Wire Wheels

About Wire Wheels

Wire wheels are essential rotary brushes designed to fit power drills, bench grinders, and angle grinders for effective surface preparation, cleaning, and finishing work. Available in various configurations including crimped wire, twisted knot, and cup styles, these versatile attachments tackle everything from paint and rust removal to weld cleaning and surface deburring. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks wire wheels from trusted brands including Sealey, Faithfull, Bosch Professional, and Draper, suitable for both professional tradespeople and demanding DIY applications.

Our range includes flat wire wheels for general surface work, cup brushes for reaching into corners and recesses, and heavy-duty twist knot wheels for aggressive material removal. Wire wheels are manufactured with steel, brassed steel, or brass wire bristles, each offering different levels of abrasiveness and corrosion resistance to suit specific materials and tasks.

Applications

Wire wheels are invaluable tools across numerous trades and industries:

• Welders and fabricators: Cleaning welds, removing slag, preparing metal surfaces, and descaling
• Automotive repair: Rust removal, paint stripping, engine component cleaning, and bodywork preparation
• Metalworkers: Deburring sharp edges, surface finishing, and oxide removal
• General maintenance: Cleaning tools, removing corrosion from equipment, and refurbishing metal fixtures
• Construction and restoration: Preparing steelwork, cleaning masonry anchors, and renovating ironwork
• DIY enthusiasts: Garden tool maintenance, furniture restoration, and general workshop tasks

Choosing The Right Wire Wheels

When selecting wire wheels from MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these key factors:

• Wire type: Steel wire for aggressive cleaning and heavy rust removal; brassed wire for reduced sparking and general purpose work; brass wire for softer metals like aluminium, copper, and brass to prevent surface damage
• Wire configuration: Crimped wire wheels provide lighter cleaning and surface finishing; twist knot designs deliver more aggressive cutting action for heavy-duty applications
• Wheel style: Flat wheels for large, open surfaces; cup brushes for corners and edges; end brushes for detailed work and hard-to-reach areas
• Arbor size and mounting: Ensure compatibility with your power tool's arbor diameter (typically 6mm for drills or specific grinder mountings)
• Maximum RPM rating: Always check the wheel's maximum safe operating speed matches or exceeds your tool's speed, particularly important for 240v bench grinders
• Wire diameter: Finer wires (0.2-0.3mm) for delicate work; thicker wires for robust cleaning applications

Safety Information

Wire wheels require proper safety precautions during use. Always wear appropriate PPE including safety goggles or face shield, gloves, and protective clothing, as wire bristles can break free during operation. Ensure the wire wheel's maximum RPM rating exceeds your tool's operating speed. Never use damaged wheels, and allow the tool to reach full speed before contact with the workpiece. Work in well-ventilated areas when removing paint or rust, and secure workpieces firmly to prevent movement.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between crimped and twist knot wire wheels?

Crimped wire wheels have wires that are waved or crimped, providing a lighter brushing action ideal for general cleaning, paint removal, and surface finishing. Twist knot wire wheels feature wires bundled and twisted together, creating a more aggressive cutting action suitable for heavy rust removal, weld cleaning, and demanding surface preparation tasks.

Can I use steel wire wheels on aluminium?

Steel wire wheels can contaminate aluminium surfaces and potentially cause corrosion. For aluminium, brass, copper, and other soft metals, always use brass wire wheels which clean effectively without leaving ferrous deposits or damaging the softer base material.

How do I know if a wire wheel fits my grinder or drill?

Check the arbor diameter specified for the wire wheel against your tool's spindle size. Most drill-mounted wheels use 6mm arbors with threaded mandrels, whilst bench grinder wheels typically fit 12.7mm, 16mm, or 20mm arbors. Always verify compatibility before purchase and never force incorrect sizes.