DA sanders are the most popular sanders when it comes to sanding metal bodies. Their lightweight, smooth performance & adjustable speed makes them perfect to use on metal sanding.
If you’re a professional auto body repairman, then using a sander is completely out of the question. But if you are a DIY type of person looking for a sanding tool to get the job done, then get yourself the best DA sander for auto body.
Our Top Pick
This lightweight sander assures a top-notch performance. Variable speed, long-lasting performance, High RPM, getting all these features on an affordable budget makes this sander way ahead of its competitors.
A DA or Dual Action sander is a cross between the disc sander and belt sander. Prior to repainting, sanding is the most important prep work needed for a car. With an electric DA sander, you can also remove varnish, buff, or even polish the car’s paint.
Best DA Sander For Auto Body Comparison
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gedu Professional Air Random Orbital Palm Sander |
| Check Price |
 | Ingersoll Rand 311A Dual-Action Sander |
| Check Price |
 | FIXKIT Air Random Orbital Sander DCA16250 |
| Check Price |
 | Valianto Air Random Orbital Palm Sander |
| Check Price |
 | TCP Global Professional DA Sander |
| Check Price |
 | SI FANG Mini Orbital Air Sander |
| Check Price |
 | Ingersoll-Rand 4151 Pneumatic Sander |
| Check Price |
 | Chicago Pneumatic CP870 DA Sander |
| Check Price |
Top 8 Best DA Sanders for Auto Body Work
When you search for it, you’ll find several types of DA sanders in the market, but not all of them will give you the expected service. To make your life a bit easier, we’ll help you choose the best da sanders for auto body work reviews.
1. Gedu Professional Air Random Palm Sander
The DA sander that kick-starts our review journey comes from Gedu. This amazing 5-inch unit is the top-notch dual-action sander you can count on to give you the best value for money. When it comes to the bang for your buck, nothing can beat this model.
Featuring a solid plastic body with a feathery weight of less than only two and a half pounds, the tool is very durable indeed. Thanks to its lightweight design, you can wield it for an extended period of time without much fatigue. This makes it an ideal purchase for heavy sanding projects.
The metallic components of this DA sander make the item quite strong. Made out of heat-treated steel and composite plastic, Gedu is very efficient without compromising on the size either. Moreover, this sander is also very comfortable to hold and use due to its cushioned grip. It provides strong support to your hand and wrist resulting in a smoother sanding result and enjoyable sanding experience.
The Gedu DA sander comes with a light rotary motor. This motor helps you deliver great results if you need to work on vertical and overhead surfaces, such as a ceiling or a very tall door.
Made with a heavy roll and ball-bearing construction, the air-powered sander gives you increased stability and durability. Besides, the motor is also very quiet due to a built-in noise dampener that is placed at the rear exhaust of the tool. So, you don’t need to worry about your ear buzzing after work.
The performance of this Gedu sander is quite good as well. With 12000 Revolutions Per Minute (RPM), it can easily shave off some time from your auto bodywork. This is also a nice speed for a variety of other DIY sanding projects. Besides, the speed can be customized for excellence in every specific project.
In case you want a machine that will stand the test of time, the Gedu Professional random orbital Sander is the best air orbital sander for auto body work to consider.
- Very lightweight
- Durable construction
- Has a high RPM
- Comfortable to hold and use
- Usable for different projects
- Minimum noise
- Variable speed settings
- The vibration dampener is absent
2.Ingersoll Rand (311A) 6-Inch Heavy-Duty Air Dual-Action Quiet Sander
As a company that has been making user-friendly sanders for a very long time, Ingersoll Rand did not let us down with their 311A modeled DA sander.
This heavy-duty sander goes a long way to ensure that you get a comfortable sanding session. With a 6-inch diameter pad, slightly larger than the previous one, the 311A enables you to complete your project a lot faster. The sander also sports dual pad rotation – ensuring a swirl-free surface finishing.
Ingersoll 311A has a solid construction but weighs only 4 pounds. This low weight gives you minimal fatigue during extended projects.
Besides, its lever throttle relieves a lot of pressure from your palm by reducing the weight of the tool. This provides comfort and increases the pad rotation.
The sander is also designed to have less vibration due to the presence of a built-in silencer muffler. This low vibration is important since the user will not feel much of the thrust resulting in a dependable performance.
Its silencer muffle also reduces the noise of the machine produced by the mortar and the sanding action. If you have been put off by noisy sanders in the past, then this Ingersoll Rand 311A is the one to go for.
For the purpose of sanding, it is crucial for the user to be able to regulate the sander’s speed to a self-preferred level for maximum performance. This DA sander from Ingersoll Rand has a built-in regulator so that you can control its speed as per your needs.
All in all, this Ingersoll sander combines all the latest features of the perfect sanding machine to help you get the best results without sacrificing comfort or quality.
