Have you tried to source new pads/parts? That's my first thought, then if that's not possible what can you modify to get where you need to go?

 

loose screws, btdt.

 

Any suggestions or info would be appreciated.

Aftermarket pads are readily available. one example Replacement Sanding Pad for DEWALT DWE6423/6423K, DWE6421/6421K, DCW210B Random Orbit Sanders - Direct Replacement for Pad Part Number DWE64233, N329079, RSP54 - - Amazon.com "

• The metal backing is much better than plastic backings. It is harder and more difficult to be broken.

 

This happen to my Porter Cable RO sander a few years ago in a slightly different fashion. My understanding is that the material they are made of simply deteriorates and comes apart after a few years. Getting a replacement was not a problem, but irritating.

 

I've replaced the pad on my DeWalt ROS a couple of times. It's easy to do but the first time I bought aftermarket and it didn't last a year. The second one I bought was DeWalt and it's been on the sander now for 3-4 years.

 

Thanks all for the replies. I already bought a replacement pad at Home Depot before I started this thread. The fact that HD keeps them in stock tells me a lot.

 

i would use original only $22 vs $16

DEWALT Hook And Loop Pad for Sanders, 5-Inch, 8-Hole (DWE64233) - - Amazon.com

DEWALT Hook And Loop Pad for Sanders, 5-Inch, 8-Hole (DWE64233) - - Amazon.com

www.amazon.com

 

The pads aren’t a problem. I think I’ve replaced at least one on three different sanders over 20 years. I haven’t moved up to the Dewalt yet until I can no longer repair the PC sanders..

sometimes EBay will have them a bit cheaper on a 2x purchase

 

Thanks again to all.

So I'm taking it that this is normal and not necessarily anything I did.

 

That's pretty common with an orbital sander. The base is plastic and wears at the mounting holes until the screws start coming a little loose. Then the stress from sanding with the screws a little loose tend to go boom and tear up.

 

Your list of causes missed the most likely one: those pads arent meant to stand up to the solvents in wood finishes. Different plastics and foams stand up differently to various types of chemical exposure, id bet good money that whatever the pad is made of just didnt agree with the oils in the osmo, degraded, and eventually became weak enough for the screws to strip out

 

Thanks and interesting. However, once the fibers from the 3M pad clogged the sander pad I bought a new pad to use with sandpaper, and that's the one that eventually gave out.