Backing pad for grinder. Backing pad for grinder

Accessories

Back-up pads ensure optimum support, stability and cooling for abrasive discs. When combined with an optimum back-up pad, everything from a VSM fibre disc to non-woven and velour-backed discs can then achieve their full potential. Roll holders reduce abrasive consumption.

Back-up pads for fibre discs

Universal back-up pad

Medium-hard back-up pad for a smooth transition from the grinding zone to the surrounding area. Suitable for medium- to heavy-duty use.

TURBO PAD 1 – hard, with cooling fins

Cooling fins and holes in the pad reduce the amount of heat generated during grinding. Cooler grinding extends the service life of the abrasive.

TURBO PAD 2 – hard, with cooling fins, cambered

Uses cooling fins to reduce the heat generated. The cambering improves stock removal and reduces the amount of vibration. For processing flat and slightly contoured workpieces.

TURBO PAD 3 – extra hard, with cooling fins, cambered

Cooling fins reduce the heat generated. Significant increase in performance with AF890. Allows selective grinding with a clearly defined contact zone. For flat workpieces and very heavy-duty applications.

Back-up pads for paper and cloth discs

For velour-backed discs, medium-hard

Hard velour-backed back-up pad for use on medium- and high-speed angle grinders.

For velour-backed discs, soft with cellular rubber

Velour-backed back-up pad with a 12 mm cellular rubber layer for use on low- and medium-speed angle grinders.

For non-woven discs

Special back-up pad for supporting KV707K non-woven discs.For use on low- and medium-speed angle grinders.

For non-woven discs, with centring collar

Special back-up pad for supporting KV707K non-woven discs, ø 125 mm with ø 22 mm inner hole. For low- and medium-speed angle grinders.

Harbor Freight 5 inch Velcro backing pad for angle grinder/ polisher.

Other accessories

Roll magazine

The VSM magazine which holds a supply of up to five rolls for proper storage at the workplace. It makes it possible to use just what is needed thanks to a tear-off mechanism. Maximum roll width 50 mm.

Roll holder

VSM roll holder for proper storage of one roll at the workplace. Maximum roll width 50 mm.

Fibre disc holder

For the proper storage of fibre discs of up to ø 235 mm, with centre hole ø 22 mm. To be kept at the workplace. Firmly clamped to prevent distorsions.

VSM Vitexo hand sanding block

The hand sanding block features an ergonomic shape and is highly flexible. VSM velour-backed pads may be used on either side.

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Contact

VSM Abrasives Corp. 1012 East Wabash St. O’Fallon Mo. 63366 P 1 636 272 7432 F 1 636 272 6394 us.info@vsmabrasives.com us.vsmabrasives.com

Let’s get started! We use cookies to offer you the best possible usage experience on our website. By default, we only use essential cookies. We only use functional and statistical cookies with your consent. You can withdraw this consent at any time with effect for the future in the Cookie Manager or in the data protection declaration. Further processing of data already collected by third parties before the consent is withdrawn cannot be ruled out. If the cookies are rejected, you may not be able to use all functions of the website. Data protection.

Data protection declaration

This privacy policy provides users of our service with information about the type, scope and purpose of our collection and use of personal data. ‘Personal data’ means any information relating to an identified or identifiable natural person. We treat your personal data confidentially, and in accordance with data protection laws and regulations, as well as this privacy policy. Personal data is collected, processed and used only if you have consented to this activity or if such an activity is permitted by law. We employ appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure data protection and data security, and to keep personal data collection to a minimum. We maintain our privacy policy at https://www.vsmabrasives.com/en/data-protection/, from where it can be viewed, downloaded and printed out at any time. Accordingly, complete protection against access by third parties is not possible. We use technical and organisational measures to protect our website and other systems against the loss, destruction, access, modification and distribution of your data by unauthorised persons. Despite regular checks, however, it is not possible to provide complete protection against all risks. Certain parts of this website utilise the industry standard SSL (Secure Sockets Layer). This ensures the confidentiality of your personal information as sent via the internet. A closed key or lock symbol in the lower status bar of your browser shows you if an individual page of our website is being transmitted in an encrypted format. We would like to remind you that data transmission via the internet (e.g. communication by email) can entail security risks.

