RIDGID OCTANE 18 Volt Brushless 4-1/2 In. Angle Grinder $69.99

Good price. Was the best price $59 + 7 shipping? Very tempted but knowing about the $59...

Quote from Kuma1 : Good price. Was the best price $59 + 7 shipping? Very tempted but knowing about the $59...

Not sure but Home Depot selling the kit for $139.

They recommend only using grinding wheels and NOT cut-off wheels on this grinder.

Quote from sdwindansea : They recommend only using grinding wheels and NOT cut-off wheels on this grinder.

Because it doesn't include the guard you're supposed to use with cut off wheels.

Angle grinders are inherently dangerous in any use. Use proper ppe and appropriate clothing, a wheel guard, and be well aware and informed of yourself, your tool, and your surroundings before each use.


FYI:

The reason many angle grinder manufacturers list their tools as not for cut off wheel use is the guard not being OSHA approved for such use. sometimes a Cut off wheel guard can be purchased separately.

The main reason is cut off wheels are much more likely to bind and shatter.

Cut off wheel guards are much more enclosed , and some even utilize a spring assisted guard that closes around the object being cut.


Double super top secret FYI:

Standard grinding guards have been used for decades with cut off wheels, and just a few years ago this was considered a SAFE and Standard practice per OSHA.

Hard Rock grinding wheels also shatter, with much more energy than a cut off wheel (much heavier weight), though much less frequently. a standard grinding guard is considered appropriate in this use by OSHA.

Arbor hole/ thread size and wheel type (27 vs 1, 27 vs 29) are the main factors in physical compatibility with a grinder.

Quote from bondiablo : Because it doesn't include the guard you're supposed to use with cut off wheels.

You can get SERIOUSLY hurt with cutoff wheels. Ie. Lose fingers. Definitely need a guard.

I have had HD Diablo wheels brake off and pieces fly. Only use Dewalt HP, High Performance, cutting wheels. Burned through many and never had one blow apart. Look at the back of the cutting wheel and note how close the webbing is compared to the Diablo or non HP.

Quote from jeffreyd00 : You can get SERIOUSLY hurt with cutoff wheels. Ie. Lose fingers. Definitely need a guard.

Years ago, a teen was cutting something in his back yard, disc came off and traveled up his body and through his heart. Terrible accident that took his life. Be careful with these tools.

Quote from jeffreyd00 : You can get SERIOUSLY hurt with cutoff wheels. Ie. Lose fingers. Definitely need a guard.

This comes with a guard...just not the new fangled wrap around one recommended for cutting wheel use. Unless on an OSHA jobsite, it's up to the user to decide about the risk level they're willing to take, but those of us that've been around for awhile have been using cutting discs with regular guards for decades.

I've been thinking for a while to get an angle grinder
But honestly scared as f*k about them so I haven't

Quote from BrightStag893 : Angle grinders are inherently dangerous in any use. Use proper ppe and appropriate clothing, a wheel guard, and be well aware and informed of yourself, your tool, and your surroundings before each use. FYI: The reason many angle grinder manufacturers list their tools as not for cut off wheel use is the guard not being OSHA approved for such use. sometimes a Cut off wheel guard can be purchased separately. The main reason is cut off wheels are much more likely to bind and shatter. Cut off wheel guards are much more enclosed , and some even utilize a spring assisted guard that closes around the object being cut. Double super top secret FYI: Standard grinding guards have been used for decades with cut off wheels, and just a few years ago this was considered a SAFE and Standard practice per OSHA. Hard Rock grinding wheels also shatter, with much more energy than a cut off wheel (much heavier weight), though much less frequently. a standard grinding guard is considered appropriate in this use by OSHA. Arbor hole/ thread size and wheel type (27 vs 1, 27 vs 29) are the main factors in physical compatibility with a grinder.

That's because OSHA looks at data and updates their requirements based on said data.

Just because something was considered safe a few years ago doesn't mean it was safe, it just means the bureaucracy hadn't yet changed it: they're inherently slow.

It used to be "safe" to reuse needles after wiping them off with alcohol, yet I can guarantee no one wants that now.

Quote from sdwindansea : They recommend only using grinding wheels and NOT cut-off wheels on this grinder.

I have only used with cutoff wheels, well over 100x and no problems so far besides will shutoff when motor pushed too hard.

Quote from pipinghotpizza : I have only used with cutoff wheels, well over 100x and no problems so far besides will shutoff when motor pushed too hard.

Thanks. Is the guard easy to adjust (rotate)? Also, how easy is it to change wheels?