Grinding wheel removal

[Jim_Stevens]

Like most of us, I have an angle grinder-- mine a Dewalt 402 4-1/2". The problem is that I need to change out the wheel, and the shaft locking button is to tighten only, so there's no apparent way to hold the grinder shaft while applying torque to remove the wheel. Also, channel-lox are too thick to get in between the shaft and the wheel.

Anybody ever have this problem? Thanks, Jim

 

[M_Pied_Lourd]

Hi Jim,

I think that I have the same grinder as you. Mine came with a special wrench and nut that has two dimples in it. You hold down the locking button and use the special wrench to undo the fastening nut on the wheel.

Cheers,
M. Pied Lourd

 

[TR3driver]

I believe the button should lock the shaft in both directions. If not, there may be some damage inside the unit (caused by pressing the button while the shaft is turning).

Easiest way forward might be to grab the wheel with a rubber strap or similar.

 

[martx-5]

I believe the button should lock the shaft in both directions. If not, there may be some damage inside the unit (caused by pressing the button while the shaft is turning).

Easiest way forward might be to grab the wheel with a rubber strap or similar.

I have a DeWalt 400, and it locks in both directions.

 

[Don Elliott]

I agree with Randall. Only Randall forgot to tell you to turn it off first before trying the rubber strap.

 

[TR3driver]

:lol:

 

[DougF]

Once you get the button pushed in, wiggle the wheel back and forth while continuing to press. The button may push in that extra little bit needed to fully lock.
I bought a Dewalt several years ago that had a similar or maybe the same problem. I exchanged it for the one I still use today.

 

[hilsideser]

I just used the 402 this afternoon. I took off a grinding wheel and put on a diamond blade. Push button lock on back of head locks both directions.

 

[Guest]

Righty tighty. Lefty loosey.

 

[Jim_Stevens]

Golly, I love this site!! Thanks, guys, and especially Doug--sure enough, I wiggled and pressed the button in a bit more 'till it locked both directions--

 

[tdskip]

A set of pliers with a thinner ends that will fit into the holes in mounting bolt will work if you, um, happen to loose the special tool referenced. :laugh:

 

[bgbassplyr]

Or gently clamp the wheel in a vise.

 

[TR3driver]

Or gently clamp the wheel in a vise.

I wouldn't do that, unless you are planning to throw it away afterwards. Those things are surprisingly fragile (they are basically ceramic) and it's really unpleasant to have one break while you are working.

 

[tdskip]

Or gently clamp the wheel in a vise.

I wouldn't do that, unless you are planning to throw it away afterwards. Those things are surprisingly fragile (they are basically ceramic) and it's really unpleasant to have one break while you are working.

I agree with Randall here (not that Jim hasn't given me TONs of great coaching over the years - thanks Jim!). I had a thin disk break up once and it wasn't pretty. I was wearing eye protection at the time but it managed to cut through my sneaker and cut into my big toe.

 

[bgbassplyr]

Or gently clamp the wheel in a vise.

I wouldn't do that, unless you are planning to throw it away afterwards. Those things are surprisingly fragile (they are basically ceramic) and it's really unpleasant to have one break while you are working.

I agree with Randall here (not that Jim hasn't given me TONs of great coaching over the years - thanks Jim!). I had a thin disk break up once and it wasn't pretty. I was wearing eye protection at the time but it managed to cut through my sneaker and cut into my big toe.

I was assuming that the disk was worn out and would not be used again. Don't clamp the disk in or with anything if you are going to reuse it. Mine don't get changed until I've worn them out.

You might also try a little anti-seize on the bolt. After I have worn a disk out, the bolt is usually pretty tight and hard to break loose.

 

[TR3driver]

I was assuming that the disk was worn out and would not be used again.

That's what I thought you meant, Jim, I was only clarifying for others.

I have only two angle grinders and numerous attachments that I commonly use with them (wire brush, grinding, cutoff, etc) so I switch rather more often.