I. Name and address of the data processing controller

Controller for data processing within the meaning of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), other data protection laws applicable in Member States of the European Union and other provisions related to data protection: VSM Vereinigte Schmirgel- und Maschinen-Fabriken AGSiegmundstrasse 1730165 Hanover, GermanyTel.: 49 511 3526-0F 49 511 3521 315info@vsmabrasives.comwww.vsmabrasives.com

II. Name and address of the Data Protection Officer

Data Protection Officer and data processing controller: Thomas Spaeingds² Unternehmensberatung GmbH Co. KGFalkenstraße 1033775 Versmold, GermanyT 49 5423 95 99 320datenschutzbeauftragter@vsmabrasives.com Any affected individual (= ‘data subject’) is welcome to direct their enquiries or feedback to our Data Protection Officer at any time.

III. Provision of the website and creation of server log files

• Referrer (previously visited website)
• Requested website or file
• Browser type and version
• Operating system used
• Device type used
• Time of access
• IP address in anonymized form (only used to determine the access location)

The data is also stored in the log files of our system. This data is not stored together with other personal data of the user.

Legal basis for data processing

The legal basis for the temporary storage of data and log files is Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. The provision of personal data is in part in our legitimate interest, and the provision of this data is partly required by law (see point 5, second paragraph). Not providing the data is not an option.

Purpose of the data processing

The temporary storage of the IP address by the system is necessary in order to enable the website to be delivered to the user’s computer. For this purpose, the IP address of the user must remain stored for the duration of the session.

The data is stored in log files in order to ensure the functionality of the website. We also use the data to optimise the website and to guarantee the security of our IT systems. We also have a legitimate interest in this data processing in accordance with Article 6(1)(f) GDPR. The data is not evaluated for marketing purposes in this context.

Categories of recipients of personal data and data processing outside the European Union

We do not pass on personal data to third parties unless we are obliged to do so by law or we have given consent to do so.This does not include the involvement of service providers, e.g. for the hosting of the website, which we carefully select in particular with regard to data protection and security of the data and for which we have taken all measures required under data protection law for permissible data processing. Data is not processed outside the European Union.

Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. For data collected for the provision of the website, this is deleted when the respective session has ended, or within a maximum of seven days.

Possibility of objection and elimination

The collection of data for the provision of the website and the storage of data in log files is essential for the operation of the website. Consequently, the user has no right to object.

IV. Content delivery network (CDN)

We use the Content Delivery Network (CDN) of Cloudflare Germany GmbH, Rosental 7, c/o Mindspace, 80331 Munich Germany (Cloudflare) to increase the security and delivery speed of our website. A CDN is a network of (globally) distributed servers that is able to deliver optimised content to the website user. Personal data may be processed in Cloudflare server log files for this purpose.

Cloudflare is the recipient of your personal data and acts as a processor for us. This corresponds to our legitimate interest within the meaning of Article 6(1)(1)(f) GDPR, not to operate a Content Delivery Network ourself and to have the page displayed in a fault-free and optimised manner.

You have the right to object to this processing. Whether the objection is successful must be determined in the context of a balance of interests.

Your personal data will be stored by Cloudflare for as long as necessary for the purposes described.

You can find more information on the options for objection and elimination relating to Cloudflare at: https://www.cloudflare.com/gdpr/introduction/

We have concluded a corresponding agreement on order processing or standard contractual clauses with Cloudflare on the basis of GDPR. The data is processed in Germany or countries within the European Union. If processing takes place in third countries in certain cases, processing shall only take place if the level of data protection in the third country has been deemed by the EU Commission to be adequate in accordance with Article 45 GDPR, on the basis of the EU standard contractual clauses or if an adequate level of data protection is ensured by the data recipient in another way.

V. Cookies

We use services of etracker GmbH from Hamburg, Germany for analysing usage data. We do not use cookies for web analysis by default. If we use analysis and optimisation cookies, we will obtain your explicit consent separately in advance. If this is the case and you agree, cookies are used that enable a statistical reach analysis of this website, a measurement of the success of our online marketing measures and test procedures, in order to test and optimise different versions of our online service or its components, for example. Cookies are small text files that are stored by the Internet browser on the user’s end device. etracker cookies do not contain any information that enables a user to be identified.

