Sanders & technique · 1 min read
Sanding disc no longer sticks to the pad
Usually the hook-and-loop on the backing pad is worn or clogged – rarely the disc. How to tell, how to look after the pad and when an interface pad helps.
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What causes it
The hook-and-loop on the backing pad wears out: the tiny hooks break or melt when the disc shifts and rubs. If a new disc will not hold and the hooks look flattened or discoloured, the pad is worn out.
Dust and resin also clog the hooks. In that case, cleaning them with a soft brush or compressed air is often enough.
Looking after the pad
Switch the machine on only once it is on the surface, and off before lifting it – a freely spinning pad with a half-detached disc rubs the hooks away in seconds. Do not sand out over edges, where the disc flips up. Avoid heat from too much pressure.
Interface pad as protection
An interface pad between backing pad and disc wears instead of the backing pad and is quicker and cheaper to replace. It also makes the sanding action softer – good for curved surfaces, less so for coarse sanding on flat ones.
If the pad is finished, fit a replacement backing pad with the same diameter and hole pattern.
FAQ
Can I repair the hook-and-loop on the pad or stick on a new layer?
Not permanently. Stick-on hook-and-loop comes loose under the heat of sanding. A new backing pad is inexpensive and screwed on in seconds.
