Scott Cam, the builder from Backyard Blitz, looked at angle grinders for the home toolbox. As with most power tools grinders can be dangerous, but they are very handy for jobs around the home and save on lots of elbow grease! Grinders can be fitted with abrasive wheels, depending on the job you are doing. For cutting brickwork and concrete, use a masonry wheel. For cutting ceramic tiles, fit your angle grinder with a diamond wheel. Wheels are also available for cutting steel. Scott recommends a 100mm or 4″ angle grinder for the home handyman.
Safety first
The safety guard on your angle grinder should be positioned between the cutting blade and your hands. Never remove the guard. The switches on angle grinders are sensitive and can be easily knocked into the ‘On’ position. So when changing blades, switch off the power at the power point and pull the plug out of the socket. Keep a firm grip when using your angle grinder. When operating the angle grinder, be careful that the sparks don’t hit you or anyone else. Sparks can cause burns, eye injuries, wear out clothing and even set clothes on fire. Wear appropriate safety gear, such as clear safety glasses and earmuffs. Eye injuries caused by flying debris and sparks from angle grinders are among the most frequent injuries among home handymen treated at hospital casualty departments. Keep angle grinders and other power tools in a locked cupboard, well out of the reach of children.
Further details
Best choice:
Home handyman – 100mm or 4″ angle grinder. Cost $80-$150.
Professional use – 230mm or 9″ angle grinder. Cost: $250-$450
Abrasive Wheels:
Masonry – $4-$7 each
Diamond – from $20 (for a 100mm)
Earmuffs (around $29) and clear safety glasses (about $16) are available at most hardware stores.