Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the measurements of an abrasive belt?

A: The dimensions are listed as follows, in inches: width by length (4” x 24”)

Q: I can’t find my desired belt size. Can ARC make custom sized belts?

A: Yes, we can make belts from 3/8” to 54” inches wide and any length above 9”

Q: What type of backing does ARC offer in belts?

A: We offer paper and cloth belts. The paper belts are an E or F weight paper, and the cloth comes in cotton, polycotton and polyester.

Q: What is the best backing for heavy stock removal?

A: The most common belts used for heavy stock removal use Y, YY or Z weight backings because the backing is thicker and can better withstand the heavy pressure.

Q: What is the most flexible cloth belt?

A: The most flexible cloth belt will be a cotton J-weight

Q: What belt materials backings are waterproof?

A: Polyester

Q: What are the two types of flap discs?

A: Type 27 and Type 29. Type 27 is flat, and type 29 has an angled face.

Q: When should I use a type 27?

A: Type 27 is best when grinding at a flatter angle 0° - 15°

Q: When should I use a type 29?

A: The type 29 should be used when grinding at a steeper angle 15°-25°. It has an angled face that allows the operator to hold the grinder at an angle and still get the most surface contact of the material to the metal. This will give the operator the maximum metal removal.

Q: Why would I use a flap disc instead of a resin fiber disc?

A: A flap disc would last longer, give a finer finish and be softer and more forgiving than a resin fiber disc.

Q: What is a high-density flap disc?

A: High Density means there are more flaps than standard flap discs. Roughly 15%-20% more. In most cases this will allow the disc to last longer. It will also be softer, more forgiving and give a little finer finish than a regular flap disc.

Q: How do I attach my resin fiber discs to my angle grinder?

A: These discs require a backing pad and locking nut. A spanner wrench is used to tighten and remove the disc. We also offer discs with a 5/8-11 hub that do not require a locking nut but will still be used with a backing pad.

Q: When should I use a resin fiber disc?

A: The most common uses for a resin fiber disc are weld removal, heavy stock removal, beveling, and slag removal.

Q: Can a resin fiber disc be used without a backing pad?

A: Although some customers have used them without a backing pad in certain applications, it is not recommended. Without a backing pad for support, the disc could rip and tear, causing a dangerous situation for the operator.

Q: How does a resin fiber disc compare to a grinding wheel or flap disc?

A: A resin fiber disc will remove metal faster than both a hard grinding wheel and flap disc. It is also less expensive but will not last as long as a grinding wheel or flap disc.

Q: My resin fiber discs are starting to curl. What causes this and what can I do to prevent it?

A: Excessive humidity may cause the fiber backing of a disc to absorb moisture and curl up (convex shape), called cupping. To prevent this, the discs should be stored at 35% to 50% relative humidity and at a temperature of 60 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (15 to 29 C).

Q: How is a Quick Lok disc attached to the grinder?

A: These discs are attached to a die grinder using a backing pad referred to as a “holder.” The button on the disc screws into the threads of the holder for a quick connection.

Q: What size of holder do I use with my Quick Lok discs?

A: Typically, the holder size is close to the size of the disc. For example, a 2-inch disc would take a 2-inch holder. However, some customers prefer a much smaller holder for more flexibility and access to hard-to-reach areas.

Q: What are the different button types on the ARC Quick Lok discs?

A: We sell two types: Type R (plastic male thread) and Type S (metal female thread).

Q: What are some typical applications for a Quick Lok disc?

A: These discs are used for small weld removal, removing weld spatter, deburring, surface prep, and finishing.

Q: What is a 2-ply Quick Lok?

A: 2-ply means there is an extra layer of backing laminated to the original material to give it more stiffness for maximum metal removal and grain retention on the edge of the material.

Q: What does PSA mean?

A: PSA stands for “Pressure Sensitive Adhesive,” the glue laminated on the back of the material to adhere to a backing pad.

