Why Wire Wheels? - Metal Working Tools You Need!

In this video im going to run through wire wheels and share the different types and applications out there. Wire wheels are incredibly useful and I think many people don't realize there are many different choices to accomplish specific tasks in the shop.
Check out the links below to some of the products I used in this video. As an amazon affiliate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Single Twist Brush (1/4” Shank)
amzn.to/3zdOk2K
CS Knot Wire Cup Brush
amzn.to/3qGpODN
amzn.to/3qFUEMG
CS Crimped Wire Cup Brush
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6" CS Bench Mount Wire Wheel
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Brass Knot Wire Brush
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Brass Crimped Wire Wheel
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CS Power Knot Brush 4”
amzn.to/3qzROZL
SS Power Knot Brush 4.5”
amzn.to/31eISjR
SS Crimped Wire Brush
amzn.to/3eEO2bU
CS Crimped Brush 1/4” Shank
amzn.to/3Jwl2kD
CS Knot Wire Cup Brush 1/4” Shank
amzn.to/31gQ7ru
Versiflow Powered Respirator
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3m Flip Down Respirator
amzn.to/3eDlf7t
2297 Particulate Respirator:
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Milwaukee Variable Speed Grinder
Https://homedepot.sjv....
M18 Angle Grinder
Https://homedepot.sjv....
M12 Die Grinder
Https://homedepot.sjv....
Foredom Grinder:
amzn.to/3mL4Ty4
Check out the Lincoln Electric Power Mig 140MP, great for the home shop, Mig, TIG, and Stick in 1 machine!
→ bit.ly/MakeEver...
Thank you to Pferd abrasives for supporting my shop and my channel. For links to some of the grinding discs I use most see below:
Recently I got a few pairs of workboots from Ariat Workwear, and they might be the most comfortable shoes i've ever owned. Right now they are offering 10% off your first order by following the link below!
Save 10% off your first Ariat order - ariat.dkkdet.n...
My Favorites -
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As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
→ Flap disc:
amzn.to/2Myxozi
→ Inside corner disc (AMAZING):
amzn.to/2WoYM2q
→ Wire Wheel:
amzn.to/31k15rx
Thanks for watching! Be careful, know the limits of your skills and your tools! Don't try this stuff at home!
Like and Subscribe for more videos and check out our Instagram
/ makeeverythingshop
To help support Make Everything and this channel become a Patron:
/ makeeverything
For Make Everything T-shirts, hats and other products check out our website:
makeeverythings...
We teach classes in woodworking and welding here at the shop, if your interested see the current schedule here.
makeeverythings...
For PDFs of some of our project check out our profile on Instructables:
www.instructab...
Below are some links to tools I use in the shop on a daily basis.
Starbond CA Glue:
bit.ly/2H2eQmn
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
→ Bosch Miter Saw ( My Favorite miter saw)
amzn.to/2BeBulk
→ Sawstop Table Saw:
amzn.to/2DuAYVy
→ Wen Tabletop Metalcutting Bandsaw
amzn.to/2DrS7zf
→ Articulated Vise:
amzn.to/2FXKw9V
→ Bosch Portable Bandsaw ( 18V)
amzn.to/2mQdUq4
→ Porter Cable Restorer:
amzn.to/2BeWrfU
→ Lincoln 120V Welder ( good for a home shop)
amzn.to/2Dly6qV
→ The Camera I use:
amzn.to/2DqG325
→ The Tripod I use:
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[@bruceaux174]

The brass wheel on steel illustrates how a carbon steel wire brush contaminates aluminum.

[@MakeEverything]

Well damn, I made this whole video and never thought of it like that…

[@stefanitadio6236]

I'm a life-long maker (needlework and paper art) with zero application for 99% of the tools you use - but wow, I love learning from you! And your Handmade podcast with Derek & Paul is in my top 3, with Modern Maker Podcast & Making It. I could listen to all of you every day! Thanks for doing all you do.

