This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
Introduction
In this article, we will be testing and reviewing 14 of the most common sanders under 100 dollars that most people are buying. These sanders were purchased from Home Depot, Harbor Freight, and Amazon. The aim of this test is to find the best sander or the best sander for most people.
Methodology
The test will consist of a series of trials where the sanders will be put through their paces in terms of sanding, dust collection, hand fatigue, and durability. Each sander was tested for 15 minutes to determine the heat buildup, vibration, and overall performance. The sanders were then ranked from worst to best based on their performances.
The Sanders
The sanders that were tested include the following:
– Bauer
– Black and Decker
– Bosch
– Craftsman
– DeWalt
– Hercules
– Makita (2 versions)
– Metabo
– Milwaukee
– Ridgid
– Ryobi
– Skil
– WEN
Results Summary
The top three recommended sanders for most people are the Milwaukee, Craftsman, and DeWalt sanders. These three sanders performed well in terms of dust collection, hand fatigue, and overall performance. The Milwaukee sander had the best dust collection and hand fatigue, while the Craftsman and DeWalt offered good performance with a budget-friendly option in the Craftsman.
Individual Performances
– Bauer: The Bauer sander was underpowered and had poor dust collection. However, its hand fatigue was only moderate. Its proprietary dust connections make it difficult to adapt.
– Black and Decker: This sander had good dust collection but suffered from significant hand fatigue. It performed well overall, but the hand fatigue may be an issue for some users.
– Bosch: The Bosch sander was disappointing. Although it had little hand fatigue, it was underpowered and had poor dust collection.
– Craftsman: The Craftsman sander performed well with good dust collection, low hand fatigue, and a budget-friendly price.
– DeWalt: The DeWalt sander also performed well with good dust collection, low hand fatigue, and a variable speed feature. It is a recommended option for most people.
– Hercules: This sander was heavy and had poor performance, poor dust collection, and significant hand fatigue.
– Makita (2 versions): The Makita with the rear and front handle was shocking during use, while the other version had poor dust collection. Both sanders performed well but have some drawbacks.
– Metabo: The Metabo sander had very little hand fatigue but poor dust collection. The dust bag was also a weakness, as it would pop off easily.
– Milwaukee: The Milwaukee sander had the best dust collection and the least hand fatigue of all the sanders tested. It also had good overall performance and a durable design.
– Ridgid: The Ridgid sander performed well with fair dust collection and moderate hand fatigue. It is a middle-of-the-road option.
– Ryobi: This sander had fair dust collection but significant hand fatigue. Its performance was similar to the Ridgid, but with more hand fatigue.
– Skil: The Skil sander had poor dust collection and mediocre hand fatigue. It also suffered from durability issues during the drop test.
– WEN: The WEN sander had poor dust collection and the worst hand fatigue of all the sanders tested. It also broke during the drop test, making it a poor choice overall.
Conclusion
Based on this testing, the best sanders for most people are the Milwaukee, Craftsman, and DeWalt sanders. These sanders performed well overall, with good dust collection and low hand fatigue. Budget-conscious buyers may want to consider the Craftsman sander, while those willing to invest a bit more should consider either the Milwaukee or DeWalt sanders.
This post may contain affiliate links which means I may receive a commission for purchases made through links. Learn more on my Private Policy page.
▼EXPAND FOR TOOL LINKS and INFO▼
Watch Next: Best Parallel Clamps Bessey, Jet, Bora, Harbor Freight – https://youtu.be/jA4nhgY30kU
DeWALT – https://amzn.to/3LSOCmo
Craftsman – https://amzn.to/3BjKXJI
Milwaukee – https://homedepot.sjv.io/AWgQ5o
If you have more budget, this is my top pick over $100: https://amzn.to/41B24RT
Ridgid – https://homedepot.sjv.io/VmOKdO
Black and Decker (only if you're on a tight budget) – https://amzn.to/3BkHz1d
Ryboi – https://homedepot.sjv.io/B059ky
Bosch – https://amzn.to/3nPNLLD
Skil – https://amzn.to/3nYXrmW
Metabo – https://amzn.to/3nRP6BA
Makita with Handle – https://amzn.to/42OAi5o
Makita – https://amzn.to/42QFkyb
Bauer – https://www.harborfreight.com/28-amp-5-in-random-orbital-palm-sander-63999.html
Hercules – https://www.harborfreight.com/3-amp-5-in-random-orbital-palm-sander-with-soft-start-56458.html
WEN – https://amzn.to/3BloRX1
Hose Adapter Kit – https://amzn.to/41swBBi
3M Sandpaper I Use – https://amzn.to/42Q7NnL
Sandpaper Organizer Box – https://amzn.to/41x8X6K
Dust Mask I Use – https://amzn.to/42QFNAr
Thermal Imager – https://amzn.to/3BjLziu
Dust Extractor I Use – https://amzn.to/3W2uBhS
Boots I Wear – https://ariat.dkkdet.net/vNDPDv
Send Me T-Shirt I Wore – https://relentlessdefender.com/product/send-me-2/
Only Jesus T-Shirt – https://castingcrownsonline.com/collections/apparel/products/only-jesus-navy-tee
Work Clothes I Wear – https://truewerk.pxf.io/ZQVzD0
Check this video's description for links to all the videos I discussed.
