Abrasive/wire brushes

Abrasive brushes for multiple purposes

Abrasive brushes are typically used for cleaning and polishing metal surfaces. It is important to follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use and safety, including selecting the correct disc size, construction, and material, and recommended operating speeds. Which sanding brush should you choose? It all depends on the type of task you are facing. You can read a little more about the advantages of the different sanding brushes below.

Rotating steel wire brushes

Rotary wire brushes are an abrasive tool that uses steel wires to remove material, clean or polish surfaces. They consist of a handle or shaft to which steel wires in brush form are attached. Rotating wire brushes are often used for surface preparation, and aggressive removal of rust, corrosion, paint, and primer. The circular shape is great for hard-to-reach areas including edges and corners. Wire brushes are usually arranged in a round or cylindrical shape and can be single-layer or multiple layers of steel wires that are twisted or wound together. Basically, it's just how the steel wires are tied or gathered together to form the structure of the brush. The choice between twisted and wound steel wires depends on the specific application and the desired grinding effect.

Steel brushes with twisted steel wires

They are made up of several steel wires that are twisted together to form the brush. This creates a more robust and durable brush. Twisted steel wires provide a more aggressive grinding effect and are suitable for jobs that require more material removal. This means you get higher grinding capacity and faster removal of material. The twisted construction provides a more rigid and durable brush that can withstand high loads and be used for more demanding applications.

Steel brushes with coiled steel wires

Wound wire means that a single wire is spirally wound around the shaft to form the brush. This creates a more flexible brush with a less aggressive grinding effect. This means that you get benefits such as a gentler grinding effect, which makes them suitable for tasks that require less material removal or more gentle treatment of surfaces. Wire brushes with coiled steel wires are easier to shape and get into difficult areas or complex shapes. The big difference is that there is less risk of damaging the surface, precisely because of the gentler grinding effect and flexibility, there is less risk of causing damage or scratches to the surface.

Scotch-Brite Roloc Bristle disc

The Scotch-Brite Roloc Bristle Disc is an abrasive disc designed to remove material, clean it, and give a light finish to surfaces. This sanding disc is made with synthetic material bristles attached to a round disc. The bristles are stiff and durable, which allows for the effective removal of rust, paint, and other coatings. A special advantage is the molded construction means that no loose threads fly off, as with conventional brushes. The sanding brush is user-friendly and can be easily mounted on a Roloc holder, which is a system for the quick replacement of sanding discs.

Remember safety precautions

It is important to use the rotary abrasive brushes correctly and with appropriate safety precautions. Steel brushes can generate sparks and throw off small steel fibers, so goggles and suitable protective clothing are always recommended. In addition, be aware that the use of wire brushes on certain materials can leave scratches or damage, so it is important to assess and test on a less visible part of the surface before using them on the entire area. If you have further questions about wire brushes, or Scotch-Brite washers or want more specific information, you can always contact us for further advice.