Replacing The Disc With An Angle Grinder

To install a new disk, after cleaning the casing, you must perform the following actions:

  1. Install the bottom flange in place;
  2. We put a special gasket on top of it (if gaskets are not provided, you can cut them yourself. The optimal material will be cardboard or tin).
  3. Install the disk;
  4. We put the second gasket;
  5. Install the top flange on top;
  6. We wrap the upper flange by hand in the opposite direction from the rotation of the angle grinder wheel, while holding the disk itself;
  7. Next, press the release button again and scroll the flange with your hand until you feel resistance;
  8. At the final stage, we make the final fixation using the same open-end wrench. To do this, insert the key into the holes and scroll a little more.

After all the actions taken, you can safely continue to perform work.

One of the most frequently asked questions about mounting / dismounting accessories of an angle grinder is: “Which side should I put the disc on the angle grinder?”.

Usually, inexperienced masters ask such a question. Is it possible to set the circle on the wrong side. Yes. Firstly, if the disc is not flat, but, for example, a petal disc, then you will not be able to install it incorrectly, if the petals are located incorrectly, you just need to twist the casing and the handle onto the angle grinder. That is, the question disappears by itself.

If the circle is still flat, then you should be guided by its label, the so-called “shirt”.

If the angle grinder rotates towards itself, the disc should be installed with the “jacket” outward, if the disc rotates away from itself, then, accordingly, it must be installed with the “jacket” inward.

If you do not adhere to this algorithm, there is a high probability that the disk will fail very quickly or immediately deform.

How to properly place a disc on an angle grinder?

In order to correctly place the disc on the angle grinder, first it should be noted that the disc is mounted on the spindle of the angle grinder using a special clamping flange with M14 thread. Let’s take a closer look at how to remove a disc from an angle grinder. In order to unscrew the disc from the angle grinder, the flange must first be removed. Especially for such purposes, manufacturers complete the angle grinder with a special open-end wrench. It has a specific shape. The pins located on the horns of this key are inserted into specially provided holes on the flange.

Replacing The Disc With An Angle Grinder

To unscrew the flange, we fix the spindle. To do this, we clamp the latch, which is usually a button on the top of the case. When pressed, the cotter pin is placed in the hole of the driven disc of the gearbox, and this in turn prevents its rotation. Next, we insert the pins of the key into the specially provided holes on the flange, pressing the retainer, you must simultaneously turn it counterclockwise and move the flange from its place. If the manipulations were successful and the flange gave in, you can unscrew it by hand and put it aside.

Now let’s dismantle the disk. Often, in the process of intensive work with the tool, a certain deposit of small particles of metal and abrasive material forms on the inside of the protective casing. For optimal, stable and durable operation of the angle grinder, remove the bottom of the flange and clean the casing with a steel brush.

Cut-off wheels for an angle grinder, in turn, have their own subspecies, such as:

  • Cutting wheels for metal work;
  • Abrasive wheels for working with stone;
  • Wheels for woodwork;
  • Diamond discs (mentioned above).

The purpose of each type of disc usually corresponds to its name.

Among the grinding discs, there are four main subtypes. Flap, wire, diamond and bakelite-based grinding discs (straight, T41 profile and disc-shaped, T27 profile).

  1. The flap disc is made from sandpaper. Its main purpose. It is the elimination of existing coatings such as old paint, primer or paint coat. Also, with disks of this type, wood products are polished.
  2. Wire discs are used by artisans to remove rust. They can also remove other types of stubborn dirt.
  3. Diamond discs are used for stone polishing.
  4. Disc discs are made of plastic or rubber and are used to polish metal surfaces.

How to remove, change a jammed disc from an angle grinder?

How to remove a disc from an angle grinder. An angle grinder (hereinafter referred to as an angle grinder), popularly referred to as an angle grinder, is probably the most demanded inventory that is present in the arsenal of almost every master, regardless of his qualifications.

This tool is actively used in abrasive processing: cutting, grinding, cleaning workpieces made of stone, metal and many others. It is widely used in areas such as: construction, woodworking and other similar types of work. Like any other tool, the angle grinder is also divided into several classes.

