Angle grinder attachments for surface preparation. Angle grinder as sander

Angle grinder attachments for surface preparation

An angle grinder is a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of projects. The different angle grinder attachments allow the tool to be used for different tasks. The most common type of attachment for an angle grinder is a grinding disc. These discs come in a variety of sizes and can be used to grind down metal, concrete, or even stone.

Other common attachments for an angle grinder include abrasive discs, wire brushes, and polishing pads. However, there is a surprising amount of attachment that you can use to transform your angle grinder and transform it into the exact tool you need.

  • I. Wire brushes
  • 1. Knotted wire wheel brush
  • 2. Knotted wire cup brush
  • 3. Crimped wire cup brush
  • 1. Aluminum oxide sanding discs
  • 2. Zirconia sanding discs
  • 3. Ceramic sanding discs
  • 4. Flap sanding discs
  • 1. Fabric polishing and buffing pads
  • 2. Fiber buffing wheels
  • 3. Felt polishing wheels
  • 1. Non-woven abrasive wheels
  • 2. Poly stripping discs

Wire brushes

Wire brushes for angle grinders are versatile angle grinder attachments that can be used for a variety of applications. They are commonly used to remove rust, paint, and debris from metal surfaces. You can thus use them for preparing surfaces for welding, painting, and more.

Knotted wire wheel brush

A knotted wire wheel is composed of loops of steel wires. If you’re working on a particularly stubborn patch of rust or old paint, this kind of wire brush is your best bet. It’s also suitable for cleaning up narrow surfaces, making it one of the best choices for cleaning up pipes and preparing them for welding and painting.

Knotted wire cup brush

Like the knotted wire wheel brush, the knotted wire cup brush is best used for removing material from surfaces. However, this wire brush is more suited for larger metal surfaces. You can also choose from a range of wire thicknesses depending on what you need the brush for. Thicker wires provide a coarse finish, while thinner wires provide a smoother finish.

Crimped wire cup brush

If you’re not dealing with thick or stubborn rust or paint, a crimped wire brush will probably serve you well. It’s best for light-duty to medium-duty surface preparation jobs. Thus, if you have to remove years’ worth of rust or paint, this attachment isn’t the one you should use. However, for thinner layers of material, this type of wire brushes for angle grinders is more suitable.

Sanding discs

If you’re looking for a quick and easy way to sand down wood, metal, or plastic, then you need a good angle grinder and some quality sanding discs. Sanding discs come in a variety of sizes, grits, and materials, so you’ll have a variety of options to choose from. Just make sure to choose the right size angle grinder sanding disc for your angle grinder, as well as the right kind of disc for the job at hand.

Aluminum oxide sanding discs

There is a variety of sanding discs on the market, each designed for a specific purpose. Aluminum oxide sanding discs are versatile and reliable, which means that they’re widely used for a variety of projects. They’re suitable for use on wood and metal, and they’re made with a durable and long-lasting abrasive material.

You can use them for removing finishes, shaping wood, and preparing surfaces for staining or painting. Aluminum oxide sanding discs come in a variety of sizes and grits, so you can find the perfect one for your project.

Zirconia sanding discs

Zirconia sanding discs have a long lifespan and can be used on a variety of materials, making them a great choice for your next project. Additionally, zirconia is harder than aluminum oxide, making it ideal for tougher sanding jobs.

Another thing that works in a zirconia sanding disc’s favor is that it’s more heat-resistant. Because of this, it’s a good choice for use with power tools. You can set your angle grinder to higher speeds without having to worry as much about overheating. Thus, if you’re looking for an abrasive that can stand up to even the most challenging applications, a zirconia angle grinder sanding disc is a great choice.

Ceramic sanding discs

When it comes to sanding discs, there are many different options to choose from. Ceramic sanding discs are one option that can offer a lot of advantages. These discs are typically made from a strong and durable ceramic material, and they’re best suited for tougher jobs.

In addition, ceramic sanding discs can be less likely to clog than other types of discs. This can make them a good option for those who are working on projects that require a lot of sanding. They can work harder and faster than other kinds of sanding discs, and they can also last longer.

Flap sanding discs

While other sanding discs are used for removing material from surfaces, flap sanding discs can take you one step further. Not only are they used for surface preparation and cleaning, but they can also be used to shape metal.

These discs are composed of multiple overlapping abrasive flaps that allow you to make a metal surface conform to a shape you want. They’ll also leave a smooth finish, so you won’t have to spend much more time or effort on polishing or smoothening the surface.

