When choosing hand sanding tools, resilient, non-woven hand pads can be more versatile than traditional sandpaper and sanding sponges. They are becoming more popular for hand sanding a range of materials. These can be used for trade jobs, in the workshops or garages, and even at home.
What is a non-woven hand pad?
Non-wovens are different from traditional abrasive products like sandpaper and sponges. Abrasive non-woven pads consist of a web of nylon fibres, which are bonded together and saturated with abrasive grains.
Non-woven pads come in two types: abrasive and non-abrasive. The type you choose depends on your application and the results you want.
There are three options available in Norton, Norton Clipper and Oakey brands:
Stripping/Removal Pads
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| Norton Stripping Pads | Norton Clipper V. Fine Pads | Oakey Removal Pads |
Finishing Pads
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| Norton Finishing Pads | Norton Clipper Ultra Fine Pads | Oakey Finishing Pads |
Cleaning (Non-abrasive) Pads
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| Norton Cleaning Pads | Norton Clipper Cleaning Pads | Oakey Cleaning Pads |
Why use non-woven abrasive pads?
If you're looking to remove surface coatings and do some light deburring, or if you're into hand-finishing metal or wood projects, then you should consider using abrasive non-woven hand pads.
Here are some key benefits of using abrasive non-woven pads:
- Waterproof and can be used for wet or dry sanding
- Provides an even and consistent scratch pattern
- Long-lasting and washable
- Avoids clogging and loading due to its open structure
- Resists tearing, splitting or shedding
- Can be cut into any shape or size
- Ideal for getting into tight curves and grooves
- Will not rust and are non-conductive
- Will not tarnish surfaces
- Can be used in conjunction with chemical strippers
- Durable and flexible
- Safe and easy to use
Who are flexible hand pads for?
Here are some examples of different applications for using non-woven hand pads:
Non-woven hand pads are suitable for builders, tilers, carpenters, plumbers, kitchen fitters, or general tradespeople. They are ideal for various jobs and applications, such as pipework, carpentry, and general maintenance and repair.
They're also ideal for DIYres who want versatile products for jobs around the house or in the garden. Their reusability means they're a great alternative to sandpaper or steel wool and are long-lasting.
Woodworking
If you’re a woodworker by trade or looking to do some DIY at home, you could use:
Stripping/Removal pads: Use to remove paint and surface coatings from wood, and assist with restoration or upcycling projects.
Finishing pads: Use them to finish door and window frames, smooth stair spindles, blend paint, scuff varnish, and even help achieve an ideal surface key for applying further coats of paint or varnish.
Metalworking
If you’re working with metal as a professional or as a hobbyist, you could use:
Stripping/Removal pads: Use for light deburring, stripping flaked or rusted metal, or removing surface coatings and contaminants by hand, such as cleaning barbecue grills, rust from tools and paint from metal.
Finishing pads: To finish metal surfaces, including aluminium and aluminium coatings, before final polishing or applying final coats of paint, varnish or stain. Finishing pads can also be used in automotive repair, such as sanding metal, primed metal, or painted surfaces.
Pipework
As non-woven pads are non-metallic and won’t rust, many users, such as plumbers, use them for wet applications as an alternative to steel wool. They can be used to smooth rough edges on cut copper pipes and clean pipe exterior and interior surfaces. Also, but cutting or folding the pads, they can be used in tight spaces to remove corrosion.
Where can I use non-abrasive non-woven pads?
Cleaning Pads
The durable non-abrasive pads are very similar to the abrasive ones, as they are waterproof, conform to tight curves and narrow grooves, and are tear-resistant. However, non-abrasive non-woven pads do not have any abrasive grit applied to the woven fibres, so they do not scratch surfaces, making them essential for cleaning a wide range of materials in the home, garage, or workshop.
Non-abrasive/Cleaning pads are gentle yet sturdy enough to remove dirt and grime from glass, grout, tiles, PVC gutters, window frames and doors, taps and fittings, and even for highlighting wood. Trades people can also use these to remove excess residue or adhesive from surfaces during kitchen or bathroom installations. You can use these cleaning pads with a liquid detergent to make cleaning quicker and easier.
VIEW OUR RANGE OF NON-WOVEN PADS IN THE FOLLOWING BRANDS:
If you want more information on using non-woven pads to get the best result, get in touch.