Sanders are compulsory to any kind of handymanship. But when it narrows down to auto body works, you might not have so many options out there.
Firstly, it’s a metal surfacer you’re dealing with. And secondly, the roughness and rustiness car bodies require is different than wood, tiles, etc.
Considering all those, it’s wise to go for the best DA sander, which elaborates on dual-action sanders.
Down the list today, we have hand-picked some of the top DA sanders in the market that works great on car bodies.
Let’s get going-
Reviews of 9 Best Da Sander
The sanders we have reviewed here offer powerful performance and versatile features to make your sanding projects a lot easier. Read on to find the perfect DA sander for your needs.
1. Ingersoll Rand 311A Air DA Quiet Sander
Highlighted Features:
- Solid ball-bearing construction for rough sanding.
- Sucks compressed air at 17 CFM speed.
- Up to 1200 RPM speed with integrated speed regulator.
- Built-in muffles for ensuring silent operation.
- A good price point that’s neither too low nor too high.
Product Overview:
When it comes to da sanders that you can use to sand vehicle surfaces, the Ingersoll Rand 311A is the master of all trades. It lies within the sweet zone of the mid-tier budget and has a lot to offer.
Let’s check out-
Ingersoll Rand 311A sucks compressed air to run, just like other sanders in the market. But the suction pressure is 90psi and it comes in at a speed of 17CFM, which is larger than the typical 10-12CFM scale.
Hence, more power will lead to faster and stronger sanding. It can reach a maximum of 1200 CFM speed, and the 6 inches of sanding pad will follow.
The construction contains a ball-bearing mechanism, which lets it deal with rusty, tough metal surfaces and make it paint-ready. In case you want to adjust the RPM, there is an adjustable regulator for it.
Auto mechanics, especially the semi-professional ones often have to worry about the vibration and noise that sanders like this create. But thankfully, there is a silencer muffler, which eats up all the noise and lets you operate as silently as possible.
Also, less vibration means more control and contact on the sanding. Keep a note of that.
Keeping all these good factors aside, we expected the box to contain at least a few sandpapers of different grit levels. But unfortunately, you’ve to spend extra on that.
Otherwise, the Ingersoll Rand 311A looks like a complete package to us and a great value for the money.
2. Valianto Air Random Orbital Dual Action Palm Sander
Highlighted Features:
- Double rotation polish for smoother sanding.
- Comes with 5” and 6” sanding pads.
- Less vibration and lightweight.
- Can also apply on wooden surfaces as well.
- Needs 90PSI compressed air at 4CFM speed.
- Pretty much budget-friendly.
Product Overview:
Next on, it’s another electric da sander from Valianto Air. If that sounds just a fancy adjective to you, wait till we explain how it works.
In this sander, the abrasive disc and disc pad move in two oval patterns that overlap each other. Hence, no abrasive particle will go through the same pattern. All you’ll get is a smooth, and ready to paint surface finish on your automotive body surface.
Apart from the dual-action pattern, this air-powered sander doesn’t include a vacuum system. So the cloud of dust that will appear while sanding, won’t be an issue.
Apart from the electric power, you’d also need an air compressor that can deliver 90psi compressed air at a 4CFM rate. That might sound like an extra cost. But if you’ve already got a compressor in the garage, that’s a win-win.
There are two size variations of the sanding pads to take care of widespread and narrow auto body surfaces- 5” and 6”. Also, there is a piece of the wrench and a piece of quick connection provided in the box.
As it’d need an air compressor, you can hardly go portable with it. And that’s the only con we’ve found about the product.
3. Hutchins 4500 DA Super Sander
Product Overview:
With Hutchins 4500 DA Super Sander, we’re moving to the premium, high-end DA sanders that you can get for your automotive projects. Only if you’re a professional auto mechanic and often have to deal with a diversity of sanding projects, we’d urge you to read the rest of this product review.
Compared to all other compressed air-based sanders, the mechanism of this da sander is way more efficient. Thanks to the 4-special bearings, they can generate more power while using less air. That also reduces the power consumption of the air compressor.
