Angle Grinder and accessories

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Hi Everyone, I work for a power tool accessories company in North America and am looking to develop a few accessory kits (multiple items) for angle grinders.  I am asking for help in understanding what people would want in terms of accessories.  What is your most popular angle grinder accessory? What combination would you like to see? What activities do you see yourself using an angle grinder the most.  I appreciate any help in answering some of these questions in hopes of providing a valued product for people that routinely use their angle grinder. Thanks, Tim
Reply:I use mine to shave my eyebrows.HH187Harris O/AInfrared thermometerHalf a dozen angle grinders
Reply:I'd like to see angle grinder with a 15 or 20 foot removable cord, like the Milwaukee Quick Lok cord.Features I like are- -trigger grip handle-locking trigger-tool less quick adjust removable gaurd-wheel change tool stores in the handle (Ryobi has this)-3 position (left, top, right) removable handle-easily changeable brushes, using commonly available brushes-replaceable spindle bearing, using commonly available bearing-replacement trigger available from mfg'rI use several grinders at once on jobs, one each with a different type of wheel (wire brush disc, sandpaper disc, abrasive grinding disc and zip cut abrasive disc).Last edited by DesertRider33; 06-24-2010 at 12:32 PM.MM350P/Python/Q300MM175/Q300DialarcHFHTP MIG200PowCon300SMHypertherm380ThermalArc185Purox oaF350CrewCab4x4LoadNGo utilitybedBobcat250XMT304/Optima/SpoolmaticSuitcase12RC/Q300Suitcase8RC/Q400Passport/Q300Smith op
Reply:You should make accessory kits that focus on the different materials being ground. Like a kit for use on mild steel, one for stainless, one for aluminum, and concrete, etc. Each kit could include peices to handle rough removal and fine finishing. Maybe a kit for autobody work as well.I use 80 grit flap discs the most. I like discs with threaded arbors built in, because they are quicker to change. I also notice that fine grit hard grinding discs are pretty rare and I'd like to see more of those.Last edited by fortyonethirty; 06-24-2010 at 06:37 PM.
Reply:A better hub set up would be nice, its a pain changing from a disc to a wire wheel then back and the disc vibrates like a cheap hotel bed.  As far as accessories I don't see a need for them though if anything material packs as stated above is an idea but really I think better designs would be what your company should shoot for such as a longer cord and better fit of wheels.
Reply:Just copy the Milwaukees's design lolEasy use with gloves, reset button tooDurable cord, I mean really durable and flexible, removable would also be nice.And everything desert rider said
Reply:I just want one that will last.   needs to run cool and long without crapping the bedVantage 500's LN-25's, VI-400's, cobramatics, Miller migs, synch 350 LX, Powcon inverters, XMT's, 250 Ton Acurrpress 12' brake, 1/4" 10' Atlantic shear,Koikie plasma table W/ esab plasmas. marvel & hyd-mech saws, pirrana & metal muncher punches.
Reply:Originally Posted by DualieI just want one that will last.   needs to run cool and long without crapping the bed
Reply:As far as accessories are concerned, I've seen specialized grinders that were made into band files, and right angle drills.  A grinder that would somewhat quickly change between those 3 functions would be pretty appealing.Miller 250x & Lincoln V205-TSmith Oxy-Prop torch
Reply:i like the removable cord and a paddle switchso i went with milwaukee Attached Images
Reply:If you plan on using cheap Chinese made accessories, forget it, just throw a few items in a box and call it done, the general public aren't going to know what exactly they would want in an accessory kit, and you would be hard pressed to find a professional that would buy into the cheap kit anyway!Professionals each have their own preferences as to not only what they use for a particular job, but also the manufacturer of each, so you wouldn't be able to please any two of them, unless you plan on making all the items here in the USA or some other country with similar standards of quality, and made the best quality of all the items anyone could ever use, that there has ever been.And that would be a tall order!If you wish to target professionals, set up a website with a "make your own kit" feature, and offer top quality items that they can add to the kit, then you might see some pro's buying your kits!Last edited by Ken Dennis; 06-28-2010 at 12:56 PM.#1. If you don't like what I wrote, or if it offends you, then don't read it!#2. I am living life the way I see fit, if you don't like the way I'M living, tough sh**!