This refers to the following: household, semi-professional and pro-class instrument. This classification is determined by the power resource of the tool, its performance, the presence of certain additional options, material and build quality, etc.

Consumables for an angle grinder, in addition to various types of cleaning brushes, are cut-off wheels and a variety of grinding discs. Attachments for angle grinders: how to make the right choice?

News. The main question: How to choose the right disc for your angle grinder?

When choosing accessories for an angle grinder, first of all, you should decide on the type of proposed work. The choice of the type of disc will depend on this. We also want to mention that when choosing a consumable, be sure to take into account the power characteristics of each specific model. Examine the labeling. Often, it is printed on the disc itself and includes a set of symbols by which you can determine the relevance of this consumable to perform the intended work.

Also, focus your attention on such a parameter as the diameter of the disc. In no case should it exceed the size of the protective cover on the particular tool model. The size range of discs is usually represented by the following diameters: 115, 125, 150, 180 and 230 mm. The most common diameters are 125 mm. And 230 mm. They are optimal for most types of work and the capabilities of the tool itself.

Among the bakelite-based grinding discs, the most popular discs with a thickness of 6.00 mm. This parameter depends on the total diameter of the disc. The relationship is as follows: the larger the disk diameter, the greater its thickness and vice versa.

Types of discs for an angle grinder: how to choose the right one

The industry manufactures angle grinders and discs for them in standard sizes: 115, 125, 150, 180 and 230 mm. Angle grinder from 180 mm is used for cutting stone. The most common size of machines for home and summer cottages is 125 mm; the most discs and nozzles are produced for them.

We offer to divide discs according to their purpose: cutting, grinding, sharpening and roughing. Let’s consider in detail each type.

How to choose the thickness of the cutting discs

Every craftsman knows that the thinner the instrument, the better. Less material goes into shavings, easier to cut, cleaner cut.

Discs for grinders 115 and 125 mm are produced with a thickness of 1.0–2.5 mm. Discs 150 and 200 mm. 1.8–4.0 mm thick. Pressed corundum powder reinforced with synthetic mesh.

Recommended cutting disc thickness. 1.6 mm.

Grinding

The next most important work that the craftsmen entrust with the angle grinder is grinding and polishing. Similar processing is applied to metal, wood, plastic and other materials.

Petal wheel for wood: dozens of emery petals quickly cut chips

The choice of grinding discs is very wide. If you are restoring a sideboard, a petal circle is suitable for removing layers of shellac. It covers large surfaces and cuts a lot of material in one pass.

The grinding attachment is a plastic circle to which sandpaper is attached with Velcro

The other attachment is screwed onto the spindle of the angle grinder. Sandpaper is attached to it with Velcro. For coarse cutting. P60 or P80, for finer. P120 or P180. As the grain size decreases, grinding smoothly turns into polishing.

Polishing disc made of alpaca wool

Specially for polishing there are nozzles in the form of pillows, felt or cloth discs. Before work, a polishing paste is applied to them, for example, GOI.

Dissolving the tree

Blades that cut wood are very similar to a circular saw blade. Actually, this is the disc for the circular, only the bore diameter of 22.2 mm is suitable for the spindle of the angle grinder.

How to replace

Discs for an angle grinder are a consumable, they wear out rather quickly when cutting. A worn-out disc must be replaced. Let’s see how to do this using the example of our Interskol-115 angle grinder.

How to choose and replace a disc with an angle grinder

The main spare part of the angle grinder (angle grinder) is the interchangeable cutting tool. A high speed abrasive disc cuts, grinds or polishes materials. For metal processing, circles are made of abrasive chips, steel cutters are used for wood, and diamond-coated metal discs for stone. Special attachments. Squeegees, flap emery wheels additionally expand the capabilities of your angle grinder. Next, we will learn what types of disks are, how to properly remove the old one and install a new one, and also consider possible problems that arise during the replacement process and ways to solve them.

Removing a hardened disc from an angle grinder

Applying new nuts solves the problem of removing the disc, but what to do with an already eaten disc? Even if the disc was installed correctly, it is not always possible to remove it. Practice suggests different ways to solve the problem. You can clamp the retainer and hit through the extension on the nut holes in the direction of untwisting. This option is possible only if the retainer is in good condition. But the retainer may not withstand such a solution to the problem and break.