If you use one of these Amazon and other affiliate links, I may receive a commission
Some other useful links:
Daily Tool Deals on my website: https://www.731woodworks.com/tool-deals
Subscribe to our email Newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/7e44c16eefdc/731-woodworks-email-newsletter
Check out our easy-to-follow woodworking plans: https://www.731woodworks.com/store
Outlaw's Board Butter – So Good it Should be Outlawed: https://www.731woodworks.com/store/boardbutter
Great test and commentary. Thank-you.
My first sander was the Bauer, junk, I hate that thing. Switched to the DeWalt, way better, easily worth the extra $$. Just guessing but I would expect the Craftsman to have lower quality internals, similar to the way some Harbor Freight tools are allegedly comparable to more expensive brands.
There is one that I wish would have made the list. It's the corded Hyper Tough, from Walmart. I've been, borderline, abusive to mine, and it's still a beast. It could be the best $30 I've spent, on power tools.
Edut: My comment, was before you mentioned it. 🤷♂️
This is some Project Farm level content and I love it!
Are some of the sanders random orbital? Or are all NOT random orbital?
Hey Matt 👋 😁 it's funny you made this video the same day I bought my first orbital sander. I got the Kobalt 24v Orbital sander have a lot of the Kobalt 24v set so it made sense and it is 50% off online till the 20th today
can you please advice what dust extractor adaptor i need to connect festool ro150 to any vacum?
Price in the Milwaukee it’s reduced to $89 with a bag
Good choice thanks
I know u have some of the cordless sanders how is Ryobi cordless one, is it just like the corded one or is it better.
The shock experience with the Makita is crazy! I've had that model for years….never had that happen.
Love these videos! Thanks for the info! I had just bought the Bosch and was expecting more also but with a vacuum it’s really fine.
All craftsman products are made by someone else. The prefix of the model number tells you the manufacturer. Just like most riding mowers are made by AYP/Husqavarna or Murry and sometimed by MTD. My awesome older plunge router was actually made by porter cable when they actually made good routers.
Great video overall
I gasped a little bit every time you dropped each sander
I feel like you should have had a shop vac hooked up while you where testing. I also understand why you did not as I did use a vacuum hook up when I first started. Great video though. I enjoy your content
I have found that you almost have to use a sander saving pad with the cubitron sandpaper. If not that particular sandpaper tends not to stick well on the sanding pad
Great video. Was surprised to see the Bosch do so poorly. Their 18v cordless sander is one of the best out there.
Rockler makes the FlexiPort adapter system and the smallest adapter will fir the Makita sander and does stay on very well. I use the sander outside and often forget about the dust collection as the wind will blow the dust away from me.
I inherited the sander that was in the garage at the house I'm renting and it needed a new sanding pad, easily available at Construction Fasteners and Tools in Calgary. They can order in the bag for it, but the FlexiPort was less money than the bag.
While waiting for the sanding pad to show up, I bought the Milwaukee sander and was very impressed with it. I haven't had the chance to use it much these days, as my daughter is refinishing an old school desk and she borrowed the sander. I'm going to purchase the M18 Furl version of the sander to see how it compares to the corded version. Great comparison of the various makes of sanders available.
Thanks for the review man. Had been looking to pick up a new one and this review really helped. Thanks again!
I have the dewalt and am very glad it did well in the test.
I love my dewalt. Have used and abused for years. Had the milwaukee m18 and absolutely hated it. Also have the bosch and it's trash. I use it to buff in hard wax oils
What’s up!!! I’m a new woodworker and I’m greatly appreciating your review videos. I’ve become addicted big time to woodworking. I bought the craftsman sander today. Haven’t used it yet but definitely ready to get away from my Hyper Tough I’ve been using.
DeWalt and Craftsman are both owned by Stanley/Black and Decker. It's possible they are made at the same place.
Awesome – needed this info, thank you very much. I just ordered my Milwaukee from Home Depot. Getting the 10% veteran discount and free shipping to my home from HD makes them one of my favorites.
Great review…I kept waiting for the 3M (or Festool/Mirka) to make an appearance in the back of the class. After your review of the 3M and watching many other reviews, I went with it from TayTools and love it! Now the Ridgid and Ryobi only come out when the Scouts or others need to sand something (while hiding my 3M).
