An
eccentric sander
has a sole (or rotating pad), with a core (inner layer) of dense, slightly flexible foam, to overcome small holes and bumps.
This sole does not turn completely round.
It has an orbital movement with small oscillations of a few millimeters relative to the axis of rotation.
This avoids marking or, in other words, digging circular furrows, and allows for uniform sanding.
For this reason, we sometimes refer to it as an orbital sander.
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Comparison of cordless eccentric sanders
All the models in our comparison work with standard 125 mm diameter sanding discs, which attach below the hook-and-loop sole (like a Velcro fastener).
These two elements have small round openings for the evacuation of dust, which is sucked up and rejected through a duct at the rear of the machine.
All these devices are also delivered with a small bag or a rigid receptacle to collect it.
The ideal, especially if you are tinkering inside, is to connect a work vacuum cleaner, it is much less messy.
Almost all sanders are compatible with standard 32 or 35 mm bits.
For others, either an adapter is supplied, or you will have to purchase it separately…
As for the controls, there is nothing complicated about them.
The simplest sander models just have a set of on-off buttons.
The others also have a rotation speed variator, adjustable using a dial.
The battery is an essential selection criterion
Who says wireless device, says battery operation.
The sander references in this selection are offered “naked”, so it is up to you to purchase the accumulator and its charger separately.
There are complete packs including the three accessories, but not all manufacturers offer them.
Be careful when making your choice, because the prices vary greatly.
The minimum investment for a battery and charger duo varies from just under €30 to almost €150.
Each brand generally has its own battery technology compatible with its DIY tools (drill, screwdriver, jigsaw, etc.), gardening (hedge trimmer, mower, water pump, etc.), car maintenance (compressor , cleaner, polisher…).
If you already have a cordless product with its battery and charger, it may therefore be interesting to buy a sander from the same brand.
We compare for you
Every month, we make a selection of products that we take in hand to try and compare them.
Our ranking takes into account their ease of daily use and their effectiveness.
For the sanders, a double quarter-turn wooden staircase on two floors, covered with carpet glue and several layers of paint and coating, was the scene of our intensive tests.
We paid particular attention to ease of handling and efficiency of sanding.
Some models are easy to hold and guide smoothly, others are harder to master, but sometimes sand faster.
We looked for the best compromise.
We also took into consideration the emission of dust, first with the sander alone equipped with its collection bag, then with a vacuum cleaner connected to its duct.
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No. 1/ Simple and effective: Skil 3745 CA
Skil 3745 CA.
Skil
Offered at a competitive price, this sander seems robust and durable and proves in use to be an excellent compromise between efficiency and ease of use.
WE love
It has a speed variator.
Thanks to its oscillations with an amplitude of 3 mm, above average, and its 20 V Max battery system (compared to 18 V among the competition), it sands quickly.
It nevertheless remains much easier to master than the AEG or Bosch models.
Its moderate weight and its handle with non-slip coating, suitable for all hands, make it easy to use.
Its exhaust duct corresponds to a 32 mm vacuum cleaner tip.
It comes with a 35mm bit adapter and 3 sanding discs.
Its bag holds dust well.
Skil PWRCore 20 V batteries have a charge level indicator.
The charger and 2.5 Ah battery cost less than €70.
We don't like
The holes in the sole are of reduced diameter.
Dust suction by the machine is not optimal.
€85.90, skil.fr
No. 2/ Very affordable: Einhell TE-RS 18 Li-Solo
Einhell TE-RS 18 Li-Solo.
Einhell
WE love
It is one of the cheapest and lightest.
However, its construction seems solid and its engine is guaranteed for 10 years.
It is very easy to handle.
It is possible to connect a 35 mm vacuum cleaner tip to its outlet.
You can find its charger + 2 Ah battery pack for less than €30 and the bundled offer (sander, battery and charger) for around €100.
We don't like
Its oscillations have the lowest amplitude (2 mm).
It sands slower.
Its handle is narrow.
And its tall shape prevents it from slipping into certain spaces.
€74.95, einhell.fr
No. 3/ Performer: Bosch Advanced Orbit 18
Bosch Advanced Orbit 18. Bosch
WE love
The front handle of this model offers a good grip, sanding is very efficient (oscillations of 3.2 mm), as is the vacuuming.
The collection tray is the one that retains dust the best.
The device has a battery system common to several brands and its speed variator offers a wide adjustment range.
Allow €85 for the purchase of the battery (2.5 Ah) and the charger.
We don't like
The diameter of its non-standard exhaust duct requires an adapter to use a vacuum cleaner.
€99.74, bosch-diy.com/fr/fr
Other cordless eccentric sanders:
Single speed: Ryobi RROS18-0
Despite its massive format and a not very ergonomic handle, it remains rather easy to handle.
But it has no variator, runs constantly at maximum speed and drains its battery very quickly.
The collection bag lets out a lot of dust.
From €65 (battery and charger).
€77.90, fr.ryobitools.eu
For the strong: AEG BEX 18-125-0
An efficient and powerful sander.
But you have to be an expert user, have a good grip and a fairly large hand to master it well.
Its battery and charger are the most expensive (from around €140).
6 year warranty.
€105, aeg-powertools.eu/fr-fr
Too limited: Far Tools XF-Orbital2
It's the cheapest, you can find it from €39.90, alone, and just under €95 if you add the charger and the battery.
But its construction seems very economical.
It quickly goes into protection and stops when it is heavily used.
€56.31, fartools.com/fr