Customer Reviews

Porter-Cable 13904 5-Inch Hook and Loop Pad (for Model 333 Sander)

5 star:		(29)
4 star:		(5)
3 star:		(8)
2 star:		(2)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

These replacement pads are a necessity for anyone that does more than occassional sanding. The new ones work just great. It is too bad that they wear out quickly, usually less than a year under weekly use. You can extend the life of the pads by two simple actions. 1) Clean the pad with your shop vacuum each time you change the sandpaper. 2) Don't press on the sander while sanding. Let the sander do the work!

this is the third sanding pad I have had to replace.Where the three screws hold this pad, it is so flimsy I think I could just about bite it into. As far as the sander goes it is the best one I have ever had, but I am thinking seriously of looking for another sander, rather than buy a pad every 3 months. They do make a pad {pta39} that seems to be made to last as long as the hook and loops will, but it will not fit the 333 sander. I wonder if we all emailed the manufacturer and let them know how we feel if it would make a difference. I think I will do just that before I go off line
[...]

A new pad makes the sander hold sanding disks the same way it did when it was new.

Many here have reported a problem with the screws coming threw the pad making the pad useless when it can no longer be held to the sander. Well I know why. This replacement pad (made by Porter Cable) has a thinner backing plate. The screws therefore are too long to properly secure the pad to the sander. Although the user may not realize it, the pad then shifts around the screws as it is being used. That constant shifting slowly erodes the backing plate at the screw holes - Eventually the pad just falls off.

So to make this pad last as long as the original pad, you need to either cut the screws down in length, purchase shorter screws, or find a washer that will fit. This way the pad will be properly secured to the sander and not "jiggle."

The sander is still in great shape, but I can't believe this pad is already worn out. I have the same problem as a lot of the reviewers. The screw holes wore through. I also can't believe that I am going to have to pay twenty bucks to fix a problem that I shouldn't be having this soon. The hook an loop part is still just fine. I am a cabinet maker, and I am used to the pads wearing out on the sanders at work, but never in this manner. I've had the hook and loop wear out which is expected. I've also had the hook and loop separate from the foam pad which happens at about the same time as the hook and loop wears out, so it is also no big deal. I wouldn't buy this sander if I had it to do over again.

My model 332 sander had a worn out adhesive pad on it. This hook and loop pad is really meant for the model 333 sander but it easily works on the 332 also. It works fine so far.

I work with this gear constantly. I ordered online and discovered later that I could have purchased at Home Depot and saved about $15/20. However, the response online was just fine and while I have another source of this item, I would purchase again from the online vendor I used if I had no local vendor.

To make something out of what appears to be a hard plastic type of material, then mount it on something that does random orbits and except it to last is like mixing oil and water.
Got tired of replacing these pads, the cost adds up quick, figured there had to be a better way. Came up with a method that works very good so thought I would share the idea.
What I did was to get a small piece of metal, for me I used what is called a Simpson Strong Tie. This is a piece of rectangular metal with many holes in it. Is used in construction to hold boards together by nailing the plate across the joint. Found these to be both cheap and tough enough to last and thin enough not to cause problems.
Simply cut it to fit the circular base, small enough not to block the vacuum holes. Marked and drilled holes just large enough for the mounting screws. Using JB Weld, attached this cut out to the hook and loop base. When the epoxy was set up good enough, mounted the pad back onto the sander letting it sit 24 hours before using.
The metal will make the pad last a long time and will not egg shape like the plastic does.

Works very well!!

Factory pad for the Porter-Cable 333 sander is good quality and easy to replace.
Reasonable price on Amazon.

I think the Porter Cable sanders with the hook and loop pads are the best you can get and when the pad finally wears out, simply go to Amazon.com and order a new one. It's just that easy.