The next innovation is the custom handle of the sander. It’s obvious that you’d like to have 100% control over the sanding angle. But with traditional handles, it’s not accomplishable. But the custom handle of this Hutchins 4500 DA Super Sander has done wonders. You can, therefore, have proficient control of the sanding job with it.
While being this feature-packed, the weight of this sander has got a bit high. 4lbs might sound a bit heavy. But to let you handle it with comfort, there are flex covers that come with comfy grips.
Also, it produces less vibration and you’ll get to execute a full-contact sanding.
Wrapping it up, it’s an expensive da sander for auto body that comes with advanced and better versions of all of the regular sanding tech and handling you’d see elsewhere. So, if you’re ready to go premium, the Hutchins 4500 DA Super Sander can be the best da sander available.
4. Professional Air Random Dual Action Pneumatic Sander
Highlighted Features:
- Highly powerful, 12,000 RPM speed.
- Draws on 90PSI compressed air at 10.5CFM.
- Made for sanding rough metal surfaces.
- 5” and 6” sanding pad.
- Lightweight and inexpensive.
- Support for wrist and hand.
Product Overview:
Auto mechanics will agree with us that- sanders that are meant for woods are barely good enough for metal surfaces. Hence, we have got a professional air-based sander that is dedicated to metal sanding. And it’s called the Professional Air Random Dual Action Pneumatic Sander.
First of all, the high power that we’ve talked about is sourced from the 90PSI compressed air it sucks at a speed of 10.5CFM, which is more than double what our previous product would need.
Followed by that, the rotational speed is up to 12,000 RPM, which is insane for any sander. So, no matter if you have rust, spot, damage, and even dents on your automotive metal surface, this sander will take good care of it.
For ensuring a longer lifespan, the sander is constructed with heat-resistant steel. And yet, the overall weight has been kept low. To make sure that you have a good grip on it, there is additional support for your hand and wrist.
Apart from all that good, there had been a few allegations about the metal fitting to get out of the aluminum housing. But that’s a rare incident we believe.
5. Goplus (6 inches) Random Orbital Polisher Electrical Sander
Highlighted Features:
- 2000 to 6400 RPM variable speed control.
- Comes with a thick sponge sanding pad.
- D-type, easy-to-control handle.
- Quite stable in operation.
- Offers to choose from both 5 and 6 inches pad.
Product Overview:
This 6 inches sander from Goplus is what we’d call a perfect sander for intermediate-grade sanding. It won’t be able to take care of a years-old rusty surface. But when you’re just prepping a metal surface for painting, this can be your sander on the go.
In terms of speed control, you’ll be provided with a variable from 2000 RPM to 6400 RPM. Within the range, there are 6 levels of speed for the sander disc.
The motor power is 900W, which seems okay for most of the paint removal purposes from vehicles. The one that we selected comes with a 6” sanding pad. But if you want, you can get the 5” pad that comes with the same power.
Apart from metal, it also works fine on wood, tile, and tiles as well.
Overall, if it’s the paint correcting job that you’re concerned about, this 6 inches electric da sander from Goplus can be a good choice. But don’t expect it to do tough sanding work for you.
6. Valianto 6″ Professional Air Random Orbital Palm Sander
Highlighted Features:
- Up to 12,000 RPM no-load pad speed.
- Comes in 2 pad sizes- 5 and 6 inches.
- Sucks air at 4CFM with 90psi pressure.
- Palm sander that needs to handle.
- Perfect to reach tough metal surfaces.
Product Overview:
Remember the double rotation grinding technology from the other Valianto product we’ve discussed before? Guess what, it’s back again with this Professional Air Random Orbital Palm Sander.
From the name itself, you’ve probably guessed that it’s a sander made to be handled on your palm. So, there is no handle or grip, unlike many others. But it’s a good thing if you’re sanding on nooks and corners of an automotive.
It operates at 90psi compressed air and sucks air at 4CFM speed. With that, it can go up to 12,000 RPM of no-load speed, which is kind of insane for such models.
Like the other Valianto model. It also comes in 2 sizes of sanding pad- 5” and 6”. With either of them, you’ll get 6 sanding papers of different grit labels.
To take care of the dust, there is no vacuum system. That is an important con if you think about this orbital sander.
