Use an impact to remove angle grinder nuts

[projectswithrich]

This impact spanner makes changing cutting wheels and grindings much quicker.

[DIYer]

Thanks projectswithrich! We've added your Angle Grinder Key to our Miscellaneous category,
as well as to your builder page: projectswithrich's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Angle Grinder Key by projectswithrich

tags: angle grinder, specialty socket

[NortonDommi]

For un-doing yes but the nut does not need to be cranked down hard for installation.

[projectswithrich]

Correct, snug is fine. Plus it will be difficult to get off if you really cinch it down. This isn't a very strong impact so it works great for quick disc changes.

[remidgett]

Really good idea. I wonder how well the nails will hold up over time; nail steel is pretty soft; it seems they'd bend after several uses.

[paulzephyr]

For a cheap and easy tool this is just brilliant. Strange how the easy stuff is the hardest to think up.

[katy]

Thanks, but no thanks, it could be OK for some people. Personally I could change a lot of disks in the time it would take to get the impact, an air hose and the special tool out.
FWIW, for convenience, I have several grinders w/different disks on them.

[projectswithrich]

It definitely could be an issue over time depending on how tight the nuts get after use. Mine usually don't get much tighter than the initial torque so I haven't had an issue so far. This version was the proof of concept and I do agree that the only weak point would be the pins so on future variations it would be a good idea to go with hardened pins. Mcmaster has some 5/32 dowel pins with a 4100lb breaking strength. P/N: 98381A490 Those could be a permanent solution. If anyone has any other idea feel free to post.

[Jon]

Congratulations projectswithrich - your Angle Grinder Key is the Homemade Tool of the Week!

Clever little tool, and yes, adding a magnet is a reasonable next iteration.

Some more good builds from this week:

Slab Flattening Jig by Dragonhand
Vise by orioncons36
Trailer Neck Rebuild by Frank S
Parting Tool Bit Holder by uv8452
Trigger Clamp Modification by projectswithrich
Portable Hydraulic Power Pack by warsztatOdZera
Thread Milling Insert by bbutcher85
Tap and Die Holder by uv8452
Wall Chaser by fox craft
Parallel Guide and Circle Jig by Didpoolhall
CNC Guide by fergiomaria
Battery Health Tester by rgsparber
Sticker Alignment Tool by rgsparber
Pin Spanner by Frank S
Folding Trailer by fawabros

projectswithrich - we've added your tool entry to our All Homemade Tool of the Week winners post. And, you'll now notice the wrench-on-pedestal award in the awards showcase in your postbit, visible beneath your username:



You've also been granted free lifetime Supporting Member status. I've stopped your paid recurring subscription, so you won't have to pay for membership again.

And, you'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon (US-only), PayPal, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and award choice and I'll get it sent over right away.

Nice work!

[Moby Duck]

Although the range of diameters is restricted, and I'm not sure how they weld, Concrete Nails might be a cheap source of hardened pins.
You could also weld the original grinder spanner to the end of the socket and cut off the handle.
Rare earth magnets shatter easily and may not handle the indirect impacts.
Conventional iron magnets lose their magnetism with repeated impacts.
You could try magnetising the whole socket as you have made it. To be redone if the magnitism fades.
I have some concerns about the damage the impacts may be doing to the plastic gearbox, which is being rattled backwards during this process.