Design & DIY 4 power sanders picked by our experts By Steve Maxwell Published: February 26, 2021 Updated: March 26, 2024 share Share on Facebook Share on Twitter Share on Pinterest Copy Link Cancel View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 Detail sander More commonly called a “multi-tool,” don’t be fooled by its small size. Fitted with an abrasive triangle, detail sanders remove paint and finishes from nooks and crannies after you’ve sanded the flat areas with a larger machine. Many can be fitted with a saw blade for cutting in close quarters, making them indispensable for some renovations. The DeWalt 20V DCS356B is one of the best cordless detail sanders that I’ve used. $159 View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 Belt sander Useful for covering large flat areas, such as a deck, or when building simple furniture from new lumber, a belt sander is a good second sander in your shed. These tools spin an abrasive belt, typically to sand wood parallel to the grain. 100-grit belts work well for most belt sanding jobs on wood. I like the Triton TA1200BS for its small-diameter front roller and recessed front handle, which lets the belt get deeper into corners. $219 View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 Quarter-sheet finishing sander This tool, sometimes called a palm sander, holds a quartered sheet of sandpaper. Use it to give wood a light, final sanding before finishing or to remove the rough, raised grain that develops between coats of water-based urethane or varnish. The Makita BO4557 ¼-sheet finishing sander is a well-designed model with a great track record. $64 View in Fullscreen 1 2 3 4 5 Random orbital sander If you are looking for only one general-purpose sander for your minimalist cottage, this is it. Models that use 5" diameter disposable abrasive disks are lighter and less expensive; 6" models are better for big jobs such as stripping a deck, refinishing a wooden boat, or repairing a fibreglass hull. The Porter-Cable 7346 is an excellent 6" sander that can also be fitted with a foam polishing pad for shining boats and cars. $215 View in Fullscreen Related galleries You’ll adore this DIYer’s hummingbird feeder project This family’s barn-inspired bunkie is the ultimate teen hangout spot—and it sleeps 16 This cottager’s fishing-themed privy is aqua-tacular 1 2 3 4 5 4 power sanders picked by our experts Overwhelmed by choice when it comes to power sanders? Here’s how to decide the next—or first—sander you need in your tool shed. Related Story How to fire up a small engine that won’t start in winter