Introduction

Sanding pads are an important part of
your sanding machine. They are the ones that do the actual sanding
for you.

They happen to come in different shapes
and sizes. Moreover, the pads are rated depending on their grit or
coarseness.

So, here’s the question that probably
came to your mind:

“When do I need to replace a
sanding pad?”

Well, you don’t have to worry about
finding the answer. Because we did that for you to help you out.

In this article, we’ll tell you when
to replace the sanding pad, how to change it and how to fix other
problems as well. This is your go-to guide.

So, without waiting any longer, let’s
jump right into it.

Types of Sanders

A sander machine is a tool that is used
to smoothen the surface of various objects. To put it in simpler
words, it’s a machine that smoothens stuff.

These tools can be found in four types
in general: orbital sanders, drum sanders, belt sanders and vibrating
sanders.

Now, most households use orbital
sander, because they are cheaper and easier to use. The other one’s
are industry grade tools. So they’re a bit on the expensive side.

In this article we’ll be talking
about a random
orbital floor sander, because you won’t want to change the
sanding pads on the other ones by yourself.

So, let’s move on to the next section
and see when you should actually replace your sanding pad.

When Do I Need to
Replace a Sanding Pad?

Sand pads are very useful and their
longevity depends on how much you use them. As you keep using them,
they’ll start wearing out and lose their grip.

Moreover, if you push a sanding pad to
its limit too often the pad will heat up and burn the hook keeping it
together. So, that’s something to keep in mind.

Now, the first sign that your
sanding pad needs a replacement is when it starts slipping out of the
center. It’ll start grabbing onto the surface that you’re working
on.

The second sign would be a drop
in its consistency. It’ll leave out certain places smoothened,
which you’ll have to smoothen again.

One more thing to keep in mind would be
that you’ll have to check your pad for worn spots. Even if the rest
of the pad is fine, you’ll have to replace it for the worn spot.

Otherwise, it’ll leave spots on your
project, not giving you the result you wanted. So, now that you know
when to replace a sanding pad, let’s see how you can replace it in
the next section.

How to Replace a
Sanding Pad?

We have put together 4 steps that you
can follow to replace the sanding pad on your orbital floor sander.
But you’ll need the following things:

• Replacement Sanding Pad
  
• Screwdriver
  

Now, here are the 4 steps:

Step 1: Unscrew
Mounting Screws

Start by unscrewing the mounting screws
for the sander pad on your sander. They should come off easily with a
couple of rotations with a screwdriver.

Once that is done move on to the next
step.

Step 2: Remove the
Old Pad

Now that you have removed the mounting
screws, the sanding pad should come off nice and easy. So, remove it
gently.

Moreover, remove the screws from the
old backer pad as well. Once the sanding pad is off, you can move to
the next step in the process.

Step 3: Install the
New Pad

Now, it’s time to install the new
sanding pad. It’s fairly easy. You will just have to do the
opposite of what you did with the old pad.

Start by attaching the mounting screws
on the backer pad. Moreover, it’s easier to first place the screws
in and align the sanding pad to it before screwing them shut.

Now, that the screws are threaded, move
on to the last step.

Step 4: Tighten the
Mounting Screws Back

Since you’re using the sanding pad on
a sander, it’s important that it doesn’t come off during use. So,
take some time to tighten the mounting screws.

This is a safety measure so that you
don’t end up ruining your project. Just to be safe.

You have successfully replaced the
sanding pad. Now, let’s check out a quick fix that’ll help you at
times.

Quick Fix for Sand
Disc That Won’t Stick

A lot of people face the problem of
their sand disc not sticking to the orbital pad. This can be easily
fixed by

Step 1: Remove the Sander Pad

Start by removing the sander pad that
you’re already using by following the way we showed you above.

Now, use a vacuum cleaner to vacuum the
screws and remove the sanding dust from the sander as well.

Once that is done, move to the next
step.

Step 2: Attach a New
Sander Pad

Move on and
install a new sander pad by following the steps that we mentioned
before. Be careful while rescrewing the pad to avoid future mishaps.

Moreover, remember to tighten the
mounting screws as well. That way, it won’t come off in the middle
of a job.

That was all about the quick fix that
we promised. We hope this helps.

Conclusion

Now that you have read the whole thing,
we hope whenever someone asks, “When do I need to replace a
sanding pad?” you’ll have an answer.

Sanders are very useful, but with great
performance comes maintenance. So be sure to do it right.

Moreover, like any other object,
sanding pads also wear out with time. Knowing when to change your
sanding pad is important for your work.

You’ll be able to do a better job
with your tools in good condition. We hope our guide helped you
through it all.

If you think we could add something
more or have any suggestions in general, let us know in the comments
below.