All About Angle Grinders

Do you want a tool that is not only powerful but versatile, too? Look no further than an angle grinder.

An angle grinder is a handheld power tool with a rotating disc. This tool is known for its high-speed rotation, making it ideal for cutting, grinding and polishing various materials. With interchangeable discs, you can use it on different types of surfaces, from metal to stone.

While angle grinders can be intimidating, with the right knowledge and safety precautions, they don’t have to be.

Choosing the Right Wheel or Disc

Selecting the right wheel or blade for your angle grinder depends on the material and type of project. Here are some common options:

Grinding Wheel: This wheel is great for smoothing metal surfaces and removing stock. It’s one of the more aggressive options, so use it when you need to remove material quickly.

Flap Disc: Flap discs are similar to grinding wheels but provide a smoother surface finish. This disc consists of overlapping abrasive flaps, which offer both grinding and finishing without having to change wheels, perfect for detailed work.

Cut-Off Wheel: Just as the name suggests, cut-off wheels are used for making cuts through metal bars, pipes and sheets. Cut-off wheels are great because they can be used to cut any metal and even materials like glass or stone. While cut-off wheels are powerful, they can leave behind a rough surface, so any piece cut will likely need to be smoothed.

Wire Wheels: Wire wheels can be used to remove rust, paint or corrosion and can also be used for polishing metal. They’re fast and effective at stock removal on irregular and hard-to-reach areas, making them ideal for cleaning weld seams.

Flap Wheel: Flap wheels are similar to flap discs, but flap wheels are designed to allow you to grind and finish hard-to-access areas such as the inside of pipes or tubes.

Safety First

While angle grinders are incredibly useful, they can be very dangerous, so it is important to take the proper safety precautions. Here are some essential safety guidelines to follow when using angle grinders:

Before you even get your angle grinder and wheels ready, first make sure you are protecting yourself. Ensure you have all the correct personal protective equipment (PPE).

Eyes: Always wear safety glasses and a full-face shield to protect from flying debris.

Ears: Angle grinders are loud, so use ear protection to prevent hearing damage.

Lungs: Cutting and grinding can release harmful particles. Wear an N95-rated respirator to protect your lungs.

Head: Tie back long hair to prevent it from getting caught in the spinning wheel. Also, be sure to wear a helmet or other headgear to prevent any injuries to your head.

Body: Avoid wearing loose clothing or clothing with strings that hang down. Additionally, flames and sparks from grinding can lead to burns, so be sure to wear spark-resistant clothing.

Hands: Wear gloves to protect your hands from sparks and cuts.

After making sure you have all the correct PPE you need to keep you safe, it’s important to check your surroundings before turning on your angle grinder.

First, make sure the floors are clean and be sure you are not standing in any oils or greases. Also, make sure you are on a level surface.

Be sure there are no loose cords, hoses or other tripping hazards in the work area. Additionally, make sure your area is properly lit so the workpiece is visible.

Next, check which direction the sparks will fly. Sparks usually fly in the direction of the wheel’s rotation, so position yourself to avoid contact.

The guard on an angle grinder is there to protect you from flying debris or shattered blades. Keep it in place at all times.

Make sure you’re using the correct blade for your material and task, and always check the wheel’s speed rating to ensure it matches your grinder’s RPM. Inspect wheels and discs for damage prior to use. Dispose damaged wheels and discs immediately.

Once you get familiar with the ins and outs of an angle grinder, you’ll see just how versatile and handy it is to have in your shop. If you are interested in angle grinders, reach out to your Kimball Midwest sales representative to learn more. If you don’t already have a rep, we can help you