[@nightcrawlerninja9737]

I know, right! Quilter, rooky woodworker, maker here. I seriously took notes, pausing the video, rewinding with captions so I didn't miss anything.Very informative, great presentation, speed and real knowledge of his subject. New subscriber here, for sure. Hubby shared video to me, so I better bake him a cake to say thank you.

[@kentrichardson9070]

I’m in my 60’s and have been a tradesman all my life in different mediums. I’ve forgotten alot and find channels like yours very helpful. Recently I’ve been welding and finding the best rust removal systems has been a chore. Some products weren’t around in the 70’s when I apprenticed so thanks for the well produced videos and super shout out for SAFTY tips.cheers

[@dwwoodbuilds]

Great video! Really appreciate you explaining the carbon vs stainless and the cross contamination that can occur! Also I didn’t know about the single twisted strand wheel. I could have used that sooooo many times! Definitely buying some. Really appreciate your tool videos, I always learn something to make my projects better and/or easier! Congrats on reaching 200K subscribers, its well deserved!

[@chrisgenovese8188]

this was way, WAY more informative than i had expected!

[@fitztastico]

A reminder written on your left hand and a bulky fingertip bandaid on the right. You might be my spirit animal 😉

[@InsiderCarpentry]

Good video. This carpenter learned a few things.

[@MakeEverything]

Thanks for watching Spencer!

[@gonzalezliu86]

That brass trick is a new one for me. Thanks for sharing.

[@karmudeen]

Bro great video as always, but I really want to thank you for the video that you did with the flashlight on the welding helmet . My welding abilities have improved dramatically.THANKS

[@billdouglas1721]

I restore and sell old, often rusty, tools, so your detailed explanation of some of the available accessories was very helpful for me. Thank you! My practice, after removing the bulk of the rust from an anvil, vise, sledge, whatever, is usually to turn to electrolysis to remove the rest. I've found rust removal by electrolysis very effective, not to mention avoiding the expense, time, and sweat I'd have to spend going after a rust monster with a grinder. Anyway, I'm a new subscriber who is thoroughly enjoying your very knowledgeable videos. Thank you!

[@CyrusAhmadiMoghadam]

Great tips. I can't emphasize how important it is to buy quality. I worked two semesters as a lab assistant teaching welding and I'd always encourage my students to buy a weiler 13131 wheel for cleaning slag. I found that a single weiler would outlast a 4 pack of harbor freight wheels for a few bucks cheaper and not throw nearly as many wires. I also recommend using a grinder with a paddle or trigger switch instead of a slide when possible. If something grabs and you panic its much quicker to turn off.

[@janeblogs324]

Good luck convincing anyone to use a side handle and a long body trigger grinder. I find I only need half speed for all wirewheeling, they last at least 4x longer too

[@CyrusAhmadiMoghadam]

@@janeblogs324 I guess it all depends what you're doing and how much risk you're willing to take. I was at a two year school where even our most experienced students are still fairly new so anything that makes it safer and easier for them is a big plus. Personally for repairs on heavily rusted large equipment with lots of caked on paint and grime I like my makita 9005b that won't stall even with me leaning on it. In the shop on everything else I tend to use die grinders and a much lighter touch. I don't have variable speed grinders, but I do find that pressure makes a huge difference in how long any wire or abrasive lasts.

[@havardzakariassen1878]

I'm a newbie on restoration and this was a real eye opener for me! Thanks for all the great tips an heads up for safety matters! I'm a follower for sure!! Have a good one! 😀👍

[@EdwardIglesias]

Congrats on 2K! Just finished using a wire wheel on an anvil and although I had good PPE I found the sparks could get around the sides of my safety glasses. Good tip on the face shield.

