DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 1/4 Sheet Variable Speed Sander (Tool Only)

I reached for DeWalt’s 1/4-sheet cordless sander on a week of real-world jobs—doors, trim, exterior patch work, and a batch of deck boards—and it quietly earned a spot in my regular kit. It’s compact, controllable, and—most importantly—doesn’t tie you to an outlet. For prep and finish sanding where corners and edges matter, this sander gets the fundamentals right with a few quirks you’ll want to know about.

Build, size, and ergonomics

At 2.1 lb bare, the sander feels light and nimble in the hand. The low-profile body keeps your grip close to the work, which helps with control and reduces tip-in on edges. DeWalt’s rubber overmold is grippy without being gummy, so it stays planted even when your hands are dusty. The top profile suits both a full palm grip for broad surfaces and a forward grip when you need to guide the nose into corners.

Balance varies with battery choice. With a 1.5–2.0 Ah pack it’s wonderfully compact for overhead work or face frames; with a 5.0 Ah pack it gains stability and runtime without becoming clumsy. If you prefer larger packs, note that the included short dust chute crowds the battery area. The optional long dust chute (part number N684701) creates more clearance and is worth adding if you routinely run bigger batteries.

Controls and speed range

The variable-speed dial covers 8,000–14,000 OPM and the motor keeps a steady cadence under typical load. I kept it near the low end on softwoods and painted surfaces to avoid chatter and at the higher end with 80–120 grit when I wanted to move material faster. The on/off switch engages positively and stays protected from incidental bumps. Overall, the control layout is straightforward: you can adjust speed with your thumb mid-pass without shifting your grip.

Power, runtime, and feel on the work

For a quarter-sheet platform, power is right where it needs to be. The brushless motor spins up smoothly and doesn’t bog when you lean on it a bit. Quarter-sheet sanders don’t “erase” scratches like random orbit models, so technique remains important: moderate pressure, fresh paper, and appropriate grit progression. With that in mind, this sander leaves a consistent surface suitable for paint and stain prep, trim touch-ups, and between-coats work.

Runtime aligns with DeWalt’s claim. With a 5.0 Ah battery, 120-grit paper, and the dust bag, I typically saw around 35–40 minutes of intermittent prep sanding before swapping packs. A 1.5 Ah pack is viable for punch-list work and lighter tasks; for bigger surfaces, 4.0–5.0 Ah is the sweet spot.

Vibration is well managed for this class. After extended sessions on doors and fascia boards, I didn’t feel the finger-tingle that some older quarter-sheet models induce. The low center of gravity helps keep the pad planted without fighting you.

Dust collection: bag vs. vac

DeWalt includes a one-handed locking dust bag and a hole punch plate. Use the punch—dust collection drops sharply if the paper isn’t perforated. With the bag, expect to capture a meaningful portion of dust but not all of it. In my experience, collection hovered around “better than basic” but not near shop-vac levels. Fine paint dust and some fines escape around the bag collar and through the inevitable gaps in the paper.

Hook up a vac and the story changes for the better. The oval dust port mates directly to DeWalt’s DWV010/DWV012 units, and with the DWV9000 adapter it plays nicely with common 1-1/4 in shop-vac hoses. Under extraction, the surface stays clean, paper lasts longer, and airborne dust drops dramatically. If you’re sanding indoors or on prefinished trim, run a vac—cordless tool, dusted workspace.

Paper and clamp system

Quarter-sheet sanders are budget-friendly on abrasives, and this one is no exception. Standard 9 x 11 sheets cut to quarters fit the pad (4-1/2 x 5-1/2 in). The rear clamp is a spring-under tab; the front uses a push-button release. Both hold securely once set. My only nitpick is the front button: with gloves, it’s a bit small and requires a deliberate press. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it isn’t as fast as a hook-and-loop disc system.

The included hole punch is handy and durable. Align, press, and you’re done—no guessing where the pad holes are. This matters for dust collection, particularly if you’re relying on the bag.

What it does best

• Prepping patched siding and fascia where corners matter
• Refinishing doors and trim with controlled edge work
• Knocking down pencil marks, glue squeeze-out, and minor mill marks
• Sanding into inside corners and along edges where random orbit pads can’t reach

This sander excels at controlled, flat work. The low-profile body lets you keep it square to the surface, which is crucial for avoiding divots on trim and stile edges. It’s also a great “carry everywhere” tool—walk the job, hit spots as you find them, and move on.

Where it’s not the ideal choice

If you’re chasing the finest, swirl-free finish on tabletops or high-visibility hardwood, a 5 in random orbit sander is a better primary tool. Quarter-sheet motion can leave linear scratches if you jump grits too quickly or neglect a final hand sand. For heavy stock removal, a more aggressive platform (RO sander or a belt sander) still makes sense.

Compatibility, accessories, and warranty

• Battery platform: 20V MAX (nominal 18V), brushless motor
• Direct vac connection: DWV010/DWV012; DWV9000 adapter for 1-1/4 in hoses
• Long dust chute (N684701) improves clearance with larger packs
• Warranty: 3-year limited, 1-year free service, 90-day satisfaction

Those little touches—a one-handed locking bag, direct vac port, and an available long chute—make daily use simpler. I’d love to see the long chute included in the box given how many users run 5.0 Ah or larger packs, but at least the option exists.

Durability and serviceability

Fit and finish are solid. The pad stays flat under pressure, the clamps haven’t loosened, and the speed dial remains positive after gritty use. The dust port and bag seal still fit snugly after repeated on/off cycles. DeWalt’s service network is a plus if you’re tough on tools, and the 90-day satisfaction window is generous for something you’ll know you like (or don’t) within a few jobs.

Wish list

• A more efficient bag design or better collar seal to bump up capture rate
• Slightly larger or higher-leverage front clamp release for gloved use
• Include the long dust chute by default to accommodate larger batteries

None of these are show-stoppers, but they’d smooth out the experience.

Bottom line and recommendation

DeWalt’s 1/4-sheet cordless sander nails the core attributes I want in a finish/prep sander: controllable speed, low-profile handling, solid vibration manners, and smart dust collection options. With a 4.0–5.0 Ah battery it has the stamina for door sets, trim runs, and small panel work, and it reaches places a random orbit can’t without switching tools.

I recommend it to carpenters, remodelers, painters, and DIYers already on the 20V MAX platform who need a reliable, mobile sander for prep and finish tasks. Pair it with a vac for best dust control and add the long dust chute if you favor larger batteries. If your work leans toward fine furniture or the highest-end finishes, keep a random orbit sander in your arsenal as well—but for everyday jobsite sanding where corners matter and cords get in the way, this is an easy tool to live with and a worthwhile addition to the kit.