Dumb question about Random Orb Sander

[Prashun Patel]

I think the Hook and Loop backing pad on my ROS is shot. I'm trying to replace it, but don't know whether to get a hard, soft, or extra soft replacement backing pad.

What's the difference? I use mine for general wood sanding in prep for finishing. I do very little polishing on it. My instinct is to get the middle, 'soft' one...

Thanks in advance.

[Jamie Buxton]

You might try figuring out what the softness of the pad is that you've used to the point of wearing it out. Sometimes you can decipher part numbers or exploded parts drawings in your owners manual or the manufacturers web site.

[Prashun Patel]

I believe mine's 'soft' but should I be looking at a hard one? or an extra soft one? When would you use each?