10 Essential Safety Tips for Angle Grinders

A compact device used for polishing, grinding, and cutting metals and hard materials is referred to as an angle grinder. Angle grinders are capable of slicing through concrete. Hence, angle grinders are powerful and risky tools in metalworking.

Due to their strength, angle grinders can cause harm to their operators as well as people nearby. Therefore, if you want to get the most out of your power tool without causing any harm, you need to understand angle grinder safety considerations.

10 Essential Angle Grinder Safety Tips

1. Wearing Protective Gear

Wearing PPE is the first and foremost step in taking safety precautions. Always wear appropriate protective gear before working with angle grinders. This includes gloves, face shields, goggles, etc. Keep your long hair tied up, and don't wear loose apparel.

2. Damage check

Before using, inspect the damage. Accidental drops are unavoidable. The possibility exists that someone else completed it instead of you.  You can examine the attachment to see whether it is damaged or if using the grinder is dangerous. Examine the blade first, regardless of whether the wheel is new or worn.  Cutting discs could get dropped accidentally while being stored or damaged during delivery. To ensure the disc works best and keeps you and others safe, inspect it for chips, cracks, or other damage before using it.

3. Inspect and Prepare Grinder

Always warm up the machine before each use or if you're taking it from another, using it after a break, or if you're using it for the first time. Ensure to run the angle grinder for at least a minute or two till it reaches its full speed. Additionally, you can see if the grinder is in good operating order.

4. Do not Work in a Flammable Space

Do not use the angle grinder near anything that could catch fire. Stay away from oily clothing and gas or aerosol cans. Angle grinders can produce a lot of sparks, especially when working with metal. A spark falling on any flammable material can cause a fire. Therefore, it is wise to be careful and maintain a safe distance from flammable objects.

5. Start Slow

Speed is an important factor to consider while operating a grinding wheel. Generally speaking, start slowly and increase the speed gradually until you are happy. Each grinding blades require a different operating speed. If you are unclear about the proper speed for your grinder-blade combination, ask your seller.

6. Avoid Customizing Your Tool

Don't customize your tool without first consulting the manufacturer, who may provide you with further information on what will and won't work with your angle grinder. Ensure that you only use the attachments that go perfectly with the grinders. However, if you still wish to modify your grinder for any reason, speak with the manufacturer or first read the user manual. If not, you put yourself and other people in danger. 

7. Properly Tighten The Discs

Your new angle grinder should have included a special pin wrench. An angle grinder grinding disc can be tightened or loosened by using this wrench. In case of losing the wrench, there is an adjustable spanner nut wrench which is made particularly for this and is perfect for any angle grinder size. Make sure to tighten the disc or wheel using a wrench for a snug fit. The majority of customers manually tighten their wheels, which could be dangerous while in use. Make sure it's snug enough that you can't do it by hand, but not too tight.

8. Selecting The Proper Wheel Size

Using the wrong blade for your power tool can damage the grinder and the blade, putting your safety at risk. Consider the necessary dimensions before choosing the type of wheel. Larger wheels are made for heavy-duty industrial purposes, whereas smaller wheels are appropriate for non-industrial uses. Carefully examine the material before selecting the correct angle grinder disc for your projects.

9. Handle Grinder With Both Hands

Among the most crucial safety factors is maintaining complete control over your angle grinder. Be sure to hold the grinder correctly with both hands. When using two hands to operate the machine, you have better control. Always keep in mind that one hand should be kept on the handle and the other on the back of the angle grinder.

10. Modify the RPMs to reflect the wheel allowance

RPM is another crucial factor in your Angle grinder. The higher suggested RPM should be clearly mentioned on the packaging or in the product description for each grinding wheel and disc. An abrasive tool should never be used with a suggested RPM lower than what your angle grinder can manage.

Only the designated speeds are intended for use with the abrasive discs.  When you apply excessive force to grinders running at high speeds, it will result in damaging or breaking them. 

Additional Angle Grinder Safety Tips

• Quick response

Stop using an angle grinder in case of accidents and emergencies. Ensure to unplug your angle grinder before leaving. In case of injury, use first aid or seek medical help. Always adhere to your workplace emergency protocols.

• Clamping and positioning the workpiece correctly
  

Always secure the workpiece properly to avoid slipping or movement of the material during the cutting process. Proper clamping and aligning the workpiece can give you better control, which results in increased efficiency.

• Regular Maintenance

Always keep your angle grinders clean and updated. Check thoroughly for any damage, dust, debris, rust, or corrosion. If the component is broken, either fix it or replace it. Use good-quality lubricants for the moving parts of the angle grinder to work smoothly. Regular maintenance will keep the grinder moving smoothly, increase durability, and avoid accidents.

Conclusion

Angle grinders with high power can cause significant mishaps that can injure you and others. As a result, keeping both others and yourself safe when using power tools should be your primary responsibility. This can be accomplished by following angle grinder safety advice.