Wire brushes remove rust, old paint, scale and welding slag from metal. The category holds over 50 brushes for angle grinders, drills and other power tools.
Makita, KWB and Brüder Mannesmann supply the most models, and you will also find Gedore and Wolfcraft products.
How to choose a wire brush
Fitting. An angle grinder needs a brush with a thread that matches the tool spindle (M14, for example). A drill or straight grinder takes a brush with a shank, so check that the shank diameter fits the chuck.
Shape. A cup brush clears large flat surfaces quickly, while a wheel brush reaches narrow spots and corners better. Small shank brushes are meant for detail work such as welds, holes and tight recesses.
Wire material. Steel wire suits rust and paint on ordinary steel. For stainless steel, choose a stainless steel brush so that no rusting particles are left on the surface. Brass wire is softer, which makes it a better match for more delicate surfaces.
Wire type. Twisted wire, gathered into knots, cuts more aggressively and suits thick rust or slag. Crimped wire is gentler and works for lighter dirt without damaging the base material.
Size and speed. The brush diameter has to fit your tool and its guard. The maximum speed printed on the brush must be at least as high as the tool speed, otherwise the wires can break off and fly out.
Brands in our range
- Makita: Japanese power tool maker known for its cordless range built around 18 V LXT batteries.
- KWB: maker of accessories for power and hand tools, aimed at home users and smaller repair jobs.
- Brüder Mannesmann: German hand tool and workshop equipment brand popular with DIY users.
- Gedore: German hand tool maker from Remscheid, whose products are often used in workshops and by professionals.
- Wolfcraft: German maker of accessories and workshop aids, mostly for the DIY market.
- Bosch and Einhell: Bosch is known for its blue professional and green home-user tool lines, while Einhell is known for its Power X-Change battery system.
- Dremel: maker of rotary multi-tools, so its brushes are suited to cleaning small details.
- Metabo: German manufacturer especially well known for angle grinders.
Also in our range: KS Tools, Hazet and C.K Tools.
Frequently asked questions
Which wire brush is best for removing rust?
For rust on steel, a steel wire brush is the usual choice. Twisted wire works better on thick, long-standing rust, while crimped wire is enough for a thin layer. A cup brush is convenient for flat areas and a wheel brush for narrow ones.
Can I clean stainless steel with a wire brush?
Yes, but only with a stainless steel brush. Ordinary steel wire can leave rusting particles on the surface, which later cause rust spots. It is also sensible to keep that brush for stainless steel only.
Can I use a wire brush with a drill?
Yes, if the brush has a shank that fits the drill chuck. Check the maximum speed printed on the brush before you start and do not exceed it. Wear safety glasses, because small pieces of wire can fly off during use.
What is the difference between twisted and crimped wire?
Twisted wire is gathered into stiff knots, so it cuts more aggressively and suits slag and thick rust. Crimped wire is more flexible and gentler, which makes it better for lighter dirt and for surfaces that are easier to damage.
