I had a lot of old pipes and rebar to cut up and from what I read ru-vid.comUgkxPDBfLu68o58Aw85O_J-zIFfjJARBhp-3 this would be the tool for the job. Since I had never used one, I watched a couple of youtube videos and I'm so glad I did. Some really good safety tips, which I followed, and this tool did a splendid job. One good thing to know is the weight of the tool puts just about the right amount of pressure on the metal I was cutting, so I didn't have to use a lot of pressure, which is more likely to jam the tool. It made fast work of my job.
So I will admit I did not think angle grinders could be dangerous until I used one .even wearing protective gloves and during the moment I thought the wheel was slowing down to a stop ..it was not going around very fast and it just skimmed my finger. Straight through the glove with a very slight cut ..then I realized I would have lost my finger. I would never use one again without caution ..ruthless ..tool. VERY dangerous.
@@romuloarantes7820 I would prioritize hearing protection as #1 thing to put on. It's really hearing damaging loud. It's just stupid to give up your hearing over being a cool boi. Same for your eyes. It's possible to use a grinder without safety glasses, i did that a lot when i was young, just don't have your face in line with the blade and it's kinda ok. But a doctor visit makes you quickly think otherwise about wearing safety items. Wearing gloves is just more comfortable so you don't have specks of metal or stone smacking onto your hands nonstop. Angler grinder = gloves, glasses, hearing protection, and if you're cutting a lot of stone then also definitely breathing protection.
@@romuloarantes7820 Always wear tight fitting goggles when using a grinder, the particles can go UP UNDER a face shield. An eyeball mark 2 is made of glass after all and their rubbish at seeing things out of.
@@Engineer9736 I have some 3m earplugs (not the bulky headphone style she has), it feels like they dampen the sound a lot. Are they sufficient enough to protect my hearing long term?
Fantastic video. I'm experienced with a variety of shop tools but new to angle grinders- a lot of tutorials are flashy or make a lot of jokes, but I really appreciate your straightforward, honest approach to tool safety. You clearly know your tools!!
Had a grinder kickback at me yesterday while vertically cutting a tack. Got a 2 inch gash in my chest and 7 stitches. The only thing I did wrong was not having the handle attached. If I did I may have been able to hold on to the grinder, instead it flew out of my hands. 25 years experience and still learning.
seejanedrill I hear that u can tap a disk with a screwdriver to listen for a ring and if u don't hear it that means it's bad a vid from the- real tool review - channel
Fabulous! Leah isn't patronizing and doesn't talk because she enjoys hearing herself. Everything he has to say is pertinent to the topic. I will definitely look for more of her videos!
You are a fantastic teacher, Leah. I don't even own an angle grinder but I love watching your tutorials. What a heck of a resource for people. Thank you so much!
I've been using angle grinder for years as a handyman and welder. And only once used a cheap cut off disc but it exploded on me as it was spinning learned my lesson from it and always get decent quality discs now
Disk quality isn't sure fire way to protect yourself from detonating disks though. Seen plenty, even had one detonate in person, scary shit. By far, the best way to stop disks breaking is to use them properly.
Great tips! I absolutely agree with these specially not removing the guard. I experienced a disc breaking apart while cutting an angle iron/bar. the debris from the disc flew at high speed and chipped off part of my thumb nail and left a 2mm deep wound just below it. So never take the guard off!!!
"I've been using angle grinders for 30 years. I don't need a safety lesson from you Lady"... WRONG !!!! I DEFINITELY NEED TO BE REMINDED OF SAFETY AND THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS VIDEO :) Your presentation is excellent, clear, and thorough. Great video.
i've always been an avid DIY mechanic but i've never done anything that required me to use an angle grinder up until recently. These are really good tips of what not to do and i'll be buying a face shield as soon as possible. Thanks!
Thank you so much! I'm sixteen and building things has been my passion for 4 years. But one thing I've always been afraid of is angle grinders (all I hear is the horror stories about them). so I'm watching all the safety videos I can and this one is one of the best!!
Thank you for the how to use the tool videos. I believe that too many people watch videos with a project in mind, only to ignore the operation. The goal of finishing the project overshadows the journey of creation. People don’t plan to get half way through a project and then go to the ER. Thanks again. Good Journey. Richie
Another great video, Leah! I never realized the danger of cheap discs. I really appreciate the info. This will definitely change how I use my angle grinder and the discs I buy. Thank you!
