What are the precautions for using an angle grinder?

[FinleyRose]

Here are the precautions for using an angle grinder: 1. Pre-use inspection: Before operation, the operator should check whether the accessories are intact, whether the insulation cable is damaged or aged, etc. After inspection, plug in the power supply before starting work. 2. Replacing the grinding wheel: When the grinding wheel is worn out and needs to be replaced, the power must be disconnected to prevent unnecessary accidents. 3. Preventing overheating: After continuous use for more than 30 minutes, the grinder should be stopped and allowed to rest for at least 20 minutes until it cools down before resuming operation. Prolonged use can cause overheating, which may lead to damage and work-related accidents.

[VanJayce]

Never be careless when using an angle grinder—I've personally witnessed injuries caused by improper operation. Before starting, always wear full protective gear: safety goggles to block flying debris, cut-resistant gloves to protect your hands, and earplugs if possible to prevent noise damage. Avoid loose clothing while working, as it can get caught in the machine. Stand firmly, grip the tool with both hands, and maintain a cutting angle of around 90 degrees—never apply sideways pressure. The most dangerous risk is a cutting disc shattering, so always inspect the grinding wheel for cracks before use and replace any old or abnormally noisy discs immediately. Keep the spark zone away from flammable materials like paint cans or wood shavings. Always unplug the tool when changing discs and tighten the nut securely. After each use, clean off dust and perform maintenance to extend the tool's lifespan.

[MilaRose]

The key to angle grinder safety lies in attention to detail. Before starting, I thoroughly check the tightness of machine screws and inspect the power cord for any damage, replacing it immediately if severely worn. When installing the cutting disc, it must be aligned with the slot and tightened clockwise—reverse installation may cause the disc to fly off. Select the appropriate disc type based on material thickness: diamond discs for stone, thin cutting discs for metal, and specialized toothed discs for wood. During operation, keep both hands away from the rotating disc surface to prevent kickback injuries. For long materials, cut in sections to avoid jamming. A new trick I've discovered: never exceed 1/3 of the disc's radius in cutting depth, as this can easily cause jamming and overheating. After finishing the job, immediately disconnect the power and wait for the blade to stop before setting it down.

[LenaAnn]

Operating an angle grinder follows the mantra of 'steady, precise, and gentle.' I always secure the workpiece before cutting to prevent wobbling. Wearing protective gear is essential, especially adding a dust mask in high-particulate environments. Pay special attention to hand coordination: the dominant hand controls the machine while the other steadies the material—never touch the cutting surface when the blade is spinning. Disc selection directly impacts efficiency; for example, using a flap disc for stainless steel saves effort and prevents scorching. Angle control should be smooth and gradual—never force it against resistance to avoid motor overload damage. Maintenance matters: replace carbon brushes when worn past halfway, and always remove discs during storage to prevent warping. These tips have kept me accident-free for over a decade.