- Sports a quieter performance
- A vibration dampener is included
- Dual pad for swirl-free finishing
- Adjustable speed with built-in regulator
- Needs a hefty airflow for perfect work
3. FIXKIT 6″ Random Orbital Air sander
The brand, FIXKIT, has a good reputation in the industry as a highly rated sander manufacturer. Their DCA16250 is also manufactured with excellent workmanship. And this model is the best budget DA sander on our list.
This sander features seven discs, a hose, a dust bag, and a wrench to get you started on the spot. With a maximum pressure of 90 PSI, you get to sand car bodies, metal products, or any other grooving elements with relative ease.
FIXKIT also has a built-in regulator with a 10000 RPM speed setting that gives you stable performance all the way. For bringing out a smooth and professional finish to various materials with minimal cost, there is no better alternative than this one.
This dual-action sander can also make siphon effects to clear heavy dust. If you are worried about cleaning the messy dust after working, this sander comes with a good vacuum system to your rescue. It has a handy vacuum that can suck trash with the 3.28ft hose. Now, you can avoid dust sputter getting into your face and keep your workstation cleaner.
FIXKIT air random orbital sander has been designed to keep comfort and low budget in mind. Besides, its vibration is not that rough either.
- It features a high RPM
- Comes with a vacuum port
- Boasts seven sander discs
- Dual-action orbital sander
- Affordable price
- Has a marginal vacuum
4. Valianto Air Random Orbital Dual Action Palm Sander
It doesn’t matter if you want a polisher for a car, metal products, or carpentry, this random orbital sander is the best electric DA sander that you can count on to give you the best polishing. With the Valianto random orbital sander, your polishing work will be better than ever before.
This sander comes with a 5-inch pad, 1 wrench, and 1 quick connector. So, if you already have a connector, you can start working with it right off the bat.
Valianto palm sander features the double rotation polishing technology that guarantees uniform and swirl-free finishes. It provides you with a solid & long-lasting performance, which is an absolute necessity for commercial projects.
The double rotation technology rotates the grinding disc and disc pad in two concurrent extending oval patterns. This ensures no harsh particles are left on the polishing surface resulting in a random scratch and swirl-free finish.
With a rotation speed of 12000 RPM, this DA sander will give the roughest surfaces an ultra-smooth finish. Despite its high speed, the Valianto palm sander has a surprisingly low vibration level – making it easy to wield for longer periods.
There is also a built-in control knob that allows you to change the speed necessary for a particular job so that you can have better control of your work.
The design has been made in such a way so that you can operate the sander even with one hand. In fact, some professionals have also claimed that this is the best auto body DA sander suited for one-hand operation.
Besides, to give its user maximum comfort while using the sander, a soft-grip handle has been attached that highly reduces the operator’s fatigue.
- Double rotation polishing technology
- Appropriate for multiple types of operations
- Highly suited for one-handed operation
- Ensures a low vibration
- There might be some air leakage
5. TCP Global Professional DA Sander
We’re wrapping up the list with this TCP DA Sander, which is another inexpensive model for someone who doesn’t want to spend too much. With a promise to deliver a superb finish, the TCP is a heavy-duty sander that comes with a PSA backing pad.
Although this review is our last from the list, it is not our least favorite one. With a 6-inch pad and 90 PSI, this sander ticks almost all the right boxes in terms of features.
Designed for mainly small jobs, this affordable pneumatic DA sander has got vibration dampening, variable speed, and a speed regulator built into it.
The built-in regulator can reach a speed of up to 10,000 RPM. Its wide range of speed settings will give you a more flawless finish while doing your auto body works. Besides, the tool is also comfortable enough to hold over an extended period.
Made out of heat-treated steel, the TCP sander ensures long life. Its swirl-free finish exceeds that of its other rivals too.
The sander also comes with lubricating oil and a wrench so that you can start your work from the get-go.
- Boasts a very solid construction
- Adjustable speed with a knob
- Low vibration feature
- Provides a swirl-free finish
- The adjustment knob is located poorly
- Uses costly proprietary sandpaper
6. SI FANG 2″ 3″ Mini Orbital Air Sander
This high-quality professional random orbital sander comes with a 2 and 3-inch loop sanding pad & double rotation sanding method. It has the flexibility of using any type of sanding discs. Stability, low vibration, low energy consumption & a speed of 15000 rpm, these features make the sander a great one to choose.
The rubber handle is comfortable to hold, which makes the sander user-friendly & makes it easier to operate for a long time.
The smooth polishing method makes this one perfect to work on any type of surface, be it metal, plastic or wood. It especially does a wonderful job on the auto body.
The small size & lightweight makes it suitable for working on small areas & tight contours. All these features combinedly make the sander more uniform & a great performer.
The smooth polishing method makes this one perfect to work on any type of surface, be it metal, plastic or wood. It especially does a wonderful job on the auto body. This sander is also ideal for spot sanding focus areas, removing rust spots from metal, detailing work.
