This set is versatile and costs less than $2 per brush. Steel brushes have worked well for slag cleaning due to my extremely poor stick welding skills. Nylon brushes have been used for cleaning (mostly grouting between tiled floors) and are much better at the task than any sponge or old toothbrush. I've also used steel/brass brushes on a small restoration project on an old steel assembly and they really helped remove rust and residue after the piece was soaked in vinegar. All in all I would definitely recommend this set; The price for one set covers a growing list of uses!