Been following this thread with interest, and a degree of trepidation.
I’ve always been wary of angle grinders. Not scared, but careful, especially with cutting or grinding discs.
Thanks to the O.P. for posting.
Most of us who use power tools know that there’s a huge difference in the quality of the “consumables” available. Doesn’t matter if it’s a power drill or a sander or anything - there are drill bits that don’t cut and sandpaper that doesn’t sand. Thankfully we have generally learnt what to avoid, and are usually able to find a quality level appropriate to our use / budget.
Angie grinders are different to many other tools though. Failure of a disc isn’t simply a nuisance, it’s dangerous, in a way that a crappy drill bit or sanding pad won’t be.
The O.P. has clearly said that he was able to finish the cut with a different disc without issue, but violent kickback was with two different Black and Decker discs. I think that pretty much confirms what we think. Quality (and maybe age) of the discs is everything.
Sure, using a guard is important, and I would never cut or grind without.
And contrary to some previous posts, I believe the quality of the grinder is important too. I used a crappy one for a job once, and it was the most uncomfortable (noise and vibration) power tool I have ever used, as well as being dodgy as anything owing to the crappy switch.
Technique was not bad, in my opinion a top quality disc would not have kicked back.
There you go!
Cut was away from body and leg, rotation was wrong, causing kickback to come back toward you instead of forward away from you.
I know what you mean. You can be cutting in the “right” direction (moving the tool away from you) but the rotation can force the tool in the wrong direction. The rotation is more important, but you know that now.
In the aviation world, we talk about a “chain” of errors. No one will lead to an accident, but all together, at the wrong time, they can.
With a chain of errors, breaking any “link” in the chain will prevent an accident.
In this case, a better disc (and in date), cutting with the rotation the safe way, a guard, a grinder with anti kickback, or even a paddle switch, might have prevented the accident. I try to do all these things!
As a matter of interest. I tend to use Norton or 3M discs and have never had issues. I limit my economy measures to picking up these if I see them on a deal.
The cost savings on cheaper discs are negligible, but I know folks sometimes find them more available. Perhaps another reason to maintain your own stocks?
