How to use an angle grinder safely and effectively?

An angle grinder is mainly used for cutting and grinding glass and is also widely used in woodworking, bricklayer, welding, and other industries. So what is its use? What are the precautions for use? Let Z-LION tell you about this knowledge.

How to use the angle grinder?

Angle grinders are versatile tools that can be used for a variety of tasks including cutting, grinding, and polishing. However, safety must be a priority when using these powerful machines to prevent accidents and injuries. Here are some basic tips on how to properly use an angle grinder:

1. Test run: Before starting any task, do a quick test run to ensure the grinder is running smoothly and the pads are functioning properly. Check the degree of wear of the carbon brushes, and ask professionals to help replace them if necessary.

2. Safety precautions: When operating the grinder, make sure that the grinding and cutting direction does not face the surrounding people or flammable and explosive items to avoid injury. Keep the workplace clean and tidy to ensure personal and property safety.

3. Check guard and auxiliary handle: Always inspect the guard and auxiliary handle before using the grinder. Make sure they are intact and not loose to prevent accidents during operation.

4. Switch position: Before inserting the plug, please double-check that the machine switch is in the off position to avoid accidental activation.

5. Grinding wheel installation: Before installing the grinding wheel or flap disc, check for signs of moisture or chipped corners. Make sure that the installation is firm and there is no looseness. It is strictly forbidden to use external tools to strike the wheel clamp nut; only special tools can be used for this purpose.

6. Power socket safety: The power socket used by the grinding machine must have a leakage switch device. Also, check the power cord for any damage before plugging it in.

7. Proper Clamping and Cutting Technique: Before cutting, clamp the workpiece securely and maintain an angle of inclination between the disc and workpiece of approximately 30 to 40 degrees. To ensure safety, avoid heavy pressure, tilting, or shaking when cutting. Control the cutting force according to the processing material. Keep the cutting blade parallel to the incision and avoid oblique cutting by applying side pressure.

8. Apply slow and even pressure: When using the grinder, do not use excessive force. Instead, apply slow and even pressure to prevent the crushing of the abrasive pads. If the grinding disc gets stuck, lift the grinder immediately to avoid damage or burning. Do not continue grinding with a stuck wheel, as this can create a safety hazard.

9. Safety cover: Do not use the grinder without a safety cover. If the protective cover is loose and cannot be fastened, please ask a professional to repair it. Do not disassemble the grinder without authorization.

10. Prevent overheating: If the grinder works for a long time and the body temperature exceeds 50 degrees Celsius, stop working immediately and wait for it to cool down naturally before using it.

11. Wear protective equipment: Always wear safety glasses and a dust mask before operating the grinder. It is not recommended to work without proper protective equipment.

12. Replacement of the angle grinding disc: When replacing the angle grinding disc, please turn off the power or unplug the power plug of the grinder. Replace discs only after confirming safety. Special tools should be used for disassembly and assembly, and do not knock or hit the disc at will.

13. Regular maintenance: Regularly check the bearings, gears, and cooling fan blades of the transmission part of the grinding machine. Make sure they are flexible and intact. Add lubricating oil to the rotating parts when necessary to prolong the service life of the machine.

angle grinders

Operating procedures for the safe use of angle grinders:

Preparation before using the angle grinder:

1. Designate responsible personnel: Designate specially trained personnel to operate the angle grinder. This person should be proficient in the proper use and safety protocols of the tool. Periodic inspections should also be performed to ensure the grinder is functioning properly.

2. Power supply safety: Before changing the grinding wheel, please cut off the main power supply to prevent accidental startup. Check the grinding wheel for any visible cracks or damage. If the crack is not easy to see, use a strong wire to lift the wheel and tap it lightly with a piece of wood. Listen for metallic sounds, as a crackling sound may indicate poor-quality wheels.

3. Sturdy wheel cover: A solid and suitable wheel cover is a must for the angle grinder. The distance between the bracket and the grinding wheel should not exceed 5mm to ensure safe operation. If the distance exceeds this limit, the grinder should not be used until the problem is resolved.