- Lightweight
- Small size
- Low Vibration
- Rubber handle for a comfortable grip
- Stable
- Easy to operate
- Not recommended for big projects
- Need a little improvement in quality
7. Ingersoll rand 4151 Pneumatic Sander
Ingersoll is a well-known brand in the power tools world. They are one of the lead manufacturers in this field. Ingersoll rand 4151 is one of their top quality da sander.
This air-powered da sander has a free speed of 12000 rpm with a power of 0.2 horsepower. That much speed & power ensures a swirl-free finish to the surface. The sander is quite capable of doing any type of sanding job on any type of surface.
Air-powered sanders are great for auto body works as they are low vibrating machines. This one has a little vibration & also is a very quiet machine. The compact design makes it a solid build & durable machine.
It maintains such high speed & good power although being a lightweight sander. It weighs less than 2 pounds. The lightweight makes it easy to carry & operate.
This one also has got a decent dust collection feature. By connecting an external shop vac in the built-in vacuum adapter, dust can be removed efficiently.
The Interchangeable grip ring matches the size of the user’s hand. Therefore gives a comfortable grip over the sander.
The size of the air inlet is 1/4 inch & the air consumption is 8 cubic feet per minute. This quality sander is ideal for leveling the top of a wood table, paint removal from the metal surface.
- Lightweight
- Interchangeable grip ring
- Durable
- Low vibration
- Quiet
- High Speed
- Difficult to remove the pad after installing as it is too close to the motor
- The adjustment knob is too delicate.
8. Chicago Pneumatic Dual Action Sander
With some outstanding features, the Chicago pneumatic sander has made its place on our list.
This sander has a free speed of 10000 rpm, which is quite high for a da sander. The speed can be adjusted anywhere between. Especially when working on metal bodies, variable speed control matters a lot.
A smooth finish is the ultimate goal users want from a da sander. This one doesn’t disappoint in this section. The high-speed & powerful motor ensures a smooth finishing to the surface.
The 1/4 inch air inlet & 5 CFM air consumption is pretty decent for an air-powered sander. Less air consumption also reduces the power consumption of the air compressor. The simple & smart design of this sander makes it user-friendly & easy to use.
If a sander is lightweight, it becomes easier to do the job & easy to carry the machine. The Chicago cp870 is a very lightweight sander which is an ideal feature of a da sander. It has a non-slip handle to provide more accuracy in sanding. It has also got some safety features for its users to avoid any unwanted accidents.
Overall this sander is the perfect one for smoothing filler, feather edging, and pre-paint preparation.
- Variable speed
- Provides a smooth surface
- Accuracy
- Stable
- Has safety features
- Doesn’t work well with the lower number of grits
Verdict
DA sanders are increasingly becoming common among hobbyists and experts alike. If you intend to get the top-notch one, we’d suggest the Gedu Palm Sander, which has all the major features you can think of. Other than the lack of a vibration dampener, it feels like a masterfully engineered product capable of the best service.
The other sander that gives Gedu a good run for its money is the Ingersoll. It takes the runners-up position in our list of best DA sanders for auto body only due to its airflow issues. But if you’re not a fan of spending much on DIY products, then FIXKIT sander would be your best budget pick.
How to Choose the Best Sander Auto Body?
While buying a DA Sander for auto bodywork, you have to look at some aspects to choose the best one for your job. We stated some essential features in our buying guide that you have to look at in your sander.
Pad size/Orbits
There are different sizes of sanding pads available. If you’re up for a large automotive project, then you can go for the larger ones. Otherwise, stick to the small sanding pads as these give more precision in work.
Vibration Dampeners
An underrated feature, most of the time gets overlooked. Frequent vibration hampers big automotive projects. A vibration dampener reduces the vibration making the sander more accurate.
Comfort
Although all the da sander is smaller in size. Look for a sander with a good grip. Because comfort in the job matters a lot & also affects the result.
Durability
Make sure the sander you are going to buy is solidly built & durable. So, you don’t face problems in a large project. Also, you don’t want to invest often for a new one right?
Warranty
This one is important to look for in a sander. A decent warranty makes you relieved for a certain period of time. You won’t have to worry much about the sander while working.
Variable speed
While sanding the auto body, you have to adjust the speed several times. For that, variable speed control is needed. It will give you more control over the project & you’ll get an excellent result.
FAQ
Can I use an orbital sander to sand my car?
Yes, you can use an orbital sander. But for auto bodywork, DA sander & air sanders are more suitable. Orbital sanders can create swirl marks on the body, whereas a da sander will give a smooth finish.
What sander is best for the auto body?
The DA sander that has decent power, low vibration, and adjustable speed is perfect for auto body sanding. The Gedu Professional Air Random Palm Sander meets all these features and also comes at an affordable price. That’s what makes this one the best sander for auto body works.
How much CFM does a DA sander use?
In general, DA sanders use between 11 and 15 CFM, although some use more or less.
Is an orbital sander the same as a DA sander?
DA sanders and orbital sanders differ in motion. DA sanders are basically random orbital sanders that have two types (Electric and Air-powered) and rotate back and forth. Orbital sanders rotate in a circular motion.
Related resource: