Just watched a $60 angle grinder explode on me mid-cut

Was cutting rebar on a backyard patio job in Houston. Cheap harbor freight grinder. Blade seized, sparks flew, the guard cracked. Now i got a dent in my workbench and a bruise on my leg. Anybody else learned the hard way to spend more on grinders?

3 comments

3 Comments

rodriguez.cora1mo ago

My first angle grinder was a $30 special from a pawn shop that literally had duct tape holding the handle on. I was cutting some old fence posts when the wheel just straight up launched across the yard and buried itself in the neighbor's shed wall. Spent the next hour apologizing with a six pack and a new grinder from Lowes. Lesson learned the hard way too.

murray.betty1mo ago

Used to think cheap was fine but that story changed my whole view on grinders.

quinn_fox1mo ago

Oh man that's wild lol. Reminds me of the time I borrowed my buddy's cheap sander and the whole pad flew off halfway through a project, took out a chunk of drywall and scared my cat so bad she hid under the couch for two days. I was just trying to smooth down a table but ended up with a bigger mess than when I started. Now I'm pretty careful about looking for a sturdy brand even if it costs a bit more upfront.