Best Random Orbital Sanders · head-to-head

Makita BO5041K vs Porter-Cable 382

A sourced, side-by-side comparison. Porter-Cable 382 is cheaper at $66.99. Every spec and price links to its source.

Which is better: the Makita BO5041K or Porter-Cable 382?

On the specs we track, they're closely matched. The Porter-Cable 382 is the cheaper at $66.99.

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Full spec sheet

marks the stronger figure where "more" — or "less", for price and weight — is unambiguously better.

Spec Makita BO5041K Porter-Cable 382
US price $149 $66.99
BrandMakitaPorter-Cable
Released
Power source corded corded
Pad diameter (in) 5 5
Orbit diameter (mm)
Oscillations per minute max 12000 12000
Variable speed Yes No
Amperage 3 1.9
Voltage
Dust collection type bag-and-port bag
Weight (lb) 3
Vibration ms2
Noise level (dB)

Sources — Makita BO5041K: makitatools.com (verified 2026-07-11). Porter-Cable 382: portercable.com (verified 2026-07-11).

What's the difference between the Makita BO5041K and Porter-Cable 382?

Where the two actually differ on the specs we track (3 of 11). Matching specs are omitted.

  • Variable speed: Makita BO5041K true vs Porter-Cable 382 false
  • Amperage: Makita BO5041K 3 vs Porter-Cable 382 1.9
  • Dust collection type: Makita BO5041K bag-and-port vs Porter-Cable 382 bag

What reviewers say

Sourced tester consensus for each — the "what people who used it think" layer, not just specs.

Makita BO5041K

Only one whitelisted tester, Pro Tool Reviews, covers the exact BO5041K, and its March 2010 article is a hands-on preview rather than a measured lab test. It praises the sander's comfort, control, and long-term reliability while calling it a solid but unremarkable, non-revolutionary tool. No other whitelisted outlet reviewed this model. (1 sourced review.)

Praised: Rubberized palm grip offers ample comfort and control; Solid, reliable build expected to last a long time; Rotatable/adjustable front handle is a welcome touch on a more powerful sander.

Flagged: Evolutionary, not revolutionary — doesn't advance the category.

Porter-Cable 382

Only one whitelisted tester — Reviewed (USA Today) — hands-on tested the Porter-Cable 382, naming it best for dust collection. It praises near-cloudless dust capture with a shop vac and smooth, easy control (~5 min to strip a painted board), but flags the flat, uncontoured top handle as uncomfortable for long sessions. Single source; no cross-tester corroboration. (1 sourced review, 1 lab-tested.)

Praised: Excellent dust collection — bag lets out little dust, almost no cloud when paired with a shop vac; Smooth, easy-to-control operation good for longer sanding sessions.

Flagged: Flat, uncontoured top handle is uncomfortable to hold long-term.

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