[@MadebyKourmoulis]

*200k

[@afandetti]

Excellent video and perfect timing, Chris! Now I can surprise Lucas by using his wire wheel without him having to teach me! 😉🙌🏻🙌🏻 you da best! Thank youuuuuu! 🙏🏼☺️

[@craigmonteforte1478]

Excellent Video i’ve need a Boater for over 40 years and i didn’t know about the Carbon contamination causing the Rust so Thanks i feel like i really learned something cool and more about one of my favorite Hobbies

[@bobwhelk2117]

Grinders with a paddle switch or foot switches are always more safe than an on and off toggle type switch. It’s hard to find off switch when it’s twisting up into something. Got suggestion from Scoutcrafter

[@GTL77]

Great video Chris! I use wire wheels all the time, but I’ve never seen the single point wire wheel thingy, I know there’s a few times I could of use something like that! Happy New Years

[@em0_tion]

Invaluable tips, thank you! 🙏😘

[@daleshifflett1175]

Thank you so much. I'm new at using an angle grinder and your instruction in what to use for different circumstances is very helpful. Thank You.

[@EngineerMikeF]

1. For most power tools or hand tools that have interchangeable bits, blades, brushes it's the quality of the bit, blade or brush that makes for quality work (& how sharp the bits or blades stay). The tool is secondary. 2. Great vid, overdue imo. 3. Congrats on 200k!!! Well deserved.

[@erikandersen4811]

Thank you for another helpful video man. Not many voices out there that talk about metal work. I greatly appreciate all the advice you share. 🙂

[@charliebecker9391]

Excellent video on wire brushes using Angle Grinders. I have 5 Angle Grinders, which allows me the luxury of using one with a Cutting Wheel, Another Grinding, and yet another for Wire Brushing. The 1/4 inch Right angle Grinder from Milwaukee is also extremely handy. Thank you for this video and Happy New Year.

[@jessihawkins9116]

harbor freight be sellin cheap angle grinders now so everyone should be havin that

[@jessihawkins9116]

i have two nice corded and a 20v and some cheap ones for lighter duty

[@Tom-hz9oc]

Great video! The brassing trick is great! I can see that in my real near future on a project that my wife gave me less than an hour ago!

[@bernardleighan3218]

Did this to some steel barrets I made, came out with an antiqued finish. Beautiful.

[@Tom-hz9oc]

@@bernardleighan3218 That’s kind of the look I was seeking. Thanks.

[@vince6829]

Great presentation. You are an amazing teacher. Thank you for sharing your knowledge.

[@rodmcintire7319]

My Dad was always about safety and about loose clothing and especially around machinery. One day on one of my own jobs, I was using a little 5"disc.sander, 120v type. And guess what? It grabbed my loose T-shirt so fast! If thats not bad enough, I couldn't get my finger off the trigger!! The natural tendency is to squeeze tighter!! That's where I've heard, If you're going to touch something hot uses the back side of your hand and not the front. The tendency is to grip it???? And don't get use to using that trigger hold button, another bad habit. Always a lot of good information, Thank you! Be safe!!!

[@robertwellner1247]

Great video informative.....thanks for the brassing demo.....def gonna use that !

[@lancefarmer8096]

Congratulations on 100,000 subs ! Liked this one . Have made some of your projects easy to follow your leadership. By far my favorite is my vise/striking Anvil stand use it daily. Keep them coming. Happy new year.

[@WYO-FAM]

Great video on wire wheels, I've been using different ones for years. Thanks for including the safety topic of them. A few years ago I had a wire that had to be surgically removed from my thigh because it came out of the cup. Have a great day.

[@jameslacy8331]

Ouch!!! I had no idea.

[@glencarolo2597]

Congratulations on 200k! Always enjoy your content.

[@NathanCEnyart]

I am trying to get more into welding type stuff. This video was very full of information I can really use. Thank you

[@JNC1973]

Yeah i bought one of those wire wheels for my angle grinder for the first time cause i wanted to use it to remove the paint from my mini bike frame and fenders and after about 15 minutes of use i started feeling like i was being stung by wasps lol. Had pull strands of metal wire out of my arms and pants legs. But they do remove the paint pretty decent just takes a while of doing small sections at a time. Gonna try the scotch brite pad next and see if that works any better.

