Grinding wheels are abrasive attachments used to grind down steel, and they’re particularly handy whenever you’re working with roll cages, car frames, or stuck bolts, grinding down and smoothing out the parts. Grinding wheels come in a variety of different material types, sizes, and grinding grits, so you can get the right fit for your unique project. Whether you’re working on part removal, finishing off welds and smoothing their connections, or working towards a flawless finish, a grinding wheel can tackle a number of auto body and part work. We’ve rounded up some of the best grinding wheels for your garage work.
Best Grinding Wheel Reviews & Recommendations
Best Overall
S SATC 20 Pack Flap Discs Grit Grinding Wheel
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Best Value
DeWalt Grinding Wheel
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Best Premium
Workpro 20-Pack Flap Disc
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Best Industrial-Grade
Neiko Zirconia Flap Disc
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Best High-Density
Benchmark Abrasives Premium High Density Jumbo Zirconia Flap Disc
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How We Selected The Products
In order to choose the products we consider the best of the bunch, we took a look at the many different grinding wheels available online. We considered different features like the size and arbor (or compatibility with various grinders), the coarseness and grit choices available, and users’ comments on durability, longevity, and performance in real-life use cases. To find the best options, we looked for highly durable materials that could remain sharp and offer smooth results even after multiple uses for a flawless finish.
Our product selections, rankings, and awards for this story are based on research. While we haven’t conducted real-world testing on all of these products yet, we’ve looked at consumer testimonials and data, tutorials, and general discussions on social media and in forums. We also consider price and specification in the context of the segment. And, of course, we rely on our institutional knowledge of the automotive landscape to weed out weak products.
Buying Guide/What to Look For
Grit
Grit is a key detail to consider when you’re picking out grinding wheels because it determines just how fine or coarse your grinding wheel will be. Coarser wheels are better for tough material or hard-to-tackle jobs, like rust removal. Finer wheels are better for detail work or finishing, like achieving shine on metal components. If you aren’t sure what grit you’ll need most often, it’s a good idea to stick with a set of wheels in different grits. That way, you’ll get plenty of value and have a selection of different options on hand no matter what you’re working on.
Wheel Thickness
Next, you’ll want to take a look at the thickness of different grinding wheels. While thickness is important for fitting wheels onto your grinder, it’s also a good indicator of longevity. The thicker a grinding wheel is, the more surface area — or grinding surface — you’ll have at your disposal. And as you use your wheel to tackle different tasks, you won’t wear its grit or sharp cutting edges out as quickly.
Wheel Material
Along with the thickness of a grinding wheel, it’s also important to consider the wheel’s material. What exactly are you working with and how tough and capable is it? Different forms of zirconia are typically the toughest (and some of the most common) that you’ll find. However, grinding wheels can also include nylon, fiber, or fiberglass backing layers that help reduce vibrations and make your grinding work a bit smoother. Look for materials that offer a combination of durability and sharpness; the ability to maintain a sharp cutting edge is key.
FAQs
Q: What is a grinding wheel used for?
When you’re using a grinding wheel for automotive work, you’ll find it handy for tasks like removing rust or spots of corrosion, removing exterior paint, and smoothing welds between different pieces of metal or metal components. They can even be used to polish metals and exterior surfaces for a shiny finish.
Q: Are there different types of grinding wheels?
There are a variety of different grinders and grinding wheels available to choose from but when you’re talking about auto bodywork, an angle grinder is the most common tool you’ll use. Other grinding wheels are designed for different materials and applications.
Q: Are grinding wheels power tools?
Angle grinders are handheld power tools that you can work with pretty easily. You can find corded and cordless models that work with grinding wheels like those mentioned above.
Grinding wheels attach to angle grinders.