How to use abrasive wheels safely with angle grinder
Performing cutting and grinding discs with angle grinder in a correct way is really important.
It may cause fatal injury when perform cutting discs and grinding discs incorrectly, here are some cautions on how to use cut-off wheel and grinding wheel with angle grinder to avoid getting injured.
- Use the angle grinder with the correct guard supplied by the manufacturer.
- Fit the right sized disc that has a hole matching the spindle flange.
- Use the tightening tool supplied by the grinder manufacturer to tighten the disc. The use of another device (i.e. punch and hammer) can damage the disc and grinder.
- Hold the angle grinder with both hands ensuring the side handle is inserted on the side of the unit that gives the best grip for the work activity.
- Use a grinding disc for grinding. Grinding with a cutting disc damages the disc and increases the likelihood of the disc breaking during use.
- Ensure the maximum RPM disc speed marked on the disc is higher than the maximum speed of the angle grinder.
- Ensure damaged discs are thrown out and not re-used.
- Allow the grinder to run to speed before cutting or grinding.
- Use the correct spindle flange and lock nut for the disc and make sure these are fitted the way the angle grinder manufacturer shows in the instruction manual. The type of flange or fitting method may vary for cutting and grinding discs. If the incorrect flange and lock nut combination are used, the disc can be damaged and lead to premature failure.