[@Nsbsvwhwuiwbsv]

You're so special man Thanks for spreading the knowledge

[@contessa.adella]

Fantastic practical demo….thank you👍

[@MakeEverything]

Thank you for watching!

[@garagemonkeysan]

Great video always informative. Love brassing. Mahalo for sharing! 🙂🐒

[@coloringoutsidethelines9755]

Always love your content and really appreciate your in-depth explanations! Looking forward to the next year of vids- keep'm coming- and keep up the great work! Happy New Year!

[@MakeEverything]

I really appreciate that thank you for following along!!

[@theguire]

Nice work. Thanks for sharing your knowledge. I will probably watch this video four or five more times. I am working on a metal R.V. gate that is taking me forever, mostly because I don't know what I am doing and the angle grinder scares the crap out of me. I have a dozen or so wire wheels, cups, this and that. But I don't know how to use them.

[@Jeb2015yt]

Solid rundown . Thanks

[@oby-1607]

I learned something today. Great tips as I used to believe the only real way to remove corrosion was with a grinder and a grinder wheel. I need to get one of those Milwaukee variable speed grinders. Thanks for sharing and a nice way to finish out 2021.

[@billyblackie9417]

Excellent introduction to the wire wheels thank you

[@craigmonteforte1478]

that transferring the Brass was pretty awesome will the finishhold up to the Elements.

[@Batti2323]

I need to try the brass technique! Thanks for all the great videos!

[@kenspaceman3938]

Thank you for your very informative videos for newbies like me!👍

[@jamesbarisitz4794]

I'm going to add another bench grinder abrasive to your list that works great for final finish work on delicate items. Daisy nylon wheels. Available in larger sizes than Dremel wheels and can be stacked for a wider contact area. I keep a 1/2 inch stack of 320 grit 4inch diameter daisy wheels on a variable speed bench grinder for thin or sensitive pieces that need a gentle pre-polish before buffing. ✌ 😃

[@billlawrence9594]

I had a flat knot wheel on a 4-1/2” grinder grab Amy apron and wrapped itself in a split second and slammed into my fellas. Around 25 years ago but I’ll never forget it and it never happened again Making polished aluminum diamond plate for Binghamton Fire Department trying to clean the black soot off the welds inside the boxes.

[@thomastieffenbacherdocsava1549]

Second relevant video I've watched from you. Really like your shop. LOL! looks like mine. Full of stuff.! Just bought a new old truck and looking for easier ways to bring it back to life. Bought some knotted wire wheels and they work for my purposes. More information like this is very helpful. Murphy has been teaching me about brushes and softer vs. harder types. Love the brass infusion. does it improve rust resistance? Now subscribed. ( afterthought flap discs and flappers?)

[@sureshbailwad2439]

language is great no ascent which even an asian can follow thank u for your informative video happy x mass

[@BrewCityRider]

Good stuff...thanks for the vid. I noticed that you don't wear gloves even though you are very safety conscious. I know there are two schools of thought on wearing gloves while using a bench grinder or other type of grinder. Funny thing is there are expert and professionals on both sides of this.

[@bradleytuckwell4854]

Great content as always and thanks for that great advice I always learn heaps from this channel and congrats on getting up passed 200k

[@horatiobeaker]

Great comparison of wheels. Thanks for posting this content.

[@SchysCraftCo.]

Happy New Year. Here's to a great new year ahead for you an your channel. Great video today Chris. Very helpful and definitely information and helpful video. Keep up the great craftsmanship and hard work my friend. Keep making. God bless.

[@jimacheson4933]

I learned watching this. Thanks!

[@MiteshParmar]

Excellent video. Just the video I needed.

[@indianb1918]

Thank you so much for the wonderful explanation.

[@OhHeyTrevorFlowers]

Thanks for the info-dump and happy new year!

[@GMG455]

I noticed the milwaukee right angle die grinder really doesnt like prolong high speed usage with the wire wheels, my bearings and contacts are already going on mine because of it... dark shop wisdom tip is to throw a roloc back on it and lean into more than usual and re set the bearings... seems to work if you get it hot enough (do not try at home)

[@davesusek3330]

Great video thank you for sharing.

