Here’s a full guide on random orbital sanders — how they work, what to look for, how to use them well, and some strong product options.
What Is a Random Orbital Sander?
A random orbital sander (sometimes called a “dual-action sander”) is a handheld power tool that sands surfaces by combining two motions simultaneously:
- Rotation — the sanding pad spins in a circular path
- Orbital / Eccentric Movement — the pad also moves in a small orbit (off-centre), producing random swirls
Because the motion is random (i.e. no fixed circular path), each grit of abrasive doesn’t trace the exact same path twice. This significantly reduces swirl marks and visible sanding grooves.
In short: it’s more forgiving than a purely orbital sander and gives smoother finishes, while still removing material efficiently.