Reply:Some great ideas presented. I will add that I would like to see an adjustable two prong tool. I bought one once and I wish I would have bought a dozen, because it fits them all. I will post a pic another time if you don't know what I am refering to, the tool is at my shop. And make the prongs a little longer. With a thin zip disk you turn the lock over and it's not as easy to get a bite. And if I am buying a 4 1/2" grinder I would also like a 6" guard included. I only see guys use a 4 1/2" grinder with a 6" zip disk (including me) and never seen one with a guard. I would prefer to be safe and stop having to hope it will not shatter.Run coolremovable cord paddle switchtoolless quick adjust removable guard3 position (left, top, right) removable handleeasily changeable brushes"Where's Stick man????????" - 7A749"SHHHHHH!! I sent him over to snag that MIC-4 while tbone wasn't looking!" - duaneb55"I have bought a few of Tbone's things unlike Stick-Man who helps himself" - TozziWelding"Stick-man"
Reply:Honestly like it was mentioned before this should be aimed at hobbists and DIY guys, pros would be much less likely to buy "kits" because they already know what works and what they like.  My shop buys grinding wheels/disks/whatever in bulk from various manufactures. However things like longer cords and quick change guards would be the most beneficial however most companies already offer them.  And guards for 4.5" grinders that can fit 5" disks would be nice.  That said, I would consider doing some more research if this idea can actually sell enough to profit.Adjustable spanner wrench?  Why would you need that?  I dont even know if there are spanner wrenches in our shop that fit the grinders.  Wheels are always changed by hand, and quite easily at that.Last edited by sn0border88; 06-28-2010 at 10:29 PM.Have we all gone mad?
Reply:An angle grinder that has a long neck out to the right angle gear drive, like the Proxxon but in 4 1/2". It would fit into places we all need to get in and with a lot more power than a die grinder.
Reply:How about a safety so you can change wheels without unpluging it.( When the boss is watching)
Reply:I'd like to see a standoff guide for a 4 1/2" grinder that would allow the user to grind flush the weld bead on pipe.  I have a picture in my mind but it's hard to describe.  The standoff would have to make contact with the pipe in two locations and be easily adjustable to allow for disk wear.There are belt sanders designed for this purpose (primarily SS handrails, etc) but the cost is up there.Syncro 250 DX Dynasty 200 DXMM 251 w/30A SG XMT 304 w/714 Feeder & Optima PulserHH187Dialarc 250 AC/DCHypertherm PM 1250Smith, Harris, Victor O/ASmith and Thermco Gas MixersAccess to a full fab shop with CNC Plasma, Water Jet, etc.
Reply:A longer cord is prolly a no go.  I believe power tools are limited to a 6ft cord from the manufacturer.  I just go buy 25ft extension cords, cut one end off, open up the tool, and wire it in.My name's not Jim....
Reply:Originally Posted by BoostinjdmA longer cord is prolly a no go.  I believe power tools are limited to a 6ft cord from the manufacturer.  I just go buy 25ft extension cords, cut one end off, open up the tool, and wire it in.
Reply:Originally Posted by Stick-manSome great ideas presented. I will add that I would like to see an adjustable two prong tool. I bought one once and I wish I would have bought a dozen, because it fits them all. I will post a pic another time if you don't know what I am refering to, the tool is at my shop. And make the prongs a little longer.
Reply:Originally Posted by DesertRider33I'd like to see angle grinder with a 15 or 20 foot removable cord, like the Milwaukee Quick Lok cord.Features I like are- -trigger grip handle-locking trigger-tool less quick adjust removable gaurd-wheel change tool stores in the handle (Ryobi has this)-3 position (left, top, right) removable handle-easily changeable brushes, using commonly available brushes-replaceable spindle bearing, using commonly available bearing-replacement trigger available from mfg'rI use several grinders at once on jobs, one each with a different type of wheel (wire brush disc, sandpaper disc, abrasive grinding disc and zip cut abrasive disc).
Reply:Originally Posted by ironwerkerHow about a safety so you can change wheels without unpluging it.( When the boss is watching)