3M® - Hookit™ 255L 5" Very Fine Aluminum Oxide Non-Vacuum Hook-and-Loop Disc

3M™ Hookit™ hook-and-loop attachment works well by enabling easy re-use when switching between grades before the discs are worn out. The open coat feature provides a more aggressive cut than a comparable closed coat abrasive of the same grade, and the disc's load-resistant coating reduces clogging of the disc, making this a good choice for woodworking and other applications where loading hinders performance. Designed for use with a random orbital sander, this disc comes in a range of grades for fine sanding and finishing, and is resin-bonded for reliable performance under high heat and pressure.
They chose aluminum oxide abrasive, which is a popular choice among industrial professionals because of its fast cut-rate and long life. This mineral makes a tough, durable abrasive that self-fractures to expose fresh cutting edges, whereas traditional natural abrasives dull more quickly. Due to its fast cut-rate, hardness, and strength, it is widely used in grinding applications in addition to sanding and finishing applications.
Aluminum oxide is suitable for a wide variety of materials in both woodworking and metalworking, including ferrous alloys. Coated abrasive discs cut better and last longer when dust isn't clogging the cutting surface of the abrasives. Open coat construction means the abrasive grains are placed with space between them to help evacuate sanding dust and other debris to avoid clogging the cutting edge of the grains. The load-resistant coating also allows the disc to continue cutting even when sanding softwoods, paints, and other materials that would, otherwise, clog the disc and hinder sanding ability. Additionally, the open coat feature provides a more aggressive cut than a comparable closed coat abrasive of the same grade. All of this adds up to increased productivity and reduced material consumption.
Here at 3M they offer a complete line of hook-and-loop style Hookit discs for work spaces where adhesive backed discs may become contaminated by dust, dirt, or flying debris. They are often used in applications where a 3M™ Stikit™ disc may be too aggressive, as Hookit discs tend to leave finer finishes than adhesive backed discs. Hookit™ sanding discs conveniently and firmly attach to a hook-and-loop backup disc pad (sold separately) on a random orbital sander, can be removed cleanly and easily, and can be re-used again and again for the extent of the abrasive life.