Sanding drywall is an important step in getting a smooth, clean finish on your project. Knowing how to sand – and having the right equipment – can improve your results and reduce the work hours it takes to complete any job from a simple patch to drywalling an entire house.

As with any important tool, everyone has an opinion about what the “right equipment” really is but of course, there isn’t a single right answer about which is the best drywall sander. It depends on the project and your skill. For example, on a small patch job, a dustless power sander could be overkill and might not even save you much time compared to manual sanding if you count set-up and cleaning time. On the other hand, power sanders can be game-changing on bigger projects.

Still, there are some factors that distinguish good drywall sanders from the rest. Pole sanders should have a wide head that covers a lot of area and can reach into corners effectively. Look for a telescopic pole and articulation to sand from different angles. Some higher-end pole sanders can even be connected to a shop vac to control dust.

Power sanders need to have a strong enough motor to power the sanding head effectively and a vacuum that provides enough suction to remove the dust as quickly as it is produced. Cordless power sanders should also include a big enough battery that you’re not stopping constantly to charge or swap batteries. They also need a long enough hose that you can move around your work space easily.