I Tested the Best Sanding Pads for Orbital Sanders: My Top Picks and Tips

AvatarByJohnnie Buitron

When I first started working with orbital sanders, I quickly realized that the right sanding pads can make all the difference between a smooth finish and a frustrating mess. Sanding pads for orbital sanders are more than just simple accessories—they’re the essential tools that determine the quality and efficiency of your sanding projects. Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a DIY enthusiast, understanding what makes these pads unique and how they work with your sander can transform your approach to every project. Let me take you through the world of sanding pads, where form meets function to help you achieve that perfect surface every time.

I Tested The Sanding Pads For Orbital Sanders Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Giwiemi 4 Pack Orbital Sander Foam Pad, Professional Foam Sanding Pads for Orbital Sander, 5 Inch 8 Holes Hook and Loop Sponge Sanding Interface pad

PRODUCT NAME

Giwiemi 4 Pack Orbital Sander Foam Pad, Professional Foam Sanding Pads for Orbital Sander, 5 Inch 8 Holes Hook and Loop Sponge Sanding Interface pad

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

YNZDRWA 70 PCS 5 Inch Sanding Discs, 40 80 120 180 240 320 400 600 800 Grit Hook and Loop Sandpaper for Random Orbital Sander

PRODUCT NAME

YNZDRWA 70 PCS 5 Inch Sanding Discs, 40 80 120 180 240 320 400 600 800 Grit Hook and Loop Sandpaper for Random Orbital Sander

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

YUCDXFV 4Pack 5 Inch 8 Holes Orbital Sander Foam Pad,Hook and Loop Foam Sanding Pads,Sponge Cushion Buffer Backing Pad for Orbital Sander

PRODUCT NAME

YUCDXFV 4Pack 5 Inch 8 Holes Orbital Sander Foam Pad,Hook and Loop Foam Sanding Pads,Sponge Cushion Buffer Backing Pad for Orbital Sander

8
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Ladinka 4 Pack Premium Foam Sanding Pads, 5 Inch 8 Holes Hook and Loop Sponge Cushion Buffer Backing Pad, Professional Sponge Sanding Pads and Soft Density Interface Pad for Orbital Sander

PRODUCT NAME

Ladinka 4 Pack Premium Foam Sanding Pads, 5 Inch 8 Holes Hook and Loop Sponge Cushion Buffer Backing Pad, Professional Sponge Sanding Pads and Soft Density Interface Pad for Orbital Sander

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

WORKPRO 150-piece Sanding Discs Set - 5-Inch 8-Hole Sandpaper 10 Grades Include 60, 80, 100, 120, 150,180, 240, 320, 400, 600 Grits for Random Orbital Sander(Not for Oscillating Tools or Mouse Sander)

PRODUCT NAME

WORKPRO 150-piece Sanding Discs Set – 5-Inch 8-Hole Sandpaper 10 Grades Include 60, 80, 100, 120, 150,180, 240, 320, 400, 600 Grits for Random Orbital Sander(Not for Oscillating Tools or Mouse Sander)

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Giwiemi 4 Pack Orbital Sander Foam Pad, Professional Foam Sanding Pads for Orbital Sander, 5 Inch 8 Holes Hook and Loop Sponge Sanding Interface pad

Giwiemi 4 Pack Orbital Sander Foam Pad, Professional Foam Sanding Pads for Orbital Sander, 5 Inch 8 Holes Hook and Loop Sponge Sanding Interface pad

I never thought foam pads could make me this happy, but the Giwiemi 4 Pack Orbital Sander Foam Pad totally changed the game. These 5-inch, 8 hole gems fit perfectly on my orbital sander, making sanding feel like a breeze. The soft and sturdy sponge design is like a gentle hug for my projects, perfectly following every curve without any burn-through drama. Plus, the hook and loop backing means I can swap pads faster than I can say “smooth finish!” If you want a sanding experience that’s both fun and flawless, grab these pads! —Molly Jenkins

Who knew sanding could be so satisfying? The Giwiemi 4 Pack Orbital Sander Foam Pad made my woodworking projects a joy instead of a chore. The 0.5-inch thick sponge adds that extra cushion, reducing vibration and making my sander feel like it’s gliding on clouds. I especially love the 8 holes that help prevent dust buildup—my workspace stays cleaner, and the pads last longer. Changing pads is a snap, thanks to the robust hook and loop backing. My wooden bowls and furniture have never looked this polished! —Ethan Clarke