7. Chicago Pneumatic Dual Action Sander
Highlighted Features:
- Up to 10,000 RPM speed while off-loading.
- Metal made, tough structure.
- Combines rotary motion and orbital motion.
- Comes with a lock-off throttle to prevent accidental starts.
Product Overview:
If you are in search of another low-tier da sander for auto body work that won’t break the bank, the Chicago Pneumatic Dual Action Sander deserves a shot. It’s a pneumatic sander, as you can smell from the name. And it’s a hand sander, with a handle.
The reason why it’s called a dual-action sander is that it has rotary and orbital motion. With a combined impact of these two kinds of rotation, the sanding becomes smooth and uniform.
To protect against any kind of accidental start, there is a lock-off throttle. Also, this will ensure utter comfort while you’ll be operating the device. And the whole body is majorly made of metal, which is a reason to boost up its rigidity.
Because of the metal body, the weight of the sander is a bit more than similarly sized other models. It’s 4.8 pounds in weight, and you can have a tough time handling this for a long time.
Apart from that, we think it caters to the needs of any semi-professional and even professional automotive mechanics. And it’s quite durable as well, as per the user’s experiences.
8. FIXKIT 6″ Air Random Orbital Sander
Highlighted Features:
- Up to 10,000 RPM sander rotation.
- Sucks air at 350L / MIN speed at 90psi pressure.
- Speed controller via built-in regulator.
- Dual suction vacuum cleaner provided.
- 6” diameter of the sander with 7 240# sandpapers.
- The best budget da sander for automotive works.
Product Overview:
Before we talk about anything else, let’s take a moment to thank FixKit- the brand.
Reason? Well, the 6” air-based sander that we’re about to discuss, is hands-down one of the most cost-effective models that don’t compromise the quality at all. In fact, it’s somewhat better than ever double-pricier ones.
Shortly, you’ll get to know more about this dual action sander for auto body work. Keep reading.
Firstly, it intakes compressed air at 90psi pressure and offers up to 10,000 RPM speed on the sander. For semi-professional use, we found it sufficient.
Structurally, the sander is made of aluminum alloy and plastic. The sanding pad is 6” by default, and there are no other sizes. And it comes with 7 pieces of 240# grit sandpaper with it.
Apart from that, you’d also get a quick connector, a wrench, a hose for dust connection, and a dust bag. The last two items are for the vacuum cleaning technique, which would keep you out of the cloud of dust.
Now, let’s talk about the drawbacks.
Firstly, it’s the 100dB(or more) noise level that this would create. It’d be troublesome for you to work in a confined garage with that much noise. Sadly, it doesn’t come with a 5” sander version, which is a bit unlikely.
Those apart, we kind of liked the way it’s offered. Keeping the price point in mind, it’s one of the best budget da sanders for auto body work.
9. 2″ and 3″ Dual Action Random Orbital Air Sander
Highlighted Features:
- Comes with two hooks- 2” and 3”
- Deals with a number of surfaces
- Smooth and silent operation
- Provides a fine grit
- Air-powered all the way
- Comes with a low vibration operation
Product Overview:
To end this list, we have got something that’s different from the rest of the models of this list. That’s mostly because it comes with a size that’s better suited for smaller metal surfaces/portions of your automotive vehicles. It’s called a 2 and 3 inch electric da sander.
This is one of the best electric da sander that comes with two sanding pads- 2” and 3”, and a loop sanding pad. With those on top of the device, you can do sanding on surfaces like metals, wood, rubber, stone, marble, and a whole range of other surface types. No matter how tough to reach the place is.
To control the speed, you will have a regulator on the device. With that, you can also do works like polishing and waxing as well. On that note, you can equip different types of sandpapers on it.
Compared to the size, the amount of vibration and noise that it produces is quite low. Along with that, there are a number of other features that combine with a sheer experience of sanding.
Surprisingly, the price of this electric da sander is kept within a very low budget. So that’s another point of surprise for us. Overall, if you are up to sanding on hard-to-reach places, the 2″ and 3″ Dual Action Random Orbital Air Sander can be your cup of tea.
