TOOLTALK Wire Wheel Selection Guide Wire brushes can be very effective for cleaning, deburring, grinding, finishing, and cutting. Follow this guide to get the best results. Fill Material Steel Wire: This is the most durable power brush fill material. It is used for heavy-duty cleaning and metalworking applications. Stainless Steel Wire: Best when used for corrosionresistant or nonferrous metals like stainless or aluminum or when used in a wet environment. Nonferrous Wire: Brass, bronze, and aluminum will not generate a spark when in use. Not as durable or aggressive as carbon steel and stainless steel wire. Safety Factors Speed and Size: Match speed rating and size of wire brush or abrasive product to the tool. Every cutting, grinding, or finishing tool has a maximum RPM. Pressure: Applying appropriate pressure ensures you get the best performance. Excessive pressure increases heat and friction, which cause abrasives and wire to break down more quickly. Orientation: Using a consistent working angle of the tool when in contact with the workpiece will greatly enhance the products performance, efficiency, and life. Know When to Use Each Option Tool Right Angle Grinder Straight Grinder Die Grinder Hand Drill Bench Grinder Drill Press Wire Wheels X X X X Cup Brushes X Types of Wire Crimped Wire Brushes Used for many applications. Very conformable, with more flexibility for light-medium applications. These are less aggressive in general. Knot Wire Brushes Used for parts needing high-impact action, these are less flexible then crimped wire brushes but also more aggressive. There are a variety of knot types available. •Standard Twist: Flares at head to give a larger footprint and more flexibility. Sharp wire tips make it aggressive. •Hurricane Twist: Provides smoother operation but not as aggressive or efficient. •Cable Twist: Has sharp wire tips and a knot that is twisted all the way to the end. •Stringer Bead Twist: Thinner and tighter knots used for high-impact jobs. Used in tight areas, corners, and root-pass weld cleaning. Has sharp wire tips to make it aggressive. Trim Length Short: Stiff and aggressive Long: More comfortable, consistent finish Bevel Brushes X X End Brushes Conflex Brushes X X X X X X Looking for Metalworking Tools? Contact Fastenal at 844.365.8665 or cuttingtoolsupport@fastenal.com Go to fastenal.com/metalworking for previous Tool Talks WF_68400 JP 12/19
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