The Affordable DeWalt Sander That'll Make The Perfect Addition To Your Tool Kit

We may receive a commission on purchases made from links.

If you start tackling DIY jobs around the house and yard, or you like the idea of upcycling or making furniture, it won't be long before you find you need a sander. Random orbital sanders (often just called orbital sanders) are particularly versatile. They are usually the top pick when people ask what type of electric sander is best for wood, and they can also tackle drywall finishing and auto body repairs.

Not surprisingly, it's a very competitive market with models ranging from budget-friendly tools for those who only expect to use a sander occasionally to high-end devices costing hundreds of dollars targeted at contractors and other tradespeople. DeWalt would usually fall into the latter category, with a standout reputation for build quality and durability. Despite this, people often ask whether DeWalt power tools are really worth the hefty price tag, and although they usually are, they can still be too expensive for some. However, there is an affordable DeWalt sander that bucks that trend, and it could be the perfect addition to your tool kit. It definitely deserves a closer look.

DeWalt is among the most reliable power tool brands to buy from, according to user reviews, so people are rarely disappointed with their purchases. The DeWalt Random Orbital Sander, Model DWE6423, is available from Amazon for $99 and offers a specification that is equally appealing to homeowners and professionals. It has a 5-inch disc driven by a 3-amp motor. This provides variable speed between 8,000 and 12,000 OPM (oscillations per minute,) so it can be adjusted for different tasks. The sander is a compact design, with rubber overmolding that allows it to be gripped in multiple positions. Features like counterbalancing to reduce vibration and a sealed switch to protect it from dust underline DeWalt's attention to detail.

This DeWalt sander gets an impressive 4.7-star rating from more than 3,000 reviews. Typical comments are along the lines of, "The 5-inch size is perfect for maneuverability, and it's incredibly easy to handle" and "Love it!!!! Have had easy time rehabbing furniture because of this." Complaints are rare, but one or two were disappointed to find that a carry bag that appears in some photos was not included. Although this may seem slightly deceptive, the bag isn't mentioned in the product description.

An oscillating sander meets a wide variety of needs, but if you frequently work on small projects, a detail sander's ability to get into tight corners might make it a better choice. Conversely, if you regularly tackle large items, a belt sander might be the right option. That said, an orbital sander remains the right tool for most people, so what other models might you consider?

One drawback with this affordable DeWalt sander is that it's corded. There is a similar cordless DeWalt that sells for $179 on Amazon. A battery and charger are extra, but if you already own other DeWalt cordless tools, it's a serious alternative. If we stick with other corded orbital sanders, Black+Decker has a 5-inch tool that costs just $48. Over 15,000 reviews give it a 4.6-star rating. On the downside, the 2-watt motor isn't as powerful, there's no variable speed, and Black+Decker tools aren't as robust as DeWalt's. Going upscale, there's the Bosch 2.5 amp 5-inch sander at $79. It does have variable speed and gets a 4.5-star rating from buyers.

As we said, it is a very competitive market, so it's important to compare each tool carefully before making your decision. Nevertheless, although the affordable DeWalt sander might not be quite the bargain it seems at first glance, it still makes an excellent addition to any tool kit.