Buffing and polishing attachments

Buffing and polishing angle grinder attachments are important accessories in the world of auto detailing and various other fields. In general, buffing pads are used to apply a polishing compound to the paint surface, while polishing wheels are used to remove excess materials and create a high-gloss finish.

There are a few different types of buffing pads and polishing wheels available on the market today. Each type has its own set of advantages and disadvantages that should be considered before making a purchase.

Fabric polishing and buffing pads

If you’re looking for an easy way to polish up metal surfaces, you can’t go wrong with a fabric polishing and buffing pad for your angle grinder. These pads are designed to fit onto the end of your angle grinder, and they can be made of different kinds of fabric. Plus, they’re relatively inexpensive and easy to use, so they’re a great option for anyone who wants to add a little extra polish to their projects.

When it comes to finishing off a project with an angle grinder, buffing pads are a must. They help to create a smooth, even finish on your workpiece. However, it’s important to make sure that the buffing pad you’re using is suitable for the material you are working with. Additionally, make sure to choose a pad that’s the appropriate size for your angle grinder.

Fiber buffing wheels

A fiber buffing wheel for angle grinder models is similar to its fabric counterparts, but it’s made of cellular fiber material. Thus, unlike fabric buffing wheels, fiber buffing wheels are abrasive and can also remove grease from a surface. You can use these buffing wheels to clean up dirty surfaces before polishing, painting, or finishing them. They’re typically the first buffing pad you’ll use before the other ones.

Felt polishing wheels

Felt has medium hardness and is typically made of wool. For the most part, felt polishing wheels are quite versatile and can be used with different kinds of buffing compounds. Because these polishing wheels aren’t too specialized, you’ll be able to use them on a variety of surfaces. You can also use them on hard-to-reach spots to make sure that your workpiece is 100% prepped and finished.

Surface preparation attachments

Angle grinders are a versatile tool that can be used for a variety of surface preparation tasks. Common applications include removing paint, rust, or other debris from a surface, as well as smoothing or shaping edges. Additionally, angle grinders can be used to create a smooth finish on a variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood.

In addition, angle grinders can be used to quickly remove weld spatter and scale from steel surfaces. When using an angle grinder for surface preparation, it is important to select the correct abrasive disc and to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for safe operation.

Non-woven abrasive wheels

Non-woven abrasive wheels are made of a combination of materials, including synthetic materials and natural fabrics, that are bound by resin adhesives. These wheels work faster than older types of abrasive attachments, while also being more affordable.

In general, you should use a non-woven abrasive wheel if you want to remove paint or coating without damaging or scratching the surface underneath. If you want something that can remove more material, however, you can choose a non-woven abrasive wheel with a tighter weave.

Poly stripping discs

With poly stripping discs, you’ll be able to remove paint and corrosion from a wide variety of materials, including metal, plastic, and wood. These discs are made of spun fiber material and can be used for surface preparation, grinding, and polishing. It’s also built for longevity and can withstand heavy-duty use.

Additionally, these discs work fast. They can remove material more quickly than many other kinds of angle grinder attachments, but they typically don’t produce as much dust or noise.

Author Profile

Fagjun Santos is a content writer by day, recipe GIF enthusiast by night. When she’s not watching other people make food, she covers the good, the bad, and the technical in industrial equipment and various professional tools. Formerly a newbie at all things pertaining to HVAC, surveying, construction, and more, she can now tell a caliper from an angle finder.

Angle Grinder vs Sander: Which One Should You Buy?

Sander tools are used for smoothening and sanding wood, while angle grinders are used for grinding metal. As they are both hand-held power tools, it is important to understand the differences between the two so that you can make an informed decision before spending both time and money. Different types of grinders and sanders have many applications in both professional and home crafts. However, their applications differ.

In this blog, we will learn about Angle Grinder vs Sander in depth.

What is an Angle Grinder?

An Angle Grinder, also known as a rotary tool, is an electric grinder used to speed up and simplify grinders. The tool consists of two main parts: the head (which may be made up of several different attachments or serve as a single attachment) and the handle. An electric motor powers the grinder, so it spins rather than cuts. When you turn on this tool, it catches whatever excess material you are using with its grinding bit, sanding aluminum, woodworking, metal maintenance, etc.

What is a Sander?

