Why Does My Sandpaper Keep Falling off/not Sticking?

Common Cause of Sandpaper Detachment

Excessive pressure 

Applying too much pressure while sanding causes the sandpaper to grip the surface tightly. This creates oscillation friction between the hook-and-loop base and the sandpaper, wearing down the hook-and-loop surface and reducing its ability to stick. 

Dirty base 

If the base is too dirty, the sandpaper may not adhere properly. Remove as much dust and debris as possible before attaching new sandpaper. 

Use the correct grit 

If the sandpaper isn’t removing enough material, switch to a coarser grit rather than applying extra pressure. 

Dry sanding only 

Ryobi sanders are designed for dry sanding only. Moisture can compromise the hook-and-loop system.