Kimball Midwest Blog | Grinding wheels

A Comprehensive Guide to Abrasive Types and Their Uses

September 11, 2025 | by Kimball Midwest

Choosing the right abrasive can mean the difference between a smooth, efficient job and wasted time, money and effort. With so many abrasive types available, each tailored to specific materials and applications, it’s important to understand their unique properties, intended uses and how they best perform. We’ve created this guide to break down the seven main abrasive categories at Kimball Midwest, compare their grains, highlight their best uses and provide examples of where they shine.

Tags: Abrasives, Cutting Tools, Solution, Quality Products, Best Tools for the Job, cut-off wheels, Grinding wheels, Flap Disc, Grinding Discs, Surface Conditioning, Surface Preparation, Specialty Abrasives, Debur, American Made, Abrasive Wheels, Abrasive Discs

New Abrasive Bundles You Just Have to Try

November 4, 2021 | by Kimball Midwest

In November and December, Kimball Midwest is offering some great bundles we think you should check out.

Tags: Abrasives, Grinding wheels, Flap Wheel, Flap Disc, Kim-Brite, Pneumatic Tools, Dark Fire, Crimson Fire

The Nitty Gritty on Grinding Wheels and Discs

May 31, 2019 | by Kimball Midwest

Grinding wheels and discs aggressively and quickly shape and remove metal and are ideal to use when the finish doesn’t matter. Common uses include smoothing weld beads, removing rust, grinding edges and rapidly removing stock. They are often used in fabrication, trailer/equipment repair and general maintenance.

Tags: Abrasives, Quality Products, Best Tools for the Job, Grinding wheels, Grinding Discs

When to Use a Flap Disc or Flap Wheel

May 24, 2019 | by Kimball Midwest

When most people think of abrasives, they probably think first about a standard grinding wheel or disc. So when does it make sense to change course and instead use a flap disc or flap wheel?

Tags: Abrasives, Quality Products, Grinding wheels, Flap Wheel, Flap Disc

Cut-Off and Grinding Wheels Made Simple

May 17, 2019 | by Kimball Midwest

As the name would suggest, cut-off wheels are made to cut things off. Be it a stubborn bolt, nail, separating a weld that is no longer needed, or simply needs to be separated and redone.

Tags: Abrasives, Quality Products, Best Tools for the Job, cut-off wheels, Grinding wheels

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