Handheld grinders are one of the most useful pieces of equipment that you can have on-site. Versatile and easy to use, the concrete surface grinder will smooth surfaces and level a range of areas including floors, slabs and walls, stone, stairs and pillars.
If you need to hire a handheld floor grinder for your commercial flooring work then it’s important to get clued up on how they work. Understanding which applications are best suited to each machine will help you to achieve a high-quality finish that you can be proud of.
In this blog, we discuss where to use a handheld concrete surface grinder for preparing and cleaning surfaces. Read on for all you need to know.
What is a handheld concrete grinder?
Handheld grinders are an alternative to walk-behind grinders but there is a difference in where they can be used. Designed for smaller areas, a handheld concrete surface grinder is a fast solution for smoothing out bumps and irregularities on concrete surfaces. The machine has high durability with a dust guard and various blade options.
All concrete grinders use some sort of abrasive disk to grind or polish such as diamond tools. The use of diamond tooling is the most common type of abrasive used under concrete grinders and come in many grits that range from 6 grit to the high thousands, so you can choose an option that suits your needs. Like their larger concrete grinders, handheld units come with a selection of grinding accessories. According to safety advice by Health and Safety Executive, on-tool extraction is an important safety feature – handheld grinders can be hooked up to an industrial vac for dust control.
The purpose of handheld grinders is to:
- Level & remove blemishes as well as paint & coating removal.
- Prepare and clean surfaces to expose the aggregate.
- Level uneven joints or high spots.
- Remove paint, sealer or other coatings from the surface.
- Polish concrete surfaces (grinders with finer-grit abrasives).
- Most handheld grinders are popular for smoothing out rough surfaces but they can also roughen up surfaces and walls when they require coating.
What is the difference between a handheld grinder and a walk-behind grinder?
Both handheld grinders and walk-behind grinders play an important role in flooring preparation but one cannot replace the other. If you are working in a small area or hard to reach places then a handheld concrete grinder will be exactly what you need whereas if you’re thinking about walk-behind floor grinder rental then this option is best for large surfaces.
The main differences include:
- Handheld grinders are useful for work in tight corners and areas close to walls where walk-behind grinders cannot reach.
- Handheld machines can have a grinding diameter of around 5 to 12 inches or less whereas walk-behind machines have bigger grinding pads.
- You cannot always manoeuvre walk-behind machines into tight corners or areas such as worktops or shelves. A handheld concrete surface grinder, on the other hand, is great for these jobs.
If you’re a little unsure about which machine you need, it’s always best to ask for advice. At Concept Flooring Technology, we offer floor grinder rental across a range of models including handheld machines. Our team can provide expert knowledge about all of the floor preparation machines we have available so you can rest assured that the equipment you choose will be suited to your project. Find out more today.
Where are handheld grinders best used?
As mentioned, the great thing about handheld concrete grinders is that they’re a versatile piece of equipment which is why they’re a popular hire choice.
Handheld grinders are best used in the following environments:
- Sports environments such as school gyms or in leisure facilities
- Supermarkets e.g. around supermarket shelves and racking
- Difficult-to-reach areas, e.g. around pillars.
As an accessory tool to a walk-behind grinder or as a standalone piece of equipment, handheld grinders can make finishing off a job super easy or prepare smaller areas in no time!
What kind of disk attachments do handheld grinders need?
When it comes to floor grinder rental, there are plenty of consumables and accessories to go along with your machine. You need to choose a disk that offers the right grinding level for your desired result and the finish you are trying to achieve as each attachment is designed for different functionalities.
Diamond grinding blade
Diamond abrasive blades can be used on handheld grinders to remove thin coatings. They provide a more delicate approach to grinding such as fine polishing and removing small imperfections on a surface. These kinds of blades are also available in various grit levels, such as fine to coarse, depending on the type of finish you need.
Resin pad
Resin pads are great for polishing concrete flooring. The polishing pads are velcro backed for ease of fitting and convenience. They are also colour coded for positive identification when covered in dust and slurry!
Again, if you’re unsure about the type of attachment you need, just ask! The last thing you want is to make mistakes that could have been easily avoided.
What are the benefits of handheld grinders?
Handheld grinders can be a go-to option for those seeking floor grinder rental. They’re easy to use, effective and suited to a range of environments.
Here are some of the top benefits of renting a handheld grinder.
You can access hard to reach places
Standard grinders including walk-behind options are not designed to fit into small gaps and angles. You can’t finish off your work just by avoiding these areas, so hiring a handheld grinder will ensure that even tiny spaces are covered.
It’s a multi-functional piece of equipment
From defaced items to smoothing out uneven flooring, handheld grinders are can be used for a multitude of tasks. Grinding concrete walls or flooring can both be done using this piece of machinery. Despite being small, handheld grinders prove to be very useful during commercial projects.
They’re lightweight
Hiring equipment can be a little daunting if you have no experience, however, handheld grinders are lightweight which allows you to have full control at all times. They are also very portable so if you’re moving between rooms or reaching difficult areas this won’t be a problem.
Concept Flooring Technology: Hire a Floor Grinder For Your Next Project
If you’re looking for floor grinder rental across the UK, Concept Flooring Technology has everything you need. As experts in commercial flooring equipment, we offer a wide range of reliable machines and handheld equipment for your next project.
Whether you’re looking for a concrete surface grinder or a floor scabbler, our team will help you navigate the world of flooring machinery so you can find the right equipment at an affordable price. Each machine is delivered to your site including all relevant paperwork, safety sheets and P.A.T certification. Plus, if you need help setting up our team will be happy to assist you.
We offer nationwide delivery and collection using our own fleet of vehicles, together with a demonstration service if required. Choose us for floor grinder rental today and experience our high standard of customer service. Get in touch for more information.
