Angle Cutter
An angle grinder is a multipurpose power tool that may be used for a wide range of tasks, including cutting iron tubing to replace a damaged valve, carving wood to make furniture, cutting tile for a backsplash, and cleaning grout from between tiles. Depending on the task at hand, a cutting disc or a disc with an abrasive edge may be switched out for another. A protective guard is installed between the disc and the handle for the sake of the user’s safety. Read on to learn more about the functions of an angle grinder and the features to look for when purchasing one. We researched the industry extensively and tested several products before settling on the following recommendations.
Tips for Buying and Using an Angle Grinder
Always remember these guidelines while shopping for or using an angle grinder.
Common home improvement tasks that call for an angle grinder include cutting tile or pipe, dealing with metal, and removing grout and mortar.
Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) is a condition that may develop from prolonged exposure to an angle grinder’s vibration and is characterised by numbness, tingling, and discomfort in the hands and fingers. Hands may be shielded from the angle grinder’s constant vibration if the grip is made of a cushioned material.
When grinding, it is imperative that you always wear the proper PPE, which includes safety goggles/glasses, ear plugs, and a dust mask.
Before using the grinder, double-check that the disc and the guard are securely fastened. Some discs and guards may get dislodged in usage. Be sure to snug them down before plugging in the angle grinder’s power source.
The Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder
If you’re seeking for the most effective cordless angle grinder, the Makita XAG04Z is a fantastic option to consider. The brushless motor and 18 V lithium-ion battery allow for a maximum speed of 8,500 RPM in this top-rated angle grinder. It plays both 4.5 and 5 inch discs with ease.
The XAG04Z was a pleasure to work with for us. In spite of its relatively low peak speed, it was able to keep up with even the most demanding cuts and grinds because to an adaptive motor system that sensed and responded to changes in load. The rubber over-molded grip and handle, together with the lock-on switch, significantly reduced vibration. The two-piece handguard was a bit of a pain to put together, and it would be great if the tool came with a battery and charger.
- Automatically adjusts speed and torque settings
- Slow start keeps the tool from jumping
- Lock-on switch
- Very little noticeable vibration
Grinder, Angle, Metabo HPT 4.5 in, 6.2 Amp,
When it comes to do-it-yourself jobs, not everyone has the money to always buy the most expensive tools available. Thus, this corded model from Metabo HPT may be worth considering for those who wish to save money without sacrificing quality. It has a motor that draws 6.2 amps and can reach speeds of up to 10,000 revolutions per minute while using 4.5-inch discs. While the Metabo HPT’s usefulness caught us off guard, we can now say that it is one of the best budget-friendly 4.5-inch angle grinders available. In my opinion, its portability and light weight made it a pleasure to hold. The power button is situated in a spot that’s easy to reach, which is especially helpful when you’re cutting. I was able to kick it on and leave it on thanks to the lock-on feature, which was a huge help for my project. The Metabo HPT’s 6.2-amp motor seemed like it might overheat after a full day of use, which is my only gripe with the tool.
- Lock-on switch for long use
- Lightweight angle grinder (only 4 pounds)
- The most compact of all the grinders tested
Saw/Grinder Combo Kit by DeWalt, 20V MAX XR Brushless
If you’re serious about your equipment, the DeWalt 20V Max XR Brushless Cut-Off/Grinder cordless angle grinder could be the best update you can make. This battery-operated version is part of the company’s 20-volt Max XR family, and it has a brushless motor capable of spinning discs as large as 4.5 inches at 9,000 revolutions per minute. This DeWalt model lived up to my expectations, impressing me with its mobility and power. The cordless design made quick work of cutting and grinding. Both the grip and the handle are made of thick rubber, which reduces hand and wrist strain and vibration. It’s great to have extra safety measures like: The disc was stopped by the electronic brake in under 2 seconds (whereas other versions may take up to 10 seconds), and the presence of a kickback brake inspired confidence even before it was used.
- Safety includes two-stage trigger, electronic brake, and kickback brake
- Excellent ergonomics and anti-vibration
- Plenty of power
Porter-Cable 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder (PC750AG)
If you’re looking for a high-quality, reliable corded angle grinder, go no further than this Porter-Cable choice. This device has a powerful 7.5-amp motor that can spin a 4.5-inch disc at up to 10,000 rpm, making it ideal for use in a workshop. My Porter-Cable grinder belonged in the workshop after it handled cuts and grinds so expertly for my metalworking project. It may not have the greatest power of the things we’ve listed, but it comes close. It’s also unique among grinders in that it has a conventional trigger switch, which I found to be both simpler and more natural to use than the switches on other models. The connection of the handle to the top of the tool was another feature that impressed me. Although it can withstand continuous usage for a whole day, the user’s hands and wrists may weary since the vibration control isn’t top-notch.
