Adhesive Back Sander Pads vs Hook and Loop Sander Pads

Many people have ordered sander pads from us, but have been surprised / confused at the type of pad that has come in the mail. "It's not like the pad I had before," has been a response from several customers.

This post is dedicated to a short but sweet explanation of the difference between a hook and loop (Velcro) sander pad, and an adhesive sander pad.

A hook and loop sander pad is the most common type, as it comes standard on most new random orbit sanders. Dewalt, Bosch and Makita make some of the best sanders (but that is another post). This pad is called a hook and loop pad, because it is a Velcro style pad. I found a great definition for velcro from answers.com. It says that Velcro is "A trademark used for a fastening tape consisting of a strip of nylon with a surface of minute hooks that fasten to a corresponding strip with a surface of uncut pile."

The link has some great pictures and a history of Velcro for those that would be interested. The advantages of velcro pads are ease of use and durability. Hook and loop pads can last a long time if used correctly. One recommendation that I have is when you are sanding, do not push too hard on the surface to be sanded. Let the sander do the work, gently applying pressure and moving the sander slowly and smoothly.

Now for the adhesive back sander pad. Just like the name suggests, this type of sander pad has a surface that accepts a sticky or adhesive pad. The surface is usually a type of rubber. The sanding disks come with a thin sheet that can be peeled of to reveal the sticky part that will adhere to the pad. I personally prefer the hook and loop pads, but there are many people out there that like the adhesive pads better.