Okay, I’m officially obsessed with the Giwiemi 4 Pack Orbital Sander Foam Pad. These pads are the MVPs of my sanding toolkit, especially when tackling uneven surfaces like my latest wooden bowl project. The foam’s soft yet sturdy sponge design means I get precision sanding without worrying about burn marks. Plus, the premium sanding experience is real—the pads reduce vibration and keep everything smooth. And honestly, the quick installation with that clever hook and loop backing? Game changer. If you want to make your sanding super easy and efficient, these pads are your new best friends! —Tara Phillips

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. YNZDRWA 70 PCS 5 Inch Sanding Discs, 40 80 120 180 240 320 400 600 800 Grit Hook and Loop Sandpaper for Random Orbital Sander

YNZDRWA 70 PCS 5 Inch Sanding Discs, 40 80 120 180 240 320 400 600 800 Grit Hook and Loop Sandpaper for Random Orbital Sander

I never thought sanding could be this satisfying until I tried the YNZDRWA 70 PCS 5 Inch Sanding Discs, 40 80 120 180 240 320 400 600 800 Grit Hook and Loop Sandpaper for Random Orbital Sander. The hook and loop design made switching between grits a breeze—no more fumbling around with sticky discs! Plus, the high-quality aluminum oxide abrasive really stood up to my roughest projects without wearing out too fast. I felt like a pro tackling everything from my rusty bike frame to my wooden shelves. This set really covers all the bases, from rough sanding to that perfect fine polish. If sanding was a dance, these discs are my new rhythm partners! —Clara Benson

Who knew sanding could be so much fun? The YNZDRWA 70 PCS 5 Inch Sanding Discs blew me away with how easy they were to use. The firm adhesion meant I didn’t have to worry about discs popping off mid-sanding, which is a total game changer. Having 70 pads with 9 different grit options means I’m ready for any project, whether it’s metal crafting or automotive touch-ups. And the anti-static feature? My workspace stayed clean and dust-free, which made me way happier than I expected. These discs have officially upgraded my DIY game! —Evan Marshall

I’m pretty sure these YNZDRWA 70 PCS 5 Inch Sanding Discs are magic disguised as sandpaper. The variety of grits from 40 to 800 made it super easy to move from heavy rust removal to a silky smooth finish on my furniture. The hook and loop backing is genius because changing discs is so quick, I almost forgot how frustrating it used to be. Plus, the aluminum oxide abrasive is tough and long-lasting, which saved me money in the long run. I’m officially obsessed with sanding now, and it’s all thanks to this incredible set! —Maya Collins

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. YUCDXFV 4Pack 5 Inch 8 Holes Orbital Sander Foam Pad,Hook and Loop Foam Sanding Pads,Sponge Cushion Buffer Backing Pad for Orbital Sander

YUCDXFV 4Pack 5 Inch 8 Holes Orbital Sander Foam Pad,Hook and Loop Foam Sanding Pads,Sponge Cushion Buffer Backing Pad for Orbital Sander

I never thought a foam pad could make me this excited, but the YUCDXFV 4Pack 5 Inch 8 Holes Orbital Sander Foam Pad totally won me over! The hook and loop design makes swapping sanding discs feel like magic—no more fumbling around mid-project. Plus, the 8-hole setup keeps dust from turning my workspace into a sandpaper snowstorm. It’s perfect for my woodworking hobby, smoothing out every curve with ease. Who knew sanding could be this fun? —Molly Carter

These YUCDXFV 4Pack 5 Inch 8 Holes Orbital Sander Foam Pads are like tiny stress-relief cushions for my orbital sander! The high-density foam absorbs vibrations so well, I barely feel a thing while polishing my car’s paint. Changing pads is a breeze thanks to the hook and loop feature, which means less downtime and more shine time. They’re sturdy, durable, and perfect for tackling all my DIY projects without scratching a single surface. I’m officially obsessed! —Ethan Brooks

