Bosch RO Sander backing pad

[hans109h]

I've got a Bosch ROS20VS random orbit sander that I've finally had long enough that in the near future the backer pad is going to need to be replaced. I can pick up a replacement Bosch branded pad for $15, or I can pick up a generic one for about half that. I've never had to replace a backer pad before, so just wondering if there is any reason to stick to the name brand here?

Thanks,

Hans

P.S. While I think there are plenty of good brands that make sanders, when it comes to Dishwashers I don't think Bosch can be beat.

 

[dnschmidt]

No, you are stuck buying OEM Bosch. Look at the way the pad is attached to the sander. It's not a stud it's a bolt and the back of the pad has unique castings at least my 6" Bosch sanders are this way. The cheap 5" palm sanders might be different but I don't have any of those. I just looked up the part number you provided and it looks quite generic to me so maybe you can use aftermarket pads. Take the pad off and see what it looks like. The normal pads for this type of sander (Porter-Cable 333) use three screw holes to hold the pad to the sander. Milwaukee uses four so you need to get your pads for their sanders from Milwaukee.

 

[tak1313]

The ROS20VS is a 5 inch. The pad is a relatively easy swap. I tried an aftermarket pad (don't remember what brand, etc.), and I would say for the price difference, I would just stick with Bosch pads. The aftermarket pad (at least the one I got) wasn't as durable, so when it came to replace again, I went with OEM.

 

[The Cobbler]

to save half of $15, ($7.50) I would stick with OEM.
now , unless you're in production and going thru a bunch of pads a year, I might try one to compare...

 

[hans109h]

Thanks guys. I think I'll just stick with OEM considering it's going to last 10 years at least.

Hans

 

[BTL-A4]

Yeah, go with OEM. It's not worth it at that price. I have a Bosch sander and it's been great.

Re: dishwashers. Bosch and other Euro brands are different than US ones. US ones use the dirty water to clean the dishes, but the soap is made for that, whereas the Euro ones use clean water and require different soap. They also need to have the screen cleaned out regularly. I bet most people don't even know that their US-made dishwasher even has a screen. It needs to be cleaned, but not as regularly as the Euro ones. I did a deep dive when I bought a new dishwasher a few years ago. Consumer Reports doesn't rate Bosch dishwashers very highly. I guess they are not as reliable as other ones.