Angle grinder uses are a ton. These tools are some of the most unique and versatile power tools. They can be used to accomplish so many tasks. They are mainly used to cut, grind, polish, and clean metal. These tools can also be used to cut stones and masonry.
In this article, we will first talk about how to use angle grinders. angle grinders are extremely dangerous to use, if not used with care. Therefore, a big chunk of this article is dedicated to listing all the safety precautions to be aware of when using an angle grinder.
How to Use an Angle Grinder (Safely and Properly)If you just look up angle grinder accidents in Google Images, unfortunately, youll encounter plenty of horrifying images. Its worth mentioning again. Angle grinders are extremely dangerous tools if not used with care. Were going to give you a number of guidelines that will help you use an angle grinder safely and properly.
When the angle grinder is used to cut or grind material, sparks and shards are thrown at the user with speed. The shards are pretty sharp, and the sparks are extremely hot.
Furthermore, if kickback happens or the disc shatters for any reason, the user will need proper protection, including safety glasses, gloves, hard hats, masks, ear protection, safety boots, and proper work clothing that completely covers the user.
This is an obvious one, yet its something that happens to people. It sounds pretty easy to remember, yet still, people fail at it. Not remembering to keep the tool unplugged when changing the discs can lead to extremely dangerous and horrific accidents. On top of this, you want to keep the switches in the off position.
Before beginning any operation with an angle grinder, you want to check the tool for any damages. You need to inspect the tool for any damages, chips, or cracks on the different parts of the tool, especially the housing.
Furthermore, you need to check your discs to see if they are not damaged. If you see any visual clues on the discs that suggest the disc is damaged, you should break the disc in half to make anyone else who might use the disc aware that it is unusable. You also need to check the disc for the expiration date.
If a grinding wheel looks completely okay, you can do the ring test to ensure that the disc is not damaged. When a disc is hanging freely, you tap a wheel with a non-metallic item. If the wheel makes a ringing sound, it is undamaged and safe to use.
The next step in inspecting if the tool or the accessories are not damaged is to carefully give the grinder a test run to see if theres anything wrong.
Check the specs of your angle grinder and the accessory (disc) before installation. The maximum RPM rating of the accessory (disc) should be equal to or greater than the maximum RPM rating of the angle grinder.
Wholesale Angle Grinders : Power, Precision, and Quality in Bulk
If the speed of the disc is lower than the tool, you run the risk of the disc flying apart, and that is extremely dangerous and it can seriously injure you.
One other thing! You should check the size of the disc and match it with the size that the tool can accept according to the specs of the factory.
Install a wheel guard at all times. Wheel guards are designed to protect you from sparks or shards of metal. They also protect you in case the wheel flies apart. For most applications, one-sided guards are used. In the case of cutting discs, two-sided guards are used. So, you should check the type of disc or wheel.
Avoid using angle grinders in environments that pose a risk of slippage and tripping, and make sure there are no flammables in the area. Keep fire extinguishers in the area at all times. The sparks that generate during metal grinding operations are extremely hot. If they touch a flammable object, fire could start.
You should use the angle grinder with maximum control at all times. One hand should be on the tool, and the other should be on the side handle.
Do not ever hold the workpiece with your hands. You should use a vise or a clamp to hold the workpiece in a stable position.
Before making contact with the workpiece, make sure that the disc has reached maximum speed. This is to ensure that the disc doesnt grab and kick back. Additionally, when operating angle grinders, dont put too much force on the tool. Let the tool do its thing.
Only the edge of cut-off discs is used. The face of cut-off discs can never be used for grinding and polishing purposes. When using abrasive discs like grinding discs (wheel) and flap discs, the face of the disk is used. The top of the disc, the part with the label and the information related to the disc, is never used.
One way you can do this is to make sure that the direction of the discs rotation is away from you. One other way to do this is to place your body in such a position that if the tool leaves your hands, youre not in the direction of the trajectory. One last thing to note! You should check the instruction manual for your angle grinder.
What is an Angle Grinder Used for?Angle grinder uses are various. Cutting metal, grinding and polishing metal, cleaning metal, sharpening tools, cutting stone and masonry, and clearing mortar are some of the most important uses of angle grinders.