The data generated with etracker is processed and stored by etracker exclusively in Germany. etracker has been assessed by an independent body in this respect, certified and awarded the privacy seal ePrivacyseal

The legal basis for the data processing is Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR. Our legitimate interest is the optimisation of our online service and our website. The data that may be attributable to a specific individual, such as the IP address, login or device identifiers, is anonymized or pseudonymized as soon as possible. No other use, combination with other data or disclosure to third parties takes place.

You can object to the aforementioned data processing at any time. The objection has no adverse consequences.

Further information on data protection at etracker is available here: https://www.etracker.com/en/data-privacy/

VI. E-mail contact and contact form

Description and scope of data processing

You can contact us on our website using the e-mail address or contact form provided. In this case, the personal data of the user transmitted with the e-mail or form is stored. Other personal data will be collected only if the user consents to this collection in accordance with applicable regulations or there is a legal basis for such collection. We use this personal data to answer the user’s enquiries, to process contracts concluded with the user and for any technical administration purposes that may be necessary.

In this context – with the exception of the purposes of fulfilling the contract, cf. Clause 8 – no transfer of data to third parties takes place. The data is used exclusively for communication with the user.

Legal basis for data processing

Data processing for the purpose of making contact is carried out based on point (a) of Art. 6(1) GDPR and your freely given consent. The legal basis for the processing of data transmitted in the course of sending an e-mail or using the contact form is also Art. 6(1)(f) GDPR to enable us to contact you. If the contact is aimed at concluding a contract, an additional legal basis for processing is Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR.

Purpose of the data processing

Personal data is processed solely for the purpose of processing the contact.

Categories of recipients of personal data and data processing outside the European Union

We do not pass on personal data to third parties unless we are obliged to do so by law or we have given consent to do so. Exceptions to this are the involvement of the service provider, which enables hosting of the website. Data is not processed outside the European Union.

Duration of storage

The data is deleted as soon as it is no longer required to achieve the purpose for which it was collected. For the personal data sent by e-mail or contact form, this is when the respective conversation with the user has ended.The conversation ends when it can be concluded from the circumstances that the matter in question has been clarified. Further retention periods may arise from the German Fiscal Code or the German Commercial Code.

Possibility of objection and elimination

If the user contacts us by e-mail, they can object to the storage of their personal data at any time. If the user objects, the conversation cannot be continued. In this case, all personal data stored in the course of contacting us will be deleted, unless statutory retention periods prevent this.

VII. Career / job portal

In our Careers section, you can use our online form to apply for advertised vacancies or submit a speculative application. For this purpose, we use the applicant platform rexx systems (https://www.rexx-systems.com/), which is operated by rexx systems GmbH, Süderstrasse 75–79, 20097 Hamburg, Germany. This is an online platform for handling job applications. When you access the Careers section on our website, the link integrated in this page establishes a connection to rexx systems in order to enable the technical transfer of the application documents. Data is transferred to rexx systems when this connection to rexx systems is made. On any visit to the rexx systems website, rexx systems will normally save the IP address as assigned to you by your internet service provider (ISP). Personal data that we exclusively for the purpose of processing your application will only be stored if you provide us with this data yourself in the context of your application. In this case, the information is entered either voluntarily or, where indicated with an asterisk. as required information. We require these fields to be completed so that we can process your application and stay in contact during the application process. Your digital candidate file contains all of the data you entered as a candidate as well as our entire contact history. The data is processed exclusively for the purpose of processing the application in line with point (a) of Art. 6(1) GDPR, based on your freely given consent, or for making a decision to establish an employment relationship in accordance with section 26(1) sent. 1 of the German Data Protection Act (BDSG). The personal data that we collect from the completed form as well as the other files you upload to us will be stored for 6 months after completion of the application process (rejection or employment) and then erased.

VIII. Webinars

For webinars, we use WebinarGeek.com’s webinar platform (Chroomstraat 12, 2718 RR Zoetermeer, The Netherlands).

In order to log in to and carry out the online seminars, we use the data you provide to us when registering for the respective seminar, namely first name, surname, e-mail, company/employer and postcode.

After registration, we will use your e-mail address to confirm registration, send dial-in information and remind you of the upcoming event shortly before the webinar. After a webinar, we will use your e-mail address and name once to send you an e-mail and give you access to the recordings of the online seminar.

