Our advice

When you buy

Ask in the shop

If you're buying a sander for the first time or you're not sure if you've made the right choice, ask the shop attendants to show off their knowledge. They should be happy to oblige. If it's obvious they don't really know what they're talking about, go some place where they do.

Check the warranty

Power tool makers produce different ranges for different market segments, ranging from home/DIY through to industrial/commercial. If you can afford a tool with a trade-use warranty, it's likely to be higher quality than one limited to home use.

But amongst the DIY tools, warranties vary widely. Some manufacturers offer only one year, while others offer two or four. A long warranty is an attractive bonus if the machine is suitable for your tasks.

Choose mains power

Battery-powered sanders are available, but we're sceptical. Sanders get used for extended periods of time, which means the battery can run down quickly. It's not like using a drill, where the short bursts required to drive in screws or drill let you get through lots of work. For most jobs, mains-powered sanders are better.

When you use your sander

• Choose the right sander with the right abrasive for the job at hand.
• Don't push hard. Let the machine do the work and keep moving at all times.
• Every couple of minutes, lift the sander off the work to inspect your progress. Blow the sanding dust away, to see how you're going and to prolong the paper life.
• Replace the abrasive when the sanding performance tapers off.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles, ear protectors and a dust mask.
• If you want to sand lead-based paints, you need full protective clothing, including overalls and a suitably rated dust mask.

More help

DIY building: www.buildeazy.com

Lead paint: ACC guide