Concrete Grinder Buying Guide 2022. Hand held concrete grinder

08.05.2023 Beanrad 2022, buying, concrete, guide, hand, гриндер

Tips for Choosing a Concrete Grinder

Choosing the right concrete grinder for your business is important. When making this decision, there are a few things to consider and some tips that can help you make an informed choice.

What are you using it for? How big of a grinder do you need? How much space do you have for storage?

These are just some of the things you need to consider when choosing a concrete grinder. Whether it is for your concrete floors or surface preparation, a concrete grinder will surely do the job!

Read below as we go over everything from size requirements all the way down to price points.

What Are Concrete Grinders For?

A concrete grinder is a machine that helps to smooth and level a surface. Nowadays, most concrete floor grinders are electric-powered, and they come in a variety of sizes.

The smaller electric grinders are typically used for small projects such as home improvement or DIY projects. Meanwhile, the larger electric concrete floor grinders are more often used by professionals for grinding and leveling concrete floors. On the contrary, there are also gas-powered concrete grinders for those who need more power in their machines.

Apart from concrete floors. concrete grinders can also be used for surface preparation. This means that the machine can be used to remove paint, coatings, mastics, and adhesives from a variety of surfaces. They can also be used for removing paint, epoxy, and other coatings from your concrete floor. In addition, they can be used for concrete surface preparation like grinding down uneven surfaces and for removing grout from between tiles.

Some concrete grinders also come with built-in vacuum systems that help to keep the work area clean.

Different Types of Concrete Grinders

Concrete grinding machines come in a variety of types, and each type has its own set of benefits and drawbacks depending on the project you are working on. Below are some of the most common types of floor grinding machines on the market.

Handheld Concrete Grinders

Handheld grinders are the most common type of tool used for grinding. These small, portable tools allow you to get close enough so that your machine will be able to reach hard-to-reach areas—without being too bulky or straining its power source!

Walk-behind Concrete Grinders

Walk-behind grinders are perfect for larger areas of concrete. These units come in different models and can be powered either by LP, petrol, or diesel engines. They also come with a number of attachments, making them perfect for surface preparation. However, the drawback to using this type of grinder is that they can be difficult to maneuver, and they can also be a bit noisy.

Edge Grinder

With an edge grinder. you can get right into tight spaces and cover a lot of ground in short order. Edge grinders are ideal for use on concrete floors. They allow users to work more efficiently by providing them with leverage when trimming out their edging requirements. This helps them to reach high places or wide areas that need attention.

Diamond Grinder

You heard that right, diamond tools exist!

The diamond grinder is an expensive unit to purchase, but it can be used on more difficult surfaces than other types of grinders. The most common are the barrel head and round table models with flat tables, also available for those who have less severe needs in their homes or business settings.

Nonetheless, it’s always good practice when looking into purchasing any home improvement item like this one, to do your research on the best types and brands for your needs. By doing this, you can be sure that you’re getting the most value for your money as well as ensuring that you’re getting a machine that will do the job right and last for years to come.

How To Choose the Right Grinder For Your Needs

Now that you know what concrete grinders are for and their many applications, how do you choose the right one for your needs?

concrete, grinder, buying, guide, 2022, hand

Here are some more factors to consider when choosing a concrete floor grinder:

Purpose

Will you be using it for grinding, polishing, or both? How large of an area will you be working on? When choosing floor grinding machines. always consider the purpose and where they will be used. Do you need it to polish concrete floors in commercial buildings or just to do some light grinding?

If you are mostly working on smaller projects or DIY projects, then a handheld concrete grinder would be a good option for you. These grinders are small, lightweight, and easy to use. They also come with a variety of attachments to help you get the job done.

If you are working on a larger project that requires more power, then a walk-behind grinder would be a better option for you. These grinders are usually powered by LP, petrol, or diesel engines and can cover a lot of ground quickly. However, they can be difficult to maneuver.

Assess first the job you need to do. Is it for residential home projects or a commercial space? Do you need a floor grinder that will get into tight spaces or edges?

Before you break the bank on your new toy, check first what you need it for so you will better know and understand which floor grinder you need.

Wet Grinding vs. Dry Grinding

Another thing you need to know before you go out and purchase a grinder is the difference between wet and dry concrete grinding.

Wet Grinding

Water is an essential ingredient for concrete grinding. It not only cools down the diamond tooling and provides lubrication to reduce friction, but it also prevents overheating.

Overheating could lead to the melting of epoxy resin or glazing over due to the high temperatures generated from work-related stress on materials used in the grinding process. Wet grinding is typically used in the early stages of grinding or polishing concrete floors.