We will receive the following data from you as part of the online seminar: Surname, first name, e-mail address for identification and login, country, IP address and cookies to manage the web session and ensure the provision of the webinar. Your data will only be processed as part of the online seminar.

The legal basis for the aforementioned data processing is Art. 6(1)(b) GDPR. The processing is solely for the purpose of fulfilling the contract in the form of the execution as well as preparation and follow-up of the participation agreement for the respective webinar.

An order processing agreement has been concluded with Webinargeek. Webinargeek processes the data exclusively in the European Union. Your personal data will not be transferred to third countries.

Further information on data protection at Webinargeek can be found at: https://www.webinargeek.com/privacy

IX. Forwarding of data

Your personal data will not be shared with third parties for any reason except the purposes as listed below. We share your personal data with third parties in the following cases:

• If you have given your express consent pursuant to point (a) of Art. 6(1) GDPR, such a transfer in accordance with point (f) of Art. 6(1) GDPR is necessary for the establishment, exercising or defence of legal claims, and there is no reason to assume that you have an overriding legitimate interest in not having your data shared in this way
• In cases where there is a legal obligation to share the data pursuant to point (c) of Art. 6(1) GDPR
• Transfer is legally permissible and is also required for processing contractual relationships with you pursuant to point (b) of Art. 6(1) GDPR

X. Rights of the Data Subject

You are granted the following rights:

• Pursuant to Art. 15 GDPR, the right to request information about the type and scope of the personal data we collect, in particular its processing, planned retention period, continuation and disclosure
• Pursuant to Art. 16 GDPR, the right to demand the immediate rectification of your personal data that is stored by us if this data is incorrect or incomplete
• Pursuant to Art. 17 GDPR, the right to demand the erasure of your personal data stored with us, unless the processing of this data is necessary to exercise the right to freedom of expression and information, to fulfil a legal obligation, for reasons of public interest, or to establish, exercise or defend legal claims; or alternatively, pursuant to Art. 18 GDPR, you have the right to demand that the processing of the data be restricted
• Pursuant to Art. 20 GDPR, the right to receive your personal data and to demand its transfer to other controllers
• Pursuant to Art. 7(3) GDPR, the right to withdraw your consent as given to us at any time As a result of this withdrawal of consent, we will no longer be allowed to continue the data processing that was based on this consent.
• Pursuant to Art. 77 GDPR, the right to lodge a complaint with a supervisory authority. The normal procedure here is to contact the state supervisory authority.
• On the basis of GDPR Art. 21, you have the right to object, on grounds relating to your particular situation, at any time to processing of personal data about you, where such processing is based on point (e) or (f) of Art. 6(1) of the GDPR.

XI. Social media services

We operate a presence on the social career network Xing (hereinafter referred to as “Xing”), which is operated exclusively by New Work SE, Am Strandkai 1, 20457 Hamburg. The reference is identified by the Xing logo (no Xing plug-in). When you click on a Xing link, your browser establishes a direct connection with Xing’s servers. If you are already logged in to Xing via your personal user account, the information about your visit to our website is automatically forwarded to LinkedIn. It is then possible for Xing to assign the visit to the website to your account. We would like to point out that we do not receive any knowledge of the content of the transmitted data or its use by Xing.

If you want to prevent this transfer and storage of data about you and your usage of our website by Xing, then you must log out of your personal Xing account before your visit our website.

For further information, please refer to the Xing Data Protection, Terms of Use and Terms and Conditions, in particular at https://privacy.xing.com/en

We operate a presence on the social career network LinkedIn, hereinafter referred to as “LinkedIn”), LinkedIn Ireland Unlimited Company, Wilton Plaza, Wilton Place, Dublin 2, Ireland. which is exclusively owned by LinkedIn Corporation (2029 Stierlin Court, Mountain View, CA 94043, USA; hereinafter: “LinkedIn”). The reference is identified by the LinkedIn logo (no LinkedIn plug-in). When you click on a LinkedIn link, your browser establishes a direct connection with LinkedIn’s servers. If you are already logged in to LinkedIn via your personal user account, the information about your visit to our website is automatically forwarded to LinkedIn. It is then possible for LinkedIn to assign the visit to the website to your account. We would like to point out that we do not receive any knowledge of the content of the transmitted data or its use by LinkedIn.

