Posted By Gavin Barr John, having worked with grinders for near eight years, the only way I have found you get "kick back" is when the grinding pad/disc catches on the outer edge, causing the grinder to kick back. This I have witnessed can cause serious injury (the pad nearly cut through someone's wrist), but can also lead to impact injury to the wrist. The best way to combat this is to train the users. Don't be put off by the old saying from the users "I've been doing this year's and never had an accident". Its these people that are most at risk. Regards Gavin

Posted By Bob Baynes Depends what you mean by 'kick back'. Every force has an equal an opposite reaction. So when large portable angle grinders are first started there is a reactive jolt. This can be dangerous if the user is not expecting it, as can happen with the inexperienced or unwary. I would presume other power tools with a large load, like circular saws could have the same effect.

Posted By John Allen Thanks to everyone for the replies. I have an IP who was using a straight grinder (110V) fitted with a rotary brush. He originally stated that he finished the job and had no contact with the workpiece when the "kick-back" occurred. However he is not sure and now thinks he might have been in contact. I was trying to establish what might have caused the kick back under either circumstance. I have to agree with the views expressed so far that it is most likely to occur due to contact. I was also aware that there is a sudden "jolt" on starting up ie the power tool wants to move to the right. From the machines I have looked at I note that trigger type switches are by no means universal and some have simple on off or variable speed switches.