Backwards angle grinder ?

[Smallfry]

While suffering a face full of sparks again in the confines of a wheel arch, I though how useful it would be to have an angle grinder that is either reversible, or turns the other way than normal.
Most grinders turn clockwise looking from the top, and I have been looking unsuccessfully for one that turns anticlockwise.
I guess an air operated one would, but I need an electric one.

Any ideas ?

 

[Pete.]

Quite simply they turn that way becauseit tighten's the blade nut in use. A LH turning grinder would need to use a LH shaft and nut thread.

 

[angellonewolf]

i dout youed get a grinder that reversed as the nut holding the blade would not stay tight ? that is why the nuts on standard grinder can be hard to remove

 

[sako243]

Not necessarily a grinder but the Milwaukee Cut Off tool is reversible but in your scenario (wheel arch) then perhaps the reduced size is actually beneficial?
https://uk.milwaukeetool.eu/en-gb/m12-fuel-sub-compact-multi-material-cut-off-tool/m12-fcot/

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Any ideas ?

I had exactly the same thought last week!

 

[Agroshield]

Know any Canadians?

Spinrite Reversible Angle Grinder

The reversing switch lets you choose the disk rotation direction, giving the user better control and reducing risk. The proprietary Arbor system allows for rotation in both directions without any risk of the disk loosening. The hex key for changing the disk stores conveniently in the handle. -...

pnl-technologies.com

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Surprised no one has mentioned the fact the discs are made to spin one way, some even have direction arrows on. Stuff like flap disks won't work in reverse.

 

[Mark 2]

Spin the guard?

 

[anto44]

I have a 3" air grinder which has reversible rotation and a swivel head. I'll post some pics in a bit

 

[bricol]

Know any Canadians?

Spinrite Reversible Angle Grinder

The reversing switch lets you choose the disk rotation direction, giving the user better control and reducing risk. The proprietary Arbor system allows for rotation in both directions without any risk of the disk loosening. The hex key for changing the disk stores conveniently in the handle. -...

pnl-technologies.com

120 V AC / DC ?

The 120V bit is no problem . . but DC?

 

[bricol]

Surprised no one has mentioned the fact the discs are made to spin one way, some even have direction arrows on. Stuff like flap disks won't work in reverse.

Unless there is an arrow, or as you say for flap discs, unlikely to be much of an issue - there are arguments on here (quelle surprise!) about which way round discs should go - label up or down - so some must be running them "backwards" without issue

 

[Farside]

120 V AC / DC ?

The 120V bit is no problem . . but DC?

Universal motor - Wikipedia

en.wikipedia.org

 

[Seadog]

Unless there is an arrow, or as you say for flap discs, unlikely to be much of an issue - there are arguments on here (quelle surprise!) about which way round discs should go - label up or down - so some must be running them "backwards" without issue

I've run them both ways round with no noticeable difference.

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Surely just flipping the disc over for anti clockwise running would work fine?

 

[Pigeon_Droppings2]

Likely very unsafe - and how does that alter the machine operation

I suspect we are talking about different things...to clarify I'm talking about the machine quoted above which has the option to run backwards...the disc orientation needs to match the rotation for directional discs.

 

[armalites]

Surprised no one has mentioned the fact the discs are made to spin one way, some even have direction arrows on. Stuff like flap disks won't work in reverse.

In that case you would just flip the disc up the other way.

 

[armalites]

I have a Snap On air cut off tool that is reversible, it really makes a bit difference in tight spaces

 

[JOEPRO]

I have a Snap On air cut off tool that is reversible, it really makes a bit difference in tight spaces

I have a composite draper expert reversible air cut off tool which is excellent in tight wheels wells etc. There is a special double nut fixing on it for the cutting or grinding discs to keep them from going undone in reverse. Works great.

The OP said can't use air- is there a particular reason for that? Aka do you need a cordless scenario for your work environment or do you just not have a decent sized Compressor yet? If it's the latter keep an eye out for used ones for sale within driving distance on gumtree etc.

 

[Pete.]

One good reason I can think of to not use a left-turning grinder is that the user might not be expecting the wrong-way reaction thrust when they put the wheel to the work. I have used a 12" hand-held diamond saw that turned the wrong way and it was horrible to use after years of using conventional ones.

 

[anto44]

This is the reversible blue point one I have.

The head swivels on it aswell.

The blade is held on by a nut with a RH thread followed by a 4mm Allen key with a LH thread

It's the least used grinder I own.