We show you several ways to change the angle grinding wheel. You can do this in a number of ways—even if you lose your monkey wrench. Don't worry, all hope is not lost!
NOTE: Want to watch a video on how to replace an angle grinder wheel using these same methods? Check out our YouTube tutorials!
How to Replace an Angle Grinder Wheel with an Adjustable Wrench
what do you need:
- your angle grinder
- Adjustable wrench that came with the angle grinder (different models use different sizes, so another one may or may not work)
- The grinding wheel you want to install
Here's how to change a grinding wheel with an adjustable wrench:
- Locate the wheel lock button (usually on the top). Press it down and spin the wheel until you feel it lock into place.
- Holding the button down, place the two knobs of the adjustable wrench into the two opposing holes in the flange to hold the wheel in place (the flange is the round nut-like part that holds the wheel in place.
- While pressing the wheel lock button, turn the adjustable wrench counterclockwise until you feel the flange loosen.
- Unscrew the flange by hand.
- Put on the new angle grinder wheel and reverse the process.
How to Change an Angle Grinder Wheel Without a Monkey Wrench
Sometimes you misplace your spanner wrench — which happens a lot, unless the wrench is stored on the tool like Skil's PWRCore 20 angle grinder.
what do you need:
- your angle grinder
- a pair of gloves
- The grinding wheel you want to install
Here's how to change an angle grinder wheel without a monkey wrench:
- Press and hold the wheel lock button and turn the wheel until it locks into place.
- Wearing gloves, grab the wheel and turn it counterclockwise until you feel the flange loosen.
- Unscrew the flange by hand.
- Swap the wheels and reverse the process.
This method works, but there are a few caveats. First off, I'm not confident hand tightening the wheel, so I always use a wrench to make sure it's tight enough.
Second, thin wheels are more likely to break or weaken using this method, so we don't recommend trying these methods. You can inadvertently create a situation where the cut-off wheel fails with dangerous consequences.
Many pros make another attempt by resting the wheel against the concrete to loosen it rather than by hand. Either way works with the same caveats. I personally find it easier to loosen by hand.
The easiest way to change grinding wheels
My favorite way to replace an angle grinder wheel is to replace the original flange with a Hilti Kwik-Lock flange. We initially used it on Hilti's 36V grinder and found it to be an excellent upgrade to any model with the same 5/8" spindle.
Its genius is a design that allows you to tighten/loosen it by hand. It's very secure and super easy.
If your grinding wheel is helping to overtighten it, you can use the two holes to put an adjustable wrench in to tighten it.
Here's what you need:
- your angle grinder
- Hilti Kwik Lock Flange
- The grinding wheel you want to install
Here's the easiest way to change an angle grinder wheel:
- Press and hold the wheel lock button and turn the wheel until it locks.
- Turn the Kwik Lock flange counterclockwise by hand until loose. You'll feel some spring tension movement before it lets go.
- Unscrew the flange by hand.
- Swap the wheels and reverse the process.
The downside is that these flanges cost a little over $50 each. For the DIYer, this might be too steep. Still, having a few of these tools on hand for professionals who use grinders a lot can make life easier.