And PIN YOUR HAIR UP if its long. Mine got caught in a mounted grinder that I had just turned off. I was just doing a simple little job, then someone spoke and I turned to hear. In less than a second my face was about 1/2 inch from the grinder. It had pulled me in quickly ! PRAISE THE LORD I was able to stop the wheel. Then my husband had to unwind my very long hair. Very scary !!! So y'all be careful. - Nice video, and good tips. Thank you for sharing.
seejanedrill - even though I had turned it off, it still had a strong spin going. Had it been on, that would have tore me up. Thank you for your safety tips. I'm bad about no gear whatsoever. But these comments and testimonies have me reconsidering. Thank you.
Thank you for making the basics so clear. I have been using a grinder for years and yes that safety gear isn’t comfortable but so necessary. Keep up the great content!
Thanks, Leah. Bought (and used) my first angle grinder a couple of days ago. Had to cut off 6 in. of a metal sign post. $14 for the grinder at Harbor Freight and $8 for an 8-pack of cutting wheels. Watched your video afterwards, but I used all of the safety equipment you suggested, except for the mask (did not think of that). Removed the section of pole without issue, but I went very slowly and methodically. But, even in instances where one has a high-quality grinder and attachment wheels (not Harbor Freight cheapies), this is an inherently dangerous tool. I would not want to be using this tool on a regular basis...Great video!
The protective guard for grinding and a protective guard for cutting are different but fitted in the same way. Angle grinders are supplied with the protective guard for grinding but the protective guard for cutting is an additional but necessary part of the safety equipment.
Great video Leah, you've got great on camera presentation, dictation and your points are all good ones. I'd like to add something... Safety glasses aren't enough, you need goggles that seal to the face. A little while ago I was grinding some metal, with all the correct (or not as it turns out) safety gear. I was wearing safety glasses that go close to the face but dont quite seal it off. A small spark (debris) managed to fly out towards my neck/chin and then curved right up into my eyeball. I didnt feel any pain or discomfort at the time, so figure it was fine. I didnt feel or notice anything till 3 days later. Had symptoms similar to conjunctivitis. Went to the doctor who said I had a speck of metal fused onto my eyeball, with a small rust ring around it.(not visible to the naked eye). Had 2 more trips under local anaesthetic to remove the speck and then the rust ring. The pain when the anaesthetic wore off was excruciating. I was laid in a dark room, with sunglasses on an a gut full of painkillers for a day or two after each procedure... Maybe I was just unlucky, but wanted to share this as a warning to others.
Comment at 3:12 is absolutely spot on. PPE is the last thing most people think about whereas it should be the first. I'd sooner look like a dork for 15 minutes than be scarred or disabled for life.
Thanks so much for sharing your experience and thoughts about the under looked situation when using a grinder. We get so comfortable and forget common sense and logic. Thanks for reminding me and reaching out to the inexperienced users. It's time to go threw my collection of disks.
Thank you, i'm about to cut out a piece of tin drainpipe using my dad's angle grinder. And i've never used one before.. And had put it off doing it.. As scared for a few reasons. I had already bought the safety googles, and protective safety dust face mask. But i didn't think about buying a flip up face mask visor.. And with seeing the amount of sparks coming off, i will definitely by one.. And also buy a better protected working overall. Good to know best not to scrimp on buying cheaper blades.. And to be aware of what's around you when using the grinder, that nothing catches fire... Great and sensible advice.. I'm glad that i clicked on your video..
a thing i like to do is every time i use a grinder, before getting face close on the work, i turn it on full speed away from me, just to make sure the disc is still structurally sound, i had a safety class in welding school about grinders and there's so much thing that can go wrong from cheap chinese epoxy to bad batch , disc that have been weathered, bumped against something, and a disc that flies off is pretty deadly
makes sense, and have you seen the super thin cutting discs they do now? they can so easily be damaged by putting the grinder down against something, you can push them with fingers and snap the edge off.
Gotta disagree with the deadly part. The discs are made of fiber and simply don't have enough mass to penetrate a thick work jacket or gloves. A broken metal diamond disc on the other hand, that can kill you.
Thanks, Leah. Good stuff! All you newbies out there, listen to this wise woman. I spent decades in heavy construction and yet I was nearly blinded doing a quick job at home one Sunday night. I was using an angle grinder to hack through a piece of black pipe without wearing a faceshield (hey, I always wear prescription safety glasses, yeah right) when a tiny grinding spall somehow found its way to my eyeball. The eye surgeon said I was very lucky. Another millimeter over and that spall, the size of a poppyseed, would have landed on the optical center of my eyeball and I would have, painlessly, lost the sight in that eye.
