Angle Grinders

Angle grinders spin at 10,000 RPM or more. A wheel that shatters, or a grinder that kicks back, can cause deep cuts to the face, neck, hands and legs in an instant.

• Construction
• General Industry

Pre-use check

• Wheel’s maximum RPM rating is equal to or higher than the grinder’s RPM
• Right wheel type: grinding wheel, cut-off wheel, flap disc or wire wheel, used only for its purpose
• Wheel not cracked, chipped, wet or past its expiration date; correct size for the guard
• Guard installed and positioned between the wheel and your body
• Side handle installed
• Flange and nut correct and tight

Operating safely

1. Wear safety glasses and a face shield, hearing protection, and gloves. Use a respirator or dust controls for concrete, stone or painted surfaces.
2. Clamp or secure the work.
3. Hold the grinder with both hands, and start it away from the work. Let it run for a few seconds to check the wheel.
4. Stand to the side of the wheel’s plane, out of the line of fire.
5. Use light, steady pressure. Grinding wheels are used on their face at a low angle; cut-off wheels are used only on their edge, straight in line with the cut.
6. Direct sparks away from people, flammables and yourself.
7. Let the wheel stop completely before setting the grinder down.

• Don’t use a cut-off wheel for side grinding. It can shatter.
• Don’t use a lock-on switch while working.
• Don’t grind near combustibles without a hot work permit and fire watch. See Hot Work Permits.

Last updated: October 1, 2026