How to Choose a Backup Pad for Hook and Loop Discs
By Supergrit Abrasives | Published: 2026-10-20
Category: How-to Guides
Learn how to pick the right backup pad for hook and loop discs. This guide covers size, hole pattern, and attachment method to match your sander.
Quick answer
Choose a backup pad that matches your sander's disc size, hole pattern, and attachment system. For most 5-inch random orbital sanders, an 8-hole hook-and-loop pad with 4 screw holes provides a secure, quick-change setup.
Size and hole pattern matter most
A backup pad must match your sander's disc diameter exactly. A 5-inch pad works with 5-inch discs. The hole pattern must align with your sander's dust extraction holes. Common patterns include 8-hole, 5-hole, and 6-hole. Using the wrong pattern blocks dust collection and reduces sanding efficiency.
Attachment method affects stability
Hook-and-loop pads need a secure mounting to the sander. Many pads use a central threaded stud, but some use screw holes around the center. For heavy use, screw holes provide a more rigid connection than a single stud. Check your sander's mounting plate before buying.
How to choose a backup pad for hook and loop discs
- Check your sander's disc size: Measure the diameter of your sander's pad or the discs you plan to use. Most random orbital sanders use 5-inch or 6-inch discs. Buy a backup pad that matches exactly. Using the wrong size can cause uneven wear and poor sanding results.
- Match the hole pattern to your sander: Look at the dust extraction holes on your sander's current pad. Common patterns are 5-hole, 6-hole, and 8-hole. An 8-hole pad like the 5-inch backup pad for Makita/Ryobi works with many standard sanders. If your sander has a different pattern, the dust collection won't work. A mismatched hole pattern blocks dust extraction and clogs the disc faster.
- Choose the right attachment method: Most hook-and-loop pads attach with a central threaded stud. Some pads, especially heavy-duty ones, use multiple screw holes around the center. If your sander has a mounting plate with screw holes, use a pad with matching screw holes for a more rigid connection. Screw holes provide a more secure mount than a single stud, reducing vibration.
- Verify the hook-and-loop surface quality: A good hook-and-loop surface holds the disc firmly but releases it easily. Check that the loop material is dense and evenly distributed. A cheap pad may lose grip over time, causing the disc to fly off during use. A weak hook-and-loop surface is dangerous and wastes discs.
Product facts
- 5" 8 HOLE (4 SCREW HOLES) BACKUP PAD FOR MAKITA/RYOBI, (J51595M4H8) USA H&L: This 5-inch backup pad uses an 8-hole pattern with 4 screw holes for secure attachment to Makita and Ryobi tools. It is made in the USA with hook-and-loop fastening. The 4 screw holes give a more stable mount than a single stud, reducing wobble during heavy sanding. The 8-hole pattern works with most standard dust extraction systems.
5" 8 HOLE (4 SCREW HOLES) BACKUP PAD FOR MAKITA/RYOBI, (J51595M4H8) USA H&L
