Yes, you can. Any good hand sander can be used, though the job will take considerably longer, and most have no kind of dust control. Q. Should I use ear protection when using drywall sanders? For those on a tight budget or who have only a modest amount of drywall to sand, a manual pole sander is a cheap and efficient solution. This model from Marshalltown is just that, and it includes a lightweight aluminum pole, which is something many rivals omit. The reinforced cast-aluminum head is light, maneuverable, and doesn’t flex, thus keeping the abrasive flat against the wall. We liked how free swiveling it is while not simply flipping over and marring the compound like many pole sanders tend to do. Comes with 2 different sanding head shapes for bulk sanding and getting into tight spaces (and they’re easy to swap)

Those who already own a sander might wonder whether a dedicated drywall sander is really necessary. It really depends on the area that needs to be sanded. While random orbital or detail sanders can cope with small areas, trying to sand a whole room soon becomes very tiring. Even at their simplest, drywall sanders have the advantage, as the following section explains. Types of Drywall Sanders

With a round pad that offers both rotating and orbital movement, random orbital sanders are ideal as an all-rounder. Their versatility allows them to effectively function like a belt The Marshalltown pole is also extremely high quality, with aluminum construction and a smooth paint finish—the pole is so nice that we’d like to use it for other tools. Unfortunately, we can’t because both ends are female threads (one universal, one machine), so it won’t work with any other pole-mounted tools. Handheld drywall sanders offer more control and are ideal for smaller drywall repair and patching jobs, as well as surfaces with delicate or ornate elements. Power

There is a wide range of sanding screens for rectangular pole sanders, which are attached via clamps or clips. It can be difficult, however, to find screens for 9-inch-diameter heads that take hook-and-loop discs. FAQs Electric drywall sanders also offer variable speeds. This offers improved control for rapid material removal or fine finishing. It varies depending on the model, but the tools we considered ran anywhere from 500 to 2,000 rpm. Flexibility, Hose Length, and WeightElectric drywall vacuum sanders allow DIYers and professionals to work faster. Heads vary in size from 7 inches to 9 inches, so a reasonably powerful motor is important to drive them efficiently. We would recommend 5 amps, and models with up to 7 amps are readily available. Unfortunately, runtime is only around 30 minutes when using the recommended 5-amp-hour (Ah) battery, so a spare battery is something of a necessity. There is also a bit of a weight penalty, though the tool is well balanced. Automatic dust extraction is possible if you attach a compatible DeWalt vacuum. Cordless models are rated in volts, which reflects the battery power. The few models currently available are all 20 volts. The Ah capacity of the battery is another important element. The higher the number, the longer the tool will be able to run without needing to be recharged. It is worth pointing out that cordless tools are often sold “bare.” While the price might look attractive, both the battery and the charger cost extra.