Can't tighten pad on Bosch GEX125

[mauricem]

I've had a good run with mine but had a few problems with the pad flying off while sanding, I think I used an impact driver at one stage to try and keep it attached I'm now a bit nervous that the flange? is on borrowed time.
I wonder if the root cause of this is the need to overtighten and possibly weaken the part due to the pad's tendency to undo itself as the rotation and loosening direction are the same?

[AJ.]

I've had a good run with mine but had a few problems with the pad flying off while sanding, I think I used an impact driver at one stage to try and keep it attached I'm now a bit nervous that the flange? is on borrowed time.
I wonder if the root cause of this is the need to overtighten and possibly weaken the part due to the pad's tendency to undo itself as the rotation and loosening direction are the same?

I don't think those things help, but I think the root cause is that they cheaped out. A larger bearing, particularly the inner diameter would mean a much beefier part that would withstand more punishment. Where mine fractured the wall thickness is less than 1mm, pretty flimsy. Even mounting the pad with a 6mm bolt instead of 8mm I suspect would be an improvement giving the said part a greater wall thickness.

Anyway, so far so good with the repair, my wife used the sander for an hour or 2 the other day and no problems.

Cheers Andrew

[Stephen Griffin]

I doubt I'll bother to get it fixed as it too lasted about 20 hours.