Cutting and the right tool

[72stepside]

Last night I had to grind some carriage bolt heads because the nut was fused to the bolt. I used my angle grinder which took a little while (bed bolts are HARD). I got to thinking more about future cutting needs with bolts, rusted body panels and such.

I've never used one of these type of cut-off tools...

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1260 ... rd=cut+off

Are these any good for cutting patch panels or cutting off bolts? Do they bind up and try to take off with you? I've never used one and wondered if they are worth the money. I figured I'd try a Harbor Freight model first.

What'cha think?

[1971fordcustom]

On the grinder what type of wheel was you useing!! I use angle grinders all the time! But I use the really thin cuting wheels. It don't take any time at all!!!

One of my friends uses the angle grinders on body parts and it does just fine!!

It woud be nice to have what your looking at.

[oldschoolrods]

I've used them before, if you have the air available they're alright, the straight part does come in handy for things a right angle just won't fit into.

[72stepside]

Yeah, I was using a grinding wheel, not a cutting wheel which is a bit thinner. I'll pick up one tonight and get the rest of the bed bolts cut off tomorrow night.

[hardtailjohn]

I've had one made by SnapOn for about 15 years now, and it's about ready to be sent in for rebuild. They're really handy, but as Keith said... the foreign ones sometimes don't have alot of power. I use it for cutting tubing, panels, bolts, and alot of other stuff... by all means, spend a few dollars more and get a good one that has some torque to it, and you'll love it!!
John

[72stepside]

I got the thin cutting wheel for my Dewalt Angle Grinder. It cut like a champ. No need to buy another tool. More money for the truck !!!!!

[Leadfoot]

I like the torch for bolts and such. why play with little spinning tools then you can burn it off.


also for body work a quick cut is the way, but if cash is a problem even a cheep circular saw and a metal disk will beat a die grinder any day.

[flyboy2610]

http://www.milwaukeetool.com/webapp/wcs ... 170_192137

Best grinder I've owned out of the three I've had.

[BobbyFord]

I've got two of the SnapOn ones and they work great. Buy quality discs and wear eye protection; those little suckers toss chunks off if they're not quality discs or if they crack.

[1971ford]

im talking about the actual cut-off grinders. the littly tiny tube bodies with the disk on the end. mine is working really nice for $15 (or whatever it was )
but it does say to run it at a certain psi like 90psi, i have the output on my compressor at whatever is in the tank which goes up to 160. probably a pretty bad habit
but starting a week ago i have been turning the output down to help the compressor so it doesnt have to work as much

[71PA_Highboy]

I dumped all my air grinders (except 1) in favor of the electric 4.5". The only reason I keep one of the air around is areas where the fit is just too tight for the electric.

Good luck with whatever you choose.


Eric