By November 2025, Norton | Saint-Gobain will label grinding and cutting wheels featuring a specific organic bond material with a “Best If Used By” date. This date will be calculated as three years from the date of manufacturing and will be located directly on the wheel.
This action will help our wholesale and retail customers improve inventory management and meet critical customer satisfaction initiatives. This, in turn, helps us to assure the best quality and performance of our products in the marketplace.
This policy impacts a wide array of Norton Abrasives products, including all Type 27, Type 28, Type 29, Type 41, and Type 42 wheels. See more details in the FAQs below. The updated marking of the products will be phased in over time as inventories are naturally depleted and refreshed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between “expiration” and “best if used by” dates?
An “expiration” date is a definitive date past which a product cannot perform without serious risk. A “best if used by” date is a manufacturer’s guideline for getting the most optimum life and performance. If the product has been properly handled and stored, you may safely use a product after its “best if used by” date. However, you may experience faster degradation of the abrasive or a shorter than expected product life.
Where can I find the best used by date?
The date will be engraved on the wheel bushing or elsewhere on the wheel surface. It will be formatted as a 2-digit month + a 4-digit year (MM/YYYY).
What does the “type” of the wheel indicate?
“Type” refers to the ISO number assigned to a wheel. This number directly defines the shape of the wheel.
What Norton Abrasives wheel types are impacted by this new policy?
Type 27 – depressed center grinding wheels used for general-purpose rough grinding
Type 28 – saucer-depressed-center cutting wheel used for stock removal, beveling, and weld smoothing
Type 29 – flexible grinding wheel used for a combination of removing material and blending or finishing the surface
Type 41 – a disc-shaped wheel used for cutting by the periphery of the wheel
Type 42 – reinforced depressed-center cutting wheel used for a number of cutting applications, both general and specialized
How does time impact the quality of Norton products?
Norton maintains that our thin wheels and bonded cut-off wheels do not become obsolete by the mere passage of time. There are a number of factors that can negatively impact the performance of an abrasive. The chief consideration is whether the material has been properly handled and stored. If you detect any visible damage to a grinding or cutting wheel, DON’T USE IT. The result could be serious injury or even death for the operator.
Where can I find proper storage and handling requirements for my Norton Abrasives?
There are two primary sources for storage and handling guidelines:
ANSI Standard B7.1 titled “Safety Requirements for the Use, Care and Protection of Abrasive Wheels.” Strict adherence to the ANSI Standard at all times is required in order to maintain the integrity of an abrasive wheel.
SGA Storage and Handling Guidelines are part of the extensive safety data that Norton provides for its entire portfolio. You can find specific product information on our website.