Sanding is a necessary evil for those involved in woodworking in any capacity.
Sure, it’s time-consuming, tedious, and makes a big mess, but buying a quality hand sander makes the job a whole lot more enjoyable.
The best hand sanders are not only convenient and easy to use, but they create a better quality finished product as well.
So
Instead of buying the first hand sander you see, take the time to do some research and select a model that you’ll actually enjoy using.
If you’re sanding, this means your project is almost complete – don’t you want to make sure it turns out as nicely as possible?
That’s why you need one of my top 3 choices for the best hand sander for wood.
Related: Top 7- Best Cordless Jigsaw
What Is a Hand Sander Used for?
According to Popular Mechanics, a hand sander is simply a power tool used for sanding and finishing woodworking projects.
These power tools typically include an ergonomic handle, detachable sandpaper surface, and vibrating mechanism.
This vibrating mechanism moves the sandpaper rapidly across the wood surface to create a smooth finish.
You can switch out the grade of sandpaper used on your hand sander to get the smoothest finish possible and also to sand through extremely rough or dense sections of wood.
Another type of hand sander utilizes an angled vibrating mechanism and sandpaper sheet. This type of power tool is used for detail sanding, especially in hard-to-reach areas such as corners.
Most hand sanders use a cord for power, although some cordless models are available. Home Depot states that cordless hand sanders are quickly becoming the most popular option.
Related: Top5-Best Power tools for Woodworking Beginners
3 Of The Best Hand Sanders
1. Makita XOB01Z
: Best Overall Hand Sander
The Makita XOB01Z is a solid hand sander
The random orbital action and three speed settings ensure you get the exact type of sanding action required for your job. The sander has more than enough power for almost all applications.
This Makita hand sander is also notable for its one-touch control and ergonomic grip. Both of these features make the tool very easy to use, even for long periods of time.
One factor that is hit or miss is the cordless design. The benefit of this is that you can use the sander anywhere – you don’t have to worry about working near an outlet. The downside is that the battery must be recharged on a regular basis.
I found that the battery life lasts for roughly 15 to 45 minutes depending on the speed mode and the difficulty of the project at hand.
Another benefit of the cordless design is that you don’t have to worry about the cord getting in the way as you work. Anyone that’s used a corded hand sander knows how annoying this can be.
The dust collector is another nice feature as it leads to a safer and much cleaner workspace.
Related: Best Dust Mask For Woodwork
2. DeWalt D26441
: Best Hand Sander for Professionals 
A professional tradesman knows that the best hand sander for wood is one that’s incredibly durable.
Sure, the power tool must work well and effectively sand even the densest woods, but it also needs to be extremely durable and rugged.
That’s where the DeWalt D26441 enters the picture. Like all DeWalt power tools, this hand sander is built to last – even with daily use by a professional tradesman.
Case in point: The dust-sealed switch.
One of my most common complaints with hand sanders is that the switch eventually fails by ingesting too much dust. You’ll never have to clean out or replace the switch on this product.
Note that this DeWalt hand sander has a linear sanding motion… not the typical orbital or random motion. This means you need to make sure to sand with the wood grain and not against it.
The D26441 is also notable for its anti-slip ergonomic handle, 2.4 amp 14,000 OPM motor, and high-capacity dust bag.
And with a corded design, you can keep on sanding for as long as it takes to finish the project without a thought about the battery running out.
Related: What Clamps Do I Need For Woodworking
3. Black+Decker BDER0100
: Best Budget-Friendly Hand Sander
Another top quality orbital sander, the Black+Decker BDER0100 is my top choice for those looking for a hand sander on a budget.
Despite its affordable price, Black+Decker doesn’t skip when it comes to this model. The power tool is rugged and high performance. It creates a high-quality finished product.
The hand sander utilizes the orbital motion for a smooth finish. A hook-and-loop sandpaper attachment system makes switching out sheets a cinch.
I also really like the fact that this hand sander is so easy to use. It’s not quite as powerful as other top models, but it’s intuitive for beginners and still strong enough for more intensive projects.
Additional highlights include the high capacity dust collection system, lightweight construction, and surprisingly quiet motor.
What Is the Best Hand Sander for Refinishing Furniture? And Why?
Refinishing furniture is often a very tedious, time-consuming process.
There are lots of angles and hard-to-reach areas that need to be sanded and refinished.
That’s why a nimble hand sander like the Black+Decker BDEMS600
It’s compact size and angled shape enables you to work it into the tightest corners without breaking a sweat.
Other highlights include the powerful orbital motor, convenient dust collection canister, and ergonomic design.
This Black+Decker hand sander is the perfect choice for both professionals and hobbyists interested in refinishing furniture with greater ease.
Related: Whats The Best Circular Saw For Beginners
Final Thoughts
One of the final steps of your woodworking project is sanding – and you don’t want to mess it up.
That’s why it’s so important to select a top-quality hand sander. Take your own personal needs and preferences into account, specifically what you’ll use the tool for, when making your decision.
Let us know which hand sander you choose to go with in the comments below. Is it our top-rated Makita XOB01Z
And please feel free to share this post with your friends!