HOW TO MAINTAIN YOUR EXISTING GRINDERS

Grinders are specialized power tools and need to be taken care of. These may be low maintenance, but they still need some upkeep to ensure longevity.

To maintain your grinder, it is important to start with inspection. Before inspecting your grinder, switch off the power supply.  This could mean unplugging it if corded, or removing the battery if cordless.

Because grinders are intricate machines, many parts have the potential of being damaged and should be inspected. Depending on the type of grinder you are using, the parts may differ a little.Whether you use bench grinders, die grinders or angle grinders, most of these inspections are universal.

Spindle, wheel flange and lock nut: these small parts play a huge role in keeping grinders working and operators safe. If you break it down, these 3 pieces keep the fast-moving wheel in place. The inspection of these pieces should not be overlooked.

Check for loose parts: The lock nut should be tight, as well as all screws securing the spindle and wheel flange.

Look for cracks: if the spindle, wheel flange or lock nut has a crack, the wheel could break off during operation. Imagine a grinding wheel flying at you in excess of 5000 rpms. this could prove fatal.

Look for deformities: A deformed spindle or wheel flange could make the wheel wobble during operation. This would place extra pressure on the motor, decreasing its life. It could also cause kickback while cutting material, which should always be prevented.

Check for smooth movement: if damage is not visible, it doesn’t mean there isn’t any. Try spinning the wheel around the spindle. Watch for any rough movement. Also, check the nut should not be stripped and should fit snugly.

Handles: handles are another important yet often overlooked part of grinders. Their importance is obvious, but they’re expected to last longer than the tool itself. Thanks to the quality of power tools now available, handles may wear out before the tool does.