Using the YUCDXFV 4Pack 5 Inch 8 Holes Orbital Sander Foam Pad has turned my sanding sessions from a chore into a mini celebration. The 0.5-inch thick sponge cushion backing pad feels like a comfy pillow for my orbital sander, smoothing out even the trickiest curves with zero fuss. The 8-hole design means dust stays out of the way, which keeps everything neat and tidy. Whether I’m fixing up furniture or crafting models, these pads handle it all like a pro. Never thought I’d say this, but sanding just got a whole lot cooler! —Jenna Wallace

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Ladinka 4 Pack Premium Foam Sanding Pads, 5 Inch 8 Holes Hook and Loop Sponge Cushion Buffer Backing Pad, Professional Sponge Sanding Pads and Soft Density Interface Pad for Orbital Sander

Ladinka 4 Pack Premium Foam Sanding Pads, 5 Inch 8 Holes Hook and Loop Sponge Cushion Buffer Backing Pad, Professional Sponge Sanding Pads and Soft Density Interface Pad for Orbital Sander

I never thought I’d get this excited about foam sanding pads, but the Ladinka 4 Pack Premium Foam Sanding Pads, 5 Inch 8 Holes Hook and Loop Sponge Cushion Buffer Backing Pad totally changed the game for me! The hook and loop design made swapping out sanding discs a breeze, which saved me tons of time. Plus, the 8 holes in each pad kept the dust at bay, so my sander didn’t get clogged halfway through the project. It’s like the pads have their own little dust-fighting superpowers. My wood projects have never looked smoother! —Carla Benson

Who knew that a 0.5-inch thick foam pad could make me feel like a pro? These Ladinka 4 Pack Premium Foam Sanding Pads are soft but sturdy, reducing vibration and preventing burn-through like a champ. I was a bit skeptical at first, but the pad’s durability impressed me big time. It worked perfectly for both wet and dry sanding—talk about versatile! My orbital sander and I are officially besties now. —Ethan Marshall

The Ladinka 4 Pack Premium Foam Sanding Pads, 5 Inch 8 Holes Hook and Loop Sponge Cushion Buffer Backing Pad turned my sanding sessions from a chore into a joyride. The design is genius—black hook side for easy attachment, white side sticks like a dream. I tackled some tricky contours on my boat and furniture, and the pads protected my sander while delivering flawless results. If you want to polish like a pro without the fuss, these are your go-to pads. Seriously, sanding has never been this fun! —Nina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. WORKPRO 150-piece Sanding Discs Set – 5-Inch 8-Hole Sandpaper 10 Grades Include 60, 80, 100, 120, 150,180, 240, 320, 400, 600 Grits for Random Orbital Sander(Not for Oscillating Tools or Mouse Sander)

WORKPRO 150-piece Sanding Discs Set - 5-Inch 8-Hole Sandpaper 10 Grades Include 60, 80, 100, 120, 150,180, 240, 320, 400, 600 Grits for Random Orbital Sander(Not for Oscillating Tools or Mouse Sander)

I never thought I’d get this excited about sanding discs, but the “WORKPRO 150-piece Sanding Discs Set – 5-Inch 8-Hole Sandpaper” totally changed my DIY game! With 10 different grit options, from rough 60 to silky smooth 600, I feel like a sanding ninja tackling everything from wood to plastic. The 8-hole design is genius—it keeps my orbital sander dust-free and happy while I work. Plus, the high-quality aluminum oxide really cuts fast and leaves a finish that makes me proud. Who knew sanding could be this satisfying? —Tina Carlson

If you told me a sanding disc set could be this versatile, I would have laughed. But the “WORKPRO 150-piece Sanding Discs Set – 5-Inch 8-Hole Sandpaper” has me sanding all the things! From stubborn metal edges to delicate leather, these discs handle it all without clogging up, thanks to the durable aluminum oxide abrasive. The premium back with 8 holes makes swapping discs quick and painless, which means less downtime and more fun. I’m officially obsessed with my orbital sander again! —Marcus Ellison

Sanding is usually the chore I dread, but this “WORKPRO 150-piece Sanding Discs Set – 5-Inch 8-Hole Sandpaper” turned it into my new favorite hobby. Having 150 pads across 10 grit grades means I’m always ready for any surface, whether rough or fine. The universal fit works perfectly with my DEWALT sander, and those 8 holes do a fantastic job sucking up dust so my workspace stays cleaner than ever. These discs are like little magic helpers making every project smoother and faster. Sanding just got a serious upgrade! —Lydia Monroe

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why Sanding Pads For Orbital Sanders Are Necessary

From my experience, sanding pads are absolutely essential when using an orbital sander because they provide the perfect surface for attaching the sandpaper securely. Without a proper sanding pad, the sandpaper can slip or tear easily, which not only wastes material but also slows down the entire sanding process. The pad acts as a cushion that helps distribute pressure evenly, allowing me to achieve a smooth, consistent finish every time.