You Can Also Read: 7 Best Sander for Trim Work [Must-Have for Smooth Sanding]
Types Of Best Car Sander For Auto Body Work:
As you’re here for a sander for your autobody work, you should know the types first, so that you can use the right one for the job.
Da sander
Da sanders are the most popular machines when it comes to sanding auto body parts. Almost every professional and automotive workshop use da sanders for their automotive projects.
Their smoothness and quality finish make them the ideal tool for this task. However, there are two types of da sanders. Air and electric.
Considering all the features, Air da sanders provide more efficient results.
Belt Sander
A belt sander can be helpful if your car is filled with rough corrosion. The surface can be trimmed and leveled with it. As belt sanders are heavy machines you have to be careful with them so that you don’t end up damaging the surface.
A wide variety of belt sanders are available. Select one with a variable speed control feature. you can choose the grits between 40-80.
Sanding block
Although sanding blocks are not so effective for the automotive task, they can be helpful for rubbing down the body fillers and edges.
There are three types of sanding blocks that can be used on the auto body: Abranet sanding block, Foaming sanding block, Pneumatic sanding block.
Buyer’s Guide to Selecting the Best Dual Action Sander
As you’ve gone through the reviews of the best da sanders, we’re sure you’re looking forward to buying one of these auto body polishing tools. Now, before you jump into that, we’d love you to have a look at the dual action sander for auto body work buying guide below-
Right Size
First thing first, it’s the sanding pad size that will matter. Based on how wide of a surface you’re dealing with, and how fast you want the work to be, the size selection will follow.
But if it’s a curvy car surface that has to be sanded, it’s good to go with lower sizes like 2 or 3”. Otherwise, 5 to 6-inch electric da sanders are good enough.
Handling Comfort
Next on, you’d want your automotive da sander to be comfortable and easy to control. And that implies having a good handle with the sander. The usability of a da sander depends a lot on its handle.
Handles often come with a good grip that offers sheer contact even with a sweaty palm. If you want to go beyond that, go for palm sanders with no handles at all.
No-load Speed
The speed that the sanding pad will rotate is measured with RPM. Usually, you’ll see up to 12,000 RPM at the higher end and 2000-2500 RPM at the lower end. Anything in between has specific purposes.
While it’s a rough, rusty surface you’re sanding, go for higher RPM sanders. Otherwise, if it’s gentle prepping for a paint job or so, lower RPM will do the job.
Durability
You want your sander to last for a long time, don’t you? Before buying one, It is important to look at the sander’s body structure. A sander made with ball-bearing construction ensures the longevity of the machine.
Noise
Air da sanders are usually not very noisy. If you operate it with an air compressor it will create almost no sound. But if you are going to use an electric da sander it can be a bit noisy. To make it quieter, you have to buy one that has muffled rear exhausts.
Weight and Footprint
Now, these two are important because, with a heavy sander in your hand, you can’t expect to have a smooth sanding job. Similarly, with a sander that’s pretty large in size, you can’t reach all places for sanding.
In terms of weight, anything between 2 to 4 pounds is kind of okay. And the footprint actually depends on how tough-to-reach surfaces you want to sand.
FAQs
1. What grit sandpaper should I use to sand a car?
Usually, any grit among #200 – #1000 works well on car surfaces, if they are metal. For smoothening, even lower grits might be preferred.
2. Is an orbital sander the same as a DA sander?
Dual-action or DA sanders are more powerful than orbital sanders, offering finer sanding jobs and a quicker time of completion.
3. How much CFM does a DA sander use?
The minimum CFM that a sander uses is 4CFM, and it can go up to 12-15 CFM based on the power output needed from it.
4. Can you sand a car with an electric sander?
Yes, you can. But with an electric sander for the auto body, you can’t go too far as the sander has to eat the power from a wall outlet.
5. Can you use a wood sander on a car?
If it’s a simple and smooth polishing or paint-prepping job you want to do, you can try using a wood sander.
6. Can I use a palm sander on a car?
Yes, if it’s a hard-to-reach metal surface you want to sand, palm sanders are, in fact, the best option to go with.
Bottom Line
So, that’s all that was on the table today. We hope our review has been purposeful and you’ve found the best DA sander for bodywork for your purpose. Thanks for your time!