Cutting studs, bolts, and rebars are some of the most common uses for angle grinders. To cut metal with angle grinders, cut-off discs are used. Cut-off discs are used at a 90-degree angle. Only the edge of cut-off discs is used for any kind of cutting. The surface of cut-off discs can not be used for grinding.
One of the main functions of angle grinders, as apparent in the name of the tool itself, is grinding metals. These tools are used for grinding down bumps to give the metal a smoother profile. Welders frequently perform this task.
After welding jobs, angle grinders are used to make connections look smoother. One other instance of this particular application is deburring machined metal pieces. Depending on the type of wheel or disc used, you can also polish metals to make them look shinier.
Cleaning metals is among angle grinder uses. Cleaning metals involves removing paint, rust, or lacquer. Depending on the task at hand, you may use flap discs, wire wheels, or strip discs. Strip discs are usually made of plastic. When using strip discs to remove paint and rust, theres less chance of scratching the metal as strip discs are made of plastic. Make sure to always wear masks when using strip discs, as plastic particles scatter in your work area and are dangerous to breathe. One other option for doing these types of tasks is using flap discs with a higher grit.
Metal is not the only type of material that you can cut with an angle grinder. Cutting stone, tiles, and masonry is also one of the common uses for an angle grinder. For cutting these materials, you cant use a metal cutting disc. You need diamond cut-off discs for cutting stone, tiles, and masonry.
During demolition or renovation operations, angle grinders come in handy. They can be used to clear mortar or grout. Using angle grinders, you can also remove mortar and then remove and replace bricks. Another instance of clearing grout and mortar is after removing tiles. Angle grinders are perfect for this task, as they can be used to clear the mortar with precision and without damaging the underlayers of the wall or the floor.
FAQ
What are some mistakes to avoid when you use an angle grinder?
You should never use angle grinders with circular saw blades. Angle grinders are extremely dangerous. They can lead to horrific injuries if they are used with the wrong accessories or without paying attention to the safety precautions.
Can I use angle grinders to cut wood?
Well Yes, but professionals strongly advise against it. The first thing you need are special cutting wheels that are specially designed for wood, as cut-off discs that are used for metal and masonry are not suitable for wood. The second thing is that you need to be skilled at handling the angle grinder to cut wood. This is because wood has a different resistance compared to metal and stone.
Arturo
Angle grinders are one of the most versatile tools you can own. Any of the multiple angle grinder uses can be used from professionals to the everyday DIYer. This essential power tool is one that should have a dedicated space in everyones toolbox.
An angle grinder is a compact power tool that spins a disc or similar attachment at high speeds. You may have seen or heard of these tools under other names like disc grinder, right angle grinder, or side grinder.
Hengxuan Abrasive supply professional and honest service.
An angle grinder has a handle for one hand to provide tight control and will rotate a geared head with whatever type of disc is mounted. Your angle grinders usefulness will increase as you expand your collection of discs. For example, fitting a grinding wheel will allow you to tackle completely different jobs from cup brushes.
Angle grinder uses are just as plentiful as their variations in power source, size, and disc type. Thanks to the multiple types of discs, you can replace numerous other tools with just a few angle grinders.
The size of an angle grinder is most often measured based on the discs suitable for the tool. While the length of an angle grinders body, handle, potential cabling, and other components vary, the most important thing to consider is the disc size.
Unless you are looking for a particularly special model, most angle grinders will range from 4.5 inches (115 mm) up to 9 inches (230 mm). Common sizes in-between include 5 inches (125 mm), 6 inches (150 mm), and 7 inches (180 mm). The most commonly used size is the 4.5 angle grinder.
Every angle grinder will need a power source, and depending on the job(s) you have in mind, it might be easier to choose one over the others.
Cordless angle grinders offer much more portability at the cost of batteries, either rechargeable or replaceable. You will never have to worry about a cord getting in the way of your work, and transporting the tool will also be more practical. Many cordless grinders require you to buy separate batteries, making them more expensive to use in the long run.
