Best Random Orbital Sanders of 2022

1. Why invest in a random orbital sander?

A random orbital sander is a versatile apparatus that serves the skilled homeowner in many ways. It’s very similar to an orbital sander and even shares the same principal functions with its cousin; the random orbital sander is mainly used for light finishing and polishing works, including the removal of paint and the highlighting of the natural grain of the wood.

2. Orbital vs. random orbital sanders

Mistaken by many with the orbital sander, the “random” in the name makes a huge difference. The two machines are very similar – identical we’d say – up to an extent. The difference is in the pad.

Orbital sanders have a square sanding pad whereas random orbital sanders come with a round pad which vibrates in random orbits (which means the tool spins in small circles).

This apparently negligible difference helps random orbital sanders provide sleeker results and adapt to various applications, such as stock removal and ultra-smooth sanding. Moreover, the random orbital sander also eliminates swirls thanks to its oscillatory vibration.

3. Random orbital sander power

Like all electric power tools on the market, random orbital sanders are either battery-operated or corded devices. Each type comes with its pros and cons, and choosing one over the other is often a matter of convenience and practicality.

Cordless random orbital sanders

Are powered by a rechargeable battery, either NiCad or Li-Ion. This gives you the advantage of mobility. You’ll be able to use the sander anywhere without worrying about a power supply. But on a downside, your autonomy is limited and dependent on the battery’s capabilities.

But the main disadvantage of a cordless machine is not as much the runtime as it is the weaker motor. 

Corded random orbital sanders

Draw their energy from a standard wall socket. Thus, they limit your mobility to the length of the power cord. Using the tool with a cord extension provides some freedom, but you’ll still be unable to operate the sander in all environments.

But despite this slight drawback, the corded models are much more popular among both hobbyists and professionals.

This preference is majorly dictated by the more powerful motor that drives the pad at different oscillation speeds. It is easy to understand that this increases versatility, as you’ll be able to use the tool for various tasks.

4. Speed options

Measured in oscillations per minute (OPM), the rate of a random orbital sander is a crucial factor to consider before buying. Most units on the market come with speeds which vary from 4,000 to 12,000 OPM on average, but only the best random orbital sanders feature multiple speed selections. A variable speed brings versatility, allowing you to use the machine for more than one task, such as:

• General sanding: An operation that requires higher speeds in the 10,000-12,000 OPM range.
• Finish sanding: Typically requires a speed between 6,000 and 10,000 OPM.
• Polishing: A precision task that requires lower speeds between 4,000 and 6,000 OPM.

Adjustable speed option

Adjustable speeds allow you to switch between sanding modes and deal with different tasks more efficiently.

For instance, a unit with a dual speed system can provide either aggressive sanding on hard workpieces or regular stock removal, depending on the actual speed. Switching between modes should be easy.

Another useful feature related to the speed is the soft starting which causes the tool to set speed slowly. This is particularly important for the delicate jobs that require precision.

5. Best sanding pads & discs

Perhaps the most essential feature of the random orbital sander is the sanding pad or disc. There are multiple options to choose from:

• Sanding pads: are durable sponge discs designed to act as a damper and reduce disc distortion.
• Sanding disc: stronger than the pad, the sanding disc is a circular piece of sandpaper that provides different grades of abrasion. These discs attach to the random orbital sander with either a hook & loop or peel & stick system.
• Abrasive disc: designed to use on surfaces other than metal, they contain a higher amount of coarse, usually silicon carbide.
• Polisher: an attachment consisting of wool fibers and used for soft polishing.
• Buffing pad: another polishing instrument made of foam instead of wool.

6. Dust management system

Sanding involves an important amount of dust, and the fine powders produced during operation can be harmful if inhaled. That’s why the best random orbital sander must come with a reliable dust management system.

An effective dust management starts with the choice of the disc, which must be provided with holes. While the holes don’t influence the sanding efficiency, their presence prevents the sanding pad from clogging and allows the system to remove all sanding refuse effectively through a vacuum system. Albeit is possible to use discs without holes if needed, their construction lowers the dust management efficiency.

There are two types of dust management systems:

• Integrated: Use an internal system of filters to clean the air and remove the debris; this integrated vacuum collects sanding refuse into a bag located under or near the unit’s handle, which can then be emptied manually as needed.
• External: Connects directly to your vacuum cleaner via a valve that attaches to the vacuum cleaner’s hose. This keeps the workspace cleaner by eliminating the machine’s refuse bag and is more effective thanks to the greater suction power of the external vacuum as compared to the integrated vacuum.

7. Noise level

Like most power tools, random orbital sanders are loud machines. The quietest models produce noises of around 80dB which can go up to 100bD on the noisier units; these values are high enough to cause permanent hearing damage, so it is essential to wear protective equipment like ear muffs when operating the unit.

8. What other features to look for

• Hook & loop discs: These discs attach to the sander via Velcro and are quick and easy to replace as needed.
• Variable speed: A variable rate will allow you to use the sander for various tasks. Some of the best random orbital sanders have at least two speeds.
• Maneuverability: An important feature to look for is ergonomics. The unit must be fairly lightweight and have a balanced gravitational center. Soft-grip and anti-skid handles are a must, while the unit should also be lightweight enough to allow you to operate it with one hand.
• Additional accessories: Accessories consisting of pad and disc replacements or extra abrasive discs boost the versatility of the tool.
• Carrying case: Often overlooked, a carrying case is a valuable add-on, as it will help you keep the tool and all its accessories organized.