Using the quick change feature on Metabo grinder

[shamrock12]

I understand that Metabo quick change feature allows you to easily switch discs without any tool by using their special clamping flange/nut.

However, what about screw-on wire wheel or flap disc (like Walter) in which you use without the special clamping flange/nut? Can you use the quick change feature for these type of wheels too?

 

[tarbellb]

Check this out, might persuade you?

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=222018

On a similar note, and the reason I started that thread. My buddy said he was using his Metabo "Quick Change" grinder and the nut froze/stripped/cross-threaded and it took him a hour and some 440's to take it off. Long story short, maybe just hand tighten?

 

[shamrock12]

I am just asking whether if I can use the momentum of spinning wire wheel / flap wheel to loosen up themselves by depressing the quick change button while the grinder is powering down. The reason I am asking this is because most wire wheels and flap wheels are threaded, so they don't use the clamping flange/nut.

I am just not sure if Metabo quick change feature is designed to work only with their special clamping flange/nut, or if this feature can also be used without them.

 

[reptilezs]

I am just asking whether if I can use the momentum of spinning wire wheel / flap wheel to loosen up themselves by depressing the quick change button while the grinder is powering down. The reason I am asking this is because most wire wheels and flap wheels are threaded, so they don't use the clamping flange/nut.

I am just not sure if Metabo quick change feature is designed to work only with their special clamping flange/nut, or if this feature can also be used without them.

that is how the metabo quick works. as the grinder spins down hit the button and it will loosen the nut or wire brush

 

[Antique Engine]

Yes, you can use the grinder without the special clamping nut. I use mine with wire wheels and flap wheels that have threaded centers.

Personally, I don't like to push the button while the tool is still spinning down. My grinder was 160 dollars which is a lot for me so I take a more gentle approach. I let the tool stop completely, then press the button and spin the wheel or disc off. If you have gloves on, a little bump with your hand on the edge of the wheel will spin it right off.

 

[rlitman]

I am just asking whether if I can use the momentum of spinning wire wheel / flap wheel to loosen up themselves by depressing the quick change button while the grinder is powering down. The reason I am asking this is because most wire wheels and flap wheels are threaded, so they don't use the clamping flange/nut.

I am just not sure if Metabo quick change feature is designed to work only with their special clamping flange/nut, or if this feature can also be used without them.

Yes, but unlike the special nut which has a spring clip to create a little extra friction against the arbor, attachments do not. So if you are too vigorous with the button while it is spinning, the momentum of a spinning cup wheel will fling it off the tool with a little speed. Not such an issue with lighter attachments like a grinding disc with a threaded hub.

 

[ezzzzzzz]

Really? Push in the button while it spins down to loosen the wheel? I suppose you'd shove your transmission into 'Park' as you coast into the driveway too? Just let the grinder stop, push in the button and spin off the flapper or wire wheel with a heavy glove.

 

[dbonne]

No ****, I have had metabo grinders for 15 years and have never purposely pressed the arbor lock while it was spinning. I've only had to use a pliers once or twice on the nut, usually I can spin the wheel while arbor is locked and get the nut loose.

 

[Antique Engine]

Really? Push in the button while it spins down to loosen the wheel? I suppose you'd shove your transmission into 'Park' as you coast into the driveway too? Just let the grinder stop, push in the button and spin off the flapper or wire wheel with a heavy glove.

I'm guessing Metabo is condoning doing it that way. When I bought mine at my local welding shop a few years ago the counter guy explained that pressing the button while it was spinning down was the proper way to do it.

I just smiled, shook my head, and ignored his words. Not on my 160 dollar grinder.

 

[rlitman]

Really? Push in the button while it spins down to loosen the wheel? I suppose you'd shove your transmission into 'Park' as you coast into the driveway too? Just let the grinder stop, push in the button and spin off the flapper or wire wheel with a heavy glove.

If Chrysler said I should, and I paid extra for a feature that lets me put the transmission in park while driving and have the wheels fall off, maybe.

Seriously, why would you tell someone not to use an advertised feature of their tool, simply because YOUR grinder is not built to do that?

 

[Antique Engine]

If Chrysler said I should, and I paid extra for a feature that lets me put the transmission in park while driving and have the wheels fall off, maybe.

Seriously, why would you tell someone not to use an advertised feature of their tool, simply because YOUR grinder is not built to do that?

Do what you like. Advertised feature or not, I let mine come to a complete stop first. I see no good reason not to. Why stress out the locking pin ?

 

[pepi]

Never have used a tool to change any type of disc, simply engage the lock, place your hand on the disk or wire wheel in such away as to unscrew the disk/wheel. That quick change feature is 100% hype, give me a break.

Engage the lock while the tool is spinning down, just brilliant on so many levels. The wheel/disk spins off, hey great now you're chasing the thing across the floor. Thats got to save a hug amount of time, it is funny what hype sells as an advantage to purchase one brand of tool over another.

Looked at the Metabo saw the movie, weighted the facts, bought a Milwaukee 5in variable speed. The speed control sure does add to the life of a flap disk.

 

[reptilezs]

 

[rlitman]

Do what you like. Advertised feature or not, I let mine come to a complete stop first. I see no good reason not to. Why stress out the locking pin ?

Then why'd you waste the extra money on the "quick" model grinder?

 

[Antique Engine]

Then why'd you waste the extra money on the "quick" model grinder?

I didn't waste a single cent. I bought the best grinder I could, and it simply came with a feature I don't use. When I was comparing and shopping, I chose my unit for reasons unrelated to "quick change".

I like the knurled hand nut which requires no tools. But, I don't care to wear the locking pin by clicking it into a turning notch and forcing a sudden stop along with any added wear that causes.

 

[shamrock12]

I didn't waste a single cent. I bought the best grinder I could, and it simply came with a feature I don't use. When I was comparing and shopping, I chose my unit for reasons unrelated to "quick change".

Did you know Metabo carry some pairs of models that are EXACTLY the same other than the spindle lock? One model would have the quick feature and the other model would have the standard non-quick spindle lock. About 30 dollars difference.

For example:
W8-115
W8-115 Quick

W11-125
W11-125 Quick

 

[Antique Engine]

Yes, I do know that. I spent a good bit of time in research before buying.

 

[dr_clyde]

The metabo quick grinders are designed to press the spindle lock while the disc is spinning down. They are built differently than other grinders. It will not hurt them. It was demonstrated to me at the Metabo booth at fabtech. I was skeptical at first, but having used the feature on my grinder now for 2 years daily, I can attest it will not damage it.

And yes, you can use it with any attachment. The metabo nut is designed so the wheel or what have you won't take off across the room if you hit the switch too soon. Wire wheels and big discs have enough weight that the wheel can almost be done spinning before you hit the button and it will loosen fine. Haven't used a wrench in 2 years. Hand tighten, quick change off.

BTW, my grinder cost $265. I have the WEP14-150Q with the paddle switch and the auto balance.