I ask because I want to get a couple of the knotted wire cup attachments to remove the paint and rust on sections of my undercarriage. Home Depot only had them in DeWalt 3". I have two angle grinders: a Makita and a Milwaukee. All the different brands in the store "appeared" to use the same mounting system i.e. a threaded shaft and some kind of nut to hold the attachment in place. But, before I shell out $14 a piece for these cups, I'd like to be sure that they'll fit one of my grinders. The guy there tonight didn't seem all that sure of the answer, so I came here where I know someone will be able to tell me http://forums.performanceyears.com/g...on_biggrin.gif

I ask because I want to get a couple of the knotted wire cup attachments to remove the paint and rust on sections of my undercarriage. Home Depot only had them in DeWalt 3". I have two angle grinders: a Makita and a Milwaukee. All the different brands in the store "appeared" to use the same mounting system i.e. a threaded shaft and some kind of nut to hold the attachment in place. But, before I shell out $14 a piece for these cups, I'd like to be sure that they'll fit one of my grinders. The guy there tonight didn't seem all that sure of the answer, so I came here where I know someone will be able to tell me http://forums.performanceyears.com/g...on_biggrin.gif

I'd personally would pick them up and carefully try and see if they fit one of your grinders. Check with home depot first about their return policy but i think they have a good policy in general.If they don't fit, return them with the original packaging and receipt but again ask about their policy first and keep the cup clean.

5/8"-11 thread is the standard, I believe. The Dewalt piece should fit the Milwaukee, if not the Makita. I'm pretty sure it'll fit either.

Yes they are pretty much all 5/8" arbor, as Brew said, but usually the wire-wheels, etc, will screw straight on, instead of using the nut that you use to hold grinding discs on. Ive tried many brands and "supposedly" different quality of wire wheels, cups, and they all wore out at about the same rate...whether it was a $15 DeWalt or a $3 "made in Taiwan"-brand. I grew tired of digging wire-pieces out of everything in my garage until I finally found a variable-speed grinder (the 2 I had were heavy-duty, but were single-speed), cuz they clean just as well at a MUCH slower speed and the wheels and cups last much longer. Also, at slower speeds the wire doesnt imbed itself into your skin quite as deeply. http://forums.performanceyears.com/g.../icon_wink.gif

Where did you get the cheap-o versions? HD only had the expensive type. I was wondering about whether these things screw on directly without using that nut, so thanks for mentioning that.

Too bad both my grinders are one speed. Guess I had better have some thick clothing and double-eye protection? How long do the cups last before they are useless? And finally, did you use the 3" or larger versions?

I got them at Harbor Freight, but if youre gonna use wire-anything, Id definitely look for a variable-speed...it makes a world of difference, and the one I found was pretty inexpensive if I remember correctly. A wire-wheel spinning at 10,000+ rpms, well, you get the picture lol. And youll DEFINITELY need more than just goggles, Id suggest a full face-shield and welding gloves. http://forums.performanceyears.com/g...icon_smile.gif

Harbor Freight also sells an inline plug in "Router Speed Controller" It's usually in the area of the grinders in the diplay case. About $25 and it will turn your non variable speed grinder(has to be a brush type motor, but most are) into a variable speed unit. I use it on my grinder and die grinder and you can run any speed you like, you just dial it in. Rick

A 5/8"-11 arbor thread is "standard" but there are a couple of metric sizes as well. Check what yours is before you buy the attachments.

Im seconding what CD said after having to pull wire bristles out of my arms and fingers. To use one without a full face shield is well into the "Im insane" range.

Well, that's kind of what I meant in my post when I said "double-eye protection" as in two layers i.e. glasses and a face shield. I'm not a fan of pain or vision impairment...

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Catalina Dave:
Well, that's kind of what I meant in my post when I said "double-eye protection" as in two layers i.e. glasses and a face shield. I'm not a fan of pain or vision impairment... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>


I had a little mishap with mine and ended up with wire in my fingers and leg. I wasn't wearing eye protection either!! I put the grinder down and went in to get my welding gloves, full face motorcycle helmet, and extra pair of pants after that.....I'll bet me neighbors thought I looked funny....

http://www.lowes.com/lowes/lkn?actio...8UL&lpage=none

^ Thats a good and very inexpensive grinder at Lowes that you should consider, Dave. Thats the one I found, and its the only one I use with anything "wire".

P.S. I just noticed it says 7/8" bore, but its a misprint...its also 5/8". http://forums.performanceyears.com/g...icon_smile.gif

I use the Dewalt cups also and I also have a Milwaukee grinder. Mine is a 4 1/2" angle grinder. The cups come in a 4" and 4 1/2". Be careful withthese they fly the metal bits around like crazy. Be sure to use eye protection. A better alternative and safer is from Eastwood, they sell 3m cups that are a green hard material not metal that works very well and does not dart pieces at you like the dewalts do.
As far as grinders go, Hilti makes the most powerful grinder in 4 1/2" it costs $240 at Home Depot and puts my Milwaukee to shame, less vibration and all power!

Hmm, I'll have to check my Eastwood catalog when I get home. Do you happen to know the part number or name of those 3M green cups? Sure sounds better than picking metal wire pieces out of everything.

CHECK OUT THEIR ONLINE CATALOG, MAYBE YOU WILL SEE IT IN THERE.

This what you are referring to:

http://eastwood.com/shopping/product...eyword=3m+disk

When one says, "A 4 inch angle grinder," what exactly is being measured. Clue me in on the basics, here.

JYD, that is, I believe, referring to the diameter of the grinding wheel/other disc attachments that can be used with that particualr machine.