Grinder and Disc

[TarkMalbot]

I want a hand held 240V grinder for use on car chassis and panels.

Is there any size or type I would be best off with and what metal cutting discs are best for the job?

Thanks.

 

[rtbcomp]

Go for a 4 or 4-1/2 inch grinder, avoid Clarke like the plague and use the ultra thin (1mm) cutting disks.

http://www.beal.org.uk/drill-bits-abrasives/abrasives/extra-thin-cutting-discs-4-5-/prod_1965.html

 

[Angusdog]

I have a pair of 4 1/2 inch grinders and they're in constant use. Grinding wheels for grinding, cutting wheels for cutting (mine are 0.8mm). Don't be tempted to grind with the cutting disk - any sideways pressure makes them explode spectacularly, but they cut so easily, they're magic. You can get quite skillful with a 4 1/2 inch grinder and do delicate stuff.

Flap disks also rock my world. Make my welds look passable

 

[TarkMalbot]

Only a year or so ago I went on an actual course all about "abrasive wheels"! Not through choice I would like to add!

4 1/2 Inch it is then.

 

[chunkolini]

Have a look on fleabay for Dewalt grinders as 'reconditioned stock' I have three of these, one is about 6 years and going strong, cheapish and relatively nice to use. Nice long leads for self flagellation, quite flexible as well.
No point buying cheapo no name grinders, they blow up, I counted 12 of the spanners for undoing the discs in my tool box from dead grinders.

Chunko'.

 

[TarkMalbot]

Is this the 18V battery one you are talking about? I have seen a few scond hand ones for sale without batteries so might look into that option.

 

[shenion]

I have a 4" Ryobi, it is ok, but gets real hot on long use.

4" disks are less common, most stores here only carry 4.5. I also find it is hard to get into tight spaces as the disk is not much bigger than the grinder case. The extra 1/2" for 4.5 would make a difference.

 

[barrygibson]

Is this the 18V battery one you are talking about? I have seen a few scond hand ones for sale without batteries so might look into that option.

Dont even waste your money on one of these if your anywhere near a 240 supply.
these are only good for working up ladders and in the middle of nowhere.
Get yourself a makita they go for ever and even when they do stop you can fix em.

 

[busastars]

I used the Snap On battery grinder before, what a load of rubbish. I would rather have an el'cheapo £15 240v grinder any day.

Some people say avoid the Clarke cutting discs but I've used a fair few but I do like the Clarke 1mm discs, struggling to see what is wrong with them, I am someone who will abuse the tool more than it should be. I've used other cheap discs and have had them break up with little abuse.

Still I have a new batch of 1mm discs I bought of ebay, delivered cost about the same as the Clarke but never had time to go to Machine Mart so will see how these ones hold up.

 

[Slim Shady]

get a hitachi. they last for ever.

 

[awemawson]

Dont even waste your money on one of these if your anywhere near a 240 supply.
these are only good for working up ladders and in the middle of nowhere.
Get yourself a makita they go for ever and even when they do stop you can fix em.

mmm. that was my view until I got one! I agree that for heavy grinding you need a 240v one tethered to a socket, but for the odd cut off or delicate bit of finessing my Dewalt 18v grinder gets used every day. Today it was champhering 110mm soil pipes down a trench, but that's another story...

 

[barrygibson]

mmm. that was my view until I got one! I agree that for heavy grinding you need a 240v one tethered to a socket, but for the odd cut off or delicate bit of finessing my Dewalt 18v grinder gets used every day. Today it was champhering 110mm soil pipes down a trench, but that's another story...

But the OP asked for info on a grinder to cut through chassis?
Also for the little fiddly bits id rather use the dremmel

 

[TarkMalbot]

I do like the look of the Makita 9557NBD grinder. Seems powerfull and light weight compared to other makes.

Talking about a Dremel... Mine packed in last time I used it. Still turns but makes a hell of a noise, smell and rough running. I think maybe a brush has gone. I will have to investigate when I get chance.

 

[barrygibson]

I do like the look of the Makita 9557NBD grinder. Seems powerfull and light weight compared to other makes.

Talking about a Dremel... Mine packed in last time I used it. Still turns but makes a hell of a noise, smell and rough running. I think maybe a brush has gone. I will have to investigate when I get chance.

Yes mate id recommend it.There nicely balanced
little grinders.
I work the ba77s off of mine and it never lets me down.
I dont know that much about the insides of the
dremmel(not had the privilege of having to strip one yet) but
id say it sounds like the bearings maybe?

 

[Rogm]

Have a look on fleabay for Dewalt grinders as 'reconditioned stock' I have three of these, one is about 6 years and going strong, cheapish and relatively nice to use. Nice long leads for self flagellation, quite flexible as well.
No point buying cheapo no name grinders, they blow up, I counted 12 of the spanners for undoing the discs in my tool box from dead grinders.

Chunko'.

Chunko has taken the words out of my mouth dewalt last forever i have 3 41/2" in constant use i even have a 18v batt jobbie for use on site great to use but eats batterys.

DONT BUY A CHEAPO THEY DONT LAST!

Atvb
Rogm

 

[pedrobedro]

I have 4 angle grinders of different makes only one of them branded, a Stayer. The branded one was £40 and the others were between £6 and £12 and I fit them with disks for different jobs so I don't have to keep changing disk. They last longer as they are not in constant use but my 9" Metabo was burnt out this year and replaced with another Metabo as it was a brilliant tool, cutting slabs, blocks and RSJ for years.

 

[caveman]

second that metabo are the nuts have a 110v 4"for work 5 years old and been caned and still performs,and a 240v version in the shed ace never have a issue best i own

 

[barrygibson]

Ive got a metabo air impact wrench and will have to say its
one of the best ive used.
I was a little bit dubious about them at first but its had some right stick
and its still screaming out for more.
All good as far as i can see.

 

[Ragnarok]

I use a Bosch GWS8-115AVH 4 1/2" great grinder, I had the same one before it which I had about 7 years only reason it went wrong was it had been left on a damp floor unused for awhile, went and got the same one right away when it went wrong, only thing I don't like about it is that it is very hard not to lock it on while using it, but it isn't really a problem and can even be handy (didn't like that about it when I first got it but that was mostly cause I was 12 and had little hands).

another good one is the metabo, but it does cost a bit more than most.