Hand Pads

Hand pads are flexible, non-woven abrasives used for controlled cleaning, surface conditioning, blending, and finishing. In aircraft maintenance and MRO applications, hand pads provide technicians with a convenient way to prepare surfaces by hand while maintaining control over the amount of material removed and the resulting finish.

Hand Pads for Aircraft Maintenance

Aircraft technicians use abrasive hand pads for a variety of surface preparation and finishing operations. Depending on the grade selected, hand pads can help remove light oxidation, corrosion, dirt, residue, and surface contaminants, or provide controlled abrasion for blending, conditioning, and preparing surfaces before painting, sealing, or other maintenance procedures.

Non-woven hand pads conform to contours and irregular surfaces more readily than rigid abrasives, making them useful for detailed work and areas where maintaining the shape of the underlying material is important.

Selecting the Right Hand Pad

Hand pad selection should be based on the material being worked, the amount of cleaning or abrasion required, and the desired surface finish. More aggressive grades are appropriate for heavier cleaning, deburring, and removal of contaminants, while finer grades are better suited to light cleaning, surface conditioning, blending, and finishing.

Using the appropriate grade helps technicians achieve the desired surface condition without unnecessarily removing material. Always follow the applicable aircraft maintenance instructions, repair procedures, and material manufacturer's recommendations for the specific application.

Common Hand Pad Applications

• Surface cleaning and preparation
• Removal of light rust, oxidation, and contaminants
• Paint and primer preparation
• Surface conditioning before painting, sealing, or bonding
• Blending and smoothing suitable surfaces
• Deburring and finishing suitable metal components
• Cleaning and conditioning irregular or contoured surfaces

3M Scotch-Brite Hand Pads

BAC offers 3M Scotch-Brite Hand Pads in multiple grades for different cleaning, conditioning, and finishing requirements. The available options range from the more aggressive Heavy Duty pad through lighter cleaning and fine finishing grades, allowing technicians to select a pad appropriate for the task.

Each option is supplied in a 20-pad box, making these hand pads practical for aircraft maintenance departments, repair facilities, paint shops, and other MRO operations.

View 3M Scotch-Brite Hand Pads

Using Abrasive Hand Pads

Use the appropriate hand pad grade and technique for the material and maintenance task. Hand pads may be used by hand or, where specifically permitted by the manufacturer, with compatible pad holders or equipment. Avoid excessive pressure that could remove more material than intended or alter the dimensions or finish of the underlying component.

For aircraft applications, always use the pad in accordance with the applicable maintenance procedure and verify that the abrasive is appropriate for the material and surface being treated.