Monday, November 22, 2010

Qualities to Look for When Purchasing an Angle Grinder

An angle grinder is a flexible hand-held power tool that is used to cut, grind, polish and shape metal, stone and other building materials. This tool may vary from simple hand-held units created for small residential projects to heavy-duty commercial models.

Angle grinder can be powered by an electric motor, petrol engine or compressed air. The motor drives a geared head at a right-angle on which is mounted an abrasive disc or a thinner cut-off disc, either of which can be replaced when worn.

Applications of Angle Grinder
An angle grinder is used in a variety of places for different jobs. Construction workers use them to cut through steel and concrete; road workers use them to cut through asphalt; rescue workers even use them sometimes to cut through the steel frames of cars. They are also used to cut bricks, paving slabs, roof tiles, slots and chases in walls.

Since these tools can be practically used anywhere, you might think of acquiring one for yourself. To guarantee that your angle grinder will function as intended, it is of extreme importance to choose the best unit that will meet your needs. But getting the best angle grinder in the market is not easy because there are some qualities that you have to consider.

To help you decide what kind of angle grinder to buy, below are some qualities that you have to look for before purchasing this power tool:

Usability. There are two types of angle grinders: the corded and cordless angle grinder. Corded angle grinders are not very portable but these are advantageous in terms of power and speed. Cordless angle grinders, on the other hand, are perfect to use anywhere because of its versatility. In choosing which angle grinder to buy, you have to consider the type of job you are going to do and what type of grinder best suits your task.

Comfort. Making sure that you are comfortable with the size and weight of the angle grinder is important too. A smaller, more compact unit may be less difficult to use for extended periods of time. Moreover, comfort features such as anti-vibration handles can also greatly improve its functionality even more. Before purchasing a particular angle grinder, it is necessary that you ensure if you are comfortable in holding and operating the tool.

Speed. Speed, which is measured in rotations per minute (RPM), is one of the main criteria in choosing an angle grinder. Angle grinders with 10000RPM or lesser is used for fine grinding and smoothening of surface. To make rough finishing or little buffing, you will need RPM in the range 10000 to 20000. For operations like cutting or smoothening of welded metal surfaces, RPM of more than 20000 will be required.

Adjustable Side Handle. Angle grinders are designed to have a top and side handle to enable the user to operate it with both hands. This gives a greater level of safety and control. In buying an angle grinder, always look for an adjustable side handle. It is better if you choose an angle grinder with a side handle that can be transferred to either side so that both right and left-handed users can use it.

Safety guards. Angle grinders generally come with plastic or metal guards to prevent stones, dust and debris from making contact with the operator. Always make sure that you buy angle grinders with adjustable safety guards because this will allow you use them properly.
Convenience. Home users (especially women) would favor light weighted angle grinders and would make this criterion their priority in buying the tool. A soft handle will be a lot easier to hold and gives them less fatigue even when used the entire day.

An angle grinder is primarily a metal worker's tool, being used for all types of metal cutting or metal grinding tasks. With the many functions this tool can give us, the angle grinder has already become a requirement for any home or professional workshop. When buying an angle grinder, one should consider their primary usage. The internet medium enables you to compare prices and features of angle grinders that you think will best match the type of job you are doing. Research and read angle grinder product reviews to help you in your decision-making. After all, this versatile power tool is sure an excellent addition to your electronic toolbox.


For more Metal Working Tips and Metal Abrasives Products, visit Smith and ARROW Australia.

1 comment:

  1. Very Informative Content! This kind of blog is really helpful for one who wants to purchase Angle Grinder Backing Pads. Their High powered; non-stop performance combined with innovative safety features make it the preferred choice for or sharing professionals.Thanks for sharing.

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