ABRASIVE RODS 046 M

Keep your metalwork, firearms, and tools looking sharp and professional with the ABRASIVE RODS 046 M – Cratex 1/4" x 6" Medium Rubberized Abrasive Rods. These rubber-bonded silicon carbide polishing sticks are a go-to choice for gunsmiths, machinists, jewelers, and serious DIY enthusiasts who need precise, controlled material removal without harsh scratching or gouging. CRATEX+1

What Are ABRASIVE RODS 046 M?

ABRASIVE RODS 046 M are Cratex 046M round polishing sticks—medium-grit, flexible abrasive rods made from rubberized silicon carbide. Each rod measures 1/4" in diameter and 6" long, giving you a comfortable, easy-to-control format for detailed finishing and deburring work. Gesswein+2Warehouses Overstock+2

Unlike rigid stones, Cratex rods combine abrasive grain with a resilient rubber binder, allowing them to conform slightly to curves and contours while still cutting efficiently. That makes them ideal for smoothing and polishing surfaces where control and finesse matter.

Key Features & Benefits

• Medium Grit – Versatile “Do-It-All” Cut
  The 046 M rods use a medium grit composition, perfect for:

  • General-purpose polishing

  • Light to moderate stock removal

  • Smoothing tool marks before final finishing
    Medium (M) is color-coded dark brown in the Cratex system, giving you an easy visual reference in a mixed abrasive kit. Warehouses Overstock+2QTE North America+2

• Rubberized Silicon Carbide Construction
  Cratex sticks are made from rubber-bonded silicon carbide, providing:

  • Fast cutting action with controlled aggression

  • Longer life than many conventional abrasives

  • A smooth, almost “cushioned” feel that’s very forgiving on delicate workpieces Gesswein+1

• 1/4" Round x 6" Long – Easy to Shape & Control
  The 1/4" round profile and 6" length give you:

  • A comfortable hand-held size for manual work

  • Enough length to dress and shape the rod for specific profiles

  • A diameter that’s ideal for small radii, inside corners, and tight spaces Gesswein+2GoVets+2

• Use by Hand or in a Tool
  These abrasive rods are designed for manual or mechanical operation. You can:

  • Use them by hand like a small file or polishing stick

  • Mount them in tool holding fixtures, chucks, or cradles for light powered work, such as in a flex shaft or similar setup CRATEX+1

• Gentle but Effective Finishing
  Because of the rubber binding, Cratex rods are excellent for:

  • Breaking sharp edges

  • Smoothing high spots

  • Removing rust, heat marks, tarnish, and light stains from metal surfaces CRATEX+1

Ideal Applications

The ABRASIVE RODS 046 M are incredibly versatile and see use in many industries and hobbies:

Gunsmithing & Firearms Maintenance

• Polishing feed ramps and chambers

• Smoothing tool marks on slides and frames

• Cleaning up small burrs on receivers and internal parts

• Light deburring without rounding off critical edges

Metalworking & Machining

• Deburring freshly machined parts

• Blending and smoothing welds or tool paths

• Prepping surfaces before finer polishing or coating

• Edge breaking on precision components where control is critical GoVets

Automotive, Welding & Fabrication

• Cleaning and refining small brackets, tabs, and custom parts

• Removing discoloration, heat marks, and light corrosion

• Finishing tight corners in fabricated assemblies

Jewelry, Hobby & General Shop Use

• Polishing small metal pieces, fittings, and hardware

• Refining cast surfaces or stamped edges

• Touch-up work on knives, tools, and custom projects

If you work with metal and need a fine-control abrasive that won’t chatter or dig in like a hard stone, these rods earn a permanent place on your bench.

Why Choose ABRASIVE RODS 046 M (Cratex 046M)?

• Trusted Cratex Quality
  Cratex has long been recognized for its rubberized abrasive technology, offering predictable, repeatable performance for professional shops and serious hobbyists alike. CRATEX+1

• Excellent Balance of Cut & Finish
  Medium grit is the perfect “workhorse” texture—aggressive enough to clean and shape, yet fine enough to leave a smooth, easily refinished surface.

• Safer on Critical Surfaces
  The slight flexibility and cushioned feel of the rubber bond reduce the risk of deep scratches or accidental gouges, especially around tight radii, edges, and precision features.

• Compact, Economical, and Easy to Store
  At 6" long and 1/4" in diameter, these rods don’t take up much room—but they handle a surprising amount of work before they’re worn out.

Technical Specifications

• Product Name: ABRASIVE RODS 046 M

• Brand: Cratex

• Form: Round abrasive rod / stick

• Dimensions: 1/4" diameter x 6" length Gesswein+2GoVets+2

• Grit Type: Medium (M), rubberized silicon carbide

• Color Code: Dark Brown (Cratex medium) Warehouses Overstock+2QTE North America+2

• Bond Type: Rubber-bonded abrasive (rubberized)

• Use: Manual or mechanical (can be mounted in chucks, fixtures, or cradles) CRATEX+1

• Typical Materials: Steel, stainless, non-ferrous metals, and similar alloys

How to Get the Most from Your 046 M Abrasive Rods

1. Shape the Tip (If Needed)
   Dress the end of the rod on sandpaper or another abrasive to create a custom profile—flat, tapered, rounded, or chisel-shaped—depending on the surface you’re working.

2. Use Light Pressure
   Let the abrasive do the work. Moderate, even pressure provides cleaner results and extends the life of the rod.

3. Work Through a Progression (Optional)
   For high-finish applications, use 046 M (medium) first, then follow up with a fine or extra-fine Cratex stick to refine and brighten the surface.

4. Keep It Clean
   Occasionally brushing or wiping off loaded debris helps maintain cutting efficiency and keeps the rod performing consistently.

If you need a precision abrasive tool for polishing, deburring, and edge-breaking on metal components, ABRASIVE RODS 046 M (Cratex 046M medium round sticks) deliver reliability, control, and a professional finish in a compact, easy-to-use package.

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