How to Use an Angle Grinder?
The angle grinder is one of the most popular tools used by both professionals and DIY enthusiasts. Proper use of the angle grinder increases our safety as well as work comfort, so it’s important to keep in mind a few basic rules for using this tool.
Protective Clothing
An angle grinder is a tool that operates at very high speeds. Therefore, it is best to wear clothing that fits closely to the body to avoid accidental entanglement with the rotating disc. You might wonder about work gloves. Just like loose clothing, gloves can also get caught in the spinning disc, so they should be well-fitted to the operator’s hands. An essential piece of protective clothing when working with an angle grinder is safety goggles. Whether you’re removing rust, cutting metal elements, or grinding welds, you must always protect your eyes because any particle bouncing off the processed material can get into your eyes and permanently damage your vision. It’s also worth remembering hearing protection, especially during prolonged periods of work when exposed to noise.
Preparation for work
Each tool, including an angle grinder, should come with an instruction manual containing exact rules for use, storage, and maintenance. There, users will find general safety rules as well as individual recommendations for a specific model. While we encourage familiarizing oneself with the instruction manual, we’ll also highlight the most important principles here. Once we have our work clothing ready and are prepared to start working, it is wise to check if the tool itself is ready for use. We should inspect the individual parts of the tool for damage, for example, checking if the power cable is not broken (for corded grinders), whether the switch works properly, and whether the side handle and disc guard are securely attached. Next, you should properly install the grinding disc, cutting disc, or diamond drill bit, depending on the job you intend to do. When selecting accessories, it’s important to consider the mounting type, recommended diameters, and the rotational speed of the tool. Once you’ve chosen your accessory, inspect it for damage, such as cracks. Angle grinders usually have a spindle lock, which helps to mount accessories easily. Remember not to press this lock while the tool is running, as it may damage the equipment. Regarding the disc itself, it should mostly be covered by the guard, protecting the operator from potential contact with the disc and from debris and sparks.
Workplace and job completion
A properly designated workplace also enhances our safety. Ideal conditions may not always be achievable, such as on a construction site, but several aspects should always be considered. When working with a grinder, a lot of sparks are generated, so it’s advisable to look around and ensure there are no easily flammable objects nearby. It’s also best if there are no other people in the vicinity. After finishing the work, pay attention to whether the place where you set the tool down is dusty or wet. Both moisture and dust can damage the power tool. Regarding dust, remember that an angle grinder operates at high speeds, and after turning it off, the rotor keeps spinning for a moment. If we don’t wait until the tool stops completely and place it in a dusty area, the grinder may suck in dust.
An angle grinder is designed to work with various types of grinding discs. When grinding an element, it is best to hold the tool with both hands, gripping the body and side handle, slightly at an angle, applying gentle pressure on the disc to the surface.
Cutting
When cutting an element, the operator should hold the grinder so that the disc is perpendicular to the material being cut. Avoid excessive pressure and overly deep cuts, as this could overload the disc and cause it to jam, potentially resulting in kickback or disc breakage. If such a situation occurs and the disc gets stuck in the material, immediately turn off the grinder. Similar to grinding, it is best to hold the grinder with both hands. This gives better control of the tool during work.
Drilling Holes
An angle grinder also allows cutting holes in various tiles. For this task, a diamond drill bit with suitable mounting should be used. When making a hole in a tile, operate dry. It’s best to hold the grinder slightly angled, performing circular movements. This makes it easier to cut into the material and reduces the risk of the bit jamming.
During work, the operator should position themselves on the side of the disc guard, not on the side of the disc or bit. This increases their safety.
We invite you to visit our store: Śrubex Chorzów ul Nowa 117
