Bosch sander sheets coming loose, maybe replacement?

[happyhero]

Hi I have a Bosch 1/2 sheet sander which I have had for over 10 years and it still looks quite new, i.e. it has not had any real hard use but fairly frequent DIY use. I don't think it has got worse I think it is just that I am pushing it harder at the moment but it lets go of the sheet when I put any real pressure on it by pressing down harder.

I think it has always done that if pressed hard especially with a new 60 grade sheet on it for example so I am not sure that is letting go because it is older but more because the bit that grips the paper never did grip hard enough. It was a DIY model nothing really expensive.

It is so annoying when trying to get a job done so I am thinking of getting something better as I don't think this one will ever be able to grip the paper well, even if I suspected a weak grip and replaced parts. Is this a common fault with many sheet sanders?

What would I have to spend to get something half decent?

I saw a Makita on Screwfix but that was about £200, so do I need to spend that much to get a decent 1/2 sheet sander?

Can you recommend any models?

My father is mentioning a make called Rupes which he says is very good but I have never heard of them and they are expensive too, he lives abroad so possibly it is popular there.

Any advice/help appreciated.

 

[ntb]

Take off the rubber strips that make contact with the sheet, give them a wash and gently key them with some medium grade paper.

 

[foxhole]

You don't need to press hard, any sander will loose it's grip if not used correctly
, have a £150 Makita orbital which was brilliant for a short while then pad holding sheets failed due to heavy use.