5-Inch Sander Backing Replacement Pad for D26451,D26453,DW421 DW423,Compatible with DeWalt Orbital Palm Sander DW4388

My original pad on the Dewalt basically disintegrated after on 10 - 12 years (things just dont last anymore - haha). I was worried about a replacement. This replacement got here in 1 1/2 days, fit perfectly and works great! 5 minutes to put it on and Im back in business.

I had looked at all of the available options I could find on Amazon before I placing an order. I decided on listing that clearly stated it came with a metal back plate, for around the same price as this one. Judging by what I received, and the link on my order page that brought me here, Im guessing I chose the wrong tab, based on this ads unambiguous description. The only reason I wanted a metal plate might be, in itself, my only relevant misconception. I was waiting to remove the original pad until I had the replacement, so I had no clue what was on the back side when I started my search. As I started reading reviews, a common theme began to stand out with my model number; a significant number of people were pissed when a cheap plastic knock off showed up, that was marketed as a compatible replacement for their metal OEM disk. When this one arrived, and I realized my mistake, I went ahead pulled the old disk. While it definitely looks like metal, its weight is clearly not consistent with it. Upon further inspection, the appearance comes from some kind of aluminum tape, similar to, if not exactly the same, used for HVAC. I guess it might provide some structure against horizontal forces, but Im not sure if that means anything to this application. Despite my initial disappointment, Im going to give this one a chance. It looks exactly like the OEM disk, underneath the tape, and aligns with both, the bolt pattern, and dust collection hole pattern of the Diablo brand paper I have on hand. Im deducting 1 star for the lack of tape, but Im good about lining up air holes, and swapping paper out as it starts to deteriorate, so Im not that concerned about it. At this price, if it turns out it even needed it, I can put on my own tape. .