Spindle mounted flap wheels on a 6mm shank, from 25mm to 80mm diameter, in 40, 60, 80 and 120 grit. Abracs, aluminium oxide on a flexible cloth backing. For deburring, blending and finishing metal in a drill or die grinder.
Flap wheels are not flap discs
The two names get used interchangeably, but they are different tools. A flap wheel is a cylinder on a shank that goes in a drill or die grinder chuck. A flap disc is a flat disc that bolts onto an angle grinder. If you need the angle grinder version, see our zirconium flap discs.
How they work
Abrasive flaps are arranged radially around a central hub, so the wheel flexes to follow the contour of the workpiece rather than flattening it. The flaps wear away as you work to expose fresh grit, which keeps the cut rate consistent from new to worn and avoids the glazing you get from a solid wheel. The steel shank runs right through the wheel for balance, which reduces vibration and makes the tool easier to hold steady.
Choosing a size
Diameter sets what you can reach, width sets how much you cover in a pass. The 25mm and 40mm wheels get into slots, recesses, bores and corners. The 50mm is the general-purpose size. The 60mm and 80mm have the wide face for panels, long runs of tube and larger surfaces, where a narrow wheel would leave visible bands in the finish.
Choosing a grit
40 (coarse) for stock removal and heavy rust or scale. 60 (medium) for general deburring and cleaning up. 80 for blending and pre-finish work. 120 (fine) for final finishing and satin surfaces. Working down through two or three grits gives a better finish than trying to get there with one.
Materials
Mild steel, stainless steel, aluminium, brass, bronze and hard plastics. Aluminium oxide suits softer and non-ferrous metals well, where a harder abrasive would dig in rather than blend.
Fitting and safety
All five sizes take a 6mm chuck. Clamp at least 15mm of the shank so the wheel runs true and the shank is properly supported. Never exceed the maximum speed marked on the wheel, keep the pressure light and let the abrasive do the work, and wear eye protection.
Also known as mounted flap wheels, shaft mounted flap wheels, rotary flap wheels, abrasive sanding wheels or flap wheels with shaft.
