Most metalworking environments use angle grinders. Like any metalworking piece of equipment, it can be dangerous if it’s not handled with care. In some cases, kickback accidents can be fatal. Knowing the correct way of using an angle grinder and avoiding kickbacks is important.
Below, we are going to take a look at how to avoid angle grinder kickback to ensure that you are safely using your machine in all situations. So without further ado, let’s jump right into it!
What Happens When an Angle Grinder Kicks Back?
One may suffer severe injuries or even death due to angle grinder kickbacks. This equipment kicks back when it gets jammed in the material while cutting. As a result of the kickback, the operator may lose control of the tool and injury can occur if the machine is dropped or hits the operator.
If you’re running at the wrong speed or with the wrong wheel, there’s more risk of kickbacks.
What Can You Do to Minimize the Risk of Kickbacks?
If you want to decrease the possibility of kickbacks, use the right wheel and set your tool’s speed appropriately. Kickback accidents are more likely to occur with dull and badly set wheels.
Training in wheel-mounting is essential to replace your worn wheels as soon as they need them. Wear appropriate clothing and protective equipment—including head, eye, hand, and foot protection—to ensure safety.
When using angle grinders, apply minimum pressure against the workpiece and keep the disc in place, preventing the grinder from kicking back if it “hitches.” It is best to choose a lighter tool instead of a bigger, heavier, or stronger grinder. Guards should be on the grinder, half of which should be covered and placed between the operator and the disc.
Avoid Over Tightening and Replace When Needed
It is typical for discs to self-tighten when used. Avoid using the spanner to tighten them up.
Users should replace angle grinder discs after a certain period as they become brittle.
Fiberglass-reinforced discs are recommended for handheld machines. These will have a coding “BF” to identify them.
Organize Your Workspace and Remove Jewelry
Declutter your workspace. Tools, toolboxes, timber, or steel strewn about can lead to trips and falls. Everything should be stored on one side so it’s easily accessible.
Earphones, loose clothing, and jewelry are a risk too. Remove jewelry and loose clothing, like scarves that may get caught in the grinder’s rotating discs and shafts. Operators should secure their hair in a bun with a hairnet at the back of the head.
Never Use a Cutting Disc
Never use a cutting disc when grinding. As with grinding discs, there is no side pressure resistance in cutting discs. There is a risk of them overbending and shattering. If you grind using the side faces, you will thin out the disc, possibly overstressing it, and it may explode. Disc fragments will be thrown around the room as a result.
Always Run the Machine Before Using It
It doesn’t matter whether you pick it up in the morning, when you return from break, or take over from someone else. Make sure the angle grinder runs with the attachment for a minute or two beforehand so the grinder can heat up and become fully operational, and you can see, hear, or feel how well it works.
Safety Tips to Follow Before Using an Angle Grinder
If you are going to use an angle grinder, make sure of the following:
- Handles and guards should be secure.
- The disc should be in good condition and not have any defects. When you drop a disc, it may develop cracks, so do not use it again.
- Operators must use the correct flange and locking nut to prevent discs from shattering at high speeds.
- Use the tightening tool supplied by the grinder manufacturer. Other methods may damage the disc and grinder.
- Spindle size and disc diameter should be suitable.
- If you’re grinding, use grinding discs, and if you’re cutting, use cutting discs.
- Discs are chosen according to the material to be ground or cut.
Angle Grinder Tips to Avoid Accidents
- Make sure the angle grinder is the right tool for the job.
- To ensure your grinder is suitable for both left- and right-handed operators, purchase one with a handle and adjustments to suit both types of users.
- Ensure that the handgrip of the grinder has an automatic power switch. After releasing finger pressure, the power is cut off. Some smaller models may not be equipped with automatic power switches and aren’t suitable for some tasks.
- You’ll find it’s much easier to control a lighter tool than one that is larger, more powerful, and heavier than required.
- Do not remove the guards. The guard should cover half the disc between the disc and the operator. Never use an angle grinder without the guard in place.
- If your grinder is fitted with a cutter disc, don’t cut deeper than twice the disc’s thickness, and avoid plunging the disc too deep into the workpiece.
- Angle grinder operators should be trained and instructed in safe working practices.
- Train workers on how to use angle grinders.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) for Angle Grinding
Users should use the following personal protective equipment:
- Goggles with wide vision, glasses, or a shield for the face
- Earplugs or earmuffs
- Steel-toed safety boots
- Clothes with a fitted shape, such as overalls
- Gloves that fit well and grip the tool comfortably
Conclusion
An angle grinder is one of the most powerful tools in your shed. They usually spin between 9,000 and 11,000 RPM. Kickbacks cause most injuries. Professionals should regularly check the electrical safety of the grinders, and only someone qualified should repair them.
New users should familiarize themselves with any piece of machinery and safety precautions before operating it. Almost anyone can make a potentially life-threatening mistake by using equipment without being trained properly. Now you know how to avoid angle grinder kickback – remember these tips moving forward to ensure safe use of the machine.