Which angle grinder will be best for professional use cutting concrete and metal? And which one will be good for home renovation works, e.g. removing old paint or rust? What should you know before buying an angle grinder? Read our guide and find the answers to these and several other questions
Which angle grinder will be best for professional use cutting concrete and metal? And which one will be good for home renovation works, e.g. removing old paint or rust? What should you know before buying an angle grinder? Read our guide and find the answers to these and several other questions
Features and uses of angle grinders
Choosing the right angle grinder depends on the scope of work that you intend to perform with it. So if you only intend to grind small surfaces or lighter materials, then a model with less power will be sufficient. If, on the other hand, you plan to cut metal, concrete or paving stones, then you will definitely need a grinder not only with more power, but also with an appropriate disc.
There are two main types of grinders available on the market – lighter ones for use with one hand, the power of which is usually from 600 to 1000 watts, and heavier models for use with both hands – with a power of 1800 – 2500 watts. The former are a great solution for basic household jobs, while the latter are intended for professional use. More power means not only higher energy consumption, but also a longer working time under a greater load. Also bear in mind that the more power the grinder has, the higher its price will be.
Regardless of the scope of work that you intend to perform with your angle grinder, check whether the grinder has a speed control function. It would be described as RPM. Rotation speed adjustment is important, because if you choose a slower speed, you can perform more precise tasks. Slower rotation will allow you to more easily control how much material has already been ground, or how deep a cut has already been made.
On the other hand, slower rotation means slower work progress, so if the work you are doing does not require a high level of precision, but needs to be done quickly, it is worth using a tool with a high RPM parameter.
When considering which angle grinder to choose, you should also pay attention to the ease of use and additional functions. The method of fitting the disc is also important. To this regard, a spindle lock will be helpful, as it lets you change the disc with just one key. If you decide to choose a more expensive model, it will probably come with a keyless SDS system that allows you to quickly and efficiently mount the discs, without the need for any additional tools.
Due to their functionality, angle grinders are used to cut through hard materials such as concrete, metal or ceramics. They are also suitable for smoothing surfaces, and even used to cut such elements as reinforced concrete or paving stones. Angle grinders are also used in car workshops, as well as during household or garden renovation works. They really a truly universal power tool.
Which angle grinder should you buy? Types of grinders
The angle grinder you choose according to your needs may differ in size, parameters, and features. The next criterion for choosing a given device is the method of power supply – angle grinders are divided into cordless and electric models. So let’s have a look at the differences.
Cordless angle grinders
Let’s start with cordless grinders. Their biggest advantage is the lack of a power cord, which in practice gives you more freedom of use, as well as mobility. With battery-powered models you do not have to worry about the power source, nor are you in any way limited by the length of the cable. However, in order for such an angle grinder to last a long time and be efficient, a high-capacity battery is needed. And when cutting thick and hard materials, even this may be insufficient.
A battery-powered device will also be much heavier than models with a power cord, due to the fact that the weight of the battery is added to the weight of the power tool itself.
Electric angle grinders
The second variant is an electric angle grinder. In order for this type of device to work, it must be plugged in. It is therefore a great solution for stationary work. An advantage of such models is the possibility of continuous, uninterrupted work without the need to replace or charge the batteries. However, during use you should be very careful, making sure that the power cord does not fall under the grinding disc.
And you must also take into account that your movement range will be more limited. A good solution in this case could be extension cords, which will allow you to increase the distance between the power source and the element or surface to be processed.
Angle grinder diameters
When considering which angle grinder will meet your expectations, take into account the diameter of compatible grinding discs. They can come in different sizes, which can significantly affect the efficiency of your work. By far the most popular and at the same time most easily available are grinding discs with a diameter of 125 mm. They are also the cheapest option, but if you want to find an alternative size, you will also come across 115 – 150 mm. Bear in mind, however, that these diameters are intended for smaller grinders held with one hand.
Heavier grinders held with two hands, on the other hand, require the use of much larger grinding discs. In this case the diameter will be 180 mm or even 230 mm. Regardless of what type of device you choose, remember that using the wrong size disc may damage it or cause injuries. Also pay attention to the thickness of the disc. Ones with a thickness of 1 to 3 mm are intended for cutting, while grinding discs around 5 mm thick are used for grinding.
Which angle grinder will be suitable for professional use?
You already know that smaller grinders are intended mainly for home use. For professional use in various types of construction or renovation companies, a heavier grinder held with two-hands will be a better choice. You should also have various disc at hand, suitable for different surfaces and materials.
Elements such as a rust removal brush and a flexible disc for grinding large surfaces will also come in handy. When choosing additional discs, however, bear in mind that they must be adapted to be used at high speeds. Failure to do so may result in damage to the equipment or your health.
Angle grinders for professional use should also be equipped with rotation speed control and an anti-vibration system. Rotation speed control will let you significantly increase the scope of work performed. The anti-vibration system, on the other hand, will reduce vibrations, which will not only influence the comfort of work, but also let you work longer. Another feature worth checking is whether the chosen model has soft start for smooth start-ups. This will let you eliminate jerks after turning on the grinder.
When looking for a grinder for professional use, also pay attention to the type of switch. Most grinders come with a slide or paddle switch. The type of switch will also affect your work comfort. The first type allows you to work without the need to constantly keep it pressed with your finger, greatly relieving your wrist. The paddle switch, on the other hand, needs to be held down continuously during use.
The disc guard is another extremely important element of angle grinders, as it protects the user from any potential injuries during use. Also check whether a case is included in the set. The angle grinder could easily be damaged when moving it around to different places. A sturdy case will effectively prevent this. Of course, all these additional features and accessories will lead to a higher price, but if you are looking for a grinder for professional use, they are worth the extra cost.
Which angle grinder should you buy?
When trying to answer this question, as in the case of many other power tools, you should take into account the scope of the work you intend to perform with it. For occasional use at home or in the garden, a smaller grinder with lower power will be sufficient. For professional use in a construction company, workshop or other such company, you should use a heavier device held with both hands, and with higher power.
Depending on your needs, you should select an appropriate grinding disc and additional accessories, e.g. a brush for removing paint or a case for transporting the grinder. And don’t forget about the additional functions and parameters that influence the quality and comfort of work. And always remember about safety.
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