Will an M14 backing pad fit a 5/8-11 thread angle grinder?

No, M14 and 5/8-11 are different thread standards and are not safely interchangeable. You must match the pad's stated thread size directly to your grinder's spindle to prevent wobble and ensure safe operation.

When should I use a soft interface pad instead of a standard backing pad?

Use a standard, firm backing pad for most sanding on flat surfaces. Add a soft interface pad between the standard pad and the abrasive for finishing work, sanding contours, or buffing. It helps prevent swirl marks and provides a finer finish.

How do I know when to replace my hook-and-loop backing pad?

Replace your hook-and-loop backing pad when it no longer holds abrasive discs securely. Other signs include visible damage to the edges, crumbling foam, or increased vibration during use. A worn pad compromises finish quality and safety.

Does the hole pattern on my sander backing pad need to match the abrasive disc?

Yes. For effective dust extraction, the holes on the backing pad, any interface pad, and the abrasive disc must all align. A mismatch blocks the vacuum path, leading to premature loading of the abrasive and a poor surface finish.

What is the difference between a PU foam pad and a hard plastic pad?

PU foam pads provide flexibility for hand sanding or for power tools working on contoured surfaces. Hard plastic or composite pads offer a rigid, stable base required for aggressive material removal and ensuring flatness on rigid workpieces.

Can I use a larger abrasive disc on a smaller backing pad?

No, this is unsafe and ineffective. The unsupported edge of the abrasive will not perform correctly and can tear or fly off the tool. Always match the abrasive disc diameter exactly to the backing pad diameter for balance and safety.

Backing Pads

14 products available

Backing pads are the interface between a power tool and an abrasive or polishing disc. At Compel, we supply random orbital sander backing pads, dual-action backing pads, and plates for angle grinders and polishers for industrial and trade use.

Our selection covers the common diameters, thread sizes and mounting systems. You will find hook-and-loop backing pads with various hole patterns for efficient dust extraction, as well as solid pads for grinding and buffing. Whether you need a soft pad for finishing contours or a hard plate for aggressive material removal, our catalog provides compatible, durable options for your specific power tool and application.

14 products in Backing Pads

A 9-inch 8-hole soft hard drywall sanding pad, a 1-piece backing plate with hook and loop replacement pad, designed for polishing orbital sander pad applications.

Backing Pads

9-Inch Orbital Sander Pad | 8-Hole Hook & Loop | Drywall Sander Replacement

TBS-06027PADS-00034

£12.99

5-inch 8-hole replacement orbital sander pad, 123/125mm hook and loop for various sanders.

Backing Pads

5 Inch Orbital Sander Pad | 8-Hole Hook & Loop Design | 125mm Replacement Disc

TBS-06024PADS-00031

£9.99

Two 6-inch hook and loop orbital sander pad savers, protecting discs and improving sanding.

Backing Pads

Sander Pad Saver | 6-Inch Hook & Loop | 2pc Interface Protector

TBS-06015PADS-00028

£5.99

Backing Pads

Drum Backer Plate | M10/M14 Thread | Hook & Loop Polishing Pad

TBS-06007PADS-00024

£4.99

Five 6-inch 25-hole interface pads, a soft density foam cushion sander backing pad for orbital sanders, ensuring smooth polishing.

Backing Pads

Sander Backing Pad Interface | 6-Inch 25-Hole | Foam Cushion

TBS-05992PADS-00018

£15.99

1/2/3 Inch backing plate for M14 thread rotary polisher, a versatile sander backing pad with hook and loop for polishing.

Backing Pads

Sander Backing Pad | M14 Thread with Soft Edge | For 2-Inch Pads

TBS-05988PADS-00017

£10.99

Two 5-inch 8-hole hook and loop orbital sander pads for cushioning and improved sanding.

Backing Pads

5-Inch Orbital Sander Pad | 8-Hole Hook & Loop | Soft Sponge Buffer (2-Pack)

TBS-05985PADS-00016

£7.99

A 5-inch 8-hole 125mm orbit sander backing pad, a replacement accessory for Makita sanders.

Backing Pads

5-Inch Sander Backing Pad | 8-Hole Hook & Loop | For 125mm Makita Sanders

TBS-05997PADS-00020

£13.99

A 6-inch 150mm 6-hole sander backing pad with hook and loop, a dust-free sanding disc holder, and an essential abrasive tool for polishers.

Backing Pads

Backing Pad | 150mm 6-Hole Hook & Loop | Dust-Free Sanding

TBS-05980PADS-00015

£17.99

A black sander backing pad with a hook and loop surface, available in various sizes for polishing and buffing.