Dry Grinding

Dry grinding is the process of grinding concrete without the use of water. This method is used when a high level of finish or a very smooth surface is not required. It is also used on surfaces that have been previously treated with an acrylic sealer or coating.

The latest technological advances in dry floor grinding machines or concrete floors have resolved one of the greatest setbacks to date, which is dust exposure. Newer models are now fitted with extraction systems and filters for minimizing operator or environmental health during operation as well. This method simultaneously grinds but also cleans, leaving behind a polished surface ready to be applied!

The lack of slurry in this method means that you get to save time when cleaning up. It also gives a far better shine and finish compared with wet concrete grinding. This is also applicable when polishing concrete countertops!

However, if you are dealing with very hard concrete, then it is recommended that the wet grinding method should be used first and then switched over to dry afterward. The dust extraction system on these machines can make them more expensive than other types of equipment, but they will last much longer without getting clogged up or damaged by fine particles within your mix.

Type of Concrete

Not all grinders are designed to work with all types of concrete. You need to make sure that the floor grinder you choose is capable of grinding the type of concrete you have.

For example, diamond grinders are designed to work with harder surfaces than other types of grinders, which is why they are best used for specialty applications. Metal bonded diamonds are used on the harder surfaces that require aggressive grinding to remove concrete coatings or to prepare the surface for coating.

Weight

How easy should it be to move your grinder around? Do you need a floor grinding machine that is portable or one that stays in one place?

If you need a machine that is easy to move around, then you should consider getting a handheld concrete grinder. They are lightweight and easy to use. However, if you want to polish commercial flooring, then you will need a walk-behind grinder.

Budget and Price

So you’re looking to buy a floor grinder? It’s important that before making your purchase, the type of work it will be used for needs consideration. For personal use, some can make do without features such as heavy-duty motor ports, which might cost more than 200 but could save money in other areas down the line.

The price range on these machines typically starts at just under 200 and can go up as high as 4,000 depending on the features and the particular models that are available, like high efficient motors or water cooling systems. That being considered, ensure all the information is taken into account when looking to purchase one of these machines.

Corded or Cordless?

Corded machines have been around for a long time and work well when there’s access to electricity, like for residential homes. But if you’re working outside of continuous power, such as on location or during emergencies without any nearby sources available at all times, then consider getting one that operates via batteries instead. These types come in various capacities so they can match what your needs may be.

Noise Reduction Capability

Grinding hard surfaces is no easy task. It can be quite the challenge to get through these types of materials without making too much noise, especially when there are a lot of them. It might be important to you that the machine you’re looking to buy has the ability to reduce noise levels to avoid any type of distractions or noise complaints.

For this reason, it’s important that you look for machines with built-in sound-reducing features to help muffle any sounds coming out while working in silence mode. Noise reduction is a feature that you can see in both a handheld concrete grinder and a walk-behind floor grinder.

When looking to purchase a concrete grinder, it is important to take all of the necessary information into account. Not all grinders are created equal and some might be better for certain applications than others. By knowing what you will be using the machine for, it becomes much easier to find the best one for your needs.

Concrete Grinder Buying Guide 2022

As a construction professional, or as a concrete worker, having the proper concrete grinder on the job is a make-or-break decision. Before discussing which floor grinder is the right one for you, we first need to discuss what grinders are and the differences between them.

First, you should know what the basic function of a concrete grinder is to better inform your purchasing options. Concrete grinders contain horizontally rotating disks that are specialized for profiling, leveling, cleaning, and polishing concrete. These machines perform a multitude of tasks including the removal of existing epoxy or paint floor coating, as well as light surface texturing and surface preparation for fresh epoxy installation.

Types of Grinders

Now that you understand what a concrete grinder’s function is on the job, the next step is being informed on which type of grinder is right for your specific on-site application. There are three main types of concrete grinders:

Walk-Behind Concrete Grinders

For large-scale scenarios, typically industrial settings, a walk-behind grinder is the essential choice. Walk-behind grinders range in size from single-disc to dual, triple, or four-disc machines. A single-disc floor grinder will cover roughly 10-12 inches in a single pass; a four-disc grinder will cover 32-34 inches in a single pass. This diversity in pass width allows for a walk-behind grinder to be adapted to fit any scenario just by changing the number of discs.

On units with more than one grinding disc, the discs counter-rotate to provide unmatched balance so the machine will not pull from side to side. The reason the discs are designed this way is to enhance the smoothness and uniformity in your finish. For an even better finish, and easier application, some walk-behinds are even equipped with floating heads that will follow the contours of the floor to prevent uneven grinding.

