I can't get the small sanding disc out of the tool.

depends how important it is to vacuum the dust, most generic brand sandpaper discs will have different hole placements for the sander and the vacuum cant suck the dust up. if you are getting swirl marks from the edge of the sander, is the disc too small? a generic brand that is slightly larger may work but try and keep the sander flat or the excess disk can cause a little trouble with the finish.

The drive belt is a toothed rubber belt, which will be 'thrown off' if there is too much resistance to rotation (pressing too hard, or sanding belt not correctly aligned and rubbing against the side).
To access this, it is not necessary to remove the sanding disc.
Remove the two allen bolts on the top which hold the disc belt assembly (NOT the one that clamps the belt drive disc). The whole assembly lifts off, giving access to the drive belt. It is a bit fiddly, but it can be hooked back on the pulleys and the bolts refitted. Good luck!

Skil 970. 9" Disc Super Duty Grinder type 1. Electric 110V. $45.
It's not a good sander.
More details about the best disc sander go to the link
Best Disc Sanders For Sanding In 2018

A waste of time to spend with this budget machine, unfortunately, be replaced is usually not make sense relative to the new value of the whole and in rapid succession, the following defects no spare parts to get for only a complete new head . thats fast about 50 % of the new price , NOT REPAIR is a good no the best advise in that case. if its not a FEIN supercut its not worth it to even do something to in that case it has only the name FEIN but its having very soft metals.

using the wrong paper for the machine
the sander pad should be like velcro surface to work with felt back pads

Hello, W/D here.
Most sanding disc types are available at the larger box hardware stores. They are (sometimes) generic or exact replacements.
I use the "Gator" brand on my B7D sander, and the discs work just fine.
Best regards, --W/D--

http://www.managemylife.com/mmh/owner_manuals/28586/CRAFTSMAN-Sander-L0803611?brand_name_search=repairing

auto zone sells a lens cleanig kit to do that

This info may help;

Features: DeWalt D26451K 5" Random Orbit Sander Kit

• 3.0 Amp motor operates at 12,000 opm providing ideal sanding speed for smooth finish
• Textured anti-slip top & body grip provides ultimate comfort and control during prolonged use
• Controlled Finishing System maintains pad speed and minimizes gouging during start up
• Dust-sealed switch prevents contamination
• Sealed 100 percent ball-bearing construction provides longer life
• High capacity dust bag with built in vacuum adapter provides maximum dust collection with or without vacuum
• Dual-plane counter-balanced fan reduces user fatigue
• Accepts 5", 8-hole hook & loop paper allows sanding discs to be switched back and forth quickly and easily
• The sanding discs mate to the sander plate similar to Velcro, and this particular sander uses a 5" disc with 8 holes in it. Can be purchased in Home Depot, Lowes, etc....

Hope this helps!

I'm not familiar with that particular model, but they are virtually all replaced the same way. There are a few screws through the pad into the base. Simply remove them and screw the new pad on. You'll see that it's quite simple once you get the new pad in your hands.
Just be careful not to strip the head of the screw: use the right size screwdriver tip.

I hope this information allows you to resolve this issue. If you need further assistance, please post back with a comment to this thread. If I've managed to answer your question or solve a problem, please take a moment to kindly rate this post....thanks!