Backing Pads

Backing Pad for Polishers | Hook & Loop | M10/M14 Thread | 4-7 Inch

TBS-05976PADS-00013

£9.99

A 3/4 inch self-adhesive sander backing pad with hook and loop, M10/M14/M16 thread for polishers and grinders.

Backing Pads

& Loop Sander Backing Pad | 3/4-Inch Size | M10/M14/M16 Polisher Thread

TBS-05969PADS-00012

£9.99

Ergonomic PU foam sanding disc holder for hand grinding and polishing with sanding sheets.

Backing Pads

Block for Sanding Sheets | PU Foam Backing Pad | Manual Grinding & Polishing

TBS-05960PADS-00011

£10.99

5-inch foam plastic backing pad with M14 thread, suitable for flap discs and polishing.

Backing Pads

Pad for Flap Discs | 5-Inch M14 Thread | Angle Grinder Polishing

TBS-05953PADS-00009

£12.99

6-inch, 6-hole hook and loop sanding pad backing plate, ideal for drywall sander Bosch GEX 150 models.

Backing Pads

6 Inch Drywall Sander Pad | 6-Hole Hook & Loop Backing Plate | For Bosch GEX 150

TBS-05884PADS-00003

£15.99

Tool Compatibility: Matching Mounts and Threads

The first step in selecting a backing pad is ensuring it fits your power tool. Pads for angle grinders and polishers typically mount via a threaded spindle. Common sizes include M10, M14, and 5/8-11. It's critical to match the pad's thread specification to your tool's spindle to ensure a secure, centered fit.

Random orbital sanders often use a proprietary screw pattern to attach the pad. Compatibility is model-specific, so you must verify the pad is designed for your sander, such as specific models from Bosch or Makita. Using an incompatible pad can cause severe vibration, poor performance, and tool damage.

Diameter and Dust Extraction: Sizing and Hole Patterns

The pad's diameter must match the diameter of the abrasive or polishing discs you use. The most common industrial sizes are 125mm (5-inch) and 150mm (6-inch), though our range includes smaller pads for detail work and larger ones for broad surfaces.

For sanding, the hole pattern is critical for dust extraction. These holes must align with the holes on your sander's base and the abrasive disc to create a clear vacuum path. Common configurations include 6-hole, 8-hole, and multi-hole designs. Using a pad with the wrong pattern will block dust collection, reducing abrasive life and creating a suboptimal finish.

Pad Density and Material for Your Application

The pad's material and density determine how it performs. Hard pads, made from durable composite or plastic, provide a rigid base for aggressive stock removal on flat surfaces. They transfer maximum power from the tool to the workpiece.

Soft pads, made from sponge cushion or PU foam, are used for finishing, polishing, and working on curved or contoured surfaces. They flex to follow the workpiece shape, reducing the risk of gouging and producing a smoother result. For ultra-fine finishing, a soft foam interface pad can be added between the main backing pad and the abrasive disc to provide extra cushioning.

Hard Pads: Best for rapid material removal and sanding flat surfaces.
Soft Pads: Ideal for finishing, polishing, and sanding contoured parts.
Pad Savers / Interface Pads: Protect the main pad's hooks and add cushion for delicate work.

Buying guide

Choosing Backing Pads

Will an M14 backing pad fit a 5/8-11 thread angle grinder?: No, M14 and 5/8-11 are different thread standards and are not safely interchangeable. You must match the pad's stated thread size directly to your grinder's spindle to prevent wobble and ensure safe operation.
When should I use a soft interface pad instead of a standard backing pad?: Use a standard, firm backing pad for most sanding on flat surfaces. Add a soft interface pad between the standard pad and the abrasive for finishing work, sanding contours, or buffing. It helps prevent swirl marks and provides a finer finish.
How do I know when to replace my hook-and-loop backing pad?: Replace your hook-and-loop backing pad when it no longer holds abrasive discs securely. Other signs include visible damage to the edges, crumbling foam, or increased vibration during use. A worn pad compromises finish quality and safety.
Does the hole pattern on my sander backing pad need to match the abrasive disc?: Yes. For effective dust extraction, the holes on the backing pad, any interface pad, and the abrasive disc must all align. A mismatch blocks the vacuum path, leading to premature loading of the abrasive and a poor surface finish.
What is the difference between a PU foam pad and a hard plastic pad?: PU foam pads provide flexibility for hand sanding or for power tools working on contoured surfaces. Hard plastic or composite pads offer a rigid, stable base required for aggressive material removal and ensuring flatness on rigid workpieces.
Can I use a larger abrasive disc on a smaller backing pad?: No, this is unsafe and ineffective. The unsupported edge of the abrasive will not perform correctly and can tear or fly off the tool. Always match the abrasive disc diameter exactly to the backing pad diameter for balance and safety.