Dangers of angle grinders

[Paddy]

I needed to grind some concrete slab edges so I bought a 4" diamond cup wheel. I have one for my 7" angle grinder and they are great.

When I first started it, I noticed some vibration. I figured after a bit of use it would settle down. After 5 min of use I stopped to give my hands a rest due to the vibration. I noticed the grinder was oozing gear grease. Then I saw the entire grinder housing was split where the screws were loose and/or missing. One missing and 3 loose.

Taking it back for sure, but could have been very dangerous/painful having the wheel and the shaft flying.

Warning, if your grinder has a lot of vibration shut it down!

 

[ultrarunner]

Was it an off brand?

The reason I ask is my neighbor went through 3 off brand cheap angle grinders in 3 days...

Bought a Milwaukee and no more problems.

 

[Citydude]

This remindes me to buy a face shield. Thanks for the reminder!

 

[Al 2]

Possibly the cutting stone or grinding wheel was out of balance. Won't take long to destroy the grinder.
Al

 

[PILOON]

On most of the low price grinders if you open up the front end, clean it out and add a quality lubricant you will enjoy a decent life span.
It would seem that the off shore el cheepos use lard or something akin to it.

 

[fried1765]

I needed to grind some concrete slab edges so I bought a 4" diamond cup wheel. I have one for my 7" angle grinder and they are great.

When I first started it, I noticed some vibration. I figured after a bit of use it would settle down. After 5 min of use I stopped to give my hands a rest due to the vibration. I noticed the grinder was oozing gear grease. Then I saw the entire grinder housing was split where the screws were loose and/or missing. One missing and 3 loose.

Taking it back for sure, but could have been very dangerous/painful having the wheel and the shaft flying.

Warning, if your grinder has a lot of vibration shut it down!

Ah yes ......painful!
Used a quality thin cutting wheel, with a 4" Makita grinder, on a piece of 3/8" flat steel.
Cutting wheel got pinched in the steel, and the broken wheel, still attached to the whirring grinder, bit me in the leg.
My jeans wrapped around the broken wheel, and stalled the grinder out.
My leg got a lovely looking 6" long gash. Still have the scar, now 3 months later.
No stitches though, and healing is complete.

 

[k0ua]

On most of the low price grinders if you open up the front end, clean it out and add a quality lubricant you will enjoy a decent life span.
It would seem that the off shore el cheepos use lard or something akin to it.

I have always heard it jokingly called "yak fat".. Not far off the mark though.

 

[Paddy]

AL 2,

Yes, definitely out of balance, Menards Tool shop brand. The grinder is a black and decker and has held up fine for several years. So not blaming the grinder.

 

[Industrial Toys]

I had my first two cutting wheels grenade this summer. It is truly explosive! Like a gun shot. Of course very few of my grinders have shields as they get in the way. Not saying it's smart or that I would recommend it.

The first was actually really stupid. A worn down 12" disk put on a hand grinder. Not at my place or my grinder. I was using the sides and kind of knew what might happen, but was unprepared for the violence.

 

[BigBoyToys]

If there's one tool that I'm the most CAUTIOUS with, it the "angle grinder" with a cut-off wheel!!! Too many horror stories and videos online. I have a Dewalt and Milwaukee and both have been flawless.