The second method is more logical. Under the clamping nut and the lower support washer there is a gearbox shaft with turned chamfers. They put on the lower support washer. A standard wrench cannot be installed there. It is very narrow. But you can take a regular open-end wrench on “17” and grind it on both sides.

The turned key will enter the gap, fit on the shaft chamfers and fix it. Now any nut will be unscrewed with any key, and the disc or its remains will be removed from the angle grinder.

What way out of the problem is offered by experts and amateurs

  • Install a newspaper gasket under the nut;
  • Install a gasket from a plastic bottle under the nut;
  • Replace the nut with a nut of a different design.

What is a newspaper strip. This is a nut-sized paper washer. It is put on the installed disk, and a nut is screwed on top. This piece of paper was a sticking point, because the safety inspectorate has always broadcast about the harmfulness of such a decision.

Representatives of safety authorities treat the installation of gaskets made of any other materials in the same way:

  • Cardboard;
  • Paronite;
  • Gaskets from various plastics;
  • Rubber gaskets of various thicknesses.

But there is a solution that does not contradict the safety requirements, and allows you to install and remove the disk normally. This is a special nut that consists of two elements. A nut and a pressure washer. The use of such a nut does not require any shims, because the disc does not jam with it.

If there is no special key at hand, then the craftsmen offer to do without the key. This does not mean that you can do without a key at all, but use a “gas key” or other device. To do this, tighten the retainer, tighten the nut with a gas wrench and unscrew it. This way you can replace a jammed disc, but this is a very inconvenient operation for one person.

There are also suggestions to clamp the disc with your hand and unscrew it. Perhaps, but it is unlikely that it will be possible to replace broken disks. It is better to use keys that are designed to remove and install disks.

Some foreign companies producing power tools, such as Bosh, produce an angle grinder with easily removable nuts. They securely fix the disc on the tool shaft, easily and quickly removed for disc replacement.

How to unscrew and correctly place a disc on an angle grinder

This simple operation sometimes baffles even experienced locksmiths or users of an angle grinder. The reason is that the disc is fixed with a special nut. The nut has 2 or 4 holes, into which a special key is inserted. This key was always included with the purchase of an angle grinder. Perhaps he is now included in the kits.

According to the instructions for the angle grinder, press the lock, which is located on the back of the gearbox. When the shaft is fixed, unscrew the nut with a special wrench and change the disc. But it is difficult to unscrew the nut if it is not clamped. And it clamps it with such a nut almost always. An attempt to unscrew the disc leads to breakage of the retainer behind the gearbox.

How to place the disc on the angle grinder correctly

Grinding discs have different diameters, different thicknesses and different uses. Some are made for metalworking, others for ceramics, and still others for wood.

The angle grinder must be fitted with a disc of a size that does not exceed the size of the protective cover. The size of the disc to be installed is indicated in the instructions and on the marking table of the angle grinder.

The thickness of the disc is selected according to the technological parameters of the processed material. All discs (grinding wheels) have their own classification. Disc shape, material abrasiveness, grain size, hardness, accuracy class and unbalance class are classified. It is the last value that is responsible for the fact that some discs begin to beat during operation.

The grinding wheel has a front and a back. The front side is the one on which the manufacturer’s markings and corporate drawing are applied. Face upwards when installed on an angle grinder.

Installs the disc in this way. So that during work, sparks with particles of the processed material fly towards the worker. This is related to a safety issue. If the angle grinder breaks free from the hands, it will not fly towards the worker.

Therefore, it is imperative to wear protective clothing or a heavy apron when working with an angle grinder. Eyes and open parts of the face must be protected with a mask or at least goggles.

How to change a disk if it is jammed?

What to do if the wheel on the “angle grinder” is stuck? This can happen, for example, when, as a result of work, pieces of the workpiece being cut sharply clamp the rotating disc. Often this leads to its destruction.

It can be very difficult to unscrew the nut tightened as a result of rotation, if the circle is bitten.

