I would like to know everyone's opinion on hand sanders.

Netters
by Netters
I refinish furniture, mostly for myself and friends, and would like to see what kind of sander is everyone's favorite and why. Do you prefer a electric/pneumatic - band, circular or the small rectangular one that pinches the sand paper?
  14 answers
  • Linda Linda on May 08, 2015
    In the past have had several palm sanders. They worked okay but didnt last very long. My newest is a Rigid Orbital sander 5 inch R2601. Love it! Pads are easy to change, dont move around and are long lasting. It does a great job but wouldnt be good on inside square corners.
  • MaryStLouis MaryStLouis on May 08, 2015
    I love my Bosch orbital sander. At $69 (current price at Lowe's), it's a bit pricier than some other brands but my husband and I really use ours and it has lasted several years, still going strong.
  • Kimberly Jordan Kimberly Jordan on May 08, 2015
    A lot will depend on the size area you are sanding. I make small boxes with tropical woods. My palm sander (small rectangular one that pinches the sand paper) for a really smooth finish. When I've made hope chests and cradles, The orbital was amazing. But, I finished it with the palm sander. The Palm sander I use for hours each week, they seem to last for about 2 years. I actually have 3, each with a different sandpaper grit (320, 400, 600).
  • Shirley Batik Shirley Batik on May 08, 2015
    I love my palm sander. It is shaped like a small iron. I can sand into the tiniest corners using the point end. The paper for it simply velcros on. It adheres magnificently. No slipping of any kind! It even catches a lot of the sawdust in a little plastic container, thereby decreasing mess. Paper comes in all grits and lasts a long time.
  • Marion Nesbitt Marion Nesbitt on May 09, 2015
    I use stripper and then clean with paint thinner and/or tack cloth for furniture. Then wet sand with fine sandpaper and stain & oil combo. Gives a really nice smooth surface. I use my palm sander on other things - has the clip in for attaching the sandpaper. Love it. Also have a Dremel and love it, too.
  • I have a Dewalt palm sander - used it for years and it's still going! It's light enough to hold in one hand and it has clips that hold the sandpaper. Love it!
  • Linda Tatom Peterson Linda Tatom Peterson on May 09, 2015
    I use a Palm dander called The Mouse, shaped like an iron. Can't think of the brand, but it's a bit smaller and fits in my hand better. Gets into corners.
  • Wendy Johnson Wendy Johnson on May 09, 2015
    Glad you asked-had the same question myself.
  • Mcgypsy9 Mcgypsy9 on May 09, 2015
    I do A LOT of sanding! It really depends on the piece you are sanding because some pieces have a thick varnish on them and some don't. Some have intricate detail and some are just plain and so on. So it really depends. I probably have 8 to 10 sanders but my very favorites are the the small rectangular that pinches the paper and the palm sander also known as the Mouse. The one thing I can't stress enough is DO NOT BUY AN EXPENSIVE SANDER! Sanders wear out fast. I usually buy my sanders at Lumber Liquidators. They have all kinds of electric tools in there and they are very reasonable. They work just like the rest! Hope this helps and good luck!
  • Jen Jen on May 09, 2015
    Im on my second "mouse" sander in 12 years! Refinished an entire 1923 Craftsman home with the 1st one....LOVE it and bought a second one..the 1st one still works..the switch just sticks sometimes...but I still love it!
  • Gail Salminen Gail Salminen on May 09, 2015
    @Netters my sander died a couple of years ago - it was hand held rectangular sander where the sand paper was pinched in - hated that part, came out a lot, but sanded great. I replaced it with a hand held circular (ryobi) and the sand paper just sticks to it. I love it, with circular sanders you have to be careful to keep it going so you don't get circular patterns in the wood, but I haven't had this problem.
  • Sherrie Sherrie on May 09, 2015
    DeWalt Palm Sander works perfectly.
  • Jill Jill on May 11, 2015
    I refinish a lot of furniture. I use a black and decker mouse on most of it. It's easier to handle, has velcro sandpaper pads that make attaching them easier.
  • Netters Netters on May 22, 2015
    Thank you to everyone who gave me their opinions on sanders, I really appreciate each one!