Hook and Loop (Velcro) vs. Adhesive Back Sander Pads

Posted on | September 25, 2009 | No Comments

Adhesive Back Sander Pads

These sander pads have a “pressure sensitive adhesive” on their reverse side. By pelling off the adhesive label, just like a sticker, the sticky side is exposed and can be applied to a sanding wheel.

These sander pads are less expensive than hook and loop pads, but they have one major drawback.

Switching pads will often contaminate the adhesive side with dust or something else that makes it less sticky, often making the pad useless. If an application requires changing sander pad grits a lot, it might be better to go with a hook and loop system.

There’s also at least one way to get around this drawback though, by keeping a can of spray adhesive around. It can be a little messy, but spraying the back of adhesive sander pads between changes can keep then holding tight.

[Back to top]

Hook and Loop Sander Pads (Velcro)

“Hook and loop” is the same thing as “Velcro,” Velcro being a specific, trademarked hook-and-loop system. One side is covered with hooks, and the other side is covered with loops. When they are put together, the hooks fasten around the loops and they hold tightly to one another.

The beauty of this system is that it is simple, durable, and reusable. Hook and loop pads can be removed again and again without becoming less adhesive.

Hook and loop pads are more common than adhesive pads, because they are so simple and durable. Of course, they’re usually the better option for applications that require a lot of pad switching, because their adhesiveness wears very slowly. Also, their adhesiveness is less affected by dirt and other particles.

If an application does not require lots of pad changing, then PSA pads will work fine. Most applications do require lots of changing, so hook and loop systems tend to be the more popular type of sander pad.

At eReplacementParts.com, we offer a wide selection of sanding abrasives viewable on our Sanding Wheels page. Product searches can be filtered by manufacturer, wheel diameter, and grit.

[Back to top]

What we’re about.

Comments