DeneGOLD- Free

Getting a Grip on Grinders
Popular Mechanics South Africa|May/June 2022
A grinder can be an intimidating power tool. To be more confident and safer while using one, here are some of the most common angle-grinder mistakes, and how best to prevent them.
- By Grant Spolander
Getting a Grip on Grinders

It feels like everyone I know has an angle-grinder horror story to share. Most of the time it's a 'friend of a friend' story, but that doesn't make them any less terrifying. While I've had a few close calls myself, these days I seldom get the skriks when using a grinder. Part of this has to do with practice as well as exposure to the tool, but mostly, it's that I no longer fear them.

As I stated in the grinder comparison article in the March/April issue, in my experience most angle-grinder accidents happen when the operator isn't confident in what they're doing. Of course, that doesn't help first-time angle-grinder users, as it often takes time to get comfortable with the power tool.

If you're new to angle-grinder operation, here are a few tips as to why things typically go wrong, and how to prevent them.

THE RIGHT DISC FOR THE JOB

Here's a common scenario often plays out: You're using an angle grinder to cut a piece of steel with a dedicated cutting disc that's much thinner than a regular grinding disc. Once the steel is cut, you choose to de-burr the edges by grinding them smooth.

But, instead of taking the time to swap the cutting disc for a thicker grinding disc, you think to yourself: 'Ag, it's just a couple of edges. I'll just use the cutting disc and press down gently.

Bu hikaye Popular Mechanics South Africa dergisinin May/June 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Popular Mechanics South Africa dergisinin May/June 2022 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

POPULAR MECHANICS SOUTH AFRICA DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
Can a retired rocket engine take us to Mars?
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Can a retired rocket engine take us to Mars?

The space shuttle's main engine was mothballed with the programme in 2011. Now NASA believes it's the future of interplanetary travel.

time-read
9 dak  |
January/February 2023
6 metre waves. All engines on fire. 1 500 Km from land.
Popular Mechanics South Africa

6 metre waves. All engines on fire. 1 500 Km from land.

How Flying Tiger 923 and its 'miracle pilot' made an impossible ocean landing.

time-read
10 dak  |
January/February 2023
Land Rover Discovery D300
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Land Rover Discovery D300

A FEW MONTHS ago a $2 billion lottery jackpot was won in the United States. It’s fun to sometimes ponder outrageous winnings like that, and how I’d spend it, even if it’s completely detached from reality.

time-read
3 dak  |
January/February 2023
Volkswagen Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Volkswagen Taigo R-Line 1.0 TSI

The compact proportions make this a delightful daily commuter.

time-read
2 dak  |
January/February 2023
Mazda CX-5 2.2 L De Akera AWD
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Mazda CX-5 2.2 L De Akera AWD

Floor the pedal and overtaking is achieved easily and safely.

time-read
1 min  |
January/February 2023
Making the most out of your grinder
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Making the most out of your grinder

THE HUMBLE BENCH GRINDER IS A STAPLE of the handyworker's home shop, largely due to its versatility. But, while you can employ one to remove metal from just about anything, the traditional kind may not provide the precision you need for every grinding operation. Here, we shed light on the best ways to use the different types of grinders, gleaned from our testing.

time-read
4 dak  |
January/February 2023
Unlock your devices' full potential with a USB-C hub
Popular Mechanics South Africa

Unlock your devices' full potential with a USB-C hub

AS NEW TECH SHRINKS EACH YEAR, essential ports such as USB-A, HDMI, and ethernet are being replaced by the slimmer USB-C.

time-read
5 dak  |
January/February 2023
WE BUILT THE WORLD'S FIRST V-8 TESLA
Popular Mechanics South Africa

WE BUILT THE WORLD'S FIRST V-8 TESLA

THE RICH REBUILDS TEAM HAD A DEAD MODEL S. THEY FIXED IT WITH A CAMARO ENGINE.

time-read
9 dak  |
January/February 2023
I bought a GHOST TOWN
Popular Mechanics South Africa

I bought a GHOST TOWN

This abandoned California mining village once had 400 buildings. Now I'm restoring the 20 that remain.

time-read
8 dak  |
January/February 2023
F1 taught me that speed starts with comfort
Popular Mechanics South Africa

F1 taught me that speed starts with comfort

AS A FAN OF MOTORSPORT, I'M ALWAYS fascinated with the finer details that go into Formula One racing. Piloting the fastest racing cars on the planet subjects drivers to savage forces - up to 6 G's under braking which has led to an almost endless pursuit of comfort.

time-read
2 dak  |
January/February 2023

Hizmetlerimizi sunmak ve geliştirmek için çerezler kullanıyoruz. Sitemizi kullanarak çerezlere izin vermiş olursun. Learn more