A sander is a hand-held grinding/cutting tool used to rough up and smooth surfaces. It consists of two parts, the sanding roller (which may not always be separate from the handle), which rotates freely, that is pushed by an electric motor, along with its adjustable head attachment containing abrasive material on fine meshes or coarser materials such as paper. Sanders is common in heavy industries where they are commonly used for metal finishing.

Differences Between Angle Grinders Sanders

Although there are similarities between the tool and its purpose, yet it serves different purposes. For example, angle grinders are used to leave precise marks or smooth surfaces like cutting planes in metals. The sanding machine is mainly used outside of metalworking, where the grinding bit cut gets damaged or leaves harsh effects on the surface.

Versatility

Most of the accessories used in these two different types vary. As far as sanders go, larger grinder plates are mostly considered more versatile than smaller ones because they can be tricky for some people with dexterity problems and multiple applications.

On the other hand, Angle grinders must follow safety rules but offer bigger universal tool (especially attachments) that adapt themselves better to a wide variety of materials.

Different types of sanders may use one or more rotary means to grind onto wooden surfaces, but they can also be made electrically motorized. These differ widely in selection and ability between models and cost depending on whether the electric motors are internally geared (e.g., Porter-Cable) or not with independent encoders that independently raise only each side of the grinding bit rather than all sides simultaneously like internal gearing.

One other considerable biggest difference between these two types of sanding machines is that angle grinder ones come with various pads. At the same time, one type of sander also has a variation in power. For example, battery power most, but corded and electric models may also be available (for those who do not want to go too far from the electrical outlet).

The Working Tool

The single most significant distinction between an angle grinder and a sander is what is pushed by the motor and how this impacts the tool’s capabilities.

Angle grinders operate by spinning a disc that performs all of the work. When the cutting edge of the angle grinder disc comes into contact with an abrasive surface, it rotates at a high RPM and grinds through it. As a result, the name says it all.

On the other hand, Sanders employs sandpaper, which is usually held in place on a belt or pad and then driven at high speed by the engine.

A sander’s sandpaper may usually be changed in size and grit, allowing it to be used for various tasks, but it is a considerably more limited tool than an angle grinder.

Precision

Larger sanders, such as belt sanders and huge cutting disc sanders, are inaccurate instruments to sand large areas quickly. Hand-held sanders are more precise, with some types built specifically for completing delicate woodworking tasks.

A grinder is a lot less exact than a sander. Angle grinders have a lot of power; they’re made to cut through metal, not edge an antique chair.

Safety

There is no such thing as a totally safe power tool. However, because of the sheer power of the motors that drive these instruments, there is always a measure of risk.

Angle grinders are far more harmful than sanders when used side by side. If a hand-held sander malfunctions, it may kick back and remove several layers of flesh, or it may latch on anything and fling itself across the room. However, if you’re wise and work safely, the risk of long-term, major harm is low.

Sanders generate a lot of sawdust, so a dust collecting system makes the operation and cleanup a lot easier. You may also need to wear a mask or breathing gear.

On the other hand, if you use a grinder, you could easily injure yourself or others. For example, the cutting abrasive disc on a grinder rotates at high-speed range and may readily cut through skin and bone.

Ensure you’re following proper safety practices when utilizing power tools of any kind. Wear safety glasses, gloves, tuck any loose clothing into place, and clear the area.

Angle Grinder vs Sander: Similarities

Both versatile tools serve the same purpose, they use friction and abrasion to remove undesired items embedded in resin or stuck to paper or metal.

They also remove the softer material with sanding disc types, a sandpaper pad, or a grinding blade connected. The electric motors in these two stationary tools will therefore finish the task faster and with less effort than manual grinding.

When to Use an Angle Grinder?

Angle grinders are an excellent handy tool for removing large chunks of material, such as concrete, wood, and stone. They are also useful for cutting metals, plastics, and other materials. When using an angle grinder, it is essential to use the correct angle and variable speed to prevent injury.

The best time to use an angle grinder is when you need to remove large chunks of material quickly and without damaging the smooth surface. For example, if you need to remove a large chunk of concrete from a wall, it is best to use an angle grinder. The angle grinder will quickly cut through the concrete and remove it without damaging the wall. Additionally, if you need to cut metal, plastic, or other materials, using an angle grinder is the perfect power tool for the job.

It is important to use the correct speed and angle to avoid injury.

When to Use a Sander?

There are a few times when you might need to use a sander. The first time would be if you needed to smooth out rough edges on a piece of wood. If the wood is unfinished, you might need to sand it down to the bare wood in order to ensure that the finish will adhere properly.

