: I spray the pad, let dry and slap on a sticky sanding disk. Once in a while
: I tear the pad trying to get the used disk off but if it's not torn too
: badly I just put anothr disk on, but if it's too bad I just cut out
: another pad.

You might try sticking paper to the pad, reapplying adhesive, then sticking on the sanding disk (paper in the middle like an oreo cookie). When you remove the disk the paper might provide a weak link and tear out first.

Judson