The Fix for Sanding Discs that Won’t Stick to Your Sander
Sanding discs won’t stay on your orbital sander? Do they keep flying off? The simple fix for sandpaper that isn’t sticking is to replace the sander pad.
You may also enjoy 11 Secrets for Sanding Wood Projects Like a Pro and Brilliant Solution for Sandpaper Storage.
Why won’t your sanding discs stick? The problem might be with your sander, not the sandpaper. Orbital sander pads wear out with use. Eventually, the pad will need to be replaced no matter if you have Bosch, Makita, DeWALT or Porter-Cable sander like me.
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What’s your least favorite workshop activity? Mine is sanding. Sanding is the worst! I started a recent sanding project by attaching a new sanding disc to my sander. Then I began the dreaded task of sanding the parts for my new workshop cabinet.
I was sanding and sanding. I sanded for what seemed like an eternity. Why is this taking so long?! It’s almost like I forgot to attach a sanding disc. Out of curiosity, I flipped the sander over and “Hey, where’s the sanding disc?!”
I found the disc on the floor, stuck it back on and turned on the sander. As soon as turned it on the sanding disc shot out from under the sander like a frisbee! WHAT?! I stuck the sanding disc on again and it kept flying off! ARRRGH!!!
Why Do the Sanding Discs Keep Flying Off my Sander?
It took me a couple minutes to figure out why the sanding discs were flying off of my sander. The hook and loop or Velcro had worn off the sanding pad. Well, I guess that’s it. After 11 years with my Porter-Cable Sander, it was time to buy a new sander.
I was really annoyed that I would have to buy a new sander because mine still ran like a champ. That’s when I decided to do a little research. What I learned is sander pads can be replaced.
Where To Buy Replacement Sander Pads?
Replacement sander pads are actually pretty easy to find. I bought the replacement pad for my Porter-Cable sander here.
Sanding pads are available from the original manufacturer (like Porter-Cable) or from aftermarket manufacturers. There was a significant cost savings over the aftermarket replacement pad versus the original manufacturer pad. I decided to go for the aftermarket pad. I’ll let you know how it goes!
How to Replace a Sander Pad
Replacing a sander pad probably doesn’t require a full tutorial, but I wanted to show you just how easy and quick it is to do. I think it took me longer to set up the camera than it did to actually replace the pad!
Before we get into how to replace a sander pad, be sure to click the subscribe button at the bottom of this page to sign up for my FREE weekly newsletter loaded with helpful pocket hole tricks, space-saving workshop ideas, clever DIY tips and more!
The Fix for Sanding Discs that Won’t Stick to Your Sander
Supplies
Replacement Sander Pad
Tools
Screwdriver
Step 1. Remove the Sander Pad. First, disconnect the power to the sander. I used a Shop-Vac to remove the sanding dust from the screws that hold the pad to the sander.
Hold the sander pad then loosen the screws and remove the old sander pad. I used the Shop-Vac again to clean the sanding dust from inside the sander.
Step 2. Install the New Sander Pad. I found it was easier to first install all of the screws in the new sander pad, position the pad over the screw holes, and then tighten each screw a little at a time. That’s all there is to it. Now the sanding discs won’t fly off the sander!
Store Your Sandpaper
My sandpaper was out of control. Sheets of sandpaper mixed with sanding discs, 150 grit mixed with 60 grit and sandpaper flying out of my workshop cabinet when I opened the door. Then I discovered a weird, but effective way to store sandpaper in my small workshop.
Skate over to see the unusual way I store my sandpaper.
Secrets for Sanding Wood Projects Like a Pro
Can I give you some sanding secrets? I’d love to share why I vacuum between sanding grits, why I use a utility light when I sand and why I bevel the legs of my DIY furniture! Skate over to 11 Secrets for Sanding Wood Projects Like a Pro for the details.
Final Thoughts
If your sanding discs won’t stick the problem might be with your sander, not the sandpaper. Orbital sander pads wear out with use. Eventually, the pad will need to be replaced no matter if you have Bosch, Makita, DeWALT or Porter-Cable sander like me.
Thank you for stopping by. If you found this information helpful, would you please pin it to Pinterest? Other DIYers would appreciate it and I would too! Thank you – Scott
Check the box stores for a same day fix. I replaced my DeWalt pad at HD. I debated if the it was cost effective to replace the pad or the sander and I replaced the pad and the sander to have 2 grits available all the time. It’s also nice to have a standby for an essential tool.
Hi Patrick – Thank you for stopping by. That’s a great tip to check the local big box stores for replacement sander pads.
We buy wide hook and loop tape and cut the hook side to the shape of the pad and stick this with contact adhesive to the pad. Extremely cost effective.
Hi Graham – Thank you for stopping by and for the tip!
It’s cheaper to buy PSA (Pressure Sensitive Adhesive) sanding discs than Velcro sanding discs. If you have a Velcro pad sander, just make a thin plastic disc, cover one side with Velcro, stick it to sander and voila, stick on disc sander. I used kydex to make my stick on disc adapter. About .040”-.063” thick will work just fine.
Thank you for stopping by and for the tip!
Here in Australia and in England we go to the local hardware shop, buy a new stick on pad for the sander. Peel the old one off, they are usually well attached, give the face a clean and attach the new pad.
Hi Tony – Thank you for stopping by and for the great suggestion.
We used to buy those, made by Klingspoor,but the wide hook and loop (only using the hook section) or Velcro as it is generally known, is a fraction of the cost.
Gatorback also sells a kit for new velcro replacement incl adhesive & 2 velcro sheets with holes
Hi Andy – Thank you for stopping by and for the tip. I will check that out!