  • One of these methods would be to use two gas keys at once. In this case, the remains of the disc must be broken with pliers. With one key, you need to clamp the part of the stem located under the disc, and with the other, unscrew the flange.
  • Sometimes, in order to gain access of the gas wrench to the “angle grinder” rod, you have to disassemble the gearbox.
  • A simple device saves from the problem of a jammed nut. Cardboard or tin washers. They are often sold with an “angle grinder”. But over time, they can be lost or become completely unusable. Making homemade washers is not at all difficult. However, it is best not to neglect them.

How to install correctly?

Installing a disk on a UMSH is not so difficult. You can change it simply by following the instructions, although there are some nuances here.

First of all, you must install the disc in the correct direction. This is especially important if it is detachable. Typically, the side of the disc with the label on which the marking is indicated and, accordingly, the scope of its application, is slightly different from the opposite side. It may not appear immediately, but with prolonged intensive work, the difference will not only be noticeable. It will be obvious.

A wide pressure washer is placed on the side on which the label is glued, and the movable nut acts on it when tightening (installing the disc). The nut slides on the polished surface of the washer, without it it will become more difficult to tighten or unscrew, since the abrasive will firmly hold the nut and more effort will be required. This is especially important if a quick disc replacement is required or if it breaks down (jamming).

With circular saws or other products that have teeth or a significant difference in two sides, there is usually no problem how to set. For example, a grinding disc cannot be fixed on the contrary: it will simply be impossible for them to work.

Stone discs, including diamond ones, have a special rotation indicator in the form of an arrow: when installing them, you need to fasten them taking into account where the rod will rotate.

It is also important to consider the size of the disk when installing. In no case should you neglect safety and remove the protective cover. It is better to choose a disc of the appropriate diameter. Sometimes a worn-out disc from a large unit is placed on a smaller “angle grinder”. However, a worn out disc, as a rule, cuts worse, the working surface is limited to about half the radius of the disc, the structure is slightly different. The disk “burns” faster, and produces less work. This operation can be justified if the stem diameter is the same. But you won’t be able to change it back.

No debris should get under the disk when installing. Of course, the clamping nut may well squeeze small objects, something will press into the surface of the circle. But an imperceptible skew will cause a displacement of the plane of rotation and, as a result, a strong vibration of the entire mechanism, it can cause the destruction of the disc and, of course, you should not hope for an accurate cut in this case.

The clamping nut must be unscrewed with the wrench supplied with the tool. To prevent the stem from spinning, it must be locked by pressing a special button. It is necessary to unscrew the nut while holding the button down.

After twisting the nut, the disc is put on the released stem, face out, and you need to make sure that it is installed exactly in the seat.

The kit for the new “angle grinder” always includes a number of cardboard spacers. When installing the disc, they must be laid so that they are between the disc and the pressure elements. These pads will help unscrew a broken or jammed disc.

Further, the nut is manually tightened to the stop and tightened with a special wrench. That’s it, the “angle grinder” is ready to work.

Dismantling with a nail

Removing the damaged disc will be easy with a key made from a nail. According to experts, its optimal size is at least 100 mm. First, the nail must be bent into a U-shape. It is important that the distance between its ends matches the two holes in the flange. Then, using a hacksaw from “weaving”, you need to carefully cut off the cap and the tip. Now the homemade wrench can be inserted into the flange, fix the spindle and unscrew the mount. If it so happens that the nut is tightened very strongly, a larger lever will be required. You need to insert between the two vertical ends another “weave”.

How to change a disc to an angle grinder without a key

It would seem that there is nothing difficult in replacing the disk with a new one. Nevertheless, at this stage, the master is faced with a problem. The nozzle is tightly clamped with a fixing nut that does not want to twist off. How to remove a stuck disc from an angle grinder? What methods are used for this? What tools can be used if the original key is lost? You will learn how to remove a clamped disc from an angle grinder in this article.

The first way

Then you need to take a metal plate, the thickness of which is less than that of the disc. With the help of this plate, its remains will be grinded. To do this, turn on the angle grinder, and clamp the metal piece securely with pliers. After completing these steps, the nut can be unscrewed even by hand.

