Under the Microscope: Anatomy of a Scotch-Brite™ Flap Brush

Scotch-Brite™ Clean and Finish Flap Brush is a great brush for aesthetic finishing applications. Here's why. Brushes are infused with abrasive mineral to give uniform cut and finish throughout product life. The open, flexible flap construction is soft and pliable to produce uniform surface finishes without chatter marks. Flaps are secured to a fibre core and repeatedly lap the substrate's surface. As flaps lap the surface, they brush and finish areas that may have been passed over by more rigid abrasives — striking a balance between strength and finesse. Here's a list of applications this brush is commonly used for:

Cleaning and light deburring

Satin finishing on metal

Defuzzing wood prior to varnishing

Primer scuffing before final coat

These brushes are offered in a variety of minerals, grades and densities. Some brushes feature a Roloc™ or Roloc™+ system, which makes attachment to a die grinder swift and efficient and eliminates the need for attachment accessories and tools. The threaded shank can be twisted into the Roloc™ or Roloc+™ Holder mounted to the tool's collet or chuck. Non-Roloc brushes require use of a flange and locking nut for secure attachment to the tool.

This brush is offered in varying grades of silicon carbide and aluminum oxide mineral. Silicon carbide is a synthetic mineral that's very hard and sharp. It breaks down faster than aluminum oxide but delivers a finer finish. Conversely, aluminum oxide is very durable and lasts longer but finishes coarser than silicon carbide grade for grade. Project needs and requirements — be it aggressive removal or fine finish — will likely influence mineral choice. Independent of the mineral chosen, operators can rely on consistent results.

Benefits of Scotch-Brite™ Clean and Finish Flap Brushes

Overall, the unique construction of flap brushes minimizes chatter marks and streaks. Under normal use, flaps rotate centrifugally and make continuous contact with the workpiece. By lapping the surface, the flaps eliminate the residual traces or marks that tend to be left by singular discs or discs ganged on a shaft. Scotch-Brite™ Clean and Finish Flap Brushes are high-value brushes with good performance for a variety of applications in metalworking and woodworking — these versatile abrasives are a great addition to any workshop.