Abrasive rolls are several feet of materials for sanding applications packaged into a roll. These rolls can be either paper or cloth materials for hand sanding as well as machine sanding. Many companies sell standard lengths and widths of abrasive roll materials, but custom cuttings are also available.

Abrasive roll materials can apply to a sanding machine by an adhesive or hook and loop backing or by clipping into the machine. People often refer to large rolls as economy rolls and smaller quantities are shop rolls. Specific machines, such as drum sanders, use specialty roll abrasive products. When ordering abrasive rolls, consider the following:

1. Order abrasive cartridge rolls to avoid frequently changing abrasives.

2. Change grits quickly with hook and loop abrasive rolls.

3. Buy abrasive rolls in shop quantities for individual workers.

4. Purchase abrasive rolls for drum sanding machines.

Action Steps
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Purchase abrasive cartridge rolls

Abrasive cartridge rolls are industrial roll abrasive product that has been densely wound into cylinders. As the abrasive cartridge roll is used, the top layer wears away, exposing a new cutting surface. The industrial roll abrasive materials commonly used in cartridge rolls are aluminum oxide with resin, or a similar material, on a cloth backing.

I recommend: Find abrasive cartridge rolls at Abrasive Resource. The company stocks cartridge rolls that are ready to ship as well as specialty roll abrasives in various sizes and grits. Browse a large inventory of abrasive cartridge rolls at Rutland Tool & Supply Company. The rolls are available to purchase online.

Use industrial roll abrasives with hook and loop backings

Hook and loop abrasive rolls offer a convenient backing option on industrial roll abrasive products used for sanders and other power tools. Hook and loop, commonly known as the brand name Velcro, allows workers to quickly place the abrasive on the machine in one easy step. This backing option simplifies changing grits.

I recommend: Purchase hook and loop abrasive rolls at Keystone Abrasives. The abrasive roll manufacturer can cut any size roll from 1-inch wide to 54-inches wide at any length. KLINGSPOR Abrasives offers hook and loop abrasive rolls ideal for sheet sanders, board file sanders and sanding blocks.

Order abrasive roll materials in shop quantities

Abrasive shop rolls offer workers the convenience of cutting the length of abrasive materials as they need it. Shop quantities are smaller than economy rolls and can easily mount at each worker's station. Abrasive shop rolls are more versatile than pre-cut rolls.

I recommend: Order abrasive shop rolls from Grainger. The company's inventory includes sandpaper rolls and abrasive cloth rolls. Order abrasive shop rolls online at Enco.

Buy abrasive rolls for drum sanding machines

Drum sanding machines remove gummy residue and sand down floors. The abrasive rolls for drum machines must stand up to both commercial and residential applications. Hook and loop backings are a popular choice for drum sanding abrasive rolls.

I recommend: Order abrasive drum sanding rolls from Econ Abrasives. These rolls are an aluminum oxide grain coated with a resin over a resin bond. 3M offers abrasive drum sanding rolls ideal for commercial and residential jobs using a professional drum machine.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Abrasive rolls manufacturers measure lengths in both feet and yards. Be sure you are ordering the correct length. Three feet equals one yard.