Q: What type of tools are used with PSA discs?

A: Orbital sanders, die grinders, angle grinders, rotary sanders, stationary disc sanders.

Q: How do PSA discs attach to the tools?

A: For orbital, rotary, angle grinder, and die grinders, they use a rubber or vinyl backing pad. Stationary grinders attach the disc directly to the metal platen on the machine.

Q: What is a hook and loop disc?

A: A hook and loop disc is a disc with velour laminated on the back that is used with a velcro backing pad.

Q: What is a DA sander?

A: A DA sander is a dual-action sander that can be used in circular motion or in an orbit motion that makes random pattern of scratches.

Q: What if my disc is not sticking well to the backing pad or machine platen?

A: The first step is to make sure the backing pad is clean. Clean with acetone or denatured alcohol. Solvent based cleaners will clean the pad well but leave a residue that could damage the adhesive. Please make sure to clean the residue off with acetone or denatured alcohol.

Q: What are the common types of cut-off wheels?

A: Type 1 (flat) and Type 27 (depressed center).

Q: What are the dimensions listed for a cut-off wheel?

A: Dimensions are listed as diameter x thickness x arbor hole (4” x 1/16” x 3/8”).

Q: What are the dimensions listed for a Depressed Center Grinding Wheel?

A: Dimensions are listed as diameter x thickness x arbor hole (4 ½” x ¼” x 5/8-11).

Q: What cut off wheels can you recommend for aluminum?

A: PREDATOR Performance Coated cut off wheels are best suited for aluminum. Because they will resist loading the Performance Wheels will cut aluminum much faster than a non-Performance Coated wheel.

Q: What does RPM mean?

A: RPM stands for Revolutions Per Minute. Please make sure the RPM of the tool does not exceed the maximum RPM on the abrasive product.

Q: How should I store my abrasive products?

A: The backings and resins are sensitive to changes in temperature and humidity. To extend the material life the products should be stored at 60-80 degrees Fahrenheit and 35%-50% humidity.

Q: I am grinding on aluminum and it clogging up my discs and the discs aren’t lasting very long?

A:If you are using a closed coat (grain are close to each other) over an open coat (grain is more spread out) the spaces between the grains will tend to get clogged up faster thus reducing grinding performance of the discs. At ARC we have developed a product to reduce the loading called “Performance Coating”

Q: What are non-woven abrasives and how do they work?

A: Non-woven abrasives are built from fibers, needled through an open 3D web structure, embedded with grains. This creates springs that compress and expand, leading to better surface contouring and a less aggressive cut.

Q:When would I choose a non-woven product over a coated (regular sandpaper) product?

A: A non-woven material is less aggressive and more forgiving than the equivalent grit sandpaper product. This allows the part to be shaped and finished with less chance of gouging or disturbing tight tolerates. The 3D structure allows the non-woven material to remove random deep scratches without removing as much as the parent metal like you would with a coated abrasive. Non-Woven (Surface Conditioning) belts are also used for a brush finished that is popular on stainless steel appliances.

Q: What products are used to remove or clean an inside corner weld?

A: The most common products used for inside corner welds are file belts, cartridge rolls, square pads, cross pads and unitized wheels.

Q: What material should I use to stop the bluing of my stainless steel?

A: To reduce the heat of the grinding process you need to use a cooler cutting grain like ceramic or choose a material that has grinding aids. Also, your material / grain could be getting worn out which will increase friction and heat so it may be time to put a new abrasive product.

Q: What is your minimum order value?

A: $100 per order.

Q: Where is the product warehoused?

A: Troy, Ohio. Just 20 minutes north of Dayton, Ohio.

Q: Where is your product assembled?

A: We are a proud United States manufacturer.

Q: Where can I see pricing?

A: You must be an authorized ARC distributor to see pricing on the website.

Q: How do I become an authorized distributor?

A: Under LOGIN, select "Create a Company Account" or contact us at support@arcabrasives.com.