nicked/ripped pads

[rtbrick]

The other day, I was using my PC and caught the pad on the edge of an emblem. Took a small chunk out of the side of the pad. Are there any negative effects with the continued use of the pad? Does a tear in the pad change its polishing/cutting characteristics?

 

[NattyBumppo]

If it is a section of pad that touches the surface I would toss it. I had one of those orange "power pads" a while back that had a tear smack in the middle but since it was concave in shape, the middle never touched the finish and so the pad was fine.

Natty

 

[Ferrarislave]

It shouldent if its on the side but if you get bouncing from the pads uneven spinning then toss it. I snagged my pad on a windshield whiper one and it ripped a good chunk off.

 

[JeffBruce]

Get rid of it....im sure ive caused light scratches..that were not there before......
jeff

 

[2hotford]

Hey!
Do not use the pad on the paint any longer! It is not worth the risk!!

Instead, keep the pad (if it is a polishing pad) for applying a glass polish to the side and rear glass. Keep it off the front windshield unless you want very smeared glass in a rain storm.

I keep my older dinged pads just for the glass. As long as the damage is not extensive or cause the PC to shake from being unbalanced.

 

[Ferrarislave]

I wonder if pads actually loose there cutting abilites after a while from strong compounds and abrasives etc.

 

[2hotford]

I wonder if pads actually loose there cutting abilites after a while from strong compounds and abrasives etc.

I highly doubt it as the pad is the same material all the way through. But they do become worn and will cause problems with buffer bounce and grabbing.