Fibreglass brushes

[nberrington]

I’ve noticed that not all fibreglass brush refills are created equal.

The latest ones I acquired seem very “scratchy”.

Are there grades of hardness or pliability on these things? I feel like there should be grades like micro mesh polishing pads…

[essdee]

I have had the opposite problem to Neil, as well - refills that are very'soft' and virtually ineffectual at removing solder blemish residues et al. Presumably the adhesive's properties are one factor?

Steve

[Daddyman]

I’ve noticed that not all fibreglass brush refills are created equal.

The latest ones I acquired seem very “scratchy”.

Are there grades of hardness or pliability on these things? I feel like there should be grades like micro mesh polishing pads…

You're lucky to get scratchy ones - I too often used to end up with soft ones as Steve says. I've since settled on Bergeon ones from ebay as they are nice and hard and do what I (and Steve) require. But if the ones you have are too hard for a particular job, just wind them out a bit further and tap them on a hard surface. That will make the brush softer.

EDIT: sorry, they're not Bergeon - they're the ones that call themselves "Glasradierer Ersatzpinsel". An ersatz pencil...

[Edward45]

Try soaking brushes in dilute water soluble gum, and of course allow to harden before use.

[John Bateson]

Glasradierer Ersatzpinsel
Thoroughly recommend even if more expensive than others on eBay, from Cousins Tools.
John

[Paul Townsend]

Glasradierer Ersatzpinsel
Thoroughly recommend even if more expensive than others on eBay, from Cousins Tools.
John

I searched for these on Cousins but not found

[John Bateson]

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/scratch-brush-refills-german

This should help

John

[Daddyman]

https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/scratch-brush-refills-german

This should help

John

What price do they come out at with VAT and postage, John? I'm paying £18 for 24 on ebay. Cousins look like they might be cheaper, but I can't find out the total price without buying them. Thanks.

[John Bateson]

The original link has changed overnight!
https://www.cousinsuk.com/product/scratch-brush-refills
Fibreglass Refills, German (Pack*24) - £10.95
My last postage was £2.50 Royal Mail Packet Post, now £2.99

25 in stock today now 23!

[Daddyman]

Many thanks!

[Ian G]

I normally soak mine in a PVA/water/washing up liquid mix for about 15 mins, then take out and left to dry upright

Ian G

[bobwallison]

I normally soak mine in a PVA/water/washing up liquid mix for about 15 mins, then take out and left to dry upright

Ian G

Ian - does that treatment reduce the number of splinters that are created, which then wedge themselves painfully in the skin? I vowed a while ago to avoid fibreglass brushes wherever possible, because of the splinters, but if that problem can be mitigated .....

Bob

[Ian G]

I normally soak mine in a PVA/water/washing up liquid mix for about 15 mins, then take out and left to dry upright

Ian G

Ian - does that treatment reduce the number of splinters that are created, which then wedge themselves painfully in the skin? I vowed a while ago to avoid fibreglass brushes wherever possible, because of the splinters, but if that problem can be mitigated .....

Bob

This method just leaves a fine dust and no splinters.

Ian G

[nberrington]

Hi Ian - what is the precise recipe? 50:50 and a drop?

[John Palmer]

Hi Ian - what is the precise recipe? 50:50 and a drop?

As one who heartily detests the irritation just one glass fibre spicule can cause, I too would be very pleased to hear what the mix is.