Ryobi 18V HP Brushless 5-inch Random Orbit Sander - Pro Tool Reviews

With so many models on the market, it can be difficult to choose the right sander to fit your project. If you’re on Ryobi’s 18V platform, your orbital sander options have thus far been limited to just a single brushed model— that is, until now. I’m looking at the Ryobi 18V HP Brushless 5-inch Random Orbit Sander to see what improvements it’s made since the last iteration.

The PBLSD01 is Ryobi’s first orbital sander to feature a brushless motor. It has three speed settings ranging from 7,000 OPM to 11,000 OPM (oscillations per minute), and you can toggle your speed using the speed-select button next to the power button.

The top speed is higher than Ryobi’s last iteration orbital sander, the brushed PCL406, which topped out at 10,000 OPM. That model is also a single-speed sander, so having more speed options with this new model is a plus.

The PBLSD01 also reduces vibration levels by up to 30% compared to the PCL406, which helps reduce fatigue on large sanding projects.

This Ryobi sander is 25% more compact than the previous model. Its low-profile design provides more control on your sanding projects by keeping your hand closer to your working surface.

You can connect a 1-1/4-inch or 1-7/8-inch vacuum hose to keep your workspace clean and dust-free. If you don’t have a wet/dry vacuum on hand or you just prefer not to use one, this sander also comes with a dust collection bag.

Finally, according to Ryobi, the PBLSD01 is the first random orbit sander with an integrated LED light to enhance your visibility and help you catch imperfections in your project.

This sander retails for $119 as a bare tool and $169 as a kit, which includes a 2.0Ah High Performance battery and charger. Both configurations also include a dust bag and three sandpaper sheets to get you started. You can find this sander on Home Depot shelves and online starting in September 2024. Ryobi backs your purchase with a 3-year warranty.

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