No. The primary purpose of the handle is the stability of the tool (to stop you wrecking the workpiece).

The (metal) guard is the safety device, but, why take the handle off? The handle helps stability / control etc. If you hold the body of the grinder, you will probably cover the vent slots / holes etc. If the grinder were to "dig" the handle (if used) would allow the grinder to be held (without risk of dropping!).

Wish I could edit for punctuation and spelling.

I agree the hand grip is present to ensure unit is used under control. If the operator is not holding the grip where is his hand, in most cases in a potential line of fire position.

Installing side grip (handle) CAUTION: • Always be sure that the side grip is installed securely before operation. Screw the side grip securely on the position of the tool as shown in the figure. An extract from a makita grinder, a few others Imchecked say the same I wouldn't operate a grinder without a side handle.

Bang on John! Mind of a 4/4.5" unit is used for bulk removal in an open location where the handle could be used, then I would expect it to be used, but the idea of these units, they used to have the nickname of a "razor" when I was an apprentice and there were only 4" versions available, was that they were for reduced stock removal volumes in difficult to access areas. Now if you are going to insist on side handles then you are going to have to provide an alternative method of stock removal where a 100/115mm unit will not operate, with, side handle in confined spaces. Also as the N&S bod stopping this practice, then surely it is down to you to find an alternative which is safe, and cost effective, remembering that if your employer does not make a profit, then you and all your colleagues will be looking for another job!

Hi Pikeman - I have to disagree with your point. if you're going to "spoil the party" it should be because you're doing the right thing to control a risk, to the extent that's reasonable. NOT because the more controls you put in place (regardless whether they're relevant, as you imply in your example) the better you think it might look when defending a claim. You'll get better cooperation, and better compliance with your control measures if people understand that they work and don't just seem like covering your... To answer your "how would you defend the claim" question, I'd show that the control measures in place, which were designed to mitigate the risk of the injury which did actually occur, were adequate, were understood, etc. Or if they weren't, we'd pay out, and review them. Either way, if the IP makes a case that the handle removal (assuming you've judged this to be ok from a safety point of view) contributed to the risk of injury, your job is to stand up and explain why in your professional opinion you took that decision. If we run shy of doing this we encourage unnecessary control measures which both devalue H&S and needlessly consume time, money, etc. Don't mean to get at you in particular, it's just an issue which bugs me a bit.

gramsay ask yourself what would the insurers say? If they would not accept it, does that not tell you something? It is NOT about "looking better" - it is about PREVENTING accidents and then DEFENDING a claim.

I'm thinking there are a few on here who have never seen a 4" grinder never mind used one.

Oh, sorry, some are 4", some are 100mm, & some are 115mm, the battery one is 115mm, so not specifically 4", sorry to be so far wrong with that information.

I don't get the idea you need to remove the side handle. If you consider a corner of a steel box (90 deg), then the thing that will stop you getting into the corner is the diameter of the disc (and shield), not the handle. The only time it will have an effect is if there is an acute angle. If you want to get into the corner use a die grinder / pencil grinder to tickle the weld to tidy up a stop start. If you have a serious inclusion problem, then it is air arc ( yes I know very noisy). In my experience if you ask a welder / plater they would tell you to get someone who could weld properly in the first place. Where I worked there had to be a very high standard and we could not afford for people to make welds twice. Do I own my own grinder? Yes several thanks. Have I used one without the side handle - yes but only very light work and I would be less keen to do so now, ie de burr, something unlikely to catch. Did we insist on side handle where I worked -yes we had quite a few accidents. Some just sprains, but some more nasty. They didn't necessarily have to catch in the workpiece, if in the above box example the side of the disc touched the side of the box then sometimes it would try and run down the plate twisting it out of the persons hands. OP - I don't think it is a safety device, it just allows better control which is good for the workpiece and the person. Of course if your SSOW insists then the person should have used it. I think it a little unfair to accuse people of not having seen a grinder, just because they hold a different view point, however wrong you feel they are. I guess this is going to make me unpopular again (if I ever was) Chris