Walk-behind grinding solutions offer several benefits when it comes to employee safety, scuh as the ability to stand, versus the constant kneeling of a handheld, and keeping your operator out of the way of harmful silica dust. Handheld operators, because of their machine, must work on their hands and knees, putting them into an unnatural position for an extended period of time. These operators, compared to those working with a walk-behind grinder, are potentially being exposed to greater levels of harmful resurfacing dust on the job as well. Operator safety and health is an important factor that must be taken into consideration when deciding for or against any concrete grinding solution.

Browse our selection of walk behind concrete grinders and polishers HERE.

Handheld Concrete Grinders

Handheld machines are a strong alternative to walk-behind grinders whenever the job does not require exhaustive grinding work. These machines are perfect for small sized projects and spaces. Because handheld grinders are the most practical solution for hard to reach spaces like corners, they make for a perfect and complementary addition to walk-behind grinders on site as well. Their adaptability and mobility makes a quality handheld grinder an essential tool in any concrete professional’s kit.

One aspect surrounding handheld grinding to be aware of is the lack of consistent weight. When compared to walk-behind grinding solutions, handheld grinders can be susceptible to fluctuations in operator pressure which lead to variations in grinding consistency. Additionally, handheld grinding solutions are less compatible with most common dust prevention systems. Walk-behind systems are able to connect more often with common dust prevention systems to eliminate unhealthy airborne particles originated by the grinding process.

Shop our inventory of handheld concrete grinders HERE.

Ride On Concrete Grinders

In much the same way that walk-behind grinders are a step above handheld grinders, ride-on grinding solutions offer yet another level of increased efficiency. These machines are designed and can be used to save on labor time and cost because of the incredible efficiency that they provide. Ride-on grinders’ robust gearing system allows for high torque, low RPM and low torque, high RPM applications to be done through one machine. Ride-on grinders’ gear and belt-driven system with automatic pressure adjustments allow for the motor to be centered for the perfect weight distribution. The grinder’s 6-heads deliver extremely efficient production rates.

Our Most Popular Ride on Grinder is the iBot Mammoth 8-head Floor Grinder

Why Are Concrete Grinders Useful?

These machines are all specially designed to attack different aspects of the concrete grinding process. In a perfect tool kit, all of these grinders could be employed in specific instances to fulfill their essential roles on-site. From machines designed to tackle the largest of industrial applications, to those designed for the most intricate of spaces, these grinders will fit any job’s needs. Knowing which machine to use, when to use it, and how best to maximize its efficiency is just as important as buying the right machine.

Conclusion

In any concrete worker’s toolkit, a concrete grinder of any kind is a necessary piece of equipment. These machines are built to be incredibly powerful, efficient, and reliable, and they do exactly that. They transform any ordinary contractor into a professional that can tackle 100,000 sq. ft. jobs with ease, resulting in a professional-grade finished product. If you have any additional questions, call (954)-799-6359 to speak with a specialist about which grinding solution is best for you.

Engineering Controls for Silica in Construction – Concrete Grinder

Construction workers who perform concrete grinding may breathe dust that contains respirable crystalline silica (RCS). A NIOSH [1] pdf icon study found that workers grinding concrete to smooth poured concrete surfaces were exposed to high levels of dust containing RCS, ranging from 35 to 55 times the NIOSH recommended exposure limit (REL). The Concrete Grinder without Engineering Controls video shows a worker performing a task with a concrete grinder while the overlay shows consistently high levels of respirable dust in the air.

Local exhaust ventilation systems (LEV) can be attached to concrete grinders to reduce RCS exposures. Researchers have found that levels of exposure to RCS were significantly lower when workers used a grinder equipped with an LEV system compared to a grinder used without LEV.

An LEV system consists of a grinder equipped with a ventilation shroud, a length of flexible hose, and a portable electric vacuum cleaner that acts as the fan and dust collector for the ventilation system. Some specifications for an LEV system for a concrete grinder are listed below.

Vacuum Cleaner

The vacuum should have the following features:

Sufficient flow rate to capture the dust and transport it to the vacuum source.
A high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter to reduce the chances of releasing dust containing RCS from the vacuum into the worksite.
A pre-filter or cyclone to increase the length of service of the HEPA filter.
A filter replacement indicator.
The ability to clean and replace filters and full collection bowls or bags without exposing the operators to dust.
A motor that draws at least 10 amps.

Hose

The hose should have a diameter of 1.5- or 2-inches with a relatively smooth interior and a length of no more than 15 feet to provide adequate air flow.