Great vid! A hidden hazard is that most abrasive disc medias are made of silica(essentially, beach sand; also what glass is made of). Silicosis is a malady caused by inhaling this dust and can happen VERY quickly. It can damage your lungs. I know because it has happened to me. It still causes me respiratory issues, years later. You are essentially inhaling microscopic bits of glass and metals when grinding metals. Wear a respirator people ! Not just a dust mask and only remove it AWAY from the work area after blowing the dust off of your clothes. Better yet, buy a face shield with a respirator built into it. Having a small fan blowing fresh air at you when grinding also keeps the nasty bits away from you. A good idea when welding too.
You're so right about how dangerous this tool is. I'm always cautioned about power tools but when is time to use the angle grinder I become a little safety paranoid. Always double check everything , wear my PPE and uses top quality brand name discs. My personal choice has always been NORTON. They have the know how and the experience making abrasives so why change?
Thank you for this video! I've been a little nervous about using my grinder to cut down some rebar for a project, but I think that I might have a little more courage now!
Without exception, everything she said is 100% dead on correct. Excellent video! To anyone who doubts the importance of using safe practices with an angle grinder take a moment to Google "angle grinder accident" and then view the image results.... This is a tool with the potential to cause extreme bodily harm and even leave you crippled for life. Don't operate an angle grinder when close to pets or anyone else who isn't wearing the appropriate safety equipment themselves. Few tools have the potential to reach out and seriously harm someone who's 10 feet away like an angle grinder can. The first time you have a wheel shatter at 13,000 rpm, you'll see exactly what I'm talking about.
ive never had a disk rupture, cause ive been scared of it, i check my disks for nicks and composite fraying and stuff before i use them, ive used a 9 inch grinder without a guard before with nothing on but shorts and a T shirt, better hope it doesnt kick back! right? yup, but it wont if your carefull, call me on the dumb or dangerous side but ive only ever taken care of my disk and my guard (guard if provided) and sometimes safety glasses and of course the tools themselves, ive never been hurt, same for chainsaws and stuff, keep my legs and face out of the way, make sure the chainbrake works, i guess since ive never been hurt im right where i need to be
Thank you so much! Never used 1 before. Need to cut some rebar for a project and an Angle Grinder w/ a metal cutting blade was a suggested solution. Wish me luck, thanks for the tips.
great video, because not everyone has someone around for guidance. And I have another couple tips for grinder safety... keep clothing items like hoodie strings and any loose clothing away from the grinder and tie back long hair well. I my long hair come out of a poorly tied pony tail and it got caught in the grinder in just seconds before I could stop the grinder to fix the problem. I was lucky I wasn't seriously injured.
Seejanedrill, thank you for doing this video! Grinders are great tools but can be dangerous as you stated. I've used them at work and home for a number of years. I have had cutting wheels shatter on me while cutting steel and aluminum but thanks to a face shield, glasses, and long pants and gloves there has been no problem. Don't be an idiot folks! Wear your PPE while grinding! While wearing mine when wheels have fractured, the pieces that hit me stung like hell.
Also, avoid using the trigger lock as much a possible... When there is a power cut(or somebody stumbles on the cord and yanks it off the socket), you lay the grinder on the table and take your eyes off the tool, just to have it running up and lashing at you when the power is suddenly restored. Nice video, leah!
@@Mobiedicc on the label that has the model number and serial number there should also be something that looks like... n 8500/min RPM The "n" stands for "rated speed" on my grinder. I don't know if it's a universal symbol or specific to my manufacturer.
I just got myself an angle grinder. It is good that I check your channel for tips before I proceed as I didn't have the proper glove, and face mask that I should have. Tbanks!!
I just saw a graphic photo (FB) of a guy laying on a hospital bed with about 1/3 of a grinder wheel embedded in his mouth/jaw... It was posted by a friend of his. Definitely caused me to realize how dangerous a grinder can be...
Must be synchronicity - at first I couldn't make out what was embedded in the guy's mouth until I read thru the comments - then I got chills as I have recently been cutting a metal rail with only Eyewear and gloves - the shield is a requirement!
Holy COW! I'm gonna head over to Home Depot and buy a Face Sheild.. I also appreciated her telling us not to use the angle grinder (or any grinder for that matter) near a Gas container. I just bought my first Angle Grinder from Harbor Freight for $19.00 and I was cutting some metal with it and griding a rebar in my vice...down below about 5 feet away was my gas can that I use to fill my Chain Saw and Lawn Mower with!...never again.
