An angle grinder is a versatile power tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from cleaning away stubborn dirt or old paint to slicing up tiles or cutting out mortar – you simply need to attach the right kind of disc for the job.
Angle Grinder Safety
Angle grinders rotate at incredibly high speeds (as much as 12,000rpm) and the sharp blades can also cause sparks when they come into contact with metal, so you need to take proper precautions before using one.
- Make sure you buy your angle grinder from a reputable dealer, and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- It’s important to register a new angle grinder with the manufacturer so that you can be contacted if a safety notice or recall is required. It also makes it easier for you to return a faulty product or order a repair. To register any of your appliances, regardless of age, visit our Product Registration page.
- Use our free online checker to see if you have any recalled electrical items.
- Check that your appliance has a UK plug; if it doesn’t, don’t try to use a UK travel adaptor. Get in touch with the retailer and ask for their advice.
- Do regular checks of the plug and socket for burn marks, sounds of ‘arcing’ (buzzing or crackling) or if it feels too hot to touch. If you have fuses blowing or circuit-breakers tripping then contact a registered electrician to investigate.
- Any socket you plan to use to plug in an angle driver should have RCD (residual current device) Protection. An RCD is a life-saving device that protects against dangerous electric shock and reduces the risk of electrical fires. If you don’t have RCD protection in your fuse box for your sockets, consider using an RCD plug to protect you and your property from serious appliance faults.
- Before you start work, ensure that the cord is long enough to easily reach the area you’re working in – if it isn’t, plug the angle grinder into a fully-unwound extension lead to extend your reach.
Using your angle grinder safely
- Always wear a face shield and gloves when using an angle grinder.
- Be sure to unplug the grinder before you change or touch the grinder wheel.
- Make sure other people, especially children, stay well away from your work area.
- The piece you’re working on should be firmly clamped and/or supported to any prevent accidents.
- As angle grinders can sometimes create sparks, you should ensure there are no flammable materials in the vicinity.
- When you buy a new disc, run it in the grinder in a safe area for at least 30 seconds before attempting to use it, just to check it’s not defective.
- Always hold the angle grinder with both hands to ensure you have a firm and steady grip.
- Metal grinder blades can overheat during use. Avoid this happening by keeping the grinder moving and not applying to much pressure, and also keep a bucket of water and rag handy so you can drench the metal frequently.