How not to use an angle grinder

[dudders]

This guy runs a good woodworking series on Youtube, but in this one he shows a mistake made recently, and the result. Be warned there are some pretty bloody pictures. The way he was using that tool was completely out of order, but he didn't realize at the time - he does now!

The disc he's using is largely condemned as inherently dangerous, but I've pointed out (as Axadude) that it's only dangerous if you don't fit the proper shield.

The treatment he got at A&E was worse than the injury.

 

[forblue]

Did my fingers but not as bad many years tried to put an edge on a baler plunger knife without removing it but the grinder still had a a sanding disc on it and as soon as i touched the blade it ripped it in half and came back on my fingers ,lesson learned, but when i left school started work in a builders supply warehouse we moved 45g drums of turps and linseed oil on a sack barrow went to move one, concrete floor, hobnail boots, and pushed with both feet ended up on floor with both hands under the barrow, that was a trip to hospital...

 

[dudders]

It's my least favourite tool - there are forces at work that need the sharpest attention and experience, but it's one of those tools that you just reach for and stick into the job without thinking. I still have a + scar on the back of a finger where 10 years ago I was using one one-handed, the left hand holding the sheet of zinc I was cutting. The blade jammed in the floppy sheet, the tool jumped out and onto my hand - I didn't even have time to see it happen. I knew the tendon had gone when I saw the finger hanging loose. Too much haste, not enough thought.

I am the most dangerous tool in the workshop.

 

[laich]

Quite ironic,I think, that his site is called, stumpynubs . Maybe it is just my sense of humour.

 

[tinman]

Seen these widow makers at a stall over the weekend, I took a photo they looked that dangerous and then I seen this thread this morn..

 

[ollie989898]

This guy runs a good woodworking series on Youtube, but in this one he shows a mistake made recently, and the result. Be warned there are some pretty bloody pictures. The way he was using that tool was completely out of order, but he didn't realize at the time - he does now!

The disc he's using is largely condemned as inherently dangerous, but I've pointed out (as Axadude) that it's only dangerous if you don't fit the proper shield.

The treatment he got at A&E was worse than the injury.

Using an angle grinder with anything other than a disc strikes me as insane but never mind.

I've seen worse injuries from them, I'd rate that as maybe 2 out of 10. I'd have got that ring off pronto (possibly had to cut it off) and drugged him up before the local or anything else though.

Good injuries to be had (worse than that) if you try changing the disc with the funky spanner but don't unplug it first....

And why the heck do people still persist with no goggles! Are you chuffing nuts?

 

[beefsheeparable]

A pal recently had a grinder into the inside of his thigh, found him in a pool of blood passed out, nearly died multiple times in hospital.... very lucky to be here!

 

[Bury the Trash]

Yeah, I was going to say it not so much yet fingers to worry about as yer Arteries.

We all use them but always remember not to take them for granted , they can be the devils tools.

 

[Lincs Lass]

A pal recently had a grinder into the inside of his thigh, found him in a pool of blood passed out, nearly died multiple times in hospital.... very lucky to be here!

About 20-25 years ago ,a guy in town near me thought it was a good idea to put a saw blade on a nine inch grinder to cut his hedge ,,that was the last time his wife saw him alive ,,he was on a step ladder ,the blade snaged and shot back into his groin ,,he was dead before the ambulance arrived .

 

[Deutzdx3]

Grinders are the work of the devil. The worse attachment is a wire wheel. It throws bits of wide at you even with a guard on. It grabs at any opportunity and generally want to kill you.

 

[ollie989898]

Grinders are the work of the devil. The worse attachment is a wire wheel. It throws bits of wide at you even with a guard on. It grabs at any opportunity and generally want to kill you.

Those things are evil, those metal splinters are miserable.

 

[marshbarn]

Made me think of the late great kenny everett

 

[milkloss]

Ok, it’s been bugging me and I’m going to sound like a dick. That guy needs to man up and grow some balls. He’s trying to explain his way out of any of the the blame for that accident and imo he’s to blame 100%. That angle of use, with that body position and then changes the angle of attack more aggressive of the nose of the grinder as he changes direction? And to top it off: all against a a rising piece of work on the sharp side of the blade. Come on man, you’re asking to get bit!! Surely anyone with common that is grinding an angled piece of work makes sure that any bite is taken down and away from your body? Up and into your body mass is mental, sure we all do stupid things but I doubt we go on the internet and try and blame the tool we stupidly installed on a grinder for our own idiocy.

And the ring blocks in his fingers, barbs? No, they are needles, yes they hurt but they’re not barbs. I’ve had several, ankle, forearm and four fingers maybe five. They’re not barbs.

rant over.

 

[Deutzdx3]

Ok, it’s been bugging me and I’m going to sound like a dick. That guy needs to man up and grow some balls. He’s trying to explain his way out of any of the the blame for that accident and imo he’s to blame 100%. That angle of use, with that body position and then changes the angle of attack more aggressive of the nose of the grinder as he changes direction? And to top it off: all against a a rising piece of work on the sharp side of the blade. Come on man, you’re asking to get bit!! Surely anyone with common that is grinding an angled piece of work makes sure that any bite is taken down and away from your body? Up and into your body mass is mental, sure we all do stupid things but I doubt we go on the internet and try and blame the tool we stupidly installed on a grinder for our own idiocy.

And the ring blocks in his fingers, barbs? No, they are needles, yes they hurt but they’re not barbs. I’ve had several, ankle, forearm and four fingers maybe five. They’re not barbs.

rant over.

Totally agree. If you use the grinder turned to the left, bugger me you’re in for it. Turn it to the right and it’s much less grabby. When I saw his guard square to the grip I thought that’s a recipe for it to grab. Spin the guard round and use it to the right it’s will be less aggressive and want to kill you less. It’s common sense. I still think angle grinders were invented by the grim reaper as a fun pastime. Especially 9” ones.

 

[milkloss]

Do the cordless grinders have an effective anti kick mechanism now? I know the makita range have this but whether it would stop damage I don’t know.

 

[Blue.]

I use a disc similar to this for trimming cows feet.

All professional trimmers use them,but there’s one muppet on YouTube trimming one handed while holding the cows foot with the other hand,it’s only a matter of time! He told me his safety wasn’t my concern,it is if he’s on my farm.

 

[davieh3350]

I love my chainsaw cutting disc! It's a brilliant bit of kit!

 

[Shavings man]

Once saw a program on tv helicopter hero's or something anyway wife asks husband to make 2 beds out of kids bunk beds ( metal framed ) so husband goes at it with angle grinder he's cutting away at waist height all good until disk grabs taking angle grinder across his middle he's on floor with his guts out with towel over him waiting for paramedics he was lucky to make it but don't think he ever finished making 2 beds out of one bunk bed!