for better maneuverability in tight spaces.
Dust extraction
Most drywall sanders have dust extraction and the Mirka Leros is no different. It uses its own sanding discs called Abranet.
Abranet is a very effective net abrasive and it’s also very good at collecting dust since it’s meshlike.
Reaches corners
The sanding pad uses a random orbital movement which means it will rotate in a circle but also vibrate in 0.2 inches. This ensures that you’ll be able to get into the corners where other sanders might struggle.
If you need to get into the ceiling/baseboard corners where a round sanding pad can’t reach then Mirka has a handheld orbital sander called Mirka DEOS.
It has a rectangular shape and it’s specifically designed for those corners and other tight spots. Read more about that sander here.
Flexible sanding pad
The sanding head can tilt 180 degrees which give you a lot of flexibility. It even tilts horizontally which I personally like since I sand drywall joints in an S motion.
Mirka Leros Pricing
This sander is a high-quality tool and it’s priced accordingly. It’s not the cheapest drywall sander on the market but it’s definitely worth the money in my opinion.
You can find this sander online or at Walmart. The price varies depending on where you buy it but you should expect to pay around $1100 for the drywall sander alone.
Mirka Dust Extractor is an optional accessory that you can buy with the sander. It’s a HEPA filter dust extractor and it does an excellent job at collecting dust.
If you’re going to be doing a lot of sanding then I would recommend getting the dust extractor since it will make your life a lot easier.
The price for the Mirka Leros and the Dust Extractor together is around $2200.
As they say, if you buy cheap then you buy twice.
Mirka Leros Pros and Cons
All things considered, the Mirka Leros is an excellent drywall sander. However, there are some things that I like and don’t like about it.
Here’s a quick rundown of the pros and cons:
Mirka Leros Pros
- Lightweight
- Ergonomic
- Dust extraction
- Flexible sanding head
- Reaches corners
Also, the brushless motor with variable speed control doesn’t get as hot as regular ones which means it will last longer and won’t overheat as easily.
But nothing is perfect and there are some things that I don’t like about this sander.
Mirka Leros Cons
- Pricing
- Bag quality
This isn’t something every DIYer would go and buy but if you’re a professional contractor then I think it’s definitely worth the money. As a DIYer, you could always check if it’s possible to rent it in your local area.
The bag that comes with the sander could be better. The zipper is a bit frail and it’s not the easiest to open and close.
There is a slot in the bag where you can store some sanding discs but they can be hard to insert and take out since the discs will get stuck on the way in and out.
This could easily be prevented by having a plastic sleeve inside the bag where they are stored.
Mirka Leros Alternatives
Here are a couple of drywall sanders that will get you professional results.
Festool Planex
A cheaper but high-quality drywall sander alternative is from the well-known brand Festool.
The Festool Planex drywall sander is liked and used by professionals and is a great alternative to Mirka Leros.
It weighs about 8 Pounds and also has a brushless motor and comes with a 3-year warranty.
FLEX Giraffe
This American brand is also a great drywall sander which I personally have used a lot for sanding walls and ceilings.
It weighs 8.9 Pounds and is well-balanced and easy to handle.
Mirka Leros: My Personal Experience
After using this sander for a few years, I have to say that I’m very impressed. It’s lightweight and efficient and it does an excellent job at collecting dust.
Both the vacuum and sander are easy to maneuver when sanding and it’s very user-friendly.
Sanding used to be a messy, boring and time-consuming task but with the Mirka Leros, it’s actually a breeze.
What others have said about Mirka Leros
Here are a couple of personal opinions from buyers taken from Acmetools.com:
“Mirka LEROS Drywall sander…. Win…win! 5/5
Yup…. should have bought this the moment it was released. Saving so much wear and tear on these 58 year old shoulders. Super easy learning curve. The videos I watched made me a bit nervous but if you have an ounce of common sense it’s a breeze. 180 grit for the win.”
“Outstanding performance 5/5
I considered going with Mirka after watching a video online. I was not sure though if it was worth the extra money and almost bought another porter cable. I am so glad I didn’t. Mirka has really upped the anty in the world of drywall finishing! The 180 degree pivoting head is sooo nice and the orbital action of the head leaves a finished product with no swirling, so there is no need to go over it with a stick sander when you’re done! I’m more impressed with this product than any new tool I’ve ever tried. It reduces fatigue immensely. I always have a respect for porter cable. They lead the field for a long time, but now they have to bow their heads to the new leader; Mirka Leros!”
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Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Mirka Leros?
All in all, I think the Mirka Leros is the best drywall sander out there and I would recommend it to anyone who’s in the market for one. The price is high but you get what you pay for.
If you want to have a look at some cheaper alternatives then you can check out my article on the best drywall sanders for DIYers.