---
title: 'How To Use An Angle Grinder - Ace Hardware'
source: 'https://youtube.com/watch?v=puGg_UzpVo4'
video_id: 'puGg_UzpVo4'
date: 2026-07-18
duration_sec: 236
channel: 'Ace Hardware'
---

# How To Use An Angle Grinder - Ace Hardware

> Source: [How To Use An Angle Grinder - Ace Hardware](https://youtube.com/watch?v=puGg_UzpVo4)

## Summary

This video from Ace Hardware provides a comprehensive guide on how to safely and effectively use an angle grinder for various DIY projects. It covers essential safety precautions, proper handling techniques, and different applications such as cutting, grinding, and sanding.

### Key Points

- **Versatility of Angle Grinders** [00:08] — Angle grinders are used for cutting metal and are handy for various projects with different abrasive and cutting wheels.
- **Safety First: Unplug and Switch Off** [00:20] — Ensure the tool is unplugged and the switch is in the off position before handling.
- **Changing Wheels and Guard Adjustment** [00:32] — Rotate the guard as needed, lock the wheel with a button, and use a wrench to loosen the clamp nut. For depressed center wheels, flip the clamp nut to the correct side.
- **Using the Lock and Pressure Release** [01:03] — The switch has a lock for convenience, but using the pressure release adds safety—the tool stops if you let go.
- **Proper Grinding Technique** [01:18] — Let the wheel reach full speed before touching the work surface to avoid binding or skipping. Do not press too hard; let the wheel's speed do the work.
- **Avoiding Wheel Binding and Breakage** [01:32] — Bending, twisting, or going too deep into a cut can cause the wheel to bind or break at high speeds.
- **Surface Grinding Angle and Motion** [01:47] — Hold the tool at a 20-30 degree angle and keep it moving back and forth to prevent gouges.
- **Edge Grinding and Cutting** [02:01] — Edge grinding or cutting should be done straight on without bending the wheel.
- **Sanding and Wire Brushing Angles** [02:17] — Sand at a 5-10 degree angle; hold a wire brush at a 5-10 degree angle and let the tips do the work.
- **Common Applications** [02:32] — Angle grinders can cut, sharpen, and grind tools. Wire wheels remove rust and paint; cut-off wheels slice through bolts, wire, metal, and pipes; diamond wheels notch tile or grind brick; grinding wheels sharpen tools.
- **Safety Gear and Precautions** [03:05] — Always wear hearing protection, face mask, and dust mask. Wear long sleeves and take precautions against sparks. Check wheel RPM rating matches or exceeds tool RPM.
- **Final Safety Checks** [03:33] — Ensure the wheel stops completely before setting the tool down. Check the switch is off before plugging in.

### Conclusion

The angle grinder is a versatile tool for experienced DIYers, but safety is paramount. Always follow the manual, use proper technique, and wear protective gear.

## Transcript

used for cutting metal but experienced do-it-yourselfers will find this power do-it-yourselfers will find this power tool handy for all kinds of projects you can buy a variety of different abrasive wheels and cutting wheels that make this
a helpful tool when you know how to handle it sure the tool is unplugged and the switch is in the off position you can
rotate the guard depending on how you want to use the tool change the wheel by pressing a button that locks the wheel and use a wrench to loosen this clamp and use a wrench to loosen this clamp nut when you switch from a flat disc to
one with a depressed Center the tool may require a different clamp nut or in this case flip it over to the correct side the switches usually have a lock hold the switch while you're using the tool it's convenient but using the
pressure release gives you some extra safety the tool will stop itself if you let go hold the grinder firmly and use your free hand on the side handle to steady it let it come up to full speed before you touch it to the work surface
before you touch it to the work surface or it could bind up or skip off want the speed of the wheel to do the work so don't press too hard on the work surface
to reduce your risk of injury if the wheels Bend twist or go too deep into a cut they can bind up or break off at high speeds here are some general tips it's very important that you read the instruction manual and pay attention to
the specifics for your tool and the guides on the wheels when your surface grinding you'll use the flat part of the wheel hold the tool at about a twenty to thirty degree angle keep it moving back and forth to prevent
gouges edge grinding or cutting should be done straight on without bending the wheel you're using the edge of the wheel as you're grinding or cutting surface sand at a five to ten degree angle the disc should come into contact at about
moving hold a wire brush at about a five to ten degree angle and let the tips do the work
what you're doing you can cut sharpen and grind tools I'd say it's a useful tool for experienced DIY errs especially for these tasks a wire wheel or brush attachment can remove rust scale and paint use the cup-shaped
attachment for flat open surfaces the wheel gets into tight spots easily cut off wheels can slice through frozen bolts wire fence metal lathe and pipes you can even use a diamond wheel to notch out a custom cut on tile or grind
out tuckpointing on brick walls grinding wheels are great for sharpening tools here are some more helpful tips always wear hearing protection a face mask and a dust mask this tool kicks out a lot of debris and dust wear long sleeves and
take precautions when cutting metal this tool also sends off sparks check the RPM rating on any wheels and make sure they match or exceed the RPM for your tool
make sure the wheel comes to a complete stop before you set the tool down check the switch to be sure it's off before plugging in the tool for the tips advice and tools you need visit your neighborhood ace and find us online at
Ace Hardware comm it's just a place with the helpful Hardware close