Best Palm Sander Under £100
A palm sander is a must-have for any DIYer or woodworker, offering a smooth, swirl-free finish on wood, metal, and plastic. This roundup compares the best models under £100 to help you find the right balance of power, dust collection, and comfort for your projects.
Quick answer
For most users, the Bosch PSS 250 AE is the best palm sander under £100. It offers a balanced combination of sanding power (250W), a microfilter dust box, and a comfortable grip. For a budget alternative with good performance, consider the Ryobi R18ROS-0 if you are already in the Ryobi One+ battery system.
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Research updated June 2026.
Bosch PSS 250 AE
Excellent power, low vibration, and great dust collection at a fair price.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bosch PSS 250 AE | Overall Value | 250W, 2.5mm orbit | 4.7/5 | £55 |
| DeWalt DWE6423 | Dust Extraction | 230W, 2.4mm orbit | 4.6/5 | £70 |
| Makita BO3710 | Fine Finishing | 180W, 2.0mm orbit | 4.5/5 | £80 |
| Ryobi R18ROS-0 | Cordless Freedom | 18V, 2.5mm orbit | 4.3/5 | £60 (tool only) |
| Draper 39852 | Budget Pick | 200W, 2.5mm orbit | 4.1/5 | £25 |
Bosch PSS 250 AE
Best OverallPros
- Powerful 250W motor for fast material removal
- Low vibration design reduces fatigue
- Excellent microfilter dust box works well
Cons
- Hook-and-loop pad can wear over time
- No variable speed control
The Bosch PSS 250 AE is a workhorse that delivers consistent performance. Its 250W motor provides ample power for smoothing rough timber or stripping paint, while the 2.5mm orbit diameter ensures a fine finish without swirl marks. The integrated microfilter dust box captures most particles, keeping your work area cleaner than many competitors.
Owner reviews consistently praise its ergonomic shape and low vibration levels, making it comfortable for extended sanding sessions. The only common complaint is that the hook-and-loop pad can lose grip after heavy use, but replacements are affordable and easy to fit. For the price, it is hard to beat.
DeWalt DWE6423
Best Dust ExtractionPros
- Dust-sealed switch prolongs tool life
- Low vibration and comfortable grip
- Good hook-and-loop pad durability
Cons
- Slightly heavier than some rivals
- Dust canister is small
The DeWalt DWE6423 is built for longevity, featuring a dust-sealed switch that prevents debris from entering the mechanism. Its 230W motor is slightly less powerful than the Bosch, but it still handles most tasks efficiently. The 5-inch pad is compatible with widely available sanding discs, and the tool accepts a vacuum hose for improved dust collection.
Users highlight the comfortable rubberised grip and low vibration, which reduces hand fatigue. The main downside is the small dust canister, which needs frequent emptying during larger projects. Connecting a vacuum solves this, but it adds setup time. Overall, it is a solid, durable option for regular use.
Makita BO3710
Best Fine FinishingPros
- Very low vibration for precise control
- Lightweight and compact design
- Excellent build quality from Makita
Cons
- Less powerful than competitors
- Paper dust bag is less effective than microfilter
The Makita BO3710 is designed for finishing work where a smooth, swirl-free surface is critical. Its 180W motor and 2.0mm orbit diameter produce a finer finish than higher-powered models, making it ideal for furniture and cabinetry. The tool is lightweight and well-balanced, reducing fatigue during detailed work.
Owner reviews praise its smooth operation and low noise levels. The paper dust bag is basic and does not capture fine dust as well as the Bosch microfilter, but it connects to a vacuum for better extraction. If your focus is on quality finishes rather than aggressive material removal, this is a strong choice.
Ryobi R18ROS-0
Best CordlessPros
- Full cordless freedom with Ryobi One+ system
- Decent power for a cordless sander
- LED light improves visibility
Cons
- Battery and charger sold separately
- Run time limited with smaller batteries
The Ryobi R18ROS-0 is a cordless palm sander that offers great convenience for users already invested in the Ryobi One+ battery system. It provides enough power for most DIY sanding tasks, with a 2.5mm orbit that delivers a good finish. The tool includes an LED light to illuminate the work area, which is helpful for detail work.
Owner reviews note that it is comfortable to use and has a decent dust box. The main limitation is run time; a 2Ah battery may only last 20-30 minutes of continuous use. For larger projects, a higher-capacity battery is recommended. If you value mobility and already own Ryobi batteries, this is a practical choice.
