Angle Grinder
Products and appliances

Angle grinders

Angle grinders

An angle grinder is a versatile power tool which rotates at incredibly high speeds and has abrasive blades that create sparks. So you must take proper precautions before using one.  

Angle grinders can be used for a variety of tasks, from cleaning away stubborn dirt or old paint to cutting tiles or metal or grinding out mortar. Each task requires a different type of disk so it’s important to select the correct disc for the job. 

The type of tasks influences the size of the angle grinder needed, its power rating, how portable it is, and how easy it is to manoeuvre.  

Angle grinders with large diameter disks are trickier to handle so use the smallest one capable of accomplishing the task. 

Only use the angle grinder for jobs it was designed for. Don’t use adaptors or attachments which change the angle grinder into a different tool unless supplied by the manufacturer.  

Cabled angle grinders tend to be lighter than cordless models and cheaper to buy. But as you need to be near a power supply, manoeuvrability and portability are limited.  

Cordless models use a rechargeable battery, great for working on a ladder, but have more limited run time. They are also more expensive and heavier than corded options. 

Angle grinders either have a motor driven by small metal brushes or a brushless motor with an electronic circuit board and sensor. No brushes reduce friction, heat build-up, and wear and tear, and are also more efficient to run than brushed motors. 

Asterisk

Key points

  • All angle grinders (or their chargers) must be fitted with a UK 3-pin plug and fuse. 
  • Whichever type you choose, avoid buying second-hand grinders. 
  • Firmly clamp and/or support what you are working on to prevent accidents. 
  • Angle grinders create sparks, so ensure it is well away from flammable materials. 
  • Keep an angle grinder unplugged when not in use or when doing maintenance on it. 
  • Don’t use adaptors or attachments that turn your angle grinder into a different tool. 

Buying an angle grinder

  • Whichever you choose, buy from a reputable retailer rather than a third-party seller online, as it may not have passed all the necessary safety checks. Avoid buying second-hand angle grinders as you won’t know their history and they may not meet the latest safety standards. 
  • Safety features to look for include a safety guard to deflect sparks and protect your hands if the disc shatters, sensors and brakes to stop the disc immediately if it jams, a two-stage starter switch to prevent accidental activation, and low vibration technology to reduce fatigue when using it. 
  • Register your angle grinder so you can be contacted easily if there is a safety recall. It’s also much easier to return a faulty product or order a repair if it’s registered. 

Using an angle grinder safely

  • Before you start, make sure the cable is long enough to easily reach the area you’re working in. If it isn’t, plug the angle grinder into an extension lead or fully unwound cable reel to extend your reach safely. 
  • Wear safety goggles and gloves when using an angle grinder. Hold the angle grinder with both hands for a firm and steady grip. 
  • Don’t wear long sleeves, baggy clothing, or dangly jewellery that could get in the way. Tie back long hair and keep pets and children away from the area you’re working in. 
  • Check the grinder for any signs of damage or a chewed cable and don’t use it if you spot anything suspicious. 
  • Whatever you’re working on should be firmly clamped and/or supported to prevent accidents. Angle grinders can create sparks, so keep flammable materials well away. 
  • Unplug the grinder before you change or touch the grinder wheel, and when not in use. Store it in a cool, dry indoor place. 
  • Metal blades can overheat during use. Keep the grinder moving, don’t apply too much pressure, and keep a bucket of water and rag handy to drench the metal frequently. 
  • When you buy a new disc, run it in the grinder in a safe area for at least 30 seconds to check it’s not defective 

ALWAYS

  • Do plenty of research first before buying.  
  • Buy from a reputable retailer. 
  • Buy a known and trusted brand. 
  • Register your angle grinder with the manufacturer. 
  • Hold the angle grinder with both hands for a firm and steady grip. 

AVOID

  • Buying second-hand angle grinders or from third-party sellers online. 
  • Applying too much pressure or letting the metal blades overheat. 
  • Using the angle grinder if you spot any signs of damage. 
  • Using a new disc until you have checked it’s not defective. 
  • Changing or touching the grinder wheel while the grinder is plugged in. 

Stay safe with electrical products

Check plugs and sockets

If you notice a burning smell or any unusual noises, switch the grinder off immediately and contact the retailer and/or manufacturer. 

Unplug the grinder before doing any maintenance on it and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. 

Protect with an RCD

An RCD (residual current device) in your consumer unit (fusebox) protects you from electric shocks should there be a fault with the angle grinder. If you don’t have RCD protection, use an RCD plug on the socket where the grinder is plugged in. 

Safe charging

For a cordless grinder, only charge the battery using the original charger or a replacement charger obtained from the manufacturer or reputable retailer.  

Charge it in a safe place on a stable surface and disconnect batteries once they are charged. Don’t overcharge or leave it charging overnight as this could be a fire risk.  

Check the batteries

If there are unusual odours, sparks, smoke, swelling, cracks, or any form of damage, stop using the battery immediately and make sure it is unplugged from the charger. 

If you need a replacement or additional battery, or if your current battery no longer holds a charge, buy directly from the original manufacturer. Don’t use batteries from other manufacturers or battery adapters, as these may pose safety risks.  

Selected FAQs

If you’re unsure about an appliance or product, you’re not alone. These FAQs bring together expert advice and answers to the questions people ask us most, so you can feel more confident at home.

View all consumer faqs

It is recommended that periodic inspection and testing is carried out at the following times:

  • for tenanted properties, every 5 years or at each change of occupancy, whichever is sooner
  • at least every 10 years for an owner-occupied home
  • at least every 5 years for a business

The Landlords and Tenant Act 1985 requires landlords of properties with short leases to keep the electrical wiring in repair and in proper working order. We recommend landlords arrange for periodic inspection and testing to be carried out by a registered electrician at the relevant intervals shown above.

Periodic inspection and testing of the electrics should be carried out more frequently on the places and premises listed here:

  • 3 years for a caravan
  • 1 year for a swimming pool

Periodic inspection and testing should be carried out only by electrically competent persons, such as registered electricians.

First, you need to find out whether the electrician you used is actually registered. To do this, contact the operator of the scheme they have claimed to be part of, and they will tell you whether this is the case. If they are registered, the scheme operator can guide you through their complaints procedure.

If you find out the electrician misled you and is not registered, you should report this to your local Trading Standards Department as they are breaking the law. We would also recommend that you get an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR) carried out on your home; this will assess any work that has been undertaken and will act as sufficient documentation to certify that work. This needs to be carried out by a registered electrician and unfortunately will be an added cost for you.

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