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Warning: Read expiry date for sanding disks

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2oolhound

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Dec 18, 2010
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something to check next time I see some on sale. Never thought of them being close dated like grocery products.

THX for the heads up.
 

MShaw

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York, Pa.
When I worked for New Britain Hand Tools we used a LOT of abrasive belts. The manufacturer kept them in a climate controlled warehouse and we would only accept a one week supply at our factory.
 

rlitman

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Abrasive belts have a limited lifetime. The adhesive connecting strip that forms the seam starts to fail over time. But otherwise, the abrasive seems to last indefinitely. I'll cut up old belts and re-use for scary sharp.
 

mbshop

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Welllll, something is not kosher. I checked all my varying discs and not one of them had anything remotely resembling a date. I think this needs to be further investigated.
 

dnschmidt

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Phoenix, AZ
I did too and the only ones that have a date on them are WALTER. 3M doesn't, Carborundum doesn't, Metabo doesn't and none of the off brand flap discs that I have do either. I have a hard time imagining what the hell could go bad on a flap disc or with a grinding wheel that's time related. On a grinding wheel they either have a ringing sound or they don't indicating a crack.They either put glue on the flaps or they didn't.
 
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mbshop

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visalia ca
Further investigation shows that this seems to be a british thing. Will check the stores next time I go out.
 

mbshop

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Walter is a canadian co. Thus british influence. Now sold world wide. I would imagine anyone selling to british influenced countries would have a date.
 
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dnschmidt

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Walter is from Deutschland not Canada. They and Pferd (pronouced Fert which stands for horse in German) are the two biggest players in this field in Germany.
 

Thumper68

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May 16, 2013
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Duluth MN
I'll try and remember to check my stash tomorrow. I know I have used grinding disks that are more then 10 years old and none of them have done anything.

He used a pin wrench to remove the nut, I rarely have to do that, push in the lock and give the disk a twist and it comes right off, just reverse to put the new one on.
 

Crawlin

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Sep 12, 2008
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NC
Checked a few of mine. My Dewalt cut offs had a date. Couldn't find anything on 3m flaps or cheap thick grinding discs I have. Small discs for my die grinder had no date unless it was painted on them and I had to decipher from the numbers on there.
 

lbhsbz

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Long Beach CA
The production date seems to be simply a method by which to track the batch should a problem be discovered and a recall needs to be issued...which is why it's stamped into the metal ring, rather than simply painted on...so it remains visible even if the paint is worn off. I have grinder stones for bench grinders, of very similar construction to the non-reinforced angle grinder stones that are probably 50 years old and they get used on a regular basis without catastrophic failure.

Abrasives don't expire I don't think. The adhesive used to tape the ends of belts together certainly do deteriorate over time, but I think that's about it.
 
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A

Autoguy

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Apr 4, 2009
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Riyadh/Saudi Arabia
Shelf Life
Bonded Grinding Wheels
(a) Vitrified bonded grinding wheels
It is generally known in the industry that under ideal storage conditions, a vitrified bonded grinding wheel has an almost infinite shelf life. However, the opportunity for damaging a wheel in storage increases with time and it is therefore recommended that stock be rotated to use the oldest wheels first. Any recommended shelf life provided by an individual manufacturer will supersede this recommendation.

(b) Organic bonded grinding wheels
Unlike vitrified bonded grinding wheels, some organic bonded wheels do have a limited shelf life. The opportunity for damaging a wheel in storage increases with time and it is therefore recommended that stock be rotated to use the oldest wheels first. Refer to manufacturer for specific recommendations. Any recommended shelf life provided by an individual manufacturer will supersede this recommendation.

Coated Abrasive Discs and Belts
Coated abrasive products stored under proper conditions should retain their efficiency, usefulness and remain safe for a reasonable period of time. A “reasonable” time is very difficult to define, but in all cases, the oldest product should be consumed first. Coated abrasive products may contain some organic materials and will degrade with time. It is recommended that coated abrasive belts and discs be consumed within 10 years from the date of manufacture. This recommendation assumes that coated abrasive products have been stored under ideal conditions. Information on ideal storage conditions is located in the safety guide included with each box of coated abrasive discs and belts sold.
It may be true that under ideal storage conditions coated abrasive products can survive without any degradation in strength for well over ten years. However, it is always wise to suspect any product over ten years old. If the coated abrasive products are stored under less than ideal conditions, they may have a much shorter shelf life depending upon the severity of storage conditions. Coated abrasive products that appear brittle, curled or damaged are suspect and must not be used. Inspect all belts (including the joints) prior to use. If the belt appears discolored, or the joint can be pulled apart, do not use it. Any suspect product must be destroyed to prevent accidental use.


Disks are cheap so it will not be a big issue if you buy them when you need them and never stock large quantities!
 

mbshop

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visalia ca
Yea, at this point I don't use my grinder much. I have one if each type of disc. Some are upgrades from cheap unknown discs that I tossed. I will just check them and use them carefully at this point.
 

dutchgray

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Sep 28, 2014
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Dorset. England.
This is definitely a thing here with cutting discs, I have seen brand new ones get thrown out because they were over the date on them, I assume its more Euro health and safety nonsense.
 

Ole Slewfoot

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Freedom, CA
I have never had a cutting disc last long enough for it to be an issue. I've used 20 year old grinding discs without issue. I dont use those much, flamp wheels get used a lot more, and the cheap ones from harbor freight shed their grit or come apart as fast as you can change them out. better ones always seem fine, even from estate sale hoarder lots.
 
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