[@r.l.1891]

Hadn't seen that fan type before, still using the other styles, looks like it could be quite versatile...

[@kishorekrish5903]

Thank you so much for this video

[@jasonshaw56]

8:33. Been there done that! Wire wheel kicked back and grabbed my shirt and wound it’s way up to my face shredding my chest in the process. Not one of my finer moments.

[@foreveralone2539]

Hey I got a flat twisted wire brush cs and I’m using it on thick steel but I find it creates little pits in my welds and that will a crimped brush work better

[@randyb3347]

Great video! Do you find that brassing the steel prevents rust? Also, I would add to not be in a hurry. Baring down on your wheel to make it strip faster will only damage the wheel by bending the wire threads and shorten the life of your wire wheel. Hit it with some WD-40 after use to prevent rust.

[@elong70]

Nice, thanks for the brass trick, wonder what would happen with some of the black patina metal finish on top of that, maybe something cool…

[@davidpritchard9829]

Really great video. Exactly what I was looking for and a sensible speed of covering the information. In my specific application, I am wanting to clean up some particularly bad parts of a galvanised boat trailer that goes in the sea (salt water!). Have you any suggestions please? Keep up the excellent work. I've subscribed so I can browse and find some other interesting videos at my leisure.

[@bigbomb5904]

That explains why my one tool has little rust spots on it

[@MakeEverything]

Watch for cross contamination!!

[@TheSmithomatic]

Thanks Chris this was very informative!

[@jackgaskins4170]

Nice video on explaining wire wheels. I have am interested in teaching myself hobby welding. I want to attempt to make small metal "stuff" not art so much, just stuff like making airplanes from sparkplugs, those little metal statues made from old hand tools, wrench J hooks, things like that. I purchased a new Hobart 210 MVP welder which i need to learn how to use. Would you know of some videos or web sites for people showing how to make hobby welding items like i mentioned? Thanks a bunch.

[@AlexKost-tq6bj]

What would you recommend for cleaning up plated fasteners? Often you need to remove old dry loctite, gunk, or bits of rust but using a steel wire wheel would quickly strip all the remaining protective plating and cause it to rust super quick! I was thinking of using a soft brass (not brass coated steel) wire wheel on the bench grinder, but worried that it would still do damage to the plating? I guess one of the nylon wheels could work?

[@Terry-yo3gn]

Very informative. Thank you.

[@bryancunningham1095]

Great video, was wondering why so many steel wheels are plated with brass instead of being an alloy of brass to make it tough and durable, whats the purpose of the brass plating on the steel wire.

[@stovolbelinche3178]

first way i used a wire wheel was on a 9 and half inch 7000 rpm sears craftsman wich was a torque monster

[@robertlevine2152]

I enjoy watching your videos. I have a question about drill press chucks. I have a Delta 16 1/2 Floor Stand with a keyed Jacobs JT3 chuck. I'm thinking of going to a keyless chuck. Can you recommend a good chuck that wont break the bank? Albrecht chucks cost more than the drill press did. Jacobs chucks are now made in China. I've been leaning towards a Rohm chuck, but I'm still not sure. Also, should I consider changing to link belts? Happy New Year! Bob

[@MakeEverything]

Thanks for watching!! Check eBay for a chuck you can find great deals on albrecht and NOS Jacobs chucks. I’ve have great luck with the Chinese keyless chicks on amazon. Check your runout when you get it and if it’s no good, return it! Good luck!

[@OORAH659]

Hello, can I use the copper wheel on a steel saw or a screw drivers.... Thanks for the idea...OORAH!!

[@workdevice7808]

What tool are you using with the CS knot SINGLE TWIST? Also, what speed does it run at? Thanks for a great video.

[@saltyolbroad2962]

Hi! Good video. I'm new to the confusing world of angle grinders. What type of wire brush would one use to remove paint and rust from a detailed-but not excessively detailed-wrought iron porch columns? Thanks for the help!

