Angle grinders are versatile and useful machines that can be used for grinding, cutting, polishing, and sanding. They turn some of the most demanding DIY tasks into easy chores. However, it is important to be aware of the dangers of using this tool, and take the appropriate safety precautions.
The most obvious danger to be aware of is the spinning cutting disk. Spinning at between 5,000 to over 10,000 rpm, catching any part of your body in the disk will result in trouble, and i don't mean just a few torn clothes! Make sure that you are standing with the disk facing away from the body at all times, and ensure that a firm grip is always maintained on the angle grinder's handle. Failure to do so could result in an unwanted trip to the hospital.
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Gloves and long sleeves are also essential when using this tool. Without them, it is not uncommon for shards of metal to get caught in the hands and arms. The best kind of gloves are usually the thick leather ones. Try to avoid loose fitting clothes as the sleeves are liable to get caught in the spinning disk. Since the disk is usually composed of a light-weight material, skin rashes are more common than cuts. Even so, these injuries can still be highly sore!
The final, and most important piece of protection gear are eyes and face protection. Goggles should be of the indirect vented design; avoid the direct vented variants since these can let small shards of metal through the openings at the side of the goggle. The last thing you want to see in your life before you are blinded is your angle grinder, so make sure you get the correct type!
Safety is paramount when using an angle grinder. While the type of injuries sustained by one may not be as severe as circular saw injuries, it is still prudent to wear the correct safety equipment and know how to correctly hold the tool.