How to Grind Concrete with Angle Grinder?

You must have heard about the versatile power tool named angle grinder. This tool is versatile because you literally can do anything with it that is required to be done on a construction site. Polishing, smoothening, sanding, sharpening, and most importantly grinding are easy with this grinder. Now that you are here, you also want to know how to grind concrete with angle grinder.

Well, nothing is tough when you get the best and ideal tool for it. Still, grinding concrete with the best angle grinder may require a skilled person. As the process includes many techniques and methods you better know everything before getting started with the tool.

Why Angle Grinders Are Suitable for Grinding Concrete?

We know the hassle with an uneven concrete floor. So, to level them, many are in search of the ideal tool. So, what’s the suitable tool for it? Well, obviously an angle grinder. There are many reasons you choose an angle grinder over other tools for this purpose.

Angle grinders are supposed to be portable, mobile, and compact. More importantly, the tools are cheap and effective. Many times, we need to grind congested floors such as the bathroom or kitchen floors where a giant tool only messes up the process.

However, nothing can beat the versatility of this tool. With the right type of blade, you can both grind concrete and also cut metal, bricks, plastic, and all. Again, an ideal angle grinder will serve you years. So, to know everything about grinding concrete with an angle grinder, stick with us.

What Tasks Are Handled with Angle Grinder?

Angle grinder is hyped in a positive way because of their efficiency in leveling and smoothening concrete floors. An unleveled floor is a big problem. However, angle grinders are made to cover up this problem. The tool is used for other projects as well including,

A. Recover cutting edges

Restoring cutting edges is also one of the tasks that are suitable for a grinding wheel. To optimize the task, you have to ensure enough safety. It is better if you use a vise and a clamp to attach the blade for a secured placement in the workspace.

B. Cutting of concrete, tile, and stone

Angle grinder is also capable of cutting these materials. Whether it is stone cutting or tile applications, it is possible with the grinder. Sometimes in congested places, it is hard to use tile cutters. In this situation angle grinder is a blessing.

However, to get crisp corners and straight aligns, start from the backside of the tiles. Also, diamond blades are preferable to have the required accuracy.

C. Cutting off bolts and rods

This is also possible. The electric angle grinder with a metal cutting blade is capable of cutting bolts and even rods. However, you are not supposed to pressurize the process while running. Safely hold the tool and let it do the cutting.

D. Removing old mortar

To find a smart solution for removing old mortar, the grinding method is easy instead of using a chisel or hammer. With a tuck-pointing wheel, the task becomes easier.

What to Look for While Using an Angle Grinder?

An angle grinder is always the first choice to cut or grind concrete though there are some other tools. It is simply because you cannot overlook its benefits and advantages. However, you will need to know some points to have the job done accurately.

1. Right diamonds should be selected

This is the crucial and authoritative consideration for the angle grinder. Depending on the task, you need to choose the right types of diamonds. There are different styles available. Wrong diamonds will only ruin the floor instead of fixing it.

Try to select the particular diamond according to the particular concrete type. Hence, test the right diamond. Also, you can take help from experts or professional manufacturers.

2. Size of the angle grinder

To grind a concrete floor, you better choose a floor grinder. Otherwise, it will take a lot of time to do the job. An angle grinder includes blades with a diameter of 5 or 7 inches. Hence, choose the grinder according to the floor size.

3. Pick up the right power

You should desire a grinder that will be equipped with motor empowering 5 to 9 amps. It should handle more power so that it can cope up with rough task such as grinding concrete.

4. Efficiency

Looking for efficiency is also important. A small size tool will not be very efficient and it will take longer to cover a whole large surface. To get the utmost efficiency, you need the proper one.

Again, you should also have a wet attachment to the tool for backing up overheat. For cooling down the process and resist the blades to tear up, this is important.

5. Comfort

Choose a walk-behind and portable angle grinder. It will make the task easier and quicker.

How to Grind Concrete with Angle Grinder?

At this point, your wait is over as you are going to know the process step by step. Well, get your tools ready first. For the task, you will need the tools given below.

• Obviously, an angle grinder with 5 to 7-inch blade diameter
• Dust shroud
• Diamond polishing pads
• Safety clothes
• Mask
• Goggles
• Kneepads
• Vacuum cleaner

Steps for Grinding Concrete

1. First, cleaning of the surface

This is the first and foremost thing to do while grinding the floor. It is better to grab a broom to sweep the floor. Make sure you remove all kinds of grease, gums, and other stains from the floor. In short, make sure there isn’t any residue left in the process.

Again, using a vacuum cleaner or pressure washer can help this process as well.

2. Is your concrete grinder ready?

Now, the second task is to get ready with your grinder. Depending on the floor space, it is better if you divide it into sectors. It fastens the process. Also, grinding will produce more dust. Hence, it is suggested to keep a dust shroud.

Now, mount the wheel and diamond polishing accordingly. Make sure the grinder is powered off and is not connected to the electricity socket. Putting on all your safety equipment is a must. Now that you are all set with your equipment and safety tools, connect the cord to the electric socket and power on the machine.

3. Then, start grinding!

It is the main part of the task. It has to be precise and effective. Smoothening the floor with an angle grinder is easy yet, you may face problems reaching out the corners. However, using a smaller tool for those sections can be helpful.

According to the expert advice, it is wise to start with the edges first. Moving the grinder in a circular way is the fastest way to be considered. Actually, it is all up to you. Try to run the machine in a way you feel fit.

4. Check out the result

When you are done grinding, it is time to deal with the imperfections. If you look carefully you will notice you have missed out on some places. Therefore, you get to grind again to that uneven place. To make an even floor, you need to put effective effort wherever it is needed.

However, to make a direct contact of the electric angle grinder to the floor, remove the dust shroud. Finally, when you are done with all these, remove the residue by mopping or vacuuming the floor.

Coming to the Safety Issue

Well, handling an angle grinder is not like playing with a toy. It can create an issue at times when you are not very careful with it. So, being safe while using an angle grinder is a must. Otherwise, the power tool will kickback within no time and you might have the worst experience ever.

• While grinding the machine might fly out or jerk back from your hands when the wheel catches any particle in it. Hold the tool firmly the whole time while running it.
• Make sure the applying environment is safe. Also, keep the angle grinder guard up. While functioning, the grinder keeps vibrating. This might hurt your hand when you grind continuously. So, wearing gloves will save your hands from getting tired.
• You don’t want to swallow or inhale plenty of dust the process produces. It may cause a long-term effect to your lungs and create respiratory problems. However, wearing a protective face mask or face shield will be a great solution.
• The produced dust and debris can also affect your eyes. The small particles or sparks can fly in to the eye and can cause irreparable injury. Save your eyes by wearing goggles.
• Lastly, do not let your angle grinder overheat. Let it cool down when you feel it has become too hot.

Final Words

Long story short, angle grinder is powerful and versatile machine. It is considered perfect tool even to the professional out there. Especially, for home use and DIY projects, an angle grinder will grind and smooth the concrete floors precisely and efficiently. For a decent-sized surface area, an angle grinder with a decent blade size will be a suitable option.

Look for the best diamonds and blades as well to have detailed perfection. If your grinder is equipped with sufficient power to deal against the concrete then the job is your cup of tea even if you are not a professional. So, know your needs, learn how to grind concrete floors with angle grinder and get started with them.