Yes I think it's already been mentioned but one of the most important safety precautions is to ensure you keep your hair under a hat, and also be careful of what you wear. I got my shirt cord stuck in the angle grinder once and it yanked my whole face towards the machine. If the cord hadn't snapped I would've been choked or worse, gotten the grinder in my face. Do be careful with hanging threads from clothes or baggy items.
thank you for the warning. I like trying new things but. I'am very proud of you though.Being 68 I think I'll let you young folks deal with this tool Grandma 😍 says yes to you girls
Very good advice and common sense which sometimes isn't so common .lolo ! I always click on leah's you tube vids even if i know the info .i often pick up good tips and found out that i an always learn from someone else !
My uncle came to do some work in my house. I told him to use the gurad. He said: don't teach the priest to preach. I still hope he lives a long life, though.
I was interested in how to use an angle grinder (or other method) to sharpen tools like a shovel, axe and/or garden shears. Most tools sold in stores are not very sharp, but tool sharpening seems to be a lost art. People buy cheap tools and throw them away. My grandfather had these files that I remember him after work everyday would clean his tools with some oily stuff from a can and sharpen them. He was a carpenter.
While it can be done a hand held angle grinder with a stone mounted in it would be a poorly controllable method of sharpening any cutting tool. Even more so for anyone without a lot of angle grinder use. Much better to use a bench grinder. And since most or all of those types of tools will be made from high carbon heat treated steel you'd want to be very careful about not over heating the tool while grinding and taking the temper out of the part. If it's getting too hot to touch you dip it in water and cool it down before grinding any more.
Your welcome, the same advice as what was given about cheap angle grinder wheels apples to bench grinder wheels as well. And there is a proper procedure for mounting them so make sure the wheels identification paper is on it so the wheel doesn't get stressed while tightening the retaining nut. The wheels should be ring tested before mounting just like someone pointed out in the comments here about doing it for angle grinder disks and wheels. And I'd do some research right here on RU-vid about proper wheel selection and wheel dressing.It's not overly complicated but there are some things worth knowing that far too many don't bother to learn about. It does take a lot more time, but if you'd rather not get a bench grinder a good Norton hand stone could sharpen most of what your likely to want to do as well. A woodworking tool dealer can offer good advice about proper wheels or stones and sell you the right ones.
+Turning Point: I have an old 1960s era bench grinder that belonged to my dad but I've never used it. I believe it is a Craftsman. I'll get it out and see if it's in decent shape. It has two wheels and holes to bolt it down. I'll take a look at some videos to see how to use it. I'm not sure if the wheels ever need replacing....I guess if they look worn. Thanks!
Hi Laura, Worn wheels, one's that become loaded up with metal etc just need the working area restored using an industrial diamond mounted in a holder to reface the wheel. Maybe $15-$20. -If you've not used that grinder in a long time then stand well off to the side the first or better yet any time you start a grinder. If the wheels got any damage during storage they can explode at high rpms. Bench grinders are safe enough but there are some operating procedures that should be followed. The back edge of the slot in the tool rest should be adjusted in and kept within about 1/8th on an inch from the grinding wheels working face as the wheel wears down.
Excellent, clear explanation of the importance of being safe before you touch the switch, and as she says, err on the side of over rather than under protection when using a tool like this. The only thing I would add is the one many of the commenters below make; namely, that you be sure to tuck/tie/put away any hair, clothing or other item that could fall into the grinder and pull you into it.
Leah, I wonder if it is a good idea to wear leather gloves? Of course, they protect your fingers from hot debris, but what if they get caught by the spinning disc and rip off your fingers?
It is hard for me to imagine how you would get your glove caught in the grinder in the first place, and even harder to imagine how that could be worse then getting your unprotected hand or fingers caught. What am I missing here?
Wrong!!! I once had one of those disks bust apart & fly off the grinder (not all that unheard of) when I wasn't wearing gloves & it nearly broke or took a finger off, Now I ALWAYS wear leather gloves using a grinder.
Wear gloves for angle grinders. Do NOT wear gloves for table saws, lathes and milling machines. Any machine that can pull you into it by the leather or canvas cloth shouldn’t be used with them. You CAN wear thin nitrile (4 mill or so) gloves to protect against oils, cutting fluids and chips, as they tear instantly if caught.
@ 0:58 and after she mentions that the angle grinder might be the most dangerous tool in the work shop, right next to the table saw. If that is the case, then why not put the angle ginder some place else??
