An angle grinder is a specialized power tool and one that lends itself to a great variety of personal and professional tasks both within and outside the home. If you are investing in equipment for your home improvement, you may be wondering why you might need an angle grinder; here, we will demonstrate some of the key uses for this versatile tool, as well as tips on using it safely.
On Using an Angle Grinder Safely
Whatever your personal uses for an angle grinder, there are some universal rules you should follow to operate one safely. First and foremost, you will need the proper PPE (personal protective equipment) to protect your hands and face from flying debris and sparks. Gloves and safety glasses are recommended.
Second, if you are new to using an angle grinder you should ensure you have supervision before you continue – and, if possible, you should use the tool outside so as not to throw sparks somewhere they may catch something alight. With this in mind, what are the key uses for angle grinders?
Metalwork
Angle grinders are a useful tool in many metalworking applications, with their adaptability suiting them to a diverse range of tasks. Rougher abrasive discs can be used to remove material such as edge burrs or poor welds from metal, while softer polishing discs can be used to burnish metal surfaces to a mirror sheen.
Here, cordless angle grinders enable users to access difficult areas, especially in awkwardly shaped chassis such as those of vehicles under repair. In these applications, angle grinders are particularly useful for removing rusted material and creating a clean surface for re-welding or re-fastening metal parts to one another.
Sanding and Stripping
More generally, angle grinders can be used as a powerful sanding tool. Sandpaper discs are available, which enable carpenters and joiners to quickly sand timber down to fit a given purpose. While other tools are more well-suited to the task, such as orbital or belt sanders, these tools can be prohibitively expensive – especially for the casual DIY home improver. Angle grinders, meanwhile, are versatile in their utility, and can get the job done without unnecessary expenditure.
By this token, angle grinders can also be useful for other odd tasks when it comes to hobby tasks or home improvement work. One such job is that of stripping paint from surfaces; angle grinders can make short work of paint layers and coatings, stripping materials and items down to the bare material with speed and efficiency.
Tilework
Despite the name, angle grinders are not fit purely for grinding. The area of exposed disc edge enables the angle grinder to cut with the right attachment – which, coupled with its easy-to-handle size, suits it well for the delicate task of cutting ceramic tiles to size. This is a task of particular importance in re-tiling kitchens or bathrooms, where specific tile designs and room dimensions require precisely cut tiles to fit.
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