DeWalt 5 in. Brushless Cordless Variable-Speed Random Orbital Sander

Why I reached for this sander

Corded sanders are still king for all-day production, but I’ve wanted a compact, cordless orbit sander I could grab for site touch-ups, furniture refinishing, and edges where a cord snags and slows me down. This DeWalt 5-inch cordless sander fit that bill right away: small footprint, brushless motor, and a variable-speed range that covers everything from delicate finishing to fast stock leveling.

After several weeks smoothing hardwood face frames, knocking down primer, and cleaning up plywood edges, it’s earned a spot near the top of my sanding stack.

Design and build

The low-profile body is the first thing you notice. With your palm on the top cap and fingers wrapping the texturized rubber skirt, you’re close to the work. That proximity makes it easy to keep the pad flat and avoid rolling the edges—key for even scratch patterns. The bare tool is light; once you add a compact 20V pack, the overall balance still feels centered over the pad.

DeWalt uses an 8-hole hook-and-loop pad, so paper changes are quick and common grits are easy to find. The pad runs a 3/32-inch orbit, which leans toward finish quality over brute removal. The dust port accepts the included, one-handed locking bag or a vacuum connection with the DWV9000 adapter; it also mates to DeWalt dust extractors without fuss.

The switch is dust-sealed and the variable-speed dial clicks positively through the 8,000–12,000 OPM range. Nothing on the exterior feels cheap. It’s a simple tool done cleanly.

Performance and control

In pine, poplar, and red oak, the sander has the power and pad stability to keep paper cutting without stalling. With 80–100 grit at higher speeds, I removed mill marks and flush-trimmed solid edging cleanly. At mid speeds with 150–180 grit, it leaves an even, swirl-free surface that’s ready for finish sanding. The smaller orbit helps here; it’s less aggressive than a 1/8-inch orbital but produces a finer scratch with fewer surprises.

Ramp the speed down and pair with 220–320 grit, and you can sand between coats or feather out primer without burning through edges. The speed range matters; you don’t have to ride the throttle with pressure. Let the pad do the work, keep the sander flat, and it tracks predictably.

Vibration is well controlled for a cordless unit. Even after longer sessions, my fingers weren’t buzzing. That matters on vertical faces and cabinet interiors when you’re one-handing it.

Dust collection

On-tool dust capture is better than average. The locking bag is a small touch that makes a big difference—it snaps on with one hand and stays put. The bag fills quickly (it’s small), but it empties easily and does a solid job keeping the air clear on quick tasks.

Hooked to a vac, the sander gets noticeably cleaner. With the DWV9000 adapter on a 1-1/4-inch hose, dust pickup went from “good” to “why is my paper lasting longer?” If you’re sanding indoors or working softwoods that load paper fast, a vacuum is worth the extra hose.

Pro tip: align your paper’s eight holes perfectly and keep the pad clean—dust extraction depends on those pathways staying open.

Runtime and batteries

Runtime is the tradeoff every cordless sander makes. Expect roughly 6–10 minutes per amp-hour depending on speed, grit, and material. With a compact 4.0Ah pack at mixed speeds, I typically get 25–35 minutes of usable sanding. That’s plenty for punch lists, face frames, or a couple of doors—but not an all-day deck refinish.

Battery choice also affects balance. Compact packs (including DeWalt’s smaller PowerStack and compact 4.0Ah) keep the sander planted and comfortable. Standard 5.0Ah and larger packs extend runtime but add top weight; you feel it in your wrist on vertical work and near edges. I prefer running two compact packs and swapping when one hits the charger.

Ergonomics and handling

The low height and grippy overmold let you steer with fingertips rather than force. It’s easy to keep the pad flat and pressure light, which is exactly how random orbit sanders like to run. The tool is controllable enough for one-handed operation on face frames and trim, yet the body has space for a second hand when you want to bear down slightly on large, flat panels.

Noise is in the usual ROS range; ear protection is still smart. Importantly, the motor tone stays even under load—no chugging or surging.

Pad, paper, and maintenance

The hook-and-loop pad holds paper firmly without tearing the hooks. Paper changes are fast, and the pad stops cleanly between grits. If you prefer PSA abrasives, there’s a PSA replacement pad available as a service part, but the included hook-and-loop setup is the practical choice for most users.

Keep the pad’s hooks clean, occasionally blow out the motor housing, and wipe the dust seal around the switch—basic habits that extend pad and switch life.

Where it shines

• Jobsite punch lists: flush plugs, ease edges, clean up filler.
• Cabinet and furniture work: predictable finish quality with 3/32 orbit.
• Trim and doors: nimble enough to control on narrow parts.
• Between coats: dial down speed and keep scratches shallow.
• Mobile work: toss it in a bag without cord tangles.

Limitations

• Runtime: cordless realities apply; plan for battery swaps on larger jobs.
• Balance with big packs: 5.0Ah+ batteries push weight up and back.
• Bag capacity: effective but small—vac hookup is better for long runs.
• Not a hog: for heavy stock removal, a 6-inch or 1/8-inch orbit sander is faster.

Tips for best results

• Let the pad cut. Keep pressure light and speed appropriate for the grit.
• Use compact batteries for balance; bring a second pack for longer sessions.
• Match paper holes precisely and consider a vac connection for cleaner air and longer paper life.
• Start at a mid speed for general sanding, downshift for finishing passes.
• Keep the pad flat; roll only when intentionally breaking an edge.

Value and ecosystem

As a bare tool, it’s not the cheapest 5-inch cordless sander, and you’ll need your own 20V battery and charger. But the build quality, brushless efficiency, and real-world usability justify the spend if you’re already on DeWalt’s platform. The warranty (3-year limited, 1-year service, 90-day satisfaction) is competitive, and parts support, including replacement pads, is easy to find.

If you live inside the DeWalt 20V lineup, this sander feels like a natural fit. If you’re starting from scratch and budget is tight, factor in at least two batteries to keep workflow smooth.

The bottom line

This DeWalt cordless sander hits the balance I look for in a 5-inch ROS: compact, controllable, and capable of finish-quality results, with enough power to handle prep work without bogging down. Dust collection is thoughtfully executed—especially the locking bag and easy vac hookup—and the ergonomics reduce fatigue during the kind of tasks cordless sanders are best at.

I recommend this sander for woodworkers, finish carpenters, and DIYers who want a grab-and-go, high-quality cordless option for small to medium sanding tasks. Choose compact batteries, pair it with a vacuum when you can, and it will deliver clean, consistent results without a cord getting in your way. If you need to run for hours at a time, a corded 5-inch or a larger 6-inch sander still makes sense—but for everything else, this one earns its keep.