Draper 39852
Best BudgetPros
- Very affordable price point
- Decent power for light tasks
- Includes dust bag and hook-and-loop pad
Cons
- Higher vibration levels than premium models
- Dust bag is less effective
The Draper 39852 is a no-frills palm sander that offers good value for occasional use. Its 200W motor handles light sanding jobs like smoothing edges or removing old paint from small surfaces. It comes with a hook-and-loop pad and a dust bag, making it ready to use out of the box.
Owner reviews indicate it is adequate for basic tasks but note higher vibration and noise compared to more expensive models. The dust bag is basic and does not capture fine particles well. For a budget tool, it performs as expected, but it is not built for heavy or frequent use.
What to check before buying a palm sander
Choosing the right palm sander involves understanding a few key specifications. Power, measured in watts, determines how fast you can remove material. A 200W to 250W motor is ideal for most DIY tasks. Orbit diameter affects the finish: a 2.0mm orbit gives a finer finish, while 2.5mm is more aggressive. Pad size is also important; 5-inch round pads are common, but 1/4-sheet pads are also widely available. Dust collection is a major factor for comfort and health; look for a microfilter box or a vacuum port. Finally, consider weight and ergonomics, as you will be holding the tool for extended periods.
Mistakes to avoid when buying a palm sander
A common mistake is choosing a sander with too small an orbit for your needs. A 2.0mm orbit is great for finishing but will be slow for stripping paint. Conversely, a 2.5mm orbit may leave swirl marks if you are not careful with the grit progression. Another mistake is ignoring dust collection. A poor dust bag can lead to a messy workspace and health risks from fine particles. Always check if the sander has a vacuum port or a high-quality microfilter box. Lastly, do not overlook the importance of a comfortable grip. A sander that vibrates heavily will cause fatigue and reduce control.
Which brand is most reliable for palm sanders?
Bosch and DeWalt are generally considered the most reliable brands for corded palm sanders in this price range. Bosch models like the PSS 250 AE are praised for their consistent power and low vibration. DeWalt tools are known for their durability and dust-sealed switches. Makita is also a strong contender, especially for finishing work, but their models often have slightly lower power. For cordless options, Ryobi offers good value within its battery ecosystem. Draper and other budget brands can work for light use but may not last as long under regular strain.
Is a cordless palm sander worth it?
A cordless palm sander is worth it if you value mobility and already own batteries from a system like Ryobi One+. It allows you to work in areas without power outlets, such as on a ladder or outdoors. However, cordless models are generally less powerful than corded ones and have limited run time. For large projects or heavy sanding, a corded sander is more practical. If you only do small touch-ups or occasional work, a cordless sander can be very convenient.
FAQs
What is the best palm sander for under £100?
The Bosch PSS 250 AE is widely regarded as the best palm sander under £100 due to its powerful motor, low vibration, and excellent dust collection.
Is a 250W palm sander powerful enough for DIY?
Yes, a 250W motor is more than sufficient for most DIY tasks, including sanding wood, paint removal, and finishing work.
What is the difference between a 2.0mm and 2.5mm orbit?
A 2.0mm orbit produces a finer finish with less material removal, while a 2.5mm orbit is more aggressive and removes material faster.
Can I use a palm sander on metal?
Yes, you can use a palm sander on metal with the appropriate sandpaper grit, typically starting with 80-grit for rust removal.
Do palm sanders come with a dust bag?
Most palm sanders include a dust bag, but the quality varies. Models with a microfilter box or vacuum port offer better dust extraction.
Is a cordless palm sander as good as a corded one?
Cordless palm sanders offer convenience but are generally less powerful and have limited run time compared to corded models.
What size sandpaper does a palm sander use?
Palm sanders typically use 5-inch round discs or 1/4-sheet sandpaper, depending on the pad design.
How long should a palm sander last?
With proper care, a quality palm sander from Bosch or DeWalt can last 5-10 years for regular DIY use.
Can I use a palm sander for wet sanding?
No, palm sanders are not designed for wet sanding as water can damage the motor and electrical components.
What is the best budget palm sander?
The Draper 39852 is a good budget option for light use, but it lacks the power and dust collection of premium models.
Our verdict
For most DIYers, the Bosch PSS 250 AE is the best palm sander under £100, offering a great mix of power, low vibration, and dust collection. If you need a cordless option, the Ryobi R18ROS-0 is a solid choice for those in the Ryobi ecosystem. For fine finishing, the Makita BO3710 provides excellent control. Avoid budget models if you plan on regular use, as they often have higher vibration and poorer dust management.