[@nicholashays1246]

What I needed to know here. Thx

[@KowboyUSA]

Brassing is a great finish.

[@MSJONESBLOUNT]

I like those wire wheels they remove paint and rust I have one of those

[@danmangrum5489]

Just came across this video, first one I've seen from your channel. I learned a few things about wire wheels - thanks for that. You mentioned PPE as wires can fly. I do have a question though, why are you not wearing gloves?

[@MakeEverything]

Gloves are dangerous when using tools that spin like a wire wheel. They can get caught and be really hazardous. I usually don’t wear gloves when using something that could catch the gloves and mess up my hands. If I want to protect my hands from dust I’ll wear nitrile gloves to keep my hands clean, knowing they will just tear away if they get caught up.

[@danmangrum5489]

I always wear gloves when both hands are on the tool being used such as an angle grinder. If I'm using something like a drill press or bench grinder where one or no hands are on the tool, I don't wear gloves.

[@ChristopherSalisburySalz]

I like the tool tips but I would really like to see some build videos.

[@Alandale45]

Great video. Thank you.

[@jimmywilson1388]

I like that variable speed Milwaukee…🤤😵‍💫

[@dennisyurcik5961]

Great job as usual.

[@princedemiterios2488]

Perfect.

[@-robster-robster-]

im just about to buy a carbon steel twisted knot wire brush or 2 for my grindette, its just to prepare lower control arms for painting while i am replacing vehicles subframe , i dont think i will have access to a media blaster this time

[@georgefriegeljrmd5206]

what wire wheel or substitute is best for NO wires to fly off into your face or on the floor ??

[@johnd5039]

Great info and tips!!

[@DrAmro]

Thanx fot this great video really and appreciate your in-depth data, i've a situation here and i need your advice for a newbie like me i want to strip my old car paint to metal, it's my 1st project, so i've the time and i don't mind going slow, so i bought mini grinder with max rpm 3200 and intended to run these cups smoothly and nicely. what's your advice, could it do the job and what type of cups should i use or should i use 3M Scotch-Brite Clean & Strip XT Pro Disc for better finish and safer metal results. thank again man.

[@9Antonian]

Thank you for mentioning the PPE, aspect.

[@benmiller5015]

I feel attacked in regards to ppe lol. I had one time I didn't even know it happened but hours later I felt something on my arm, looked n there was a small piece of wire sticking out. I had a chuckle n started pulling it out to find there was about 1/2 inch of wire actually in my arm. But where'd you get that single knot brush? I tried googling it n couldn't find one

[@jeremyspecce]

There’s an amazon link in the video description.

[@laxminarayanaacharya659]

Good information. Thanks

[@robertsmithjr.5839]

I want to strip black paint off an aluminum truck tool box. I bought a used box and the guy that sold it to me had painted it. He painted it black and in FL it gets hot to touch!!! Anyway, I have the “twisted wire” cup brush and it was WAY to aggressive. What about the crimped wire style????

[@Austinificationify]

Great topic to cover! How do you like that cordless Milwaukee angle grinder? And is that a trenton anvil?

[@joegoglia7552]

thanks Great video and respirator is a excellent idea. Curious if brass wire wheel has advantages over steel wire wheel? Can you use the brass wire wheels on steel or cast iron?

[@teslamr7333]

I purchased these 1” knotted steel wire brushes for a drill. When I try to use it, it seems hard to control. Any ideas what I might be doing wrong?

[@peterford9369]

Hmmm, I'm rebuilding my Milwaukee sawsall and the moisture got under the rubber hand grip and the casing looks like crap. Maybe the brass brush will make it shine like new. Thanks.

[@markusmoses4019]

great vid thanks.

[@nathanielmasih4645]

I want to purchase the small grinder which is demonstrated in this video, where is it available

[@dboiR1]

Great video! What brand of wire wheels do you recommend? I just used some and the strands kept flying off.

[@harveysmith100]

very useful

[@Backtatt]

Very helpful thank you 🤙🏻