What grit is emery cloth?

Emery cloth is a versatile abrasive material widely used in metalworking, woodworking, and DIY projects, characterized by its coated emery mineral particles bonded to a sturdy cloth backing.

Emery cloth grit sizes follow standardized scales, with common ranges spanning from coarse to ultra-fine. Coarse grits (typically 40–80) are ideal for heavy material removal, such as stripping rust, deburring sharp metal edges, or shaping rough surfaces. Medium grits (100–180) strike a balance between cutting power and surface smoothness, suitable for sanding down welds or preparing surfaces for painting. Fine grits (220–320) are designed for finishing touches, like polishing metal parts to a subtle luster or smoothing small imperfections without leaving deep scratches.

Notably, emery cloth grit sizing may differ slightly from other abrasives like sandpaper, as emery grains are naturally angular and durable, making them more effective for metal applications. When selecting emery cloth, matching the grit size to the task ensures optimal efficiency—coarser grits for aggressive material removal, finer grits for precision finishing.

Emery cloth’s grit size is the key factor that dictates its use case, with a clear spectrum from coarse to fine to meet diverse abrasive needs.