Angle Grinders

Angle grinders are one of those power tools that might be considered a jack of all trades as there are so many functions they can perform – it just depends on what type of attachment you’ve installed.

The angle grinder design is very simple – it’s just a handle with a motor in it that controls a rotating head placed at a 90 degree angle to the tool’s body – hence the name angle grinder. There are several different sizes of angle grinders available depending on how much power you need for your project and the size of the attachment you plan to use. Most grinders have a second handle that can be screwed in at a 90 degree angle to the body of the power tool to assist in controlling the machine while you’re working. Smaller angle grinders can often be used without the secondary handle, but you might welcome the additional control when using a large grinder.

Angle Grinder Uses

It’s almost impossible to address the many uses you may find for an angle grinder around the home or during one of your projects – your only limitation may be the attachments on hand. A few common home improvement uses for angle grinders:

  • Sink cutouts – if you’re installing a granite countertop in your kitchen or bath, an angle grinder can be the perfect power tool to cut out your sink opening.
  • Removing paint – one of the toughest parts of repainting wood siding is removing the old cracked paint during the prep stage, a large angle grinder can make quick work of the job with the right attachments. Follow up with an orbital sander and you’re ready to begin painting.
  • Installing hardwood – if you’re installing hardwood in a room that previously had carpet or tile, the door jambs usually need to be trimmed to allow the hardwood to fit underneath for a professional appearance. This is very difficult if not impossible with most power saws and many installers resort to using a hand saw, but an angle grinder can allow you to cut every jamb in the room in the time it might take to cut one jamb by hand.
  • Sharpening – any sharpening tasks you used to perform with a bench grinder might be a little easier and more convenient with a small angle grinder.
  • Cutting pipe – with the right attachments, you can cut just about any plumbing pipe you may find in your home.

Types of Angle Grinders

The primary difference between various models of angle grinders is their size. Smaller grinders are normally 4 ½ to 5 inches and are light enough to use with one hand. Most have a lock for the on switch so you don’t have to continually depress the trigger during long jobs. Large angle grinders are usually 7 to 9 inches which allows them to accept larger attachment discs and they normally have a little more power to help tackle bigger jobs.

Most angle grinders are electric powered, but some manufacturers also offer battery powered models.

Angle Grinder Safety

Regardless of what you’re using an angle grinder for, there’s a good chance dust and debris will be created. Eye protection is very important when using a grinder and in many situations a dust mask is also recommended. Angle grinders spin their attachments at very high rates of speed – keep your fingers away from the business end of the grinder while it’s running no matter what type of attachment you may be using.