Shroud

The type of shroud to be used depends on the preferences of the cement finisher and the employer, according to the task to be performed.After testing different types of shrouds, NIOSH determined that all were equally effective, reducing dust exposure by at least 90%.

The Concrete Grinder with Engineering Controls video shows a worker using a concrete grinder with a LEV system. The left bar of the graphic overlay of the video shows low amounts of respirable dust when compared to the initial video (above).

Dust controls in the form of local exhaust ventilation (LEV) systems offer several benefits. Those benefits include reducing worker exposure to hazardous dust, potentially allowing for use of less protective respiratory protection; reduced cleanup time; and reduced exposures during cleanup. The LEV dust control may greatly reduce worker exposures to hazardous dust. However, respirators are still necessary to reduce exposure to RCS below the NIOSH REL of 50µg/m 3.

Additional Information

For more information about dust controls for concrete grinders see:

In-depth survey report of four sites: exposure to silica from hand tools in construction chipping, grinding, and hand demolition at Frank Messer and Sons Construction Company, Lexington and Newport KY; Columbus and Springfield, OH. NIOSH Report No. EPHB 247–15 (2001).
Effectiveness of dust control methods for crystalline silica and respirable suspended particulate matter exposure during manual concrete surface grinding. [PDF – 280.05 KB] external iconJournal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene:2010/ 7: 700-711.
Crystalline silica dust and respirable particulate matter during indoor concrete grinding, wet grinding and ventilated grinding compared with uncontrolled conventional grinding. [PDF – 1.58 MB] external iconJournal of Occupational Environmental Hygiene: 2007 / 4:770–779.
Protecting tuckpointing workers from silica dust: draft recommendations for a ventilated grinder. external iconThe Center to Protect Workers’ Rights, Silver Spring, MD (2005).
The efficacy of local exhaust ventilation for controlling dust exposures during concrete surface grinding. pdf icon [PDF – 186.91 KB] external iconAnnals of Occupational Hygiene: 2004 / 48(6):509–518.
Control of silica exposure from hand tools in construction: grinding concrete. [PDF – 341.43 KB] external iconApplied Occupational Environmental Hygiene: 2002 / 17(7):457–461.
Respirable crystalline silica dust exposure during concrete finishing (grinding) using hand-held grinders in the construction industry. [PDF – 41.57 KB] external iconAnnals of Occupational Hygiene: 2002/ 46(3):341-346.
Hazard Review: Health effects of occupational exposure to respirable crystalline silica.NIOSH Publication No. 2002–129.
In-depth survey report of control of respirable dust and crystalline silica from grinding concrete at Messer Construction, Newport, Kentucky and Baker Concrete Construction, Dayton, Ohio [PDF – 331.84 KB]. pdf iconNIOSH Report No. EPHB 247–21 (2002).
Alert: Request for assistance in preventing silicosis and deaths in construction workers. NIOSH Publication No. 96–112.
Control of Hazardous Dust When Grinding ConcreteDHHS (NIOSH) Publication Number 2009-115
Control del polvo peligroso que se genera durante el pulido de concretoDHHS (NIOSH) publicación N.º 2009-115

What is Concrete Grinder? Its Components Uses

A concrete grinder is used to finish work surfaces or floors. Concrete grinders are used to grind and polish floors made of marble, granite, concrete, and other materials.

Concrete grinders are sometimes custom-built to perform specific tasks. Concrete grinders are built to withstand more stress and have more power than those used to grind marble.

Because of their versatility, concrete grinders have recently become a popular choice for industries. Concrete grinders remove adhesives and grease-like substances from the floors of commercial sectors or industries in addition to finishing operations.

Concrete grinders have been widely used in developed countries due to their ease of operation and versatility. Grinders remove material through rotary action rather than impact.

The depth of material removal is limited to about 1/8 inch, and they typically leave a smooth profile than scarifying or shot blasting. When working on hard, dense concrete, they may polish the surface rather than rub it.

Handheld Concrete Grinder

Most hand-held grinders are used to smooth out rough surfaces before applying concrete or other coatings. They can, however, be used to roughen up surfaces when your walls.

Hand-held grinders are better suited for graffiti or worn mosaics, smooth floors, and defaced parts of a house that have been removed.

A hand-held grinder can work in vertical structures and fit into small spaces near or before the walls. Hand-held concrete grinders typically range in size from 5 to 9 inches.

It becomes portable and simple to use for removing blemishes from concrete work. Most concrete grinding tools are large and cumbersome, making it difficult to reach some problematic areas.