The second time you might need to sand is if you are refinishing a piece of furniture. For example, if the furniture has a finish that is wearing off, you will need to sand the finish off and apply a new finish.

The third time you might need to sand is if you are refinishing a piece of metal. If the metal has a finish, you will need to sand it off and then apply a new finish.

You might need to sand if you are refinishing a piece of marble. If the marble has a finish, you will need to sand it off and then a new finish can be applied.

Let’s have a glance at our blog for the best angle grinder for wood, click to visit the page.

FAQs

Is it possible to use a grinder as a sander?

Grinders are designed for cutting, grinding, and shaping. Angle Grinders may be used as Sanders or vice versa; the results will depend on their personality. But it is easier to move a stationary grinder around than an active one.

Is it possible to use a sander as a grinder?

No, it is not possible because a sander needs more work in terms of fuel.

What is the best sander for furniture?

There isn’t really the best sander for woodworking, but if you’re constantly working with or restoring furniture, a palm or hand sander will give you the most bang for your buck. In particular, seek a detailed sander with a pointed edge, which is great for reaching into tight spaces.

Is it possible to sand metal with a sander?

Yes, though you’d need a sander with an abrasive wheel (like sandpaper, pads) instead of something like steel wool.

Conclusion

Many people confuse the sanders and angle grinders. Angle grinders are used to cut metal or stone, while Sanders is used to polishing surfaces. If you need help deciding which tool is right for you, this blog is a complete comparison of both of these tools.

Angle grinders: The Ultimate Guide

Angle grinders, also known as side grinders or disc cutters, are handheld power tools used for grinding, cutting, cleaning and polishing materials. With the huge variety of jobs that can be tackled with this piece of equipment, it is an essential tool to have in your arsenal.

How does an angle grinder work?

Angle grinders are available in corded, battery or air-powered models. The angle grinder works by using a small disk or wheel and spinning it at such a high rate, typically between 8000 to 11000 RPM, enabling it to cut, grind and polish. The disks can also come in a variety of different sizes.

The angle grinder’s head can be replaced when worn and typically feature an adjustable guard with side handle to allow for two-handed operation. Certain angle grinders, depending on their speed range, can be used as sanders, employing a sanding disc with a backing pad or disc.

What can you do with an angle grinder?

Angle grinders can be used for an incredibly varied number of projects. The most common use of an angle grinder is removing excess material from a piece, however, there are many different types of disks that can be used for different tasks for example, such as cut-off discs, abrasive grinding discs, grinding stones, sanding discs, wire brush wheels and polishing pads. With the correct disc, there is no end to its versatility.

angle, grinder, attachments, surface

For example, a grinder is useful for cutting and grinding

  • Iron, steel and other metals
  • Metal roof cladding, corrugated iron and other steel sheeting
  • Brick, stone and concrete
  • Slates and building tiles
  • PVC waste pipe
  • Rusted bolts which can’t be undone
  • Rebar in concrete
  • Grinding and sharpening garden tools
  • Welds on steel and also cleaning of welds

Sanding and wire brush accessories are used for:

Can you use an angle grinder to cut wood?

An angle grinder is designed to grind metal or with care, cut ferrous metals using an abrasive disc. They lack a base and other safety features that circular saws have and should not be used to cut wood, especially freehand. An angle grinder typically will use a smaller diameter blade than a small circular saw and won’t provide the same depth of cut. Snagging the blade can result in kickback that can prove dangerous. You can, however, use an angle grinder on wood for carving, shaping and sanding.

angle, grinder, attachments, surface

There are many different materials that can however safely be cut with an angle grinder, you can read what they are and cut them here.

Are grinding sparks dangerous?

Typically the sparks that come off of an angle grinder are small and very light, because of this the spark is usually small enough to cool down before it hits bare skin. However, the larger hot sparks from grinding metal are much more dangerous, since they usually are larger, and possibly consist of burning metal. The “sparks” you see when you’re grinding or cutting steel is essentially steel dust hot enough to glow. However, they also have very little mass.

If you’re hard at work in warm weather suffering from sweaty skin, this can actually work in your favour as the sparks tend to bounce off your skin due to Leidenfrost effect. However, if they get trapped they will burn through whatever article of clothing you’re wearing, it’s important to make sure your clothing and shoes are all made from natural fibres. This is because artificial fibres such as fleeces melt, and if they melt they can stick to your skin and cause serious burns.

What PPE is required when using a grinder?

