Quick Change Discs

Benchmark Abrasive’s Ultimate Guide to Quick Change Discs

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on Quick Change Discs, also known as Roloc® Discs or type R discs. If you're searching for a versatile, compact, efficient, and time-saving solution for your sanding applications on both metal and wood surfaces, you’ve landed in the right place.

Explore our extensive range of Quick Change Discs today and elevate your sanding applications to new heights!

Quick Change Discs, What Are They?

Quick Change Discs, or Roloc® Discs, are small abrasive discs that are designed for use with die grinders and power sanders. They are named for their convenient quick-change attachment system, which allows users to switch out discs with ease, thereby increasing efficiency and productivity in various sanding and finishing tasks.

What Are the Benefits of Quick Change Discs?

• EFFICIENCY – The quick-change mechanism reduces downtime and enhances workflow, as operators can swap discs swiftly without the need for additional tools.
• VERSATILITY – Suitable for a wide range of materials, including both metal and wood.
• PRECISION – Ideal for detailed work due to their small size and precise control.  Get into tight corners with radius or 90 degree angels with ease.
• DURABILITY – High-quality abrasives that offer long-lasting performance.

Metalworking Applications

For metalworking, Quick Change Discs are indispensable. They are used for a variety of applications such as:

• Deburring: The act of removing sharp edges and excess material from cut or machined metal parts.
• Blending: Smoothly merging welds or surface imperfections together for seamless blended surfaces.  Our surface prep discs are amazing little blending tools.
• Surface Preparation: Preparing surfaces for follow on steps of painting, coating, and other finishing processes. 
• Rust Removal: Efficiently stripping away rust without damaging the underlying metal.  The stripping discs are the best for this application.

Woodworking Applications

In woodworking, Quick Change Discs provide exceptional versatility for:

• Surface Smoothing: Preparing wooden surfaces for staining, painting, or sealing.
• Detail Sanding: Perfect for reaching tight spots and intricate details.
• Edge Rounding: Softening sharp edges for a more polished look.
• Finishing Touches: Achieving a smooth, even finish on wooden projects.

What to Consider When Choosing the Right Quick Change Disc

When selecting quick change discs for your projects, consider the following factors:

Abrasive Material:

• Aluminum Oxide: Great for general-purpose sanding on both metal and wood.
• Zirconia: Ideal for aggressive stock removal and longer lifespan.
• Zirconia with Grinding Aid: All of the benefits of Zirconia grains with an added benefit of a no-load coating.  This zinc stearate coating keeps the discs from loading up making them great for use on nonferrous materials as well as ferrous metals.
• Ceramic: Provides superior cutting action on hard metals and heavy-duty applications. Best overall life or product and rate of material removal.
• Surface Conditioning: These discs are made with the highest quality non-woven, open nylon webbing, filled with premium abrasive grains (Equivalent to 3M™ Scotch-Brite™)
• Surface Prep: Made of a non-woven material impregnated with abrasive grains for blending, finishing, and removal of paint and rust. Blends and smooths coated abrasive scratch patterns.
• Stripping Disc: made of nylon impregnated with extra coarse Silicon Carbide abrasive grain, a highly flexible disc alternative to wire brush, hand scrapers, and abrasive discs. The tough open web makes this product non-loading and cool-working, no harm to the workpiece, even works in wet areas. It is also easy to clean with air.
• Felt: Felt material is the only quick change discs that does not contain any abrasive grains, they are intended to be used with our benchmark abrasives buffing compounds for all your buff and shine needs.

Grit Size:

Grit sizes are sorted out into three main categories, coarse medium and fine.  The lower the # the coarser the grit.

• Coarse (36-60 Grit): For removing heavy material and rough sanding.
• Medium (80-120 Grit): Perfect for intermediate sanding and blending.
• Fine (150-3000 Grit): For finishing and smoothing tasks.

Disc Type:

• Flat Quick Change Disc:  The Original quick change disc style, coated abrasive jumbo material punched to a 2” or 3” diameter with a type R backing (male threaded Roloc® attachment).
• Type 27 Flat Face Flap Disc: the mini flap disc, combining all of the benefits of the superior flap disc products with the small size and versatility of a quick change disc.
• Curved Fillet Weld Flap Disc: one of our newest additions, the fillet weld quick change disc features a curved edge flap discs to get into radius corners while maintaining their curvatures.

