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Angle Grinder and accessories

7.7K views 20 replies 19 participants last post by  sn0border88  
#1 ·
Hi Everyone,

I work for a power tool accessories company in North America and am looking to develop a few accessory kits (multiple items) for angle grinders.

I am asking for help in understanding what people would want in terms of accessories.

What is your most popular angle grinder accessory?

What combination would you like to see?

What activities do you see yourself using an angle grinder the most.

I appreciate any help in answering some of these questions in hopes of providing a valued product for people that routinely use their angle grinder.

Thanks,

Tim
 
#3 · (Edited)
I'd like to see angle grinder with a 15 or 20 foot removable cord, like the Milwaukee Quick Lok cord.

Features I like are-
-trigger grip handle
-locking trigger
-tool less quick adjust removable gaurd
-wheel change tool stores in the handle (Ryobi has this)
-3 position (left, top, right) removable handle
-easily changeable brushes, using commonly available brushes
-replaceable spindle bearing, using commonly available bearing
-replacement trigger available from mfg'r

I use several grinders at once on jobs, one each with a different type of wheel (wire brush disc, sandpaper disc, abrasive grinding disc and zip cut abrasive disc).
 
#20 ·
You must use the same Ryobi grinders I use. I didn't really think I would like it near as much when I bought the first one, but I'm actually real pleased with them. My list of requirements is the same as above, minus the locking trigger (never can get to the button lock when you want it, but always end up hitting it when you don't)

You must have also had the trigger go bad on yours as well.
 
#4 · (Edited)
You should make accessory kits that focus on the different materials being ground. Like a kit for use on mild steel, one for stainless, one for aluminum, and concrete, etc. Each kit could include peices to handle rough removal and fine finishing. Maybe a kit for autobody work as well.

I use 80 grit flap discs the most. I like discs with threaded arbors built in, because they are quicker to change. I also notice that fine grit hard grinding discs are pretty rare and I'd like to see more of those.
 
#5 ·
A better hub set up would be nice, its a pain changing from a disc to a wire wheel then back and the disc vibrates like a cheap hotel bed. As far as accessories I don't see a need for them though if anything material packs as stated above is an idea but really I think better designs would be what your company should shoot for such as a longer cord and better fit of wheels.
 
#7 ·
I just want one that will last. needs to run cool and long without crapping the bed
 
#11 · (Edited)
If you plan on using cheap Chinese made accessories, forget it, just throw a few items in a box and call it done, the general public aren't going to know what exactly they would want in an accessory kit, and you would be hard pressed to find a professional that would buy into the cheap kit anyway!

Professionals each have their own preferences as to not only what they use for a particular job, but also the manufacturer of each, so you wouldn't be able to please any two of them, unless you plan on making all the items here in the USA or some other country with similar standards of quality, and made the best quality of all the items anyone could ever use, that there has ever been.

And that would be a tall order!

If you wish to target professionals, set up a website with a "make your own kit" feature, and offer top quality items that they can add to the kit, then you might see some pro's buying your kits!
 
#12 ·
Some great ideas presented. I will add that I would like to see an adjustable two prong tool. I bought one once and I wish I would have bought a dozen, because it fits them all. I will post a pic another time if you don't know what I am refering to, the tool is at my shop. And make the prongs a little longer. With a thin zip disk you turn the lock over and it's not as easy to get a bite. And if I am buying a 4 1/2" grinder I would also like a 6" guard included. I only see guys use a 4 1/2" grinder with a 6" zip disk (including me) and never seen one with a guard. I would prefer to be safe and stop having to hope it will not shatter.

Run cool
removable cord
paddle switch
toolless quick adjust removable guard
3 position (left, top, right) removable handle
easily changeable brushes
 
#19 ·
Some great ideas presented. I will add that I would like to see an adjustable two prong tool. I bought one once and I wish I would have bought a dozen, because it fits them all. I will post a pic another time if you don't know what I am refering to, the tool is at my shop. And make the prongs a little longer.
Prolly an adjustable pin face spanner wrench like one on this page?

http://www.amazon.com/Armstrong-34-151-Adjustable-Spanner-Wrench/sim/B00004WBHG/2

I just grab and twist them off (sometimes the 9" can be a pain though with a real wrench).

Matt
 
#13 · (Edited)
Honestly like it was mentioned before this should be aimed at hobbists and DIY guys, pros would be much less likely to buy "kits" because they already know what works and what they like. My shop buys grinding wheels/disks/whatever in bulk from various manufactures.

However things like longer cords and quick change guards would be the most beneficial however most companies already offer them. And guards for 4.5" grinders that can fit 5" disks would be nice. That said, I would consider doing some more research if this idea can actually sell enough to profit.

Adjustable spanner wrench? Why would you need that? I dont even know if there are spanner wrenches in our shop that fit the grinders. Wheels are always changed by hand, and quite easily at that.
 
#21 ·
:laugh: My boss hits the lock button while the disk is still spinning to spin it off without even touching it.

I'd like to see a standoff guide for a 4 1/2" grinder that would allow the user to grind flush the weld bead on pipe.
That is a good idea, wonder how hard it would be to make something like that function well.

You must use the same Ryobi grinders I use. I didn't really think I would like it near as much when I bought the first one, but I'm actually real pleased with them. My list of requirements is the same as above, minus the locking trigger (never can get to the button lock when you want it, but always end up hitting it when you don't)

You must have also had the trigger go bad on yours as well.
Our metabos with the locking paddle switch work like a dream. Easy to lock on/off with one gloved hand and it never gets locked when you dont want it too. Seldom comes unlocked while in use.
 
#16 ·
I'd like to see a standoff guide for a 4 1/2" grinder that would allow the user to grind flush the weld bead on pipe.

I have a picture in my mind but it's hard to describe. The standoff would have to make contact with the pipe in two locations and be easily adjustable to allow for disk wear.

There are belt sanders designed for this purpose (primarily SS handrails, etc) but the cost is up there.
 
#18 ·
All of my Ryobi grinders came from the manufacturer with 10' cords. Milwaukee sells the Quick-Lok cord for their sawzalls, drills and other of their tools that use the Quick Lok system in lengths greater than 6 feet as well. Here in the US, there are many power tools sold with cords longer than 6 feet.