Most modern sanders use a hook and loop system, where the sanding sheet attaches to the pad like Velcro. It’s nice and easy but isn’t always as secure as a traditional clamp system, so if you’re concerned about accidents, consider a traditional model. Alongside standard orbital sanders, which is what the vast majority of electric sanders for DIY are, you can also buy what are known as random orbital sanders. The rigid aluminum foot with a sponge sleeve gives high durability and effective vibration-absorbing performance. Handled

Makita BO3710 1/3 Sheet Corded Orbital Sander 110V - 190W

Cheaper brands, such as those you would find in high street bargain stores, will have been mass-produced with lower grade materials which allow the low price tag. Though that may sound good for your bank account, you will soon discover you have a tape measure that slices your fingers, screwdrivers that don’t fit in the cross slot of a screw and a hammer grip that is slipping from the handle. This feature is particularly important to me because my old sander was a nightmare to change the paper. You should see the number of sheets I simply damaged because of this. So you’re saving money, time and not stressing out because of silly little things like that. As a global supplier of a comprehensive range of tools for creating comfortable homes and living environments, Finding a trustworthy brand can be a big undertaking, and when you are faced with lots of recommended companies, the search can feel daunting. Some manufactures cater to different areas of the workforce, and not all brands offer all the tools in every field. First, you need to ask yourself if the brand you have chosen can provide you with the tools you need now, and the ones you will need in the future. Of course, you could buy from multiple brands, but that will require more research that takes up valuable time. There is a long list of brands that excel in specific tools, but don’t do so well with others. One company that is fantastic across the board is Screwfix.Maximum speed is what you get for increased efficiency and smooth finish sanding. What minimizes the vibration is the built-in counterbalance system.

Makita Sheet Finishing Sander, 1/3 In, 1.7 A, Teal (BO3710) Makita Sheet Finishing Sander, 1/3 In, 1.7 A, Teal (BO3710)

It’s very lightweight and easy to use, with different ways to grip it. It’s not massively powerful and only has one speed but these are normal attributes and it does what it’s supposed to do very well.It doesn’t have variable speed but the RROS18-0 runs at an impressive 20,000 orbits/min, can last for up to 50 minutes on a single charge and runs quietly. Despite being more compact and lighter than its predecessor (10% according to Ryobi), it is a little heavier than some rivals. Wear clothing that fits well. Loose clothing or accessories can get caught in a tool’s moving parts, which could result in dire consequences.

MAKITA 1/3-inch (1.7-amp) Sheet Finishing Sander with Dust MAKITA 1/3-inch (1.7-amp) Sheet Finishing Sander with Dust

READ NEXT: Keep all your gear in one place with the best toolboxes What else should I look out for?Finally, make sure you’re aware of what size of sanding sheet/pad the sander takes. Most are standard shapes and sizes so it shouldn’t be difficult to find new sheets/pads once the included ones (if there are any) are used up. Product dimensions are stated with a battery / batteries, if they affect the overall dimensions of the product. If you’ve got large flat areas to sand and they aren’t covered in layers of paint that need removing then the BO3710 is an excellent choice. The handles are rubberized to lessen vibration transfer and have anti-slip dimples for added grip. That way, you work with comfort and ease. Dust extraction system However, finding the right sander for your workload is no simple task, especially when you can spend either a modest amount of money or a small fortune. There are also plenty of other factors to consider when shopping for a sander.

Makita BO3710 - BO3710 spares and parts - Power Tool Spares Makita BO3710 - BO3710 spares and parts - Power Tool Spares

Do you remember the sander I told you about earlier? I used it for everything from smoothing the rough surfacesof pallet wood to sand between the coats. It was some random finishing sander and it served its purpose. Some people will say that you can get a decent 1/4 sheet sander for an even smaller price, but if you have many flat, large panels to sand in your projects, this one will get the job done faster. Random orbital sanders tend to have a circular sanding pad but orbital sanders can come in many shapes and sizes. If you can only afford to buy one sander, we’d recommend getting a random orbital model. Ryobi’s new cordless random orbital sander is an excellent value choice, especially if you already have other products from the ONE+ range, as you can share the battery. Plus, there’s a long three-year warranty.First of all, many well-known brand names tend to boast about their flagship tools in television, trade magazines and online ads. They tend to make the harder jobs look extremely simple when using their specific brand. Of course, the basis of this is to help sell their product. So is this a realistic representation of what the tool can do for you, especially if you’re just starting out? The answer is no. Different skill levels and experience has a significant factor in the effectiveness of a tool, as well as other things. Nowadays, top brands offer work boots in a whole array of colours and designs to give more options to the buyer, as well as doing a fantastic job at keeping your feet safe while you are working. Cheap / Off brand Power Tools Power tools can sell for a decent price, which has opened up the doors to cheap and fake tools coming onto the market to maximise profit. The issues we have with such tools are that they may not provide the power needed to complete the job given. Also, many of them are made with flimsy materials that could fall apart easily with the vibrations of usage. The best-case scenario is that the tool will stop working, but in the worst case, they can explode, burst into flame or shatter over the user.