To hold an angle grinder correctly, grip the rear handle with your dominant hand and the side handle with your other hand, keep your elbows slightly bent, and stand balanced with your body out of line with the disc. Never run a grinder one-handed. This guide shows where to put your hands and feet, how to stay in control while you work, and how to reduce kickback and fatigue.
- Use both hands every time: dominant hand on the rear handle, other hand on the side handle.
- Stand with feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, and one foot a little forward.
- Stay to the side of the disc, not directly behind or in line with it.
- Let the disc reach full speed before it touches the work, and use light pressure.
- Wear eye and face protection, hearing protection and gloves before you start.
How to Hold an Angle Grinder: Grip and Hand Placement
A two-handed grip is the basis of angle grinder control. CCOHS advises users to hold the grinder with both hands and keep a firm grip on both handles with secure footing.
- Rear hand: Wrap your dominant hand around the main body handle with your finger on the switch. Keep the grip firm but not strained.
- Front hand: Hold the side handle with your other hand. Many grinders let you fit the handle on either side, so choose the position that gives you the best control and keeps your arm out of the spark stream. See what the side handle is for.
- Fingers clear: Keep your fingers and thumbs away from the disc and guard opening.
- Dry, clean hands: Oil and sweat reduce your grip. Wipe the handles before you start.
Adjust the guard before you power up so it sits between you and the disc. Our guide to positioning the guard on an angle grinder shows how.
Stance and Body Position
Good footing keeps the grinder steady and keeps you out of harm’s way if the disc catches.
- Place your feet shoulder-width apart, with one foot slightly forward and your knees slightly bent.
- Stand to the side of the disc’s plane, not directly behind it. CCOHS also advises standing away from the wheel when you start the grinder.
- Keep your elbows bent and the grinder close to your body. If you cannot reach the work comfortably, move your feet instead of stretching.
- Work at a comfortable height on a flat, stable surface. Avoid slopes and awkward positions. If you must work from a ladder, read how to safely cut with an angle grinder on a ladder first.
- Secure the workpiece with clamps or a vise. Never hold a small part in one hand while grinding it with the other.
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Staying in Control While You Grind or Cut
- Inspect first. With the power disconnected, check the guard, side handle and disc. The disc’s maximum speed rating must be equal to or higher than the grinder’s maximum speed.
- Start clear of the work. Hold the grinder with both hands, point the disc away from people and the workpiece, and let it reach full speed.
- Use the right angle. For the grinding face of a wheel or disc on a right-angle grinder, CCOHS gives an angle of 5 to 15 degrees from the surface. Flap discs have their own ranges. Weiler lists about 0 to 15 degrees for a Type 27 flat disc and 15 to 35 degrees for a Type 29 conical disc. Always follow the label on your accessory.
- Keep pressure light. Let the disc do the cutting. If the motor bogs down, ease off and keep the grinder moving instead of leaning on it.
- Finish safely. Lift the disc off the work before you release the switch, and do not put the grinder down until the disc has stopped turning.
Understanding and Preventing Kickback
Kickback happens when the spinning disc suddenly catches, jams or binds in the workpiece. The grinder then jerks away from you with force, and a one-handed or off-balance grip makes it far harder to control.
- Keep both hands on the grinder and your body out of line with the disc.
- Do not use a cracked, chipped or damaged disc.
- Start a cut at the edge of the material instead of plunging a cutting wheel into it, and do not twist or force a cutting wheel in the cut.
- If the disc starts to bind, release pressure instead of forcing the tool through.
- Keep the guard in place between you and the disc.
For causes and more prevention steps, read angle grinder kickback causes and prevention.
Common Mistakes When Holding an Angle Grinder
| Mistake | What can happen |
|---|---|
| Using one hand | Loss of control, especially if the disc catches |
| Removing the side handle | Less leverage to resist kickback and twisting |
| Standing directly behind or in line with the disc | Your body is in the path if the tool kicks back or the disc breaks |
| Overreaching or working in an awkward posture | Poor balance and less control |
| Leaning on the grinder | Bogging, overheating and a higher kickback risk |
| Holding the workpiece by hand | The part can shift or be pulled from your grip |
Reducing Hand and Arm Fatigue
Tired hands lose control. Vibration, awkward postures and heavy pressure all add up over a long job.
- Take regular breaks, and stop if your hands start to tingle or go numb.
- Keep the workpiece at a comfortable height so you are not stretching or hunching.
- Replace worn discs. A dull disc makes you push harder.
- Stop and check the setup if the grinder vibrates or runs roughly. CCOHS lists excessive vibration as a reason to stop using a wheel.
- Choose a lighter, well-balanced grinder with a comfortable handle for long jobs.
Safety Gear for Grinding
- Eyes and face: Wear safety glasses or goggles, and add a face shield for extra protection from sparks and fragments.
- Hearing: Grinders are loud. OSHA’s noise guidance sets 85 dBA as an 8-hour average action level for hearing conservation, so wear earmuffs or earplugs.
- Hands and body: Wear well-fitting gloves, sturdy footwear and close-fitting clothing. Avoid loose clothing and dangling jewelry, and tie back long hair.
- Lungs: Grinding concrete, stone or some coated metals creates harmful dust. Use dust controls and a suitable respirator.
The CCOHS portable grinder safe-use guide is a good general reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you hold an angle grinder correctly?
Hold the rear handle with your dominant hand and the side handle with your other hand. Keep your elbows slightly bent, your feet shoulder-width apart and your body out of line with the disc. Let the disc reach full speed before it touches the work.
Which hand goes on the side handle?
For most right-handed users the left hand goes on the side handle and the right hand on the rear handle. Many grinders let you fit the side handle on either side, so choose the position that gives you a firm two-handed grip and keeps your arm clear of sparks.
Can you use an angle grinder with one hand?
As a rule, no. Keep both hands on the grinder so you can resist kickback and keep the disc under control. Secure the workpiece with clamps rather than holding it with your free hand.
What angle should you hold an angle grinder at?
It depends on the accessory. CCOHS gives 5 to 15 degrees from the surface for the grinding face of a wheel or disc on a right-angle grinder. Weiler lists about 0 to 15 degrees for Type 27 flat flap discs and 15 to 35 degrees for Type 29 conical discs. Follow the label on your disc.
Where should you stand when using an angle grinder?
Stand to the side of the disc, not directly behind or in line with it, and keep your footing secure. Stand away from the wheel when you first switch the grinder on, and keep bystanders clear of the spark path.
Conclusion
Control comes from a two-handed grip, a balanced stance and a body position that stays out of line with the disc. Check the guard, handle and disc before every job, keep pressure light, and take breaks before fatigue sets in.