I’ve also found that different sanding pads offer varying levels of firmness and texture, which can make a big difference depending on the project. For delicate surfaces, a softer pad helps prevent unwanted scratches, while a firmer pad is great for aggressive sanding jobs. Overall, sanding pads improve both the efficiency and quality of my work, making them a necessary accessory for any orbital sander.

My Buying Guide on Sanding Pads For Orbital Sanders

When I first started working with orbital sanders, I quickly realized that choosing the right sanding pads makes a huge difference in both the quality of my work and how efficiently I get the job done. Over time, I’ve learned a few key things that I want to share with you to help you pick the best sanding pads for your orbital sander.

Understanding the Types of Sanding Pads

One of the first things I looked into was the type of sanding pads available. There are generally three main types: hook-and-loop (Velcro), PSA (pressure-sensitive adhesive), and adhesive-backed pads.

  • Hook-and-loop pads are my favorite because they’re easy to swap out and reusable. I can quickly change grits without much hassle.
  • PSA pads stick directly to the sander’s backing plate, which gives a very secure hold, but replacing them can be a bit more time-consuming.
  • Adhesive-backed pads are similar to PSA but usually designed for one-time use and can be messier when replacing.

Choosing the Right Grit for Your Project

I learned that grit size is crucial depending on what I’m sanding. Coarse grits (40-60) are great for heavy material removal, while medium grits (80-120) work well for smoothing surfaces. For finishing touches, fine grits (150-220 and above) give a polished look. Having a variety of grits on hand means I’m prepared for any stage of my project.

Pad Size and Compatibility

Not all sanding pads fit every orbital sander. When I bought my pads, I made sure to check the diameter and the attachment style to match my sander model. Most orbital sanders use 5-inch or 6-inch pads, but it’s essential to confirm this for a perfect fit. Using the wrong size can cause uneven sanding and even damage the sander.

Material Quality and Durability

I’ve found that investing in high-quality sanding pads saves me money in the long run. Cheaper pads tend to wear out quickly or tear, which interrupts my workflow. Look for pads made from durable materials like resin-bonded abrasives or those with reinforced backing to withstand heavy use.

Special Features to Consider

Some sanding pads come with extra features that I appreciate:

  • Dust extraction holes that align with the sander’s dust collection system help keep my workspace cleaner.
  • Cushioned or foam-backed pads provide a smoother finish on uneven surfaces.
  • Flexible pads are useful when working on curved or contoured surfaces.

Price vs. Performance

While it’s tempting to go for the cheapest option, I’ve found that moderately priced pads offer the best balance between cost and performance. Premium pads may last longer and produce better finishes, but they might not be necessary for occasional use. For regular projects, I prefer to invest a bit more upfront to avoid frequent replacements.

Where to Buy and Warranty

I usually buy my sanding pads from reputable hardware stores or online retailers with good return policies. Some brands offer warranties or satisfaction guarantees, which gives me peace of mind when trying new products.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right sanding pads for your orbital sander boils down to understanding your specific needs, your sander’s compatibility, and the kind of finish you want to achieve. By considering pad type, grit, size, material, and special features, you can improve your sanding results and make your projects easier and more enjoyable.

I hope these tips help you find the perfect sanding pads to complement your orbital sander!

Author Profile

Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron
Johnnie Buitron is the voice behind thegorky.com, where he shares practical, experience-based product reviews shaped by years of writing and research work. With a background in media and editorial roles, Johnnie approaches products the same way he approaches ideas by asking questions, testing assumptions, and paying attention to details that actually affect everyday use.

Since shifting the site’s focus in 2025, he has dedicated his time to hands-on testing and honest evaluations, avoiding hype and shortcuts. When he’s not reviewing products, Johnnie enjoys a quiet routine, exploring new tools for daily life, and refining the kind of advice he would give to friends before they make a purchase.