Angle grinders with a cord are common but more limiting. While extension cables can alleviate the annoyance of needing an outlet or portable battery, that does mean investing a little more for your projects on the go.
Air-powered, or pneumatic, angle grinders work using a compressor to power the motor inside. While air-powered grinders are usually much more expensive than their cordless or corded counterparts, they can work in more conditions and exert plenty of power.
Pneumatic angle grinders also tend to last longer because heat builds up much more in traditionally-powered tools than air-powered ones. It is a balancing act of price and performance, as with most power tools.
If youre shopping around for your first angle grinder, these options should be considered depending on whether you care most about portability, power, or cost.
The power of your angle grinder will depend on the units motor. Many angle grinders boast considerably high rotations-per-minute functionality thanks to their high wattage. If you are purchasing in-person or online, you should be able to quickly find the watts indicated on the physical unit or online stores product page.
The higher the wattage, the more horsepower the motor can take advantage of, and the faster you can expect your tool to spin. That being said, faster is not always better. Before attaching anything to your grinder, make sure the minimum and maximum RPMs match.
Complex projects involving metal work are no problem for these grinders. Angle grinder uses with metal include simple grinding, cutting, and performing more delicate work like cleaning and polishing. The numerous angle grinder uses get to shine when combined with unique attachments.
Angle grinders used in metalwork often see iron and steel, but make sure to check with the manufacturer or supplier of your discs to see what metals you are okay to use for your project.
As the name implies, angle grinders are well-equipped to handle grinding all kinds of materials, metal included. Using a grinding wheel or abrasive flap disc will allow you to shape metal to your liking.
Multiple grinder discs can easily help you get the desired finish for your metal surface.
Angle grinders are powerful enough when equipped with the right cutting disc to make quick work of most bolts, rods, or pipes used in many industries.
Although angle grinders offer impressive power for their size, they are not advisable in larger-size cutting jobs. When used by professional welders, plumbers, or auto-shop workers, they often help in preparatory work or for precise adjustments.
Another thing you can use your grinder for is to clean metal surfaces. There are several abrasive products that you can use to help with this. Wire wheels and strip discs can remove visible blemishes and extra pieces of loose metal clinging to your work.
The high RPM on most angle grinders works perfectly for many cutting and grinding tasks while also buffing out metals to an ideal sheen. Equipping your angle grinder with a polishing disc will aid you in making short work of the final steps in any project.
The refining process of blending metal is much easier to handle thanks to products like surface conditioning discs. Its expected that imperfections like discoloration occur during welding, grinding, or similar processes. Tools like the angle grinder and the right preparation disc will allow you to manipulate metals of all kinds.
Most surface conditioning discs are made of an open web nylon mesh that also lets you work with water or solvents without damaging the disc.
Angle grinders equipped with a stripping wheel can make quick work of old paint and rust hanging on to various metals. Abrasive synthetic fibers target any loose particles and whip them away with the power of the angle grinders motor.
You can easily target similar hangers-on like glue, lacquer, bondo, and old solvents and adhesives used on the metal from past projects.
Not only can an angle grinder replace a host of tools that might be taking up too much space in your toolbox or garage, but they can also make sure that tools you dont replace can last a bit longer.
Yard work necessities like lawn mowers and weed trimmers with metal blades can get dull with continued use and become a pain to replace. Thanks to the relatively small size of angle grinder discs, you restore some of the former glory with abrasive products like flap discs and grinding wheels.
This iron oxide is an annoyance for all forms of metalworking operations. The non-uniform, poorly-adhering substance can form on steel in many hard-to-reach spots. You can use an angle grinder with a silicon carbide semi flex disc, nylon or metal wire brush, or strip disc to remove mill scale without needing to resort to using chemicals.
Machine processes while working with metal often result in little ridges or uneven spots called burrs. These bumps are the result of small errors with the machines used combined with the unique issues inside the metal.
If left alone, burrs can cause significant quality problems. Angle grinders are used by metalworkers every day to manually smooth out burrs with the right discs.
