Angle Grinder disc shatter possible?

[eveares]

I don't know why, but angle grinders have always scared me and have such never used one. I fear that if the disc shatters while spinning, it could go right through me and possibly take of a limb or worse kill me.

Is this fear of discs shattering into several large chunks rational or not?

Also I see a lot of people using them without the guards, good idea???

 

[EFLImpudence]

Google it if you want to be put off even more.

 

[Burnerman]

If you look at the centre collar you should see a use by date stamped on.....best to observe that!
Only buy quality discs such as Norton, and make sure they haven't got soaked in any liquid at all - this throws them seriously off balance as well as compromising the adhesive bond.
Always use the guard -and don't use a bigger disc than is intended for the machine.
Otherwise, its a machine I couldn't do without!
John

 

[Micilin]

I know of two accidents .

One was a guy whose long hair got caught in the grinder.

The other was one who thought it would be a good idea to put a skillsaw blade in the grinder. With predictable results.

 

[Newboy]

1) Correct disc for job - metal/masonry /cutting/grinding
2) Correctly rated disc - rpm/diameter spindle size
3) Blade guard secure
4) handles in place
5) PPE
6) Correct use of the tool
7) Don't pratt about

Disc bursts do happen

I had the delight of finding a colleague with a face full of shattered disc which left him minus one eye and a very shortened career

Ever since I've treated them with the respect they deserve.

Now where did I leave my chainsaw?

 

[noseall]

I've had a number of them break whilst spinning, usually the metal cutting discs when using the large face edge to remove burr from steel beams etc.

Never been struck by debris with any force other than to cause a bit of annoyance. You watch too many movies. Man up.

 

[Newboy]

And that's the sort of macho bulls*it that gets people hurt.

Bit late to 'man-up' when the flying fragments remove your bo**ocks

 

[joe-90]

Apply the disc to the work gently - don't just drop it on or it'll grip and shatter. Yeah, man up ffs.

 

[securespark]

Don't joke about this.

Some here have extremely short memories.

Our very own notb665 died in a power tool accident:

http://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/Dad-died-garden-saw-horror/story-12030853-detail/story.html

 

[Brigadier]

Good eye protection.
Good gloves.
Take care.
Otherwise, use something else.

 

[noseall]

Bit late to 'man-up' when the flying fragments remove your bo**ocks

Even if you were naked it would be unlikely.

 

[EddieM]

Angle grinders are certainly one of the more dangerous bits of kit. ALWAYS use eye protection and gloves. As said previously ensure the guard is in place, let the blade do its job, use quality blades.

Not665b was tragically using the wrong blade for the wrong purpose. Not that that is of any consolation to his bereaved family.

Not a case of manning up but being aware of the risks and mitigating them.

 

[noseall]

Is this fear of discs shattering into several large chunks rational or not?

No, they do break up. However it would be irrational to assume that these bits could sever a limb.

Also I see a lot of people using them without the guards, good idea???

Stupid idea. It is the guard that bears the brunt of the impact from broken discs.

 

[EddieM]

Also I see a lot of people using them without the guards, good idea???

No, a very bad "idea" the guard is there for a good reason... it mitigates you being either showered in molten metal or fast moving fragments of the disc in the event of it shattering.

 

[JBR]

I've only ever used an angle grinder once and sustained a crippling injury.

I did my back in when lifting the 110V transformer.