A simple modification to the grinder for easy unscrewing of the nut

With frequent use of an angle grinder, probably everyone has at least several times encountered the problem of the disc biting, when it is simply impossible to unscrew the clamping nut. By applying force, you can bend the included key, tear out its antennae, or break the gearbox lock button. This can be avoided if you first take care of simple modifications to the tool.

Required Tools

To remake the clamping system you will need:

• open-end wrench 17;
  
• open-end wrench 36;
  
• crosshead screwdriver;
  
• hacksaw or emery;
  
• file.

To make the work easier, it wouldn’t hurt to have an additional grinder. If it is not there, then you can perform cutting and sharpening work with sandpaper. A regular hacksaw and file will also work.

Modification of the nut and gearbox shaft

The first step is to remake the clamping nut that tightens the disk. It is cut or ground to fit a 36mm open-end wrench.

After modifying the nut, it is necessary to remove the protective casing on the angle grinder. It is usually secured with a Phillips screw. Less commonly, it can be unscrewed with a hex wrench.

Having gotten rid of the casing, you need to grind the shaft coming out of the gearbox with a 17mm wrench. Usually it already has a factory groove, but it is made too narrow, so a standard wrench does not grip it. If you have a spare grinder, you can make a groove without removing the shaft. When working with sandpaper or a file, you will still have to remove it.


Now the tightly pressed disk can be unscrewed with two strong keys 17 and 36. In this case, the lock button will not be needed at all.

By cutting the nut to a standard 36 mm, the factory holes on it for a standard key with antennae will remain intact. Thanks to this, you can quickly insert and remove discs with its help, and in case of biting, use a more durable tool.

Watch the video