There are some ways you can take advantage of abrasive or sharp discs to cut through wood pulp and shape projects easily. There are even specialty discs and attachments for angle grinders that work with wood projects and surfaces. Some discs mimic the function of chainsaws or more precise shaping tools. These tools are very powerful when you put them up against wood surfaces, so its not recommended for delicate work.
If you want to start carving with larger-scale materials like full logs, using an angle grinder can help you skip past a lot of tedious labor. Thanks to the power and speed of the motors inside angle grinders, making big cuts and removing chunks of wood goes by quickly.
Shaping, carving, and sanding wood is possible thanks to different discs. Just like in metalwork, the use of an angle grinder lets you replace other tools commonly used in this type of work.
Using an angle grinder will let you leverage a lot more power when managing wood than a hand plane, and requires much less investment than a mechanical surface planer. While you still have to be careful when using an angler grinder not to shave too much too quickly, it can save you plenty of time.
One of the easiest applications of abrasive angle grinder attachments to both wood and metal projects comes from stripping metal and sanding wood. The cost-effectiveness of synthetic fiber brushes and abrasive sanding discs allows you to efficiently work towards the finish you want for both metal and wood surfaces.
By equipping your angle grinder with a nylon wire cup brush, you can prepare wood for the centuries-old process of heat-treating created in Japan. The Japanese wood-burning techniques are still used for the sake of longevity and aesthetic quality in cedar, pine, and others today.
Part of the Shou Sugi Ban wood burning technique includes removing char from planks that have had their surfaces burned. While material like sandpaper could also be employed for the same effect, taking a wire brush-equipped angle grinder will take significantly less time.
The versatility of angle grinders goes beyond just the realms of metal fabrication and woodworking. You can find them in high-end auto body shops as well as in the arsenal of most carpenters and plumbers. DIYers and professionals can replace tons of extra tools with just a few more discs, not only saving you time but money as well.
Making a knife and keeping it sharp are both possible with an angle grinder. With a limited budget or even high-quality materials, you can get to work on DIY knives with the versatile discs available for modern angle grinders.
Flap discs, grinding wheels, and cutoff discs are usually the commonly used knifemaking tools for newbie and experienced bladesmiths. More experienced knifemakers will use a belt sander to do most of the grinding and shaping of their blade, but an angle grinder is the perfect choice for novices looking to save some money in the beginning.
Thanks to the toughness and efficiency of most angle grinders, they see use in auto body shops frequently.
Removing Bondo, adhesives, and other sealants from vehicle parts could involve a chemical solution, but you can also grind through most of these with an angle grinder. This is often done with flap discs, grinding wheels, or paint stripping discs.
Cutting and shaping metal, especially when it comes to individual car parts, is easy enough for grinding and cutting discs to handle. Customizing parts becomes much simpler with a simple angle grinder around.
Next a welding machine, an angle grinder might be the most used tool by many welders. Vocational programs that focus on welding frequently use angle grinders to teach students proper metal prep and finishing techniques. Techniques like maintaining a specific angle with the meta, prepping surfaces for welds, and removing weld slag are everyday uses a welder might have for an angle grinder.
Another vocation that benefits heavily from the use of angle grinders is carpentry. However, as with any job or DIY project, a variety of tools is often called for. Of course, that will depend on the specifics of each job, and an angle grinder can save a ton of room in the toolbox.
Just like metal and wood, angle grinders cover a range of stone materials. Cutting through concrete, mortar, and other masonry materials can be straightforward with a masonry cutting wheel or similar disc.
Thanks to the durability of the masonry discs, blunt and heavy materials will face the full might of the high-rpm grinder without breaking or chipping.
An excellent use for a masonry cutting wheel also comes in cutting tile. After measurements have been made, the angler grinder can make short work of cutting out shapes from your materials and makes for much easier customization on the spot.
There are a lot of examples here for different things an angle grinder can be used for, but there is still so much more. They can be effective tools for woodwork, auto body work, metalwork, and in so many different industries. With the right attachments and discs, an angle grinder can be one of the essential and versatile assets in your kit.
The company is the world’s best angle grinder cutting discs supplier. We are your one-stop shop for all needs. Our staff are highly-specialized and will help you find the product you need.