How to remove without a key?

How to change disc with and without an angle grinder wrench?

The angle grinder is a universal power tool. It can be used to cut steel profiles and wood, process concrete and stones, carry out grinding and roughing work, sharpen hacksaws. And for each operation a certain circle is provided. For example, a thin angle grinder cannot be used to grind surfaces. It will break quickly. How to properly place a disc on an angle grinder when grinding and breaking a wheel or switching to another type of work?

According to the operating manual, replacing the disc with an angle grinder should be done as follows.

  1. Unplug the power tool cord from the socket.
  2. Press the spindle rotation lock button.
  3. While holding the stop button on the angle grinder, unscrew the flange nut with an open-end wrench. Turn the wrench for an angle grinder in the direction of rotation of the disc. If it is difficult to press the button with one hand and use the key with the other, ask someone close to you to help you.
  4. Remove the old disc from the spindle shaft.
  5. Install a new disk.
  6. Fix it with a nut by hand or using the same universal wrench. At this moment, you need to hold the stopper with the other hand. Do not overtighten the nut.
  7. Plug in the angle grinder for 30 seconds at maximum speed. If the disc rotates freely, without beats, without touching the protective casing, you can start working.

An open-end wrench must be included in the scope of delivery of the angle grinder. Cheap angle grinders often go with poor quality wrenches. It can quickly break (however, this happens with tools from leading manufacturers). In the end, the key can just be lost. How to properly install a disc on an angle grinder in this case, without having the right tool at hand?

How to change a disc to an angle grinder without a key?

Method 1. Use the gas key. Grasp the nut with an adjustable pipe wrench and loosen it carefully, without applying great force. Disadvantage: you can crush the nut, break the rotation lock.

Method 2. Make a homemade wrench for the angle grinder. To do this, you need a long nail (at least 100 mm). It is necessary to cut off the cap, the point and give the nail a U-shape. It should be bent so that the “tool” stands fall into the holes in the flange. If the nut is tightened tightly, insert any metal bar between the posts of the nail and, grasping it with both hands, rotate the structure in the direction of the circle’s movement. At this time, you need to press and hold the spindle lock button. The method is safe, but it takes time and additional tools. A hacksaw, a vice, a hammer.

Method 3. Tapping with a chisel. Before changing the disc, you can treat the spindle shaft with WD-40 fluid and wait at least 15 minutes. Then place the tip of a thin chisel at an angle to the hole of the flange nut and gently tap the entire surface of the hole with a metal hammer. Sooner or later, thanks to gentle tapping, the nut will come off and it will be possible to unscrew it manually. The disadvantage of this method is that you can damage the holes and spoil the flange.

Method 4. Heat the nut. If it is difficult to unscrew the nut of the angle grinder by hand, you can heat it up a little with a gas burner or autogenous machine. You need to unscrew the flange with gloves so as not to burn yourself. This is the most risky of the proposed methods. Can overheat bearings and oil in the gearbox of an angle grinder.

Finally, I would like to mention a few important points regarding replacing a disc with an angle grinder.

  1. The angle grinder must be fitted with a suitable size disc. It is necessary to strictly observe safety precautions and in no case remove the protective cover in order to put a disc of a larger diameter. When choosing a disc, you need to take into account the model of the power tool, its power, spindle speed.
  2. Due to the disc rotating at high speed, work hardening forms on the guard of the angle grinder. Therefore, when changing a disc, remove and clean the casing.
  3. In some models of grinders, washers are provided to prevent the disc from jamming between the flanges. At least the support flange can be fitted with a rubber washer. Instead of factory hardware, you can cut cardboard, rubber or plastic spacers. 2 gaskets need to be used: between the support flange and the disc, between the disc and the nut.
  4. Do not forget: if the circle rotates clockwise, then the nut is also unscrewed clockwise and tightened against.
  5. If you don’t want to buy a new wrench, install a Bosch quick-locking nut on the angle grinder. You can easily unscrew it by hand.

The main thing is that when changing a disc to an angle grinder, do not violate safety precautions and perform all manipulations with the tool turned off from the network.