Great tips, I don't have a face mask but I'd wear it if I did.Goggles and gloves are a must. I know it's a no no but I rarely use the guard. I also never, again NEVER stand in the path of the blade. Or the sparks. Four fingers of my right hand are always in the path but that's unavoidable. If I absolutely have to be in the path of the blade, the guard is on. The guard on mine is a pita, and have more trouble with it on as I get crooked cause I can't see aroun the darn thing. Which brings me to why I commented, a couple of tips to add if you don't mind. 1.) Respect the grinder, but don't be scared, scared will get you killed. 2.) Don't change the blade while grinder is plugged in. 3.) Dont stand in the path of the blade4.) Don't get the blade sideways, that's how it breaks and you lose your face. (If you do get crooked, back the saw out and widen the channel) 5.) Never make cuts with the blade facing your throat, face etc.6.) Always keep firm hold of the grinder. 7.) Make sure your workpiece is secure.8.) Listen to the sound of the motor. It will tell you a lot.9.) Don't lose concentration.10.) Don't leave power tools plugged in where kids pass through.11.) Let the saw do the work12.) Plan for the best. Expect the worst.13.) Remember the 5 Ps
Lemme tell you about a mistake to avoid. Don't let your tough nylon shirt tail get tangled in the disk. Especially with a big, powerful grinder with no dead man switch.
John Dough I feel it in my stomach just imagining this - damn important tip! that's probably why many of us prefer to do our grinding wearing only safety glasses, boots, gloves & a Kevlar jockstrap
Iron seems to be the least reactive but are you sure it's pure iron? All you ever wanted to know including black testicles, LOL. www.ganoksin.com/article/metals-safety-information/
Sure, glad you like the link. I know people whose skin reacts to gold, one of the least non reactive noble metals. You mentioned grinding plutonium, LOL. I heard from a coworker plutonium was accidentally released from a glove box, I literally sh*t in my pants. Can't say anymore, it was a non incident for the rest of us.
Another way to put the speed into perspective...it spins at 167 times every second. Protective gear is a must. Years ago I didn't take it seriously at all and then one morning I had a piece of near molten hot steel roughly a quarter of the size of a dime flick up into my eye. I could hear it sizzling inside my head. Thankfully I didn't lose my sight in that eye but it's no longer waterproof. Water leaks in when showering or swimming *L*
Was thinking about buying an angle grinder to install brick veneer on a small area in my kitchen. After watching the video and reading through some of the comments, I think I'm going to look into more passive methods, maybe a tile nipper or something like that. I'm a very new DIY-er and this has definitely given me pause!
They're really not that bad provided you use them safely just like instructed in this video. Ear plugs and glasses especially make them much more beginner friendly. I would highly recommend you get one actually because they can be used for so much more.
I LOVE your videos--I am always excited to meet other women who do projects like I do. Most women can't relate to what I like doing. LOL Trying to cut metal skin of a door now and put on my old shed, guess I need a mask and gloves for safety. I'm now 62 years old but have been going home improvement stuff since my 20s off and on. I love my Mikata angle grinder--recently used it to grind down bumps in my cement. Wasn't too sure about all the sparks when I was cutting metal though so came on to youtube to see if I was doing correctly. Thanks for all your videos. I might make a video out of exterior barn door I'm making.
I was an aircraft mechanic in the Air Force and it's so nice to see another woman doing this stuff! The Air Force beat safety safety safety into us. I saw a video once where a women was drilling a hole in a piece of glass with her long hair down. At one point she shook it around like "look at me". I wanted to reach right through the screen and wring her neck because the drill sure would have had her hair got caught in it. I wanted to tell her to ALWAYS keep her hair up, for Gods sake but the comments were disabled.
Hi Mrs. Leah. I love your video so much.... because first your English is so professional and I can understand you. You motivate me to have respect and Interest for learn English . Second You motivate me to have respect and interest in a lots of Profession. You are so proffesional, humble and I love this Channel. Keep on so, You have been amazing. I hope you can understand me . May our Lord continue blessing you. Greeting from Panamá. Pty507
Two big thumbs up Leah! All these safety tips are so important. Many times I have been grinding wearing only safety glasses and you can still get debris bouncing up under them. The steel guard is imperative. Even with quality abrasives, they still can fracture when mistreated. The guard is there for a reason.
Thanks, Leah! I have a very cheap angle grinder with a cheap disc and have decided not to use it at all. I had no idea how dangerous it was. If I ever feel the need to use one, I'll get plenty of instruction first and make sure to get an expensive wheel.
Very good information. Although I have already being using safety measures this video just once again remind me the importance of the safety. Awesome video thanks for putting this on.
I am just about to buy an angle grinder and stopped by to see what Jane had to say. Good, common sense advice. Thank you for having one of the most useful channels on RU-vid! I have learned something each time I stop by! Excellent work as always!