# Computer mouse parts **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [October 27, 2013, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-mouse-parts/672377 "2013-10-27T15:46:01Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 7\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![cainxinth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/7bcc69/32.png) [@cainxinth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/cainxinth)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2013, 3:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-mouse-parts/672377/1 "2013-10-27T15:46:01Z")
The smooth plastic pads on the bottom of my computer mouse have worn away. I tried contacting the manufacturer but they haven’t been helpful. Anyone know where to buy replacements? ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2013, 4:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-mouse-parts/672377/2 "2013-10-27T16:20:40Z")
Either your mouse is really, really old or you mouse on a sidewalk. You can buy self-stick teflon sheets and cut some replacement pads. I’d forget about getting OEM ones… they probably never leave the Chinese factory where they are punched and stuck on the case. A replacement mouse might be a cheaper alternative, unless you’re really stuck on that model and can’t replace it. (I know the problem - I buy up wired Logitech thumb-balls for backup.) Or you could rummage for a used/broken mouse and steal the pads from it. ---
**Author:** ![beowulff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/beowulff/32/542_2.png) [@beowulff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/beowulff)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2013, 4:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-mouse-parts/672377/3 "2013-10-27T16:22:54Z")
[ebay](http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR11.TRC1.A0.Xmouse+feet&_nkw=mouse+feet&_sacat=0&_from=R40). ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2013, 4:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-mouse-parts/672377/4 "2013-10-27T16:36:03Z")
Well. I’ve sold everything on EBay from a used toilet to a current-model Mercedes, but… mouse feet just never occurred to me. Ew. ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2013, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-mouse-parts/672377/5 "2013-10-27T17:52:08Z")
Most probably the mouse works just as well without them. I have used PVC electric insulation tape sometimes but I did not bother to cut out the little round pads, I just put a layer or two of tape all across the underside of the mouse. ---
**Author:** ![Amateur\_Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/59ef9b/32.png) [@Amateur\_Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Amateur_Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2013, 7:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-mouse-parts/672377/6 "2013-10-27T19:03:46Z")
> [@sailor](#): > > Most probably the mouse works just as well without them. > > I have used PVC electric insulation tape sometimes but I did not bother to cut out the little round pads, I just put a layer or two of tape all across the underside of the mouse. It can make a difference with how smoothly the mouse moves, especially if it was designed to use the pads as its positioning elements. Some mice are smooth and just have them as a backup; others have bumps and ridges and stuff on the bottom and won’t track without the pads holding them smooth and slippery. Replacing them with something that doesn’t position the sensor the same height off the surface might interfere with tracking. ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [October 27, 2013, 7:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/computer-mouse-parts/672377/7 "2013-10-27T19:28:31Z")
I know. That’s why I have used PVC tape which slides well on the desk and which allows thickness adjustment by adding layers. The problem with PVC tape is that you need to replace it after some time because the sticky side just degrades and gets sticky to the mouse instead of sticking to the tape. Maybe better tape or better glue would work better but for me replacing the tape after a year o two is no problem.