- Top-mounted handle position
- Comfortable trigger switch
- The 7.5-amp motor has plenty of power
Black & Decker Angle Grinder Tool, 4-1/2-Inch
Black & Decker’s Angle Grinder Tool might be a good option if you’re looking for an angle grinder for wood carving, sanding, grout removal, and other light-duty tasks. This low-priced model can reach speeds of up to 10,000 RPM with its 6-amp motor and works with 4.5-inch grinding and cutting wheels. This model from Black & Decker is aimed for the do-it-yourself crowd, and it performs well in those roles. The lock-on trigger on this model keeps it simple to operate even though it’s so inexpensive. Cuts and grinds at odd angles are only two examples of the many uses for the handle’s three mounting positions. Because of its low-powered 6-amp motor, a Black & Decker isn’t suitable for use on major metalworking projects or other demanding tasks for very long.
- Plenty of capability for the price
- Three-position handle, including top-mount
- Trigger locks into position
Tools 4-1/2-Inch DeWalt Angle Grinder (DWE402)
The DeWalt DWE402 is a powerful grinder that is up to the task of completing heavy-duty projects like production welding and cutting. The grinding and cutting wheels on this powerful device are 4.5 inches in diameter and can reach rates of up to 11 thousand revolutions per minute, thanks to the 11 amp motor powering the device. Although not everyone may need its power and high-speed capabilities, I found the DWE402 to be the perfect grinder for my job. It sliced through angle iron quicker than any other grinder I’ve used, and it made quick work of my big, lumpy, amateurish welds, despite being a professional-grade tool and benefiting greatly from the speed-boosting button on the handle base. Unfortunately, the DWE402’s vibration control and grip were not given much thought while it was being designed, despite the fact that it is one of the greatest variable speed angle grinders.
- Pro-grade capability
- Very fast and powerful
- High amperage motor for heavy-duty work
1.Remove Paint
An angle grinder is a common tool used by auto body shops to strip paint. Reason being, an angle grinder can safely strip away old paint without harming the underlying metal.
2. Get Rid of Rust
An angle grinder may also be used to get rid of rust. You may get rid of the surface rust and get it ready for painting by using a wire wheel or brush attachment. They, too, aid in protecting the wholesome metal underneath.
3.Cut Ceramic Tiles
Using an angle grinder to cut materials like ceramic tiles is quick and easy. Their efficiency lies in their ability to mimic the performance of a wet tile saw while leaving a clean, precise edge on the tile.
4.Remove Mortar
To remove mortar, an angle grinder is often used since it is faster and easier than chiselling. Using an angle grinder to remove mortar from between the bricks also reduces the risk of chipping the bricks.
5.Stone Cutting
Since an angle grinder can produce clean, precise cuts, it is an excellent tool for shaping stone. Use a portable, compact grinder that is capable of making fine slices for convenience.
6.Cleaning Metal
Angle grinders may be used to remove rust and clean metals in the same way they are used to eliminate rust off autos. Metal objects, such shovels and tools, may be readily cleaned using a wire brush.
7.Cutting Metal
Angle grinders may be used to cut metal as well as polish it. All metals can be cut successfully with an angle grinder, since this is their “intended usage” and universal compatibility.
8.Sharpening Tools
If you don’t have access to a bench grinder, an angle grinder may do the job just as well. To do this, though, you must have a high level of expertise in operating the grinder and know precisely what you’re doing.
9. Woodcarving
Larger wooden items may be carved more efficiently with the help of carving discs. If you need to do some rough shaping, like building a table or some table legs, an angle grinder is your best bet. However, their details are too coarse for exquisite woodworking.
10.Planing Wood
A carving wheel may be used to plane wood in a manner similar to that of a carving disc. The carving wheel may be used in place of a traditional wood plane for a number of purposes. We are here to answer any questions you may have about renting an angle grinder.
Angle Grinder Safety Tips
Always Wear Proper PPE
Even if you are just trying to do a quick cut or grind that should take a few seconds, you should always take an extra few seconds to put on the recommended PPE. OSHA recommends that you wear “eye & hearing protection; leather gloves; natural fiber clothing; apron and respiratory protection as needed.” In addition, you should also avoid wearing loose fitting clothing and tying back long hair.