Choosing the Right Grit:

Quick Change discs come in various grit options, ranging from coarse to fine grits. Selecting the right grit for your sanding application is crucial for achieving the desired finish. Coarse grits are ideal for rapid material removal, while fine grits are best suited for finishing and polishing tasks.

• Coarse Grits: 40-60
• Medium/Coarse Grits: 80-100
• Medium Grits: 120-150
• Fine Grits: 180-220
• Very Fine Grits/Finishing: 240 and up

Tips for Using Quick Change Discs

1. Safety First.  Always wear appropriate safety gear, including eye protection, gloves, and hearing protection.
2. Consistent Pressure.  Apply even pressure to avoid gouging or uneven sanding results.
3. Right Angle.  Hold the disc at the correct angle (15-30 degrees) for the best results.
4. Maintain Your Tools.  Ensure that your die grinder or power sander is in good condition for optimal performance.

Quick Change Discs Available at Benchmark Abrasives

Tiny but Mighty!  Quick change discs are some of the smallest sanding discs offered by Benchmark Abrasives, coming in 2” and 3” quick change or “Roloc®” style.  These little guys are fantastic at getting into tight spaces and getting the work done.  Throw one on your die grinder or power drill and get in those hard-to-reach corners.  Our new curved options are great at maintaining a desired surface finish on radius corners.

• Sizes: 2” quick change, 3” quick change
• Grits: 24, 36, 40, 50, 60, 80, 100, 120, 150, 180, 220, 240, 320, 400 and Mixed grit packs. Coarse, Medium and Fine available in the surface conditioning discs.
• Shapes: Standard Quick Change Discs, T27 Flat Faced Flap Discs, Curved (for Fillet Welds) Flap Discs
• Grain Options: Aluminum Oxide, Zirconia, Ceramic, Zirconia with Grinding Aid, Nonwoven Surface Conditioning, Surface Prep Material, Paint & Rust Stripping Discs and Felt options for buffing.

Tool Compatibility: Die Grinders, Air Powered Tools, Corded and Battery Powered Hand Drills

***Backing Pads sold separately

Machine Brands that are compatible with Benchmark PSA Discs

• Black & Decker®
• Bosch®
• Ridgid®
• Ryobi®
• Porter Cable®
• Mirka®
• Festool®
• Cobalt®
• Dewalt®
• Milwaukee®
• Makita®
• Craftsman®
• Norton®

For more information, tips, and product recommendations, don’t hesitate to contact our expert team. Happy sanding!

FAQs

What's the difference between Type R, Type S, and Type P attachments?

Think of them as different plug types:

• Type R (Roloc®): A simple twist-on/twist-off system.
• Type S: Similar but with a threaded button.
• Type P (Turn-On): A push-and-twist mechanism.

Make sure your tool's interface matches the disc's attachment type.

Why is my disc wearing out faster than my patience on a Monday morning?

Could be a few things:

• Wrong Grit: Using a fine grit for heavy removal.
• Excessive Pressure: Let the disc do the work; pressing harder isn't always better.
• High Speed: Check the disc's RPM rating against your tool.

How should I store these discs?

Keep them in a cool, dry spot away from moisture and direct sunlight. Think of it as giving them a comfy home until they're ready to work.

What's the best way to avoid disc breakage?

Inspect before use, ensure proper attachment, and avoid side-loading the disc. And always, always use the guard—it's there for a reason.

How do I prevent the disc from clogging?

Use a disc with a load-resistant coating, especially when working with softer metals like aluminum.

What's the lifespan of a Quick Change Disc?

Depends on usage, material, and pressure applied. But if it's wearing out faster than your favorite pair of work gloves, something's off.

How tight should I secure the disc?

Snug, but not overly tight. Over-tightening can damage the disc or the tool's spindle.

Can I use a damaged disc if it's minor?

No. Even small cracks or tears can lead to disc failure and pose safety risks.