The Angle Grinder: How to Use It and What to Use It for

Angle grinders cut and smooth metal, masonry or stone. It can grind, cut, sharpen, sand and polish all different types of surfaces and materials. It’s an incredibly versatile tool that should be an essential in your tool kit.

So how does it work?

The Milwaukee angle grinder is a handheld power tool that comes in both corded and cordless designs. A rotating disc inside grinds and polishes while the cutting head is positioned at an angle to drive the shaft. Angle grinders can be powered by electricity, petrol or compressed air.

Most angle grinders are between 4 and 4.5 inches. However, you can buy different sizes and shapes if you are working on a more specialised project.

There are many cutting attachments to choose from, and each has a different purpose. There is a wire, metal cut off, wire cup, grinding, dry-cut diamond, and diamond tuckpointing discs. If you aren’t sure which one you need, ask around at your local hardware store.

Let’s take a closer look at the uses of an angle grinder.

Grinding

For the most part, angle grinders are used for grinding. You can attach a grinding wheel and clean up any welded joints or excess material.

Sharpening tools

You can use your angle grinder to maintain your other tools. You can sharpen the flat blade on your other tools to restore them back to their former glory. Just make sure to be careful when sharpening and edging other tools. You should operate the angle grinder with caution and precision.

The angle grinder can overheat the metal blade used to sharpen your tools. If the temperature rises too much, the cutting edge will become soft and blush-black. Keep the grinder moving, and don’t stay on the same spot for too long.

Cutting metal

Use your angle grinder to cut through any rods or bars on site. You need a thin cutting wheel to cut sheet metal and similar materials. Make sure to wear protective eyewear and gloves when using the angle grinder. Sparks, dust and debris could fly around your body.

You can also use the grinder to cut tiles and concrete. You need a dry-cut diamond disc to cut these tough materials easily. Or a tile saw for cutting tiles in a straight line.

Paint and dust removal

Buy a paint stripper wheel and remove any pain from it without damaging the surface. Use the angle grinder to even out the rough surface and remove any thermal bluing.

Angle grinders have numerous uses – from polishing metal to woodwork. You just need to find the correct attachment disc to make the most of the power tool.