Make Sure Your Tires Fit
The angle grinder disc diameters that are suggested by the manufacturer vary by model. The rules have been put in place for a purpose. Picture yourself using a grinder designed to accommodate an abrasive wheel such as a 4-1/2″ x 1/4″ x 7/8″ Grinding Disc with a 9″ x 1/8″ x 7/8″ Pipeline Cutting and Grinding Disc. You shouldn’t assume the disc is fully calibrated for safest operation just because it fits on your grinder. When the disc wobbles or moves unexpectedly, it might cause a backlash toward the user. Also, keep in mind that the RPMs of any given tool or machine will vary depending on its size.
You need to coordinate your RPMs with the maximum speed permitted by your wheels.
The RPMs of your angle grinder are another crucial information to have. The maximum RPM that should be used with any abrasive (grinding disc, wire wheel, etc.) should be specified somewhere on the abrasive itself, the packaging, or the product description. Never use your angle grinder at a lower RPM than the manufacturer recommends for the abrasive tool you are using.
Abrasive discs are only effective within their specified speed range. When utilised at speeds that create greater force/pressure than the disc can safely sustain, the discs risk being destroyed.
Use the Safety Guards as Designed
All the safety features on your tool are there for a reason. Guards installed on angle grinders are designed to be a barrier between your hands and body from the spinning disc and to also protect you in the event that your abrasive wheel or disc breaks or shatters. Almost all angle grinders have a burst proof guard for this reason. They have been designed to have a locking mechanism that prevents the guard from opening itself automatically to the operator in the event your wheel shatters. Those guards are not something you should ever work without being attached.
Some grinders have a guard that can be maneuvered to avoid working from awkward angles. If yours doesn’t have that feature, then you should only use it in the positions that feel comfortable to you rather than removing the guard just to make it work.
Don’t Tinker with the Machine
Some angle grinder owners may want to customize their tool, but we advise against this. If there are any customizations that you are considering, you should first contact the manufacturer or your angle grinder. They could easily provide you with data on why some modifications are okay whereas others are incredibly dangerous to do.
Only use accessories that are actually designed for an angle grinder. When you start rigging something to work, you are setting yourself and the machinery up for failure. Not only do you risk breaking your grinder (and likely voiding any warranty), but you put yourself and others around you at risk for a serious injury. If you are unsure if a particular accessory matches your grinder, you can usually find the information in a product description or you can give a quick call to the manufacturer..
Inspect the Abrasives
Accidental drops to happen. You may not have done it, but someone could have. You can observe to see if there is any damage to the accessory and if it is no longer safe to use it. Whether you are working with a used disc or a brand new abrasive, you should always inspect the wheel first. Cutting wheels can take a beating during shipping or be accidentally dropped during storage. Inspecting for chips, cracks, or any other damage before using the wheel helps your machine perform its best while keeping you and others around you safe from breaks and shatters. Remember: if you are questioning if something is wrong with the accessory do not use it!
Warm Up & Inspect the Grinder
Whether you are just picking it up for start of the day, coming back from break, or taking it from another worker — let the angle grinder run with the accessory attached for at least one full minute before using it. This gives the machine a chance to warm up and get up to full speed while also giving you a chance to feel, hear, or see if the grinder is in its ideal working condition.
Avoid Fire Hazards
Any time you are grinding or cutting metal with an angle grinder, you will be shooting out sparks around your work area. These sparks can be highly flammable. To avoid igniting an accidental fire, make sure the work area is clear of any flammable material or kindling and make sure there are no flammable liquids or gasses in the area.
Tighten Discs Properly
Your angle grinder should have come with a unique pin wrench, unless it’s a Metabo model with a built-in mechanism to tighten and release the discs. That wrench here is for adjusting the grinding disc on your angle grinder. We have an adjustable spanner nut wrench that may be used with any size of angle grinder in case you misplaced yours.
When tightening the wheel or disc, always use the wrench to make it a snug fit. Many people hand tighten their wheels, which can be dangerous when in use. There is no need to make it extra tight, just a snug fit that you otherwise couldn’t do by hand.
Maintain Control with Two Hands
One of the biggest safety tips is to always be in complete control of the machine. It is important to always have two hands on the tool in the correct positions. Having both hands on the grinder gives you far more control and much better leverage. You always want to have one hand on the side handle and one hand on the back of the grinder.Additionally, never carry the angle grinder with your finger on the power button.