Industrial Insights

Which 3M Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pads, When?

Written by A&M Industrial Metalworking Team | Jun 19, 2023 5:42:14 PM

There’s a 3M Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pad for every finishing and metalworking application. With so many 3M Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pads available, how do you know the right hand pad to use for your application? Utilize the information in this article and corresponding A&M Industrial 3M Scotch-Brite Hand Pad Selection Chart to determine the right 3M Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pad to use, every time.

What Are 3M Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pads?

Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pads are a type of abrasive pad used for cleaning, finishing, and polishing surfaces. They are made from a non-woven synthetic fiber material that is coated with abrasive materials, such as aluminum oxide or silicon carbide. Scotch-Brite Hand Pads come in a variety of grades, from coarse to fine, and are color-coded for easy identification. They are commonly used in industrial settings, for metalworking, finishing and woodworking applications, rust and oxidation removal, but can also be used for household cleaning tasks. Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pads are known for their durability, flexibility, and ability to conform to irregular surfaces.

 

Less Aggressive Abrasives For A Finer Finish

Best for cleaning, surface prep applications and for ultra fine finishes:

Scotch-Brite™ Light Duty Cleansing Pad 7445

  • Very mild abrasive provides a thorough, but gentle cleaning
  • This versatile hand pad can be used in combination with a liquid detergent for a deeper clean
  • Performance similar to steel wool grade 0000
Scotch-Brite 7445 Hand Pads: A&M Item #166959

Scotch-Brite™ Clear Blend Scruff 7745

  • Used for prepping a surface for better adhesion of paint, stains and lacquers
  • Ideal for top coat rubbing to provide a smoother look and feel
  • Used for denibbing wood
  • Performance similar to steel wool grade 000

Scotch-Brite™ Ultra Fine Hand Pad 7448

  • Used for providing an ultra fine, consistent finish on a wide range of materials including wood, metals, plastics and aluminum
  • Performance similar to steel wool grade 00
Scotch-Brite 7448 60 Hand Pad Case With FREE Shipping: A&M Item #6153237

Moderately aggressive Abrasives For A Medium Finish

Best for general purpose use, with widest application range:

Scotch-Brite™ Durable Flex Hand Pad 64660

  • Used for cleaning, blending and providing an ultra fine, consistent finish on a wide range of materials where conformability is needed
  • Often used to prep primer for top coat
  • Requires less time to scruff a surface
  • Performance similar to steel wool grade 00

Scotch-Brite™ General Purpose Hand Pad 7447

  • Combines flexibility with effective cutting action and precise hand control
  • Very fine grade aluminum oxide abrasive cuts fast and fine, leaving a smooth, finished surface
  • Suitable for use on a wide variety of materials and for many different tasks

 Scotch-Brite 7447 60 Hand Pad Case With FREE SHIPPING: A&M Item #5678391

Scotch-Brite™ General Purpose Hand Pad 7447 PRO

  • Combines flexibility with effective cutting action and precise hand control
  • The tightly graded abrasive particles in this new pad provide a consistent, uniform scratch throughout life of the hand pad
  • Specially coated to minimize loading
  • Use for tough cleaning jobs or to produce fine finishing results, use after use

 Scotch-Brite 7447 Pro Hand Pads: A&M Item #4653016

Scotch-Brite™ Durable Flex Hand Pad 64659

  • Used for cleaning, blending and providing a very fine, consistent finish on a wide range of materials where conformability is needed
  • Often used to prep primer for top coat
  • Performance similar to steel wool grade 1

More Aggressive Abrasives For A Coarser Finish

Best for heavy duty use, for your most demanding applications:

Scotch-Brite™ Production Hand Pad 8447

  • High cut, used for paint prep, blending, scruffing and providing a coarser finish on a wide range of materials including aluminum, steel, plastics, wood and fiberglass
  • Performance similar to steel wool grade 2

Scotch-Brite™ Blending Hand Pad 7446

  • Designed for hand blending and finishing stainless steel
  • Coarse abrasive material blends surface scratches on many metal , wood and synthetic material surfaces
  • Performance similar to steel wool grade 3

Scotch-Brite 7446 Hand Pads: A&M Item #24497

Scotch-Brite™ Heavy Duty Hand Pad 7440

  • Most aggressive and durable heavy-duty hand pad available
  • Coarse abrasive material allows for quick stock removal
  • Removes contaminants and oxides quickly
  • Ideal for your most demanding cleaning and finishing applications
  • Performance similar to steel wool grade 4

Scotch-Brite 7440 Hand Pads: A&M Item #291522

Summary

3M Scotch-Brite™ offers a variety of hand pads, each designed for specific applications and materials, available in varying package quantities. For assistance selecting a hand pad, or to purchase one of the aforementioned hand pads that may not currently be available via our website, please contact the A&M Industrial Metalworking Team or give us a call!


Want a 3M Hand Pad Selection Chart?

Download our FREE, exclusive 3M Hand Pad Selection Chart and choose the right Scotch-Brite™ Hand Pad for your application, every time!