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) should be worn to protect you during all home DIY and professional work, and especially when using an angle grinder.

  • Safety goggles are important to protect your eyes from stray sparks. A full-face visor will also give you additional protection should the disk or blade shatter.
  • Ear Muffs or earplugs will lessen the risk of hearing damage and are always important when working with power tools.
  • Dust masks are required to protect against fumes and dust particles in the air caused from cutting.
  • Gloves provide immediate protection from sparks, and small fragments thrown out by the disk. They also protect your hands from general wear and tear, i.e. minor cuts, scuffs and abrasion. They should, however, be tight-fitting and not “baggy”, so that you can hold the tool securely.
  • Steel toe cap boots are especially needed if you are working with heavy items which could drop when cut up, as they will protect your toes.
  • Overalls and/or Apronsprotect clothes from sparks. Watch out for sparks falling into s or turn-ups, and make sure materials are made from natural fibres.

Can an angle grinder be used as a sander?

Simply put, yes. An angle grinder can be used as both a sander and a polisher if you have the right attachment/disks available. There are thousands of disc and wheel accessories on the market, but the most common ones include abrasive grinding discs, cut-off discs, grinding stones, polishing pads, sanding discs, and wire brush wheels.

We’ve put together a collection of handy How-To guides, detailing step-by-step instructions for some important DIY task. Take a look here.

What is the difference between a die grinder and angle grinder?

Generally, the tasks carried out using a die grinder are of smaller, lighter and a more precise nature than those of an angle grinder. An angle grinder is better suited for bigger, heavier tasks due to its high horsepower and strong capabilities. Especially in situations where precision and accuracy is not much of a priority. This is because angle grinders are much larger in both weight and dimensions. Because die grinders have comparatively smaller discs and attachments they, therefore, feature faster RPM making them the better choice for delicate jobs.

What are angle grinder discs made of?

Cut Off Disks

Most typical angle grinders use a 4 1/2-inch diameter abrasive grinding disk. These are made from top-quality steel with synthetic resin as a binder to allow particles to be bonded to the surface.

Diamond Blades

The core of this blade is a round metal disc used to support outer segments, it features synthetic diamonds in its outer edge to improve cutting. This is because diamond is one of the hardest materials making it incredibly effective for cutting stone, concrete, bricks etc.

Abrasive Discs

Typically these disks are Velcro-backed or have another method of attachment so that they can be fixed to a pad or base that is then attached to the grinder, converting it into a sander.

What is an arbour on an angle grinder?

The arbour is the part of an angle grinder that the grinding or cutting disk is attached to. Powered by the grinders motor, the arbour is threaded on its outboard end. Some cutting disks and wheels can simply be placed onto the arbour and fastened in place with a special threaded nut during use. Other disks are threaded themselves and they simply screw onto the threads of the spindle. The diameter of the holes in the disks and the thread size must match the arbor. It’s important that you are aware of what size the angle grinder’s arbour really is when selecting a disk.

Some models (such a the Milwaukee M18CAG115XPBD Angle Grinder) feature a fixtec nut, for quick and easy disc changes.

Still Need Help?

Our in house experts are always on hand for buying advice and to provide bespoke care, regardless of the application.

How to Use an Angle Grinder – 9 Tips to Grind Like a Pro

We got our Pro team together to give you some tips on how to use an angle grinder from basics to some advanced techniques and shortcuts. Angle grinders are controlled by either a trigger, paddle, or switch. They spin a disc at an incredible rate of speed for the express purpose of sanding, grinding, or cutting.

Due to the Rapid advancements in lithium-ion battery technology, the many angle grinder uses have expanded dramatically. This makes it a versatile tool used by a wide range of professionals. With so much flexibility at your disposal, the angle grinder also has a steep learning curve compared to many other tools.

– When Using an Angle Grinder, Protect Yourself!

Before you use an angle grinder, you’ll want to grab some personal protection gear. The reality of the angle grinder is that it’s a loud tool that kicks a whole lot of debris around. Plus, you’re not always grinding or polishing. Oftentimes, the job entails cutting. If you get sloppy with a cutting wheel or simply have bad luck, that wheel could turn into high-speed shrapnel.

For these reasons, you’ll do yourself a favor if you grab some hearing protection, long sleeves, gloves, and something to shield your entire face. You don’t want to take a hot shard of cut-off wheel to the moneymaker, after all. A grinder can also ruin your clothing, so wear protective outerwear if you don’t want pinholes in your clothes from flying hot metal.

