Cleaning Discs

About Cleaning Discs

Cleaning discs are specialised abrasive accessories designed to remove rust, paint, coatings, adhesives and surface contaminants from metal, wood and other materials without aggressively damaging the underlying substrate. Available in polycarbide abrasive discs, fleece strip discs and silicon carbide fibre mesh varieties, these versatile attachments fit angle grinders to tackle demanding surface preparation tasks. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks trusted brands including Bosch Professional, Makita, Sealey, Draper and Faithfull, each offering different grades and constructions for specific applications.

Unlike traditional wire brushes or grinding wheels, cleaning discs provide controlled material removal with reduced risk of gouging. Polycarbide strip discs feature abrasive particles bonded throughout their structure for aggressive rust and paint removal, whilst fleece-based cleaning discs offer flexible, conforming surfaces ideal for irregular contours and gentler surface conditioning. The open mesh construction resists clogging, allowing debris to escape during use for extended disc life and cooler running temperatures.

Applications

Cleaning discs are essential tools across numerous trades and industries:

• Automotive technicians and body shop professionals – removing paint, rust and underseal from vehicle panels and chassis components
• Welders and metal fabricators – cleaning welds, removing mill scale and preparing metal surfaces for coating
• Maintenance engineers – stripping old paint and corrosion from machinery and structural steelwork
• Joiners and cabinet makers – removing old varnish, paint or adhesive residue from timber without damaging the grain
• Restoration specialists – carefully stripping multiple layers of paint from classic cars, furniture or architectural metalwork
• Building maintenance teams – removing graffiti, adhesive residue and surface contamination
• DIY enthusiasts – tackling home renovation projects requiring surface preparation

Choosing The Right Cleaning Discs

Disc Type: Polycarbide discs like those from Draper and Sealey work excellently on metal for heavy rust or paint removal but may be too aggressive for softwoods. Fleece discs from Bosch Professional or Faithfull offer greater versatility across metal, wood and composite materials with better control for delicate surfaces.

Grade Selection: Coarse discs remove material quickly but leave rougher finishes, ideal for heavy contamination. Fine grades provide gentler cleaning action suitable for final surface preparation. Medium grades offer balanced performance for general-purpose applications.

Tool Compatibility: Verify the centre bore diameter matches your angle grinder – typically 22.23mm for standard 115mm and 125mm grinders. Check maximum RPM ratings to ensure the disc is rated for your tool's speed. Using incorrectly rated discs presents serious safety hazards.

Application Requirements: For heavy rust removal, polycarbide discs provide aggressive cutting action. For gentler surface conditioning, fleece strip discs offer better control. The Makita silicon carbide fibre mesh construction resists loading when working with paint or coatings.

Safety Information

Always wear approved safety glasses or a full face shield, as debris can be ejected at high velocity. Use hearing protection and appropriate respiratory protection when removing paint, rust or coatings that may contain hazardous materials. Never exceed the maximum RPM rating printed on the disc. Ensure discs are correctly mounted and the angle grinder guard is properly fitted. Check discs for damage before use – discard any showing cracks or chips. Allow the tool to reach full speed before contacting the workpiece and never force the disc into the material.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between polycarbide and fleece cleaning discs?
Polycarbide discs feature hard abrasive particles bonded throughout a rigid structure, making them ideal for aggressive removal of rust and paint from metal. Fleece discs use non-woven synthetic fibres with embedded abrasives, offering a more flexible surface that works well on both metal and wood whilst providing better control and finer finishes. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks both types for different application requirements.

Can I use cleaning discs on wood as well as metal?
Yes, many cleaning discs work effectively on both materials. Fleece strip discs from brands like Bosch Professional and Faithfull are particularly versatile across wood and metal. Polycarbide discs can be used on hardwoods for paint stripping but may prove too aggressive for softwoods. Always test on an inconspicuous area first and use appropriate grades.

How do I know which size cleaning disc fits my angle grinder?
Match the disc diameter to your angle grinder size – typically 115mm discs for 115mm grinders and 125mm discs for 125mm grinders. Verify the centre bore diameter is compatible (usually 22.23mm for standard angle grinders). The maximum RPM rating on the disc must meet or exceed your grinder's operating speed for safe use.