Walk-Behind Concrete Grinders

A walk-behind grinder is a large unit that aids in grinding concrete over the body of the floor. These machines can grind larger concrete areas. Several walk-behind concrete grinders are powered by LP, gasoline, or diesel.

Components of Concrete Grinder

A concrete grinder is mainly a rotating head that aids in smoothing and leveling the surface. The primary components of a concrete grinder are as follows:

i) Diamond

Diamond shapes are available as grits in various sizes and numbers, which aid in work optimization. Synthetic diamonds are of a variety of types, sizes, and styles. Diamond shapes are available as grits in various sizes and numbers, which aid in work optimization.

The size of the diamond and the grit numbers are inversely proportional, which means that a larger diamond is smaller in size and vice versa.

ii) Bonds

Bonds are another essential component of a concrete grinder. If the bond used does not match the material used for grinding, the concrete grinding tool will not function properly.

The bond’s primary function is to completely secure the diamond used for grinding. During the grinding process, the bond wears in a planned manner, exposing the new diamond for grinding without the diamond breaking suddenly.

Uses

Even though finer-grit abrasives are used to create a beautifully polished concrete surface, the process that contractors go through to prepare that surface is more than just polishing.

Concrete preparation has three stages: i.e., grinding, honing, and polishing. A polished concrete surface has a clear reflection with a glassy finish, whereas ground concrete surfaces have a flat appearance with low shine.

When used in the workplace, concrete grinders are highly adaptable. Concrete grinders are more versatile than other surface prep equipment, and they can perform various tasks, including profiling floors before coating or painting and removing grease and dirt.

The three most common types of attachments in the concrete grinder are:

i) Silicon-carbide stones, smooth trowel marks or rough finishes, and level high spots less than 1/16 inch in diameter.

ii) Tungsten-carbide inserts are useful for removing adhesives, thick paint, tar, resin, rubber deposits, and industrial buildup.

i) Diamond-segmented tools are excellent for profiling and removing thin-film coatings. They are also useful for polishing and removing minor surface imperfections.

It is less expensive than many other methods of membrane removal.

The surface can be down further to expose the aggregates and polished for a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.

A concrete grinder is used to remove stubborn tile glues from the surface.

Using a concrete grinder, unevenly cast concrete can be smoothed and shiny.

Concrete grinders produce a better surface finish than other stone floor surfaces.

It is easier to install flooring after the grinding process has been completed rather than the other way around.

It is difficult to remove dirt and debris.

Dirt and impurities that accumulate on the surface over time are difficult to remove. On the other hand, the concrete grinder makes it simple to remove them all.

With the grinding process, old and worn-out concrete surfaces can look as good as new. Concrete grinding removes all of the imperfections and inconsistencies in the concrete to make it look smooth and ready to use again.

This grinding method is long-lasting and dependable. This process is effective even in a challenging environment.

What is Concrete Grinder? Its Components Uses

A concrete grinder is used to finish work surfaces or floors. Concrete grinders are used to grind and polish floors made of marble, granite, concrete, and other materials.

Concrete grinders are sometimes custom-built to perform specific tasks. Concrete grinders are built to withstand more stress and have more power than those used to grind marble.

Concrete grinders have been widely used in developed countries due to their ease of operation and versatility. Grinders remove material through rotary action rather than impact.

Handheld Concrete Grinder

Most hand-held grinders are used to smooth out rough surfaces before applying concrete or other coatings. They can, however, be used to roughen up surfaces when your walls.

Hand-held grinders are better suited for graffiti or worn mosaics, smooth floors, and defaced parts of a house that have been removed.

A hand-held grinder can work in vertical structures and fit into small spaces near or before the walls. Hand-held concrete grinders typically range in size from 5 to 9 inches.

It becomes portable and simple to use for removing blemishes from concrete work. Most concrete grinding tools are large and cumbersome, making it difficult to reach some problematic areas.

Walk-Behind Concrete Grinders

Components of Concrete Grinder

A concrete grinder is mainly a rotating head that aids in smoothing and leveling the surface. The primary components of a concrete grinder are as follows:

i) Diamond

The size of the diamond and the grit numbers are inversely proportional, which means that a larger diamond is smaller in size and vice versa.

ii) Bonds

Bonds are another essential component of a concrete grinder. If the bond used does not match the material used for grinding, the concrete grinding tool will not function properly.

Uses

Even though finer-grit abrasives are used to create a beautifully polished concrete surface, the process that contractors go through to prepare that surface is more than just polishing.

When used in the workplace, concrete grinders are highly adaptable. Concrete grinders are more versatile than other surface prep equipment, and they can perform various tasks, including profiling floors before coating or painting and removing grease and dirt.