If you want to prevent this transfer and storage of data about you and your usage of our website by LinkedIn, then you must log out of your personal LinkedIn account before your visit our website.

For further information, please refer to LinkedIn’s terms of use and general terms and conditions, available at https://www.linkedin.com/legal/privacy-policy?

We have integrated YouTube videos into our website. These videos are stored at http://www.YouTube.com and can be played directly from our website. The videos are all embedded in “enhanced privacy mode”, which means that if you do not play the videos, no data about you as a user will be transferred to YouTube. Only when you play the videos will personal data be transferred. We have no control over this data transfer. It is possible that your data on YouTube or Google may be transferred to the USA and thus to an unsecure third country under data protection law. Unsecure third countries do not offer a level of data protection comparable to EU standards. No other guarantees are offered to compensate for this deficit. There is a risk that the transfer could result in government bodies accessing your data without you having effective legal protection

If you are logged in to Google, your data will be directly associated with your account. If you do not wish the data to be associated with your YouTube profile, you must log out before activating the button. YouTube stores your data as user profiles and uses it for the purposes of advertising, market research and/or the needs-based design of its website. Such evaluations are carried out (even for users who are not logged in) in particular to deliver needs-based advertising and to inform other users of the social network about your activities on our website. You have the right to object to these user profiles being created. To exercise this right, you must contact YouTube.

For more information on the purpose and scope of data collection and processing by YouTube, please see the relevant privacy policy. The policy also provides you with further information about your rights and about the settings you can adjust in order to protect your privacy: https://policies.google.com/privacy?hl=engl=de.

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We use third-party cookies to provide external media. When our videos are played, data is transferred to YouTube or Google and thus potentially to a third country that is unsecure under data protection law. You can find more information on transmission to third countries in our data protection declaration.

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Guide to Backing Pads and Pad Protectors

A backing pad is an attachment that secures sanding discs and other accessories on power tools. It goes beneath the sanding discs to provide adequate cushioning for the highest performance. Backing pads also help ensure the disc’s entire surface area is available for the project, which provides the most even finish.

This guide will explain the importance of and method for using backing pads and the ins and out of selecting the right backing pad for your project. Learn more below.

Why Use Backing Pads?

Backing pads are essential components for various reasons. Here are a few reasons why it can be helpful to use a backing pad for your sanding projects:

• Increased disc flexibility: Backup pads provide an extra cushioning layer that allows the disc to move more freely. This added range of motion helps the sander more easily conform to rounded edges and contours, preventing uneven sanding and jagged edges.
• Decreased risk of injury: The pad acts as a cushion to absorb strong vibrations, reducing the risk of ergonomic injuries like carpal tunnel syndrome. Plus, smoother work is generally more enjoyable.
• even distribution of pressure: Using the disc’s maximum surface area helps ensure a uniform finish on every surface — even softer ones where nicks and gouges are more visible.
• Reduced wear: The pad decreases the wear and tear the machine sustains, which can extend the life of both your sanding discs and your sander. Additionally, backing pads enable airflow behind the sanding disc and provide a space for debris to flow out, resulting in improved contact and more effective sanding.
• Enhanced control: Sanding on an uneven surface can result in the machine jerking or moving in the wrong direction. Using a pad increases the amount of control you have over your machine, which improves the quality of your work and your overall workplace safety.

Of course, the result you get depends on the pad you choose and the application you intend to use it for.

Types of Backing Pads

There are several different types of backing pads you can choose from, characterized by attachment type, thickness and performance:

