Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Hunter's Campfire Hook and loop sanding disks.. Why?

why are hook and loop sanding discs such a PIA?

I picked up some close out 3m discs, because even though I dont have a backing disc it was a good deal on a grit I was going to need.

yesterday I came across a closeout backing disc but the backing disc is the "loop" side, just like the grit discs....
I see why the backing disc were on sale.. the foam rubber is already falling apart like a old couch cushion...

Back when I did a little body work, I had a dual action air sander, the disks glued on that.

This is a subject that I'm very in tune with, I sell sandpaper for a living for Mirka.
Both PSA and grip have pros and cons.

In general, I prefer grip for most applications.

I have mostly center screw securing discs.. and one or two plastic adhesive discs...
I see a lot of the hook and loop on the shaped (pointy nose) orbital sanders.

hook and loop seems like a great time saver to balance against the extrja cost of the media..

I just cant figure out if 3m reversed the hook side? I can see diferent brands going different ways but the same brand?
I mean it is not as if sand paper is a safety hazard if you put it on the wrong way...

I can see inefficiency (losing motion) through the hook and loop though...

The Mirka disks are awesome, in my opinion the very best available

so 3m is your competition...
have they changed things?

Yes, I'm actively targeting several pieces of 3M business in car plants.

Not that I'm aware of.
Though it could be a bad batch possibly in that the hook/loop was not fluffed up and laid over flat causing not much grab between backup pad and disc.

If you're using a lot of grip backed discs, consider using a pad saver.

Speaking of 5" 8-hole for woodworking, PSA excels in more continuous operations when you are keeping the pad warm and changing discs after fully worn. Hook and loop is ideal for periodic use, and/or when changing grits before discs are worn out. That's my take at least. Been digging "Grit Serious" Armadillo aluminum oxide green hook and loop with polyester backing. Great discs.

I just noticed the 6 hole vs 8 hole.
I guess some are orbital only...
maybe the orbital grips are the opposite of the disc?

I just went through like $50 worth of H&L discs sanding 2 bourbon barrels to turn into whiskey cabinets.

First half of my adult life was spent doing classic car restoration and overall body repair/paint.

The 3M hook-it are fantastic IMHO...

What ever happened to 1/3 sheet band sanding?
Couldn't find my Old fashioned block, went to buy one.
No go.
Everything is hook and loop, or some crap.
At one heck of a premium.
What s so dam hard about tearing a sheet into thirds, and tucking each end into
the block?

Finally found a rubber one at an old hardware store.
Old grouch sanding nirvana!

I love the 3" velcro pad mini da sander for going around rivets.
Scotchbrite hand pads stuck on a hook pad work great for scuff sanding.