Wire Wheels and Small Battery Packs

Wire wheel size, arbor and wire style

A wire wheel is described by diameter, face width, bore or arbor size and wire type. A 6 inch wheel with a 5/8 inch bore is a common fit for a bench grinder, and a reducer ring, such as a 1/2 inch ring, adapts the bore to a smaller spindle. Check the bench grinder spindle diameter and the wheel's maximum RPM, which must be at or above the grinder's speed.

Crimped wire is wavy and flexible. It suits light cleaning, paint and rust removal, and it is gentler on the work. Knotted or twisted wire is stiffer and removes heavy scale and weld spatter, but also scratches more. Fine wire cleans delicate surfaces, coarse wire attacks heavy rust. Use stainless wire on stainless steel to avoid rust-causing contamination, and always wear eye protection.

Battery packs and other items listed here

A few listings in this category are not wire wheels at all, including small rechargeable battery packs and USB lighting items. For a battery pack, three figures matter: nominal voltage, such as 3.7 V, capacity in mAh, such as 6000, and the connector and size. Packs in this size are commonly lithium-ion or lithium polymer, which need a matching charger and protection circuit. Read the title for the device it fits.

Mixed listings call for extra checking. Confirm the product type, the polarity of any connector, and whether a charger or cable is included. Because the category groups unrelated items, read the title and specifications before assuming a listing fits your grinder or device, and match voltage or arbor size exactly. A mismatch in voltage or polarity can damage the device.

Questions about Wire Wheels and Small Battery Packs

What arbor size do wire wheels need?

Many bench grinders take a 5/8 inch bore, but 1/2, 3/4 and 1 inch spindles exist. Measure your grinder's spindle, then choose a wheel with that bore or one supplied with reducer rings. Also check that the wheel's maximum RPM matches or exceeds the grinder's speed.

Can I use a bench-grinder wire wheel on an angle grinder?

No. Bench wheels have a plain bore and are meant for a fixed spindle with guards. Angle grinder brushes have a threaded hub, usually M10, M14 or 5/8-11, and run at much higher speeds. Using the wrong type is dangerous; always use the guard the tool provides.

Crimped or knotted wire wheel?

Crimped wheels flex and suit light rust, paint and surface cleaning with less scratching. Knotted or twisted wheels are stiffer and suit heavy weld scale and deep rust, but they scratch and wear fast. Start with crimped and move to knotted only if it does not remove enough.