• Hook and loop pads: This type of pad is most common. It provides a secure grip for the sanding disc. Some models come with a foam layer or water feed to enable both dry and wet polishing.
• Low-profile pads: These pads generally have thicker foam than other types. They create a fine finish with medium conformability and come in several densities.
• High-performance pads: As the name implies, these pads are best for high-performance projects. They work well with resin fiber discs and quick-change discs.
• Pressure-sensitive adhesive (PSA) pads: These backing pads allow you to stick sanding discs to them with a little pressure.
• Spindle pads: These pads are suitable for PSA or hook and loop discs with smaller diameters and often include threaded shanks for attachment.
• Hand sander backup pads: These foam pads provide the comfort and softness necessary to replace finger sanders. Straps hold the pad firmly in position to allow for even sanding.
• Palm sander pads: These pads allow you to use standard hook and loop or PSA sanding discs for palm sanding applications. They come with finger indentations to increase their ergonomic comfort.
• No-spin backer pads: The free-floating disc on top of a no-spin pad minimizes potential damage to vertical surfaces.
• Zero-burn backer pads: These pads enable multi-directional movement in standard power tools. Additionally, they work to control your power tool’s temperature, which can prevent overheating.

Of course, some backer pads do not fall into any of these categories. The best solution is to experiment and find the pad that works best for your tool.

Pad Protectors

Pad protectors, sometimes called pad savers, are different from backing pads in that they’re meant to prevent excessive wear and tear on the backing pad. They also increase the sanding disc’s adhesion, as they provide a sturdy attachment point.

Pad protectors go between the backing pad and the sanding disc to absorb vibration and provide that extra layer of cushion. They’re unnecessary for most applications, but they can certainly supplement your sander’s performance. If you choose to use pad protectors, you’ll need to change them out regularly to ensure they’re always in good condition.

How to Use Backing Pads

It’s easy to use a backing pad if you know how to replace it. Each manufacturer will provide different directions for their pads, but you should generally be okay as long as you know when to replace them.

Installing a Backing Pad

The installation method will vary depending on the brand of the pad and the type of sander you’re using.

However, here are some universal tips:

• Make sure the sander is unplugged before attempting to remove the worn pad.
• Read or watch any recommended assembly instructions.
• Use all included fasteners, like screws or nuts.
• Ensure the pad is fully secure before attaching an interface pad or sanding disc. Using a wrench or other fastening tool can help here.

Backing Pad Maintenance

To ensure your power sander’s proper function, change your backing pad regularly.

In general, you should change your backing pad at least once a month. This rule of thumb may also vary based on how often you use a particular machine and the types of projects you use it for. If you don’t use the sander very often, you should be able to stretch the change interval out to every three to six months.

Here are some other signs that it’s time to switch out your backing pad:

• Change in color: Compare your old pad to a new one. If it looks faded, the foam is likely degrading, and it’s time to switch out the pad.
• Worn face material: Look at the face material on both the pad and sanding disc. If hooks are broken or wearing off, or if you find adhesive buildup on the pad, you will need to replace it.
• Worn edges: Examine your pad’s edges. If the foam looks cracked or worn, you need a new pad.

If you’re using a hook and loop pad, you can test the condition of the hooks by covering about a third of the pad with your sanding disc. If you’re still able to lift the disc, the pad is still usable.

Backup Pad Selection Guide

Knowing your sander is crucial for choosing replacement components or additional parts. This point is especially true for backing pads, which directly impact the quality of your sanding job.

The following factors are the most important to consider when selecting a backing pad.

Size, Speed and Pressure

Disc size, especially diameter, is an important factor in deciding which backing pad to use. You’ll want to match your pad to your disc — too big, and your disc won’t cover the right amount of space. Too small, and your disc might fly off.

Angle Grinder, Attaching Backing Pad with Sanding Disc Woodworking Tools

Wider discs require more control than smaller ones. Larger discs and pads are best for applications involving wide, flat surfaces or rounded contours. Smaller pads are best for narrower contours and small surfaces.

Depending on the speed you’ll be using, you’ll need a specific disc size. We recommend the following limits for Mirka products:

Other brands may have different limits, so check your manufacturer’s instructions before use.

The pressure you apply is also essential, as choosing the wrong pad for the job could result in negative consequences. For example, high-pressure applications benefit from thinner backing pads because too much force can cancel out the cushioning effect altogether. Subsequently, this can cut off backing plate rotation and potentially harm your surface.

Design Features

A beneficial feature in both backing pads and pad protectors is heat-dissipating holes, which will help prevent your sander from overheating.

Additionally, the pad’s face may be patterned or solid — this will match the vacuum holes on your sanding disc.

The backing pad you choose should have features that will pair well with your abrasive disc.

