Concrete grinders are small, portable machines designed to make grinding and polishing concrete floors simple. They are generally used for residential and commercial concreting projects and are used to prep concrete for finishing. Generally consisting of 2 wheels, a handle and a motor attached to a rotating head, concrete grinders come in a range of shapes and sizes.
There are a number of uses for concrete grinders, the primary use is for grinding away stubborn glue and other sealing products or membranes left behind when removing carpet, tiles or other previous flooring. Concrete grinding is one of the most efficient ways to remove these old membranes and will generally give the best results as well.
Of course, the other common reason for using a concrete grinder is to grind down rough, uneven concrete before polishing. This style of flooring has seen a rise in popularity over recent years and concrete grinders are a necessary tool for achieving this look.
When it comes to picking a concrete grinder, you have a few things to consider. First and foremost, you'll need to choose between walk-behind or handheld. Handheld concrete grinders look basically the same as angle grinders and are ideal for smaller areas where the larger, walk-behind models can't access. Due to the amount of dust created during grinding, handheld grinders come with a shroud and extraction hose that suck out dust, preventing it from filtering into the air and becoming a hazard.
For larger projects and areas, walk-behind concrete grinders will probably be the best choice. These machines are about the same size as an industrial vacuum and can run on electricity, diesel, LPG or standard petrol. They also feature a shroud and extraction hose to prevent dust contamination.
Aside from the type of grinder you'll need, there are a few features and specs you'll want to consider as well. Water tanks for wet grinding and variable speed options can increase the versatility of a machine and make it usable in multiple applications.
The final piece you'll need to look at is the abrasive disc you use for the grinding (also known as the diamond). The type of disc you use will depend on the condition of the concrete you need to grind. For aggressive grinding, a larger diamond size will be necessary, while polishing and light grinding will use smaller diamonds.
When it comes to creating stunning concrete floors, nothing is better than a concrete grinder. Discuss with your dealer or seller about what make or model is right for your needs.
