The angle grinder is a versatile tool and is part of the basic equipment of every craftsman. The round grinding wheel of the electric handheld machine rotates at a very high speed and easily cuts even harder materials such as stone and metal. It works at more than 12,000 revolutions per minute and has a lot of power.New research results showthat many accidents with cut-off machines occur mainly because users underestimate the risk of injury and ignore safety instructions. That's why you should definitely pay attention to some safety aspects when working with an angle grinder. Find out more about this in the guide below.
Working with angle grinders – working principle and areas of application
The angle grinder, also known as Flex for short, is a very popular tool among craftsmen because it can be used in a variety of ways. You can use it to cut ceramic tiles to size or use it to polish, grind or rough metal and stone. By attaching sandpaper or special wire brushes, rust spots on metals can also be easily removed. For fine work on sensitive surfaces, modern devices with batteries are sufficient, such as the Makita battery-powered angle grinderTooler.de.
In general, the smaller one-handed devices are also significantly lighter and easier to use, so that they do not cause a tiring feeling in the arms when working with an angle grinder for long periods of time. The larger versions with 230 and 300 mm grinding wheel diameters are referred to as two-hand devices. These are mostly used in the professional sector. Despite these names, you should ideally hold the device with both hands to give it enough stability.
Choose the right disc
Depending on the material to be processed, the appropriate grinding/cutting wheel should be inserted. All the necessary information about the application can be found on the discs themselves. Please note the specified usage restrictions, maximum working speed and permissible rotation speed. Further information includes: manufacturer, application instructions, nominal dimensions, abrasives and binding, test mark and expiry date. As a rule, the service life of the grinding or cutting discs is 3 years from the date of manufacture. These could then break during use or cause other damage.
Important information on the grinding wheel
There is a difference between cutting wheels, grinding wheels and grinding wheels. Do not use cutting discs for side grinding or rough grinding metal as they may break. If you have installed a disc, we recommend doing a test run for at least 30 seconds. This way you can get used to the vibrations.
Protection for the body
The power of the angle grinder should not be underestimated, as the resulting flying sparks and the high speed of the rotating disc can cause serious injuries. Therefore, you should wear special protective equipment for your own safety.
–Eye protection: Since sparks occur when flexing and abrasion chips can fly away, you should definitely do so in any casesafety glassescarry.
–Clothingmade of highly flammable materials is absolutely unsuitable for flexing. Do not wear loose clothing, otherwise your blouse or trousers could get caught in the rotating flex disk. When working with stone and metal, flammable clothing is also recommended.
–Work gloves: Sparks could cause burns to the skin. This also protects your fingers from sharp and hot splinters.
–Hearing protection: Cutting through stone and metal makes it extremely loud. An angle grinder can reach up to 100 dB and anyone who flexes for a longer period of time without ear protection risks permanent hearing damage.
–Dust mask: Enormous clouds of dust are created when cutting stone, tiles or concrete. The fine dust could get into your mouth and nose.
Safety instructions
1. Under no circumstances should you remove the protective cover of the angle grinder
2. Sparks generated can cause fire. Remove flammable liquids and materials such as paper, cardboard, sawdust and straw from near the work area.
3. Only use the permissible speed specified on the grinding wheel.
4. Cutting discs must not be used for grinding and roughing.
5. Replace faulty grinding wheels.
6. After attaching the disc, do a test run.
7. Attach the object to be processed so that it cannot slip during grinding.
This video gives additional tips and examples for working safely with an angle grinder. It also shows which mistakes should be avoided if possible.
