Replacing the pad on a detail sander?

[Sprogginz]

I bought a Titan detail sander from Screwfix many moons ago and have used it only several times, in fact, it's only very recently that I've had to source new sanding sheets as I've now used the ones that came with the tool. Unfortunately, I couldn't find any that matched the holes but did find some that were close enough from Toolstation.

My problem is that after one or two sheets, the sheets no longer stick to the pad but fly off instead. Do you think it's because the pad needs replacing or dust is getting in between the paper and the pad because there's a couple of holes that either only slightly match up or not at all?

I've read that you have to eventually replace the pad but mine hasn't been used enough to be worn out. This model is no longer available and I'm not sure if can even get a replacement.

Is there a generally accepted hack of replacing pads on these tools when the specific one is not available?

 

[opps]

You can purchase an Abranet "pad saver" from someone like Mirka, cut it to size and glue it to the old pad.

abranet pad saver - Google Search

 

[^woody^]

I had this exact issue with a random orbit sander.

I got a new pad, but then discovered that for some bizarre reason the problem was the old sanding sheets not the pad!

 

[foxhole]

I use sacrifice pads , you can get foam pads which attach to machine pad and then add sandpaper , the original is never used so extends the life of it.

 

[Deleted member 174758]

I use sacrifice pads , you can get foam pads which attach to machine pad and then add sandpaper , the original is never used so extends the life of it.

That's exactly what the Abranet pad saver does

 

[opps]

That's exactly what the Abranet pad saver does

Agreed.

I didn't know that the first time I used Abranet on my 150mm Rotex. The lack of a paper backing allowed the heat transfer to mess up the "velcro" on the pad... £40 quid later for a new pad...