Angle Grinders: How to Choose the Best One

Are you one of the homeowners who love to DIY things? If you are, you’d probably own a lot of tools as they are essential to make your home beautiful. You’d most likely have hammers, screwdrivers (with different sizes), saws, and a lot more. Owning power tools, especially an angle grinder, is also essential for any DIYer. Angle grinders are versatile; you can use them to grind, cut, and polish metals. You can also use it to sharpen other tools. If you are in the market for one, you should always check reviews, as they would give you a more understanding regarding the angle grinder you are eyeing for. When it comes to reviews and recommendations, this site is one of the most trusted ones.

Before you read the reviews, you must know how to choose the best angle grinder. How? We got you covered as this article will provide you with tips.

The Disc

One of the first things you need to consider is the disc. The disc is also called a head or wheel. Regardless of what you want to call it, this is one of the most important things you need for your angle grinder.

As mentioned above, the tool is versatile. However, it requires a specific type of disc to get the job done. For instance, you might need a cut-off disc to cut into the metal or a masonry cutting wheel to cut through tiles and bricks. Along with the type of disc, you also need to consider the size. The two most common sizes are 4 ½” and 9”.

You might think that you should always get the thickest one. That actually depends on the job. For example, you might need a thin one if you’re working with thin metals. On the other hand, you need a thicker one for thick metals, such as sharpening your lawn mower blades for maintenance.

The Power and Speed

When it comes to your angle grinder’s efficiency, the power and speed should be considered. These two things are inseparable. Keep in mind that the higher the power is, the faster it will be. The tool’s power is measured through watts or W. The most common wattage for grinders would be between 1800W and 2000W; however, you’d still find some with a higher power. The disc rotates at 5000 to 10000 RPM (revolutions per minute), so it needs a lot of power.

Some models have adjustable speeds. This feature is helpful, making it more versatile. You’ll need a slower revolution if you need to use your grinder for polishing metal. The faster the rotation of the disc means the faster it would peel off its layers. However, if you’re going to use it for cutting metal, consider getting the highest wattage that fits your budget.

The Handle

An angle grinder is a powerful tool. You can use it in many different ways. However, it can also be dangerous, especially if the handle doesn’t fit perfectly on your hands. Aside from wearing protective gear, it’s best to consider the handle of the device. Make sure it fits perfectly on your hands and it’s comfortable enough to handle. It should also be padded, so you don’t directly touch the device’s parts.

We recommend getting one that has an adjustable handle. That’ll make the job easier for you as you can use both hands comfortably. Some people prefer using it with one, but having two maximizes your precision and efficiency. Keep in mind that if you have a good handle, you’d be able to use the tool more relaxed and have no worries about sudden hand cramps.

Aside from the handle, you should also get one with an adjustable guard. The guard helps protect you from sparks and debris.

The Safety Features

Safety is a crucial factor when it comes to angle grinders. One of the best things about this powerful tool is that various models have different safety features. For example, some large-angle grinders have a “slow start” mechanism. It doesn’t produce its full power right away, giving you time to adjust as the disc rotates faster.

Some grinders have a restart protection function where it prevents the tool from running again, especially when the device becomes too hot. You’ll also find models with a padded switch. When an angle grinder has one, you won’t be able to use it without using both hands. If the switch is released, the tool will stop running.

Sum Up

Choosing an angle grinder might sound technical, especially if you are unfamiliar with it. However, by simply following the tips above, you’d surely be able to decide which make and model you should buy.

Once you have one, you’d definitely thank yourself for getting it as you’d become more efficient in doing things yourself at home.

Photo by Tekton on Unsplash