Angle Grinder and Flap Disk Safety

[paramud]

I have a 4.5 in angle grinder and I have a 4.5 in flap disk. The flap disk does not fit on the angle grinder with the safety guard on. Is this normal? The guards works with the grinder and cut off disks.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-4-1-2-in-Barrel-Grip-Angle-Grinder-AG403/100057463

That is my grinder.

 

[zkling]

What type of flap wheel are you using? One with a cast in nut or one that uses the retaining nut? What part is hitting? The lower lip of the guard or is the diameter hitting?

 

[NotStock]

I run flap wheels without the guard. They are much less likely to break or throw stuff at you than a grinding stone or cutoff disc. I like walter threaded flap wheels and they sit too low for the guard to work on my grinders.

Funny enough, the only close calls and injuries I've ever had with a grinder were with resin sanding discs (always due to carelessness on my part).