All angle grinders come with blade guards or shrouds that slip over the rotating wheel to keep particles from flying into the air. However, these guards often limit the visibility of the machine; the user can't see the tool as well. Because of this and the tedium of changing the guards to match the proper wheel leads many users to simply remove them, which is a safety issue manufacturers advise against.
Dust collection systems, tougher guards, and shrouds are making angle grinders safer to work with and around. Anti-vibration handles reduce the amount of strain the user must bear.
Currently, Makita offers the only cordless angle grinders on the market, including the 7.2-V 4-inch 9500D model and the 18-V 4½-inch BGA452. However, the advent of lithium ion batteries may increase the offerings.
An angle grinder takes a lot of punishment. “Concrete is the toughest environment for angle grinders,” says Bill Gallagher, senior project engineer for DeWalt Tools.
Given the dust generated from grinding concrete, some contractors consider it almost a disposable tool. Typically, the motor wears out due to dust getting inside the tool, says Anthony Corwin, product manager for Makita.