Red Devil 0310 Steel Wool, 0000

What these pads are best at

Super-fine 0000 steel wool is one of those quiet heroes in a shop. I reach for these pads when I need to smooth a finish between coats, clean glass and chrome without scratching, or rub out a final sheen on wood. This particular batch of 0000 pads hits the right balance of cut, control, and durability. They’re gentle enough for delicate work, but still take care of stubborn smudges, overspray, and light oxidation when paired with the right lubricant.

Build, feel, and consistency

The pads arrive in a 16-pack, and the first thing I noticed is the consistency from pad to pad. Each one feels uniform—no errant coarse strands—and they tear down cleanly if I want a smaller bundle for detail work. The wool itself is dense without being overly stiff. That density matters: it allows the pad to conform to contours and moldings while keeping enough structure to stay effective after repeated use. Shedding is minimal for steel wool. You’ll still get a few whiskers on the bench (that’s the nature of the material), but these don’t disintegrate prematurely or leave handfuls of shrapnel behind.

Surface prep and finishing on wood

Between coats of varnish, lacquer, or oil-based polyurethane, these pads are excellent for knocking down dust nibs and small runs. I like to use a light touch and a drop of mineral spirits; the pad glides, dulls the gloss uniformly, and leaves a very smooth surface ready for the next coat. For a final rub-out on cured finishes, a mix of paste wax and gentle pressure brings a controlled satin-to-semi-gloss sheen that looks refined rather than plastic. On a recent maple side table, I used one pad for all intermediate scuffing and another with wax for the final polish. The result was even, with no witness marks or scratches telegraphing through.

A few cautions from practice:
- On water-based finishes, 0000 steel wool can sometimes leave faint gray streaks if you go too aggressively or introduce moisture. A gray synthetic pad is a safer choice there, but these pads still work if you keep things dry and light.
- Avoid using steel wool on open-grained, tannin-rich woods (like oak) in the presence of water; iron plus moisture can create black staining. Keep the process dry, or switch to a nonwoven synthetic if you’re uncertain.

Glass, metal, and chrome cleaning

If you’ve never used 0000 steel wool on glass, you’re in for a surprise. Used with a little dish soap or glass cleaner, it erases mineral deposits and paint specks without scratching clear glass. I used a single pad to bring a shower door back to clarity, working in small circles and rinsing as I went. The glass came out spotless and streak-free.

On metal, these pads shine (literally) when paired with a lubricant. A few drops of light oil or WD-40 will lift surface rust on hand tools, bicycle parts, and chrome trim. I cleaned oxidation off an old block plane and brightened pitted chrome on a faucet; the result was a clean surface with the original finish intact. For more serious rust or pitting, step up to a coarser abrasive first—0000 is for refinement, not heavy cutting.

Control in tight spots

The pads tear easily into smaller tufts and wrap nicely around dowels or the tip of a screwdriver, which makes them ideal for carvings, ogee profiles, and inside corners where sandpaper bunches up. I’ve also used them to clean precision tools: the wool conforms to knurling and threads without rounding edges. Because the material is flexible, it lets you approach fragile details with a light, precise touch.

Practical tips for best results

• Use lubrication: Mineral spirits, paste wax, a drop of oil, or soapy water reduce scratch risk and loading, and they keep steel fibers from flying.
• Wear gloves: Even fine-grade wool leaves residue on fingers and under nails. Thin nitrile gloves preserve tactile feel while keeping hands clean.
• Clean up with a magnet: A small magnet wrapped in a plastic bag picks up stray fibers in seconds. Peel off the bag to dispose.
• Keep away from moisture and electricity: Steel wool is conductive and flammable. Don’t use it near live circuits, and store it dry.
• Test first: On coated metals, mirrored glass, and thin stainless finishes, always test in an inconspicuous area to verify it won’t alter the sheen.

Durability and lifespan

Each pad lasts longer than you’d expect from ultra-fine wool. I can get several projects out of a single pad if I rotate clean faces and use lubricant. The wool compacts over time but doesn’t crumble into dust, and it keeps cutting predictably until it’s fully loaded with residue. For shop economy, I’ll often rip a pad into thirds and dedicate each piece to a specific task: one for wood finishes, one for glass, and one for metal. As long as I keep them dry, they don’t rust in storage. A resealable bag with a silica packet is a simple insurance policy.

Where these pads fit among alternatives

• Versus synthetic nonwoven pads (e.g., gray/white): Steel wool gives a slightly finer, more uniform scratch pattern at 0000, which is noticeable on high-gloss finishes and glass. Synthetic pads don’t shed and don’t react with tannins; they’re better around water-based coatings. I keep both on hand.
• Versus micro-abrasive sheets or micromesh: Those are great for dialing in exact grits and polishing plastics, but they’re pricier and less forgiving on edges. Steel wool is faster to grab for odd shapes and quick cleanups.
• Versus sanding sponges/paper: For flat surfaces and heavier leveling, paper wins. For profiles, nib removal, and rubbing out, 0000 steel wool is more tactile and less likely to cut through.

Limitations

These pads are not for heavy stripping or aggressive rust removal. If you ask 0000 to erase brush marks or level drips, you’ll waste time and risk burnishing unevenly. Start with a coarser abrasive and come back to 0000 for refinement. Also, on brushed stainless appliances, even 0000 can alter the grain if you go cross-direction; follow the factory grain gently or use a dedicated stainless polish. Finally, because it’s steel, stray fibers can rust and leave freckles if they remain on damp surfaces—wipe and vacuum thoroughly after use.

Value

With 16 pads in the bundle, the cost per pad is sensible, especially considering the lifespan. The consistency and low shedding put these a notch above bargain-bin wool. Because they tear cleanly, one pad can cover multiple small jobs, which stretches the value further. I’d prefer a resealable inner bag, but that’s an easy fix on my end.

Bottom line and recommendation

These 0000 steel wool pads have earned a permanent place in my finishing kit. They’re consistent, durable for their grade, and versatile across wood, glass, and metal. They excel at what 0000 is supposed to do: refine, smooth, and clean without changing the underlying surface. With a little lubricant and a light touch, they deliver professional-looking results with minimal fuss.

I recommend these pads for woodworkers, furniture refinishers, detail-oriented DIYers, and anyone looking to maintain glass and chrome. They’re not a replacement for heavier abrasives, and you should keep synthetics around for water-based finishes. But as a finishing and polishing staple, they’re reliable, predictable, and easy to use—exactly what I want from 0000 steel wool.