Editing Angle grinder (section)

== Uses ==

Although developed originally as tools for rigid abrasive discs, the availability of an interchangeable power source has encouraged their use with a wide variety of cutters and attachments.

Angle grinders are used in [[metal fabrication|metal fabrication shops]] and on [[construction]] sites.{{cn|date=May 2024}} They are also common in [[machine shop]]s, along with [[die grinder]]s and [[bench grinder]]s.{{cn|date=May 2024}}

Angle grinders may be used for removing excess material from a piece. There are many different kinds of discs that are used for various tasks, such as cut-off discs ([[diamond blade]]), abrasive grinding discs, grinding stones, sanding discs, [[wire brush]] wheels and polishing pads.{{cn|date=May 2024}} The angle grinder has large [[bearing (mechanical)|bearings]] to counter side forces generated during cutting, unlike a power [[drill]], in which the force is axial.

Angle grinders are widely used in [[metalworking]] and [[construction]], emergency rescues, and even for the theft of bicycles. Generally, they are found in workshops, service garages and auto body repair shops. There are a large variety of angle grinders with different disc sizes and power sources: [[cordless|battery]], [[power cord|corded]] or [[pneumatics|pneumatic]]. Other variables include the power of the motor, [[revolutions per minute|rpm]], and [[mandrel|arbor]] size. Generally, disc size and power increase together. Disc size is usually measured in inches or millimeters. Common disc sizes for angle grinders in the United States include 4, 4.5, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 12&nbsp;inches, with the most popular sizes being the 4.5 and 5" size. In Europe, the most common sizes for angle grinder discs are 115 and 125 millimeters.

Discs for pneumatic grinders are much smaller. Pneumatic grinders are generally used for lighter-duty jobs in which more [[accuracy and precision|precision]] is required. That is because pneumatic grinders can be powerful while being small and light, because they do not contain heavy copper motor windings. It is harder for an electric grinder to maintain adequate power with smaller size. Electric grinders are more commonly used for larger, heavy duty jobs. However, there are also small electric grinders and large pneumatic grinders.

Angle grinders have been used to remove [[wheel clamp]]s from vehicles.<ref>{{cite web |title='Superhero' takes on clampers |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/3112670.stm |website=[[BBC News]] |date=2003-09-16 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304014652/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/3112670.stm |archive-date=2023-03-04 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=WATCH: Man takes angle grinder to clamp in Limerick |url=https://www.newstalk.com/news/watch-man-takes-angle-grinder-to-clamp-in-limerick-632007 |website=[[Newstalk]] |date=2015-10-31 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304015016/https://www.newstalk.com/news/watch-man-takes-angle-grinder-to-clamp-in-limerick-632007 |archive-date=2023-03-04 |url-status=live}}</ref>