4. Proper nut installation: When installing the wheel, make sure the nut is neither too loose nor too tight. Before using the grinder, be sure to check the tightness of the nuts to prevent accidents during operation.

5. Idling test: After the grinding wheel is installed, perform an idling test for 2 to 3 minutes to verify whether the grinding wheel runs smoothly and in balance. This test also ensures that the protective device is working properly. When testing, assign two workers, one of whom stands next to the grinding wheel to start. If abnormal conditions are found, other staff should immediately cut off the power supply of the distribution cabinet to avoid accidents.

6. Personal protective equipment: All users must wear safety glasses when operating the angle grinder. Users should never face the grinding wheel directly, but stand sideways for added safety. Do not wear gloves when using the angle grinder. Also, avoid sanding with objects wrapped in objects such as cotton yarn, as this poses a significant risk.

7. Pre-use inspection: Before starting the angle grinder, inspect the grinding wheel carefully to make sure it is in good condition. Check for any cracks, damage, or defects. In addition, check whether the installation of the grinding wheel shaft is firm and reliable. Make sure there is no debris between the angle grinder and the guard and verify that it meets safety requirements. Once everything is deemed safe, start the angle grinder.

Matters needing attention in the process of using the angle grinder:

1. Steady start-up speed: Before grinding, make sure the wheel reaches a steady speed for 40 to 60 seconds. This helps prevent accidents caused by sudden movements. Also, when grinding, stand to the side of the wheel, rather than directly facing it, to reduce the risk of injury if the wheel breaks or flies off.

2. Single-person operation: Never allow two persons to use the same wheel at the same time. It is strictly forbidden to grind the side of the grinding wheel. The operator should stand to the side of the angle grinder for added safety. Gloves are not allowed when operating the grinder, a serious and focused environment must be maintained, and any behavior that may cause accidents, such as laughing, fighting, etc., must be strictly avoided.

3. Correct grinding position: maintain the angle between the angle grinder and the workpiece during grinding to ensure uniform contact pressure. Avoid hitting the wheel to avoid chipping. Remember that grinding wheels are only suitable for grinding tools and should not be used on heavy materials, or soft materials such as thin iron, aluminum or copper, or wood products.

4. Sharpening tip: Stand next to or at a beveled angle to the wheel when sharpening. This helps reduce the risk of injury when the tool slips, thus increasing safety. Position the tool slightly above the center of the wheel. Excessive force may result in slipping and potential hand injury.

5. Keep dry: Keep the wheel out of contact with water. It must be kept dry at all times to avoid loss of balance which could lead to accidents if the wheels get wet. Moisture can compromise the integrity of the wheel, resulting in potential hazards.

6. Object size restrictions: grinding larger and longer objects on the angle grinder is prohibited. Doing so could cause the wheel to shatter, causing flying debris that could injure nearby personnel. Stick to the proper workpiece size to minimize the chance of accidents.

7. Two-handed operation: It is important to always use both hands to hold and grind the workpiece securely. Grinding with only one hand increases the risk of dropping the workpiece and trapping the wheel in the guard, which could result in an accident or injury.

Precautions after using the angle grinder:

1. Dressing the grinding surface: After using an angle grinder, it is critical to check the grinding surface of the grinding wheel. If serious beating or uneven wear is found, the grinding surface needs to be reconditioned with a diamond pen. This helps maintain wheel balance and performance, ensuring safe and efficient operation.

2. Replace worn wheels: The wheels on an angle grinder are thin and small, and wear out more easily. After a long period of use, if the grinding wheel is found to be significantly worn, it must be replaced immediately. Continued use of worn wheels may compromise safety and cause accidents. Always put safety first and make sure the grinding wheel is in good condition before using an angle grinder.

3. Power outage and idle limits: Remember to turn off the power to your angle grinder when you are done grinding. Leaving it idling could cause an accident if it starts up accidentally or if someone inadvertently comes into contact with the spinning wheel. Also, periodically remove any accumulated dust from the shield to prevent any potential blockage or obstruction. Also, check the grease on the spindle and replace it as needed to keep the angle grinder running smoothly and safely.


Post time: Aug-04-2023