Attachment Type

How your sanding disc connects to your backing pad is another critical component to consider. While the attachment type does not significantly affect your final product, it can make your project more or less enjoyable.

• Hook and loop: This attachment type is similar to Velcro in that the tiny hooks on the backing pad grab on to the small fabric loops on the sanding disc. People who prefer this type like Velcro’s secure grip and the ease of swapping out sanding discs.
• Pressure-sensitive adhesives: PSA-coated surfaces stick together when you apply pressure. These discs are easy to attach and remove, which some people find more convenient.

Sander Backing

The combination of materials you use on a sander can significantly impact your project. The backing is one essential component that interacts with your backer pad, especially concerning the pad’s flexibility.

The most common backing types include:

• Cloth: Cloth backing is generally highly flexible, although it can come in different consistencies.
• Paper: Generally, paper backing tends to be thicker than cloth, but it can vary depending on the paper’s weight. Most paper backings are not very flexible.
• Fiber: Fiber backings are the least flexible type, as they are much more rigid and denser than cloth.

You want to choose a backer pad that will interact well with your sanding disc’s backing.and the project you’re working on. For example, if your disc has a particularly thick backing and your project involves more complicated contouring, you’d do best choosing a more flexible backer pad.

Pad Thickness

The thickness of the pad you should buy will depend on the project you’re working on.

For example, if you plan to use a fine or very fine grit sandpaper, a thinner pad will be a better choice than a thicker one because it will not interfere with the sander’s function. A thicker pad will soften a fine sand and could get in the way of complex, delicate contour work.

On the other hand, a thicker pad is more advantageous for projects with prominent, rounded contouring because these pads allow for a greater range of motion.

Sander Type

You can use a backing pad with any sanding machine with abrasive discs. Specific sanders will require different backing pads. In general, it’s best to stick with the same brand as the sander, but if you’d prefer to try a new one, make sure you choose one that will fit your particular sander.

• Rotary: Rotary sanders use a wheel-shaped disc that spins in circular patterns.
• Orbital: Orbital sanders spin square pieces of sandpaper in a circular motion.
• Random orbital (dual-action): These sanders are more versatile than other types because they have the properties of both rotary and orbital sanders.
• Detail: These sanders are iron-shaped, requiring particular sanding discs and backing pads.

Pad Texture

Whether you choose a hard or soft backing pad can dramatically impact your sanding performance.

• Hard pads: Firmer pads will provide a flatter, more rigid surface than softer ones. You’ll be able to reshape surfaces more easily, but you will have less maneuverability for contouring and irregular surfaces.
• Soft pads: Softer pads are more flexible, which will allow you to work with contours and more delicate surfaces. They also clean better than more rigid pads, but for reshaping and sturdy surfaces, you might want something a little firmer.
• Medium pads: Generally, the pad that comes with your sander will be of a “medium” consistency. It’s wise to begin with this pad for most general purposes and swap it out for another when you start more specific work.

The key for most projects will be to find a happy medium where the pad’s cushioning does not get in the way of the sander’s ability to work.

Abrasive Material

The rigidity of the abrasive you choose should interact well with your backing pad. A good rule of thumb is to consider your project when making your selection.

For example, suppose you need to maneuver the sander around extreme contours. In that case, you’ll want a flexible backing pad, especially if the abrasive you choose is typically more rigid.

Common abrasive materials for power sanders and grinders include:

• Ceramic
• Aluminum oxide
• Silicon carbide
• Garnet
• Emery
• Zirconia alumina

The backing pad you choose can significantly affect the performance of these materials, from relieving pressure to dissipating heat.

Choose National Abrasives, Inc. for Backing Pads Today

At National Abrasives, Inc., we offer a wide variety of power tools and accessories for many industries, including the automotive repair, manufacturing and educational sectors. Whether your auto body shop or university woodworking class needs sanding tools for jobs or projects, we’ve got you covered.

If you’re looking for backing pads for your power sander, consider buying from National Abrasives, Inc. As an authorized Mirka distributor, we’re proud to provide our customers with the finest sanding equipment in the industry. From power sanders to abrasive discs and backing pads, we’re your one-stop shop for everything Mirka.

Browse our online store today to find the best backing pads for your machines. Got questions? Contact us through our online form or call us at 800-459-8008 for more information.