What Is An Angle Grinder, And How To Use It?

Posted by Penn Tool Co., Inc on 6th Dec 2022

What Is An Angle Grinder, And How To Use It?

Looking for ways to use an angle grinder? Here is a detailed guide to using an angle grinder to cut or reshape your home metals, tiles, and other materials.

Introduction:

Angle grinder is a powerful cutting tool used by professionals to trim or reshape metals of different types. With the help of an angle grinder, you can make the most tedious and labor-intensive jobs quicker and easier. The tools allow you to cut metals and other materials in specific shapes or sizes with just a few strikes, eliminating the need for man labor, or additional cutting equipment.

They come in small sizes and are perfect for DIY projects. To be specific, you don’t have to worry about using additional tools or taking the help of others to cut metals into smaller pieces or desired shapes. Nevertheless, if this is your first time using angle grinders for DIY projects, you would want to learn how to use an angle grinder before getting started.

Let us begin this blog by understanding what an angle grinder is.

What is an angle grinder?

Depending on the purpose of your DIY projects, you can purchase the type of angle grinder that suits your needs the best. Although angle grinder comes in various shapes and sizes, the most preferred size by beginners is the 115mm size model, thanks to its lightweight and easy to use property.

An angle grinder comes with various accessories, including abrasive wheels ( also called discs or blades). The abrasive wheel spins at thousands of RPMs, powerful enough to cut metals in one strike. Depending on the size and different uses for an angle grinder, the type of wheel or disc can differ from one model to another.

Therefore, it is important to determine the type of metal or other material you are working with before opting for a particular angle grinder. Stainless steel and titanium alloy angle grinder wheels can cut the toughest metals or materials into desired shapes and sizes. 

What is an angle grinder used for?

Angle grinders can be used for various purposes. Here are some most popular uses for an angle grinder that you can consider for your DIY projects. 

1. Grinding and polishing metal

One of the most common angle grinder uses is grinding and polishing metals. Most manufacturing and construction companies rely heavily on angle grinding to flatten, smooth, or remove the pieces from metal structures. You can easily control the speed of the wheels to achieve a smooth surface for your metal structures. The smoothing and polishing process involves removing the fine layer from metal sheets to leave a clean and glossy finish like metal surfaces.

2. Cutting metal

Another popular uses for an angle grinder is cutting metals into different shapes and sizes. Welders and plumbers who work with galvanized iron or lead pipes prefer an angle grinder to cut the structure in the desired shape. It allows them to complete the job clutter free and quickly. Cutting discs are usually thinner in size and made of sturdy materials.

3. Cleaning metal

Generally, it is quite challenging to remove dried paints, rust, and lacquer from metals using liquid solutions. Liquid solutions leave residues and might harm the surface of your metal structures. With angle grinders, you can easily peel the layer without damaging the core parts of your metal structure. During the cutting process, wheels can sometimes shoot small pieces of broken wire that can cause potential injuries. Always wear a protective suit to avoid physical injuries.

4. Sharpening tools

Did you know an angle grinder can also be used for sharpening other tools? It is one the best yet concealed angle grinder uses as it helps expand the life of other cutting tools. While sharpening the tools using an angle grinder, you should be careful about the position you hold the tool. Even a slight mistake can cut the entire structure into two pieces.

5. Cutting various materials

Uses for an angle grinder also include cutting different types of materials such as titles, stones, and other masonry materials. Depending on the tensile strength of the materials, you can switch wheels accordingly. If this is your first time cutting titles or high-tensile strength stones, consider seeking expert’s help.

6. Removing mortar

Over time, leaks, drafts, and recurring insect infestation are more likely to occur on damaged and weak bricks. You can get rid of these problems by simply replacing the mortar on the wall. You can get the mortar out from brick using a standard quality angle grinder. To extract the mortar, get a thick abrasive grinding disc that can easily go inside the brick.

You can consider these popular angle grinder uses for your DIY project. To learn more about the types of angle grinders best for your project, explore our product section.

How to use an angle grinder?

Considering the above pointers, if you have discovered the best angle grinder uses for your DIY project, you would now want to know the right ways to conduct different activities using the angle grinder. Generally, all types of angle grinders have similar mechanical properties. All you need to do is connect the tool to the electricity supply and switch the button on the tool. For better understanding, consider reading the manual book given by the manufacturer for different angle grinder uses.

Grinder safety before the use

Before performing different angle grinder uses, follow these precaution guidelines to avoid injuries

  • Wear a protection suit.
  • Unplug the grinder when changing wheels
  • Run quick maintenance check to avoid system failure
  • Keep angle grinders out of children’s reach.

Required tools

Tools required for angle grinder uses might differ depending on the requirements of your DIY project. Here are some common must-have tools for performing different activities

  • Good quality dustpan
  • Hearing protection
  • Safety glasses
  • Extension cord


At Penn Tool Co, we offer high-quality angle grinders at affordable and reasonable prices. All our products are tested and verified before handing them over to the customers. Call us today at 800-526-4856 to learn more about our products and services.