Pro Tip: Having a cutting wheel fly apart on you at 10,000 RPM is no joke. There’s nothing you can do when it happens. As a result, you want to always wear a full face shield when using a cutting wheel—even when using a guard. Grinding and using a flap disc doesn’t typically present the same level of danger, so the guard and adequate eye protection are often enough.

– Perform a Ring Test on Grinding Wheels

We recommend doing what’s known as a “ring test” on any grinding wheel before affixing it to your grinder. You can actually do this on bench grinders as well. You basically suspend the grinder wheel from a pencil or other project. Then, gently tap it with the handle of a screwdriver or similar tool—anything not made of metal. Rotate it 180 degrees and do it again. A wheel in good condition should let out a distinctive metallic “ringing” sound.

That metallic ring comes indicates the integrity of the grinder wheel. An internally- or externally-cracked wheel typically stops the vibrations at the damaged point—preventing a clear ring. While the ring test does a good job of giving you an idea of the integrity of the wheel, you also want to follow up with a quick visual inspection.

Once you’re reasonably certain of the integrity of your grinding wheel, go ahead and mount it. The last thing we recommend before starting is to run that wheel on its own (pointed away from your face) for 15-30 seconds. This helps you know (by feel) if it’s properly centered and mounted and if there are any issues with the wheel balance.

– Angle Sparks Away from Your Body

Because angle grinders quickly remove lots of material, lower the risk as much as possible by positioning the tool properly. Using an angle grinder in different applications and with certain attachments calls for different angles. Ensuring sparks and debris fly away from your body reduces your chances of getting injured. Your work clothes will last longer, too!

– When Surface Grinding and Using Flap Discs

For surface grinding, use the flat part of the wheel, maintaining a 20°-30° angle between the tool and the work surface. Position the blade guard at the back toward your body. Use a smooth back-and-forth motion to guide the flap disc over the material. Let the wheel do the work, but feel free to apply enough pressure to ensure you’re being productive.

You can really grind down welds quickly in preparation for painting using this method.

– How to Hold an Angle Grinder When Using Cutting Wheels

You should tackle cutting straight on since you want to use the edge of your wheel to cut into the work surface. Be careful not to bend the cutting wheel in any direction. In this mode, the guard always goes on top to protect you from debris. Wearing a face shield also protects you against premature disc failure. And remember—if the guard isn’t between the cutting disc and your face—move it until it is.

Also—and this might go without saying—never “plunge cut” a cutting wheel into the material. Cutting at the 12 o’clock position is a recipe for kickback and loss of control. Instead, cut downward as shown in the image above.

– Guard Yourself Against Kickback

Kickback occurs any time the grinder wheel stops suddenly. This forces the grinder in the opposite direction of the rotation at the point of pinching. Knowing how to use an angle grinder in a way that avoids this can keep you safe. For cut-off applications, this can happen when the waste piece sags under its own weight—suddenly pinching the blade and causing the tool to transfer all that rotational energy into a kickback event.

Guard against this by properly using blade guards and by supporting your material properly so it doesn’t sag when making an abrasive cut.

You can also experience kickback when using abrasive wheels to grind down material. Corners, sharp edges, and other areas present possible points of kickback that can damage and/or stop a wheel suddenly. Take care to use the auxiliary handle in a way that gives you leverage to protect yourself should this occur. Never EVER use a grinder with one hand!

– Using a Grinder for Light Work or Sanding

For sanding applications, hold the tool at a 5°-10° angle to the work surface. For pretty much all grinder applications, apply only minimum pressure. You want to let the tool and the abrasive accessory do the hard work.

– Your Accessories Need to Match the RPM of the Grinder

Check the manufacturer’s specs when attaching your wheel, disc, or cup. The max RPM on the accessory should meet or exceed the max RPM of the grinder you plan to use. If the rated speed of the accessory is lower than your grinder, you run the risk of the wheel flying apart.

– Never Use Toothed Blades on a Grinder

I don’t care if a company offers circular saw-style blades that fit your grinder. These tools operate at a significantly higher RPM than any handheld circular saw. You NEVER want to use toothed blades on a grinder. That includes those “wood carving chain discs” that use chainsaw teeth as well as anything with carbide-toothed blades. Just don’t do it.

Additional Pro Tips on How to Use an Angle Grinder

If you’ve got any additional tips or tricks on how to use an angle grinder, feel free to leave a comment below.

angle, grinder, attachments, surface