Angle Grinders

The disc diameters available for angle grinders are, 4″ 100mm, 4 1/2″ 115mm, 5″ 125mm, 6″ 150mm, 7″ 180mm and 9″ 230mm. Smaller diameter discs like 100mm and 115mm make for a lighter and more compact, single-handed machine with the caveat, that performance is limited and disc wear is accelerated. Slightly larger, 125mm and 150mm angle grinders seem to strike a balance of being portable, yet offer significant performance improvements and reduced disc wear over the smaller aforementioned machines. The largest machines coming in at 180mm and 230mm tend to be reserved for the heaviest cutting and grinding applications in environments such as foundries and construction sites where the depth of cut is important.

In order to promote the very best cutting and grinding performance the rotational speed of the accessory needs to be kept as close as possible to the no-load speed of the grinder, improving stock removal, cutting speed and disc life; this can only be achieved by using high powered and efficient motors which maintain power when being worked hard with some brands utilising intelligent electronics, which increase power when a heavy operating load is detected.

Other features angle grinders can have are: rotating rear handles to make cutting more comfortable, flat heads for grinding in hard to reach places, paddle switches, safety clutches and anti-vibration handles for operator safety, variable speed to suit sanding and mop disc applications and quick release flanges which allow for tool-less disc changes, saving time. A game-changing innovation from Metabo saw the introduction of the auto-balance system, this improves cutting and grinding speed, reduces disc wear and dramatically reduces vibration.

Protrade work closely with manufacturers of the worlds best angle grinders and feature brands Metabo, Fein, Milwaukee and Makita.