There is an element of danger to most power tools, but those that are fitted with diamond blades, such as angle grinders, are even more dangerous if not used correctly. According to the experts at Devour Tools, the improper use of an angle grinder can have serious consequences that can include cuts or even amputation. It is therefore vital that anyone operating an angle grinder take precautions. Below are some of the most common angle grinder mistakes to avoid.

Operating at Speeds Higher Than Those Recommended

Angle grinder discs are marked with the recommended speed rating, and this should not be ignored. The rating is designed to inform the user of the maximum speed that it can be safely used at. Going higher than this increases the risk of the disc cracking and breaking. Sometimes the disc will shatter completely sending shards in the operator’s direction.

Operating the Angle Grinder without the Guard

The wheel guard is an integral part of the tool and is there for a reason. Operating without this guard in place could result in serious injury. The risk of the wheel coming into contact with the operator’s hand is higher when the guard is not in place.

Not Wearing Protective Equipment

Angle grinders give off sparks when used to grind and cut certain materials. It is imperative that the operator wear protective equipment such as goggles and gloves at the very minimum. It is also a good idea to wear non-flammable clothing to minimize the risk of clothing catching fire. Users should avoid wearing loose clothing, necklaces, or have hair loose.

Operating the Angle Grinder Without Taking Due Care

It is important to remember that angle grinders require careful handling. You need to make sure that you have both hands on the tool to prevent loss of control and it is good practice to place both feet firmly on the ground. Avoid using the angle grinder with one foot placed higher than the other as this could increase the risk of you losing your balance and falling while the tool is still running.

Not Checking the Angle Grinder before Use

Each time you are going to use the angle grinder, get into the habit of checking it over to make sure that all the parts are in good working order and that all screws and nuts etc. are tightened. Failure to do this could see some parts coming loose during operation.

Using an Old Worn Disc in a Smaller Tool

When an angle grinder wheel has worn down to the point that it can no longer be used, some users will take that now smaller disc and pop it into a smaller grinder. However, this is a very bad idea because the disc will have been designed for use in the larger grinder, operating at a lower rpm. Placing it into a machine that has a higher rpm rating means it will be spinning much quicker than intended, which could cause it to shatter.

Not Checking for Hazards before Use

When using an angle grinder, it is extremely important to ensure the safety of the space around you. You need to make sure that cables are out of the way and that there is nothing in your immediate vicinity that could cause you to trip and fall.

Conclusion

Angle grinders are high powered tools that require careful use. It is important to always practice safety to minimize the risk of injury. The above is just some of the most common mistakes that people make when using angle grinders, and ways you can avoid them.