What is an angle grinder? And what can you do with it?
An angle grinder is gaining popularity because of its ability to do a wide range of jobs. All you need to do is, pick the right attachment or disc as per the project requirement.
Let’s look at the more detailed discussion of angle grinders.
What is an Angle Grinder?
An angle grinder is a power tool consisting of a rotating disc and is efficient in grinding and polishing jobs. They have a cutting head located at an angle relative to the driver shaft, and because of this design, they received the name Angle Grinder.
It is powered by electricity and runs on petrol and an air compressor. Also, corded and cordless options are available.
When buying an angle grinder, you will find many models in the market. 4” – 4.5” grinders are commonly used by craftsmen. As a result, discs also available of this size angle grinders are also available in any hardware store.
You have to pick an angle grinder depending on the material to be cut. For example, if your project is to cut masonry, you should pick an angle grinder with a 5 – 7 AMP powerful motor.
Let’s move to the Uses section.
What Can You Do with an Angle Grinder?
An angle grinder is a common power tool used in construction and repair sites for many applications. Here we will discuss the 6 main applications of this device.
Sharpening and Grinding
This is the most common application of an angle grinder. Install a disc in your grinder; the tool is ready to accomplish cleaning or welding joint tasks. An angle grinder will deliver the best result in eliminating excess material tasks.
An angle grinder can also sharpen any even and flat surface, restore any edge, etc.
Be mindful that an angle grinder can create massive heat when you use it without taking any break on a surface and at the same place for a long time. To eliminate such a problem, ensure moving the angle grinder through the operation. Or you can use a wet sponge or cloth to drench the metal repeatedly.
Metal Cutting
Yes, an angle grinder can cut metal; you must use the right attachment. Cutting rods, bolts, or bars can be tiresome work with a hacksaw. In contrast, an angle grinder will give you faster cutting results than a hacksaw.
You can cut sheet metal effortlessly by installing a thin, rough cutting metal in an angle grinder. Workers use an angle grinder on the construction site to cut rebars to strengthen concrete.
Undoubtedly, these are heavy-duty tasks. An angle grinder With a powerful motor will deliver brilliant results when handling cutting steel or other likely materials.
Tile Cutting
Tile or concrete cutting is inevitable for any home improvement or renovation work. But without a dedicated tile saw, cutting tiles can be a painful job. The good news is with an angle grinder. You can comfortably do this job. Install a dry-cut diamond disc in it and start cutting tiles or concrete.
Keep one essential note: a professional tile saw is the most useful tool while cutting tiles or concrete following a straight line. But an angle grinder is the best power tool when the project is to replace the old tiles.
Masonry Cutting
An angle grinder is suitable for cutting tiles or concrete and can be used for masonry cutting.
All you need to do is, install a diamond cutting disc in the angle grinder head, and the tool will take all the responsibility in its shoulder to give you efficient masonry cutting results.
Mortar Removing
Are you worrying about which tool to use to remove old mortar from bricks? Without thinking twice, you can shake your hands to an angle grinder.
The great thing about using an angle grinder in this project is that the bricks will remain undamaged. Pick a diamond tuck-pointing disc; the disc thickness should be close to the mortar width. To remove old mortar entirely, you must run the grinding disc over the mortar multiple times.
Wearing safety gear like goggles and a face shield is mandatory in this task since it creates a lot of dust. Otherwise, serious injury may happen because of the flying dust.
Metal Cleaning and Polishing
A cup brush or wire wheel is an efficient and quick performer in removing rust. Although both attachments are manufactured for specific jobs, a cup brush is suitable for removing paint from even flat surfaces. In contrast, a wire disc is ideal for cleaning metal from hard-to-reach areas.
Install a buffing wheel in your angle grinder and work with it to polish metals like steel and aluminum. But use a grinding disc to remove burrs or deep marks from the metal surface before you start polishing the metal.
How To Use An Angle Grinder, a quick video tutorial by – Ace Hardware
Do I need to take any Safety Precautions While Working with an Angle Grinder?
The maximum rotating speed of an angle grinder is 10,000 – 11,000 RPM. Accident slip-off while handling an angle grinder can lead to severe injury.
- Wear hand gloves, goggles, face mask when working with an angle grinder.
- Avoid working with an angle grinder beside flammable material because an angle grinder creates sparks when cutting metal like steel or aluminum.
- Ensure safe storage when not in use; keep it away from kids.
- When changing the disc, unplug the grinder.
Last Words
Hopefully, you have already understood that an angle grinder is a versatile tool from the above discussion. To accomplish a wide range of tasks, you only need to replace the attachment or wheel.
One important note is always to pick an angle grinder that meets your project requirement.