Replies

1. 
   MikeRyan | Feb 20, 2009 11:11pm | #1

   1/2 of the "hooks" break off after a period of time.  No amount of brushing will bring them back....time to replace the pad or the sander

2. 
   Svenny | Feb 20, 2009 11:21pm | #2

   This is what happened to me. Went to use my random orbit one day, and the disc wouldn't hold. Last time I used it it was fine.

   I had to think about where it was used last. I let one of my laborers take it home to sand his dining room table. Hmmmmm.

   So i asked him "How did it go?"

   "Pretty good" he says, "at one point it seemed like it wasn't sanding too well, but-ha ha-I saw the pad was laying on the floor"

   When the pad fell off, (and before he noticed it was gone) he was happily sanding with Velcro. You know what happens to Velcro when you sand with it?

   It melts. All the hooks melt off.

   Something like this probably happened to you. I just bought a new adhesive backed replacement pad, and the sander works like new.

   John Svenson, builder,  remodeler,  NE Ohio

3. 
   dovetail97128 | Feb 20, 2009 11:54pm | #3

   Replacement hook and loop pads are available.
   Find one and install it before you spring for a new sander unless you want one "just cuz"

   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.
1. 
   Danno | Feb 21, 2009 12:02am | #4

   Yeah, good excuse to tell the wife--"Yeah, hadda buy a new sander today--the Velcro burned off the old one!" Sort of like buying a new car because the ashtrays were full in the old one! ;-)

1. 
   ncproperties | Feb 21, 2009 12:31am | #6

   Not only can the pads be replaced but in at least the Dewalt's I found out there is a rubber ring that is suppose to be replaced more frequently that affects performance.

   I discovered this after needing the manual for some reason or another and went to my stack of empty tool cases (don't keep tools in cases all in drawers in shop, and cases take up to much room transporting. Not often any parts in cases worth hauling around except for routers and cordless.) Found an extra ring in with the manual and went hmm what's this from?  Found answer in manual, swapped and orbital was much less erratic in vibration.

   Darn manuals/warnings/stickers covering parts to remove before use, stuff all stays in the cases.

1. 
   dovetail97128 | Feb 21, 2009 12:40am | #7

   I toasted a bearing in my Makita RO. Bottom bearing of the motor shaft where it enters the pad. Bearing supply house, $1.50, 20 minutes of work and good to go .
   They can't get your Goat if you don't tell them where it is hidden.

1. 
   joeyh | Feb 21, 2009 12:45am | #8

   Thanks for your replies, everyone. I guess the consensus is that I can't repair the thing. Looks like I'll have to get a new pad (don't let me down, Bosch) or a new sander.

2. 
   ncproperties | Feb 21, 2009 01:33am | #9

   For the price and effort no you can't beat just getting a new pad.

   But you could either sand the snot out of the Velcro till it's flat and switch to adhesive disc, or Gorilla glue a fitting piece of Velcro to the ruined one but not worth it.

4. 
   pixburd | Feb 21, 2009 12:23am | #5

   I have a QuickSand with H&L which needs a new disk too. What also ruins it are those "universal" pads which are made for 5 or 8 hole disks. The oversized and extra holes shorten the life of the disk.

5. 
   danusan10 | Feb 21, 2009 04:17am | #10

   sand down the pad, use peel and stick

1. 
   tatekata | Feb 21, 2009 11:30am | #11

   I had the same problem with my DeWalt 5" sander.  I had it for 4 years with no problems, lent it to a friend, then all of a sudden the disks started flying off.  I ordered replacement pads and everything worked fine..plus I don't lend the sander out anymore.SS

1. 
   FastEddie | Feb 21, 2009 05:04pm | #12

   I think I have bought Porter Cable brand replacement pads at Lowes (maybe it was the depot), and they have a generic brand.    Finding the o-ring is a little harder."Put your creed in your deed."   Emerson

   "When asked if you can do something, tell'em "Why certainly I can", then get busy and find a way to do it."  T. Roosevelt

2. 
   Scarecrow | Feb 21, 2009 07:09pm | #13

   ya thats what I thought. :) Now you have a PSA sander.~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

   If an opinion contrary to your own makes you angry, that is a sign that you are subconsciously aware of having no good reason for thinking as you do.... Bertrand Russell

   http://www.drawingwithlight.smugmug.com