Abrasives

400+ products

Expected delivery: Wed, Nov 18

Abrasives for cutting, grinding, blending and finishing metal, wood and other materials. Welders, fabricators, body shops, millwrights and facility crews use them on angle grinders, die grinders, belt sanders and bench grinders. The range includes grinding and cut-off wheels, flap and fiber discs, sanding belts, sheets and pads and wire brushes and wheels.

How to choose abrasives

  • Match the tool. Wheel diameter and arbor size must match the grinder, and the wheel's maximum RPM must be equal to or higher than the tool's rated speed. Keep the guard in place.
  • Pick the grain for the metal. Aluminum oxide is the general-purpose grain for steel. Zirconia alumina and ceramic grains cut faster and last longer under heavy pressure and in stainless. Silicon carbide suits non-ferrous metals, stone and finishing.
  • Choose grit by the job. Coarse grits such as 24 to 40 remove stock and weld beads. Medium grits such as 60 to 80 blend. Fine grits of 120 and up prepare surfaces for paint or finish.
  • Keep stainless clean. Use abrasives labeled contaminant-free or iron-free, and stainless wire brushes, so you do not leave carbon steel particles that rust.
  • Use the right product for the cut. Thin cut-off wheels are for cutting, not side grinding. Use a flap disc or depressed center grinding wheel when you need to grind on the face.

Abrasives get used up fast in a busy shop. Many customers put discs, wheels and belts on vendor managed inventory so bins are refilled on a schedule, and bulk carton orders can be quoted through our quote request. For eye and face protection, see the safety range.

Common questions

What is the difference between a flap disc and a grinding wheel?

A grinding wheel is a bonded wheel that removes metal fast but leaves a rough finish. A flap disc grinds and blends in one step and leaves a smoother finish, with less gouging.

What grit flap disc should I use to blend welds?

Many fabricators start with a 40 or 60 grit flap disc to take down the bead, then move to 80 or 120 grit for blending before paint.

Can I use a cut-off wheel for grinding?

No. Thin cut-off wheels are made for cutting on the edge only. Side loading can break the wheel, so follow the marking on the wheel and the tool manufacturer's instructions.

Abrasives by type

Abrasives: page 8