I have that Skil ROS you tested. Love it!! I don't use the dust collection. I generally use a shop-vac or nothing at all so can't vouch for the attachment that came with it. It's in a drawer somewhere, still lookin brand new! I can sand for a long period of time with it and never notice any fatigue. Never noticed any great heat build up or dust build up either. Probably because I'm not using the included dust collection system.
Yeah…the velcro is great, IMO, for this sander. Even after about 2+ years it still holds up very well! If (when?) it goes out, I may buy another one simply because it works for me. Or I may venture onto the Milwaukee bandwagon just to try it out.
Thanks for the extensive testing Matt!! As always, we appreciate your efforts!!
You got a bad Bosch sander for sure. Mine works great and doesn't sound anything like that one
Good video! My random orbit sander is in your bottom group. I’ve had it for years and it’s the only ROS I have ever used. I’ve been eyeing the expensive sanders like Festool, Mirka and 3M and I’m planning to upgrade soon.
So my question for you Matt is about the difference between the expensive sanders and what I will call the “best of the cheap”. Your favorite sander … no budgetary constraints … vs. the top performing $100 sanders … how big is that gap ??
I have had the The bewalt sander for many years. I love it
Great review. I’m glad you included HF Hercules and Bauer as it’s good to know what improvements I may get if I ever get upgrades. Thanks!
I would love if you could do a comparison between the Festool and 3M Extract sanders.
Just found your site! WPS? / GHG? Thanks for the test from Marietta GA via LR!
This was an awesome video! I actually got the bosche sander a year or two ago bc they have such good reputation with handheld tools like that and unfortunately I agree the heat is bad, and the dust collection is subpar
I like to know how festool hold up,I wonder why it not on line up
I have the Dewalt (for about 15 years). I've dropped it LOTS of times. Other than being a bit dusty, it's pretty much good as new. If someone was looking for a sub-$100 sander, that's what I would recommend… A few months ago, I got a festool RO 125, so, I use that one now. BUT, I do have a lot of sanding disks that don't fit the festool (the holes don't line up), so, I still use the dewalt from time to time.
Well this video could not have come at a better time. I was out in the garage this morning sanding and my 1 year old rigid orbital sander started to slow down and then smoke was pouring out of it. It looked a lot like when your rigid router started smoking. I am really thinking of not dealing with rigid warranty and going with a different brand and even upgrading. I have been happy with my rigid tools but this sander from day one was just been ok.
That's not a metabo.. That's a metabo HPT, or Hikoki as they're known to the rest of the world.
I felt like I owned a horse in a race while watching this hoping that my sander would win…. It did not😆 I have the Bosch. Great deep dive
Great job on the analysis!!
The Makita was a bad unit. Should swap it ans retest. I agree that the Dewalt is very good as far as inexpensive sanders go. I have one, I never use it, cause I have a 3M and Bosch GET-75
Great review! I purchased the Rigid in Aug, 2022. The other sanders that I was considering at the time were the Craftsman and the DeWalt, which I agree, seem to be the same sander. Ultimately, I chose the Rigid because I can directly hook it up to a shop vac without having to rig up some complicated adapter from plumbing parts or buy an adapter than costs half the price of the sander itself (shame on you, DeWalt & Craftsman). For the price, I think it's an excellent random orbital sander and I've been very happy with it. I've been using Diablo Sandnet discs with the Diablo connecting pad, and haven't experienced any problem with discs not sticking or flying off. The only drawback I see in the Rigid is that the power switch is not sealed from dust. However, I haven't had any problem with dust collection because I always use the sander attached to a shop vac.
I JUST bought DeWalt's 20V sander for $96 vs. the corded version at $84. I like cordless (but don't NEED it), & I don't know how long a fully-charged 'regular' battery will last. Thanx for this comparison.
The Makita shocked you? Like an electrical shock? And you finished the test? What they heck? Too much dedication man.
Great hands-on reviews. I have a Bosch and a 3M sander. The Bosch is a finesse sander and is not really a "workhorse". It is great when used for fine sanding. I needed to do some architectual sanding and bought the Bauer after seeing tons of glowing YouTube reviews. I had not purchased a Harbor Freight power tool for decades due to quality issues. That thing shook like a freight train and sanding discs didn't cling to it at all. It flung the discs all over. I tried several brands and grits, but nothing worked. I threw it in the trash after 3 or 4 hours of total frustration. I went to HD, bought a Dewalt and finished the job. Lesson learned, again.
I have the Bosch, thought it was just mine that didn't like working when cool out. Lol Have other Bosch sanders, without any issue.
Haven't had trouble with dust collection though.
I've used the Milwaukee and found the dust canister is a pain to open and close.