What are handheld power tools used for?

Handheld power tools are portable electric tools that run from mains power or a transformer. In concrete and masonry work they are used for edging, concrete grinding, cutting, chasing, mortar raking, keying and polishing in areas where larger surface preparation machines cannot operate.

How do you use an angle grinder safely on concrete?

Use the correct guard, diamond accessory and M-Class or H-Class dust extraction. Maintain a firm grip on the main housing and side handle, keep the motor vents clear, avoid excessive downward pressure and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe operation.

What sizes do handheld grinders come in?

Professional handheld concrete grinders are typically available in 5 inch (125 mm), 7 inch (180 mm) and 9 inch (230 mm) sizes, allowing the operator to choose between lighter tools for edge and overhead work and larger tools for heavier removal and cutting.

What is the difference between an angle grinder and a dedicated concrete grinder?

A dedicated concrete grinder is optimised for controlled surface removal, with improved dust sealing, specific shrouds and speed characteristics tailored to grinding. An angle grinder is a multi-purpose tool that can grind concrete when fitted with the correct accessories and dust control, but it is primarily designed for general cutting and grinding tasks.

What warranty do handheld power tools come with?

Warranty terms vary by manufacturer. HiKOKI typically offers a 3-year warranty with extended Hi5 options when tools are registered via their warranty portal. Makita tools generally include a 1-year warranty with repairs handled through their central service. Refina and EPO tools usually include a 1-year warranty with the option to extend cover via their product warranty registration system. In most cases, warranty registration is required before returns or repairs can be processed.

How do you maintain handheld power tools?

Allow the tool to cool if it becomes hot, then remove dust from vents and external surfaces. Inspect guards, flanges, leads and plugs regularly and follow the manufacturer’s guidance for any lubrication or brush replacement. For battery tools, allow packs to cool and store them in a dry, temperature-stable location. Correct maintenance improves safety and extends tool life.

How should handheld power tools be stored?

Handheld power tools should be stored in their original case or in a dry cabinet, drawer or rack to protect them from dust, moisture and impact. Avoid leaving tools on the floor where they may be damaged or exposed to water. Good storage practice reduces corrosion and helps keep tools reliable and safe for the next job.

Handheld Concrete Grinders & Power Hand Tools

Q: Can a handheld tool replace a floor grinder?

Yes. A handheld concrete grinder or small concrete grinder is ideal for edges, corners, steps, walls and columns, or where access is restricted. For large open areas, it is more efficient to use a walk-behind concrete grinder and reserve handheld tools for concrete grinding hand tool applications and detailed edging work.

Q: Can PWM help me choose the right handheld tool?

Yes. Whether you need a handheld concrete sander, handheld concrete planer, concrete grinder for walls, industrial angle grinder or a complete extraction package, the PWM team can recommend a safe, efficient setup for your application, including compliant dust free angle grinder and dust control solutions.

PWM Sales supplies a professional range of handheld concrete grinders, handheld grinders, handheld floor grinders and power hand tools for concrete used for edging work, small-area preparation, cutting, chasing, mortar raking and detail work in restricted or confined spaces. These portable concrete grinder setups provide the control and precision required where larger pedestrian-controlled machines cannot operate.

On request, PWM can supply many handheld grinders pre-built with the correct dust cowl, angle grinder dust shroud and cup wheel, ready for immediate site use. This includes complete angle grinder with dust extraction assemblies for contractors who require a fully compliant dust free angle grinder setup.

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Handheld Grinder Sizes & Typical Applications

Our handheld grinders support all standard contractor sizes —
5 inch (125 mm), 7 inch (180 mm) and 9 inch (230 mm) — including popular search formats such as 9 inch grinder, 9 inch angle grinder, 9 angle grinder, 9 grinder and makita 9 inch grinder. These allow efficient edge grinding, channel cutting, mortar raking, perimeter detailing and concrete edge grinder work. Many professionals prefer handheld tools because they provide direct pressure control and surface feedback for accurate results, especially close to walls, steps and columns, or when a small concrete grinder is required.

To ensure long tool life, correct handling is essential. Two common causes of premature grinder failure include blocking the cooling vents with hands, clothing or dust, and applying excessive downward pressure instead of letting the accessory cut freely. Allowing the diamond accessory to work at its natural cutting rate maintains lower motor temperatures and improves both speed and finish quality.

Handheld vs. Walk-Behind Grinders

Use a handheld concrete grinder or handheld floor grinder for edges, steps, walls, beams, columns, small patches and confined or awkward spaces. This includes jobs such as a concrete grinder for walls, a concrete grinder for tight spaces, concrete edge grinder work and other detail areas.

Use walk-behind grinders for large open areas and heavier removal jobs. Many contractors use both: walk-behind machines for bulk removal, handheld grinders for edges and detail work.

For larger floor areas, see our
Walk-Behind Floor Grinders & Polishers
.

Grinding, Cutting & Chasing

Handheld grinders and angle grinders are used for:

Edge grinding and perimeter work using concrete edge grinder style setups.
Channel cutting and chasing (including a wall chaser with dust extractor to control dust at the source).
Mortar raking using mortar raking disc, mortar raking blade, mortar rakes and mortar removal tool configurations.
Pointing removal with a dedicated tool for removing pointing and other brick removal tools.
Small-area concrete removal using a concrete removal hand tool where a larger grinder would be impractical.
Detailing along walls, steps, beams and columns, including grinder for concrete beams and grinder for concrete columns tasks.

For diamond cup wheels, turbo cups, controlled-cut segments, polishing pads and PCD wheels, see our Diamond Tooling category.
Many users pair an angle grinder for concrete with a turbo cup wheel for fast and efficient material removal.

Keying, Texturing & Surface Preparation

Scabblers, Planers & Blasters

Hand-held scabblers, handheld concrete scarifier tools and handheld concrete planer units are ideal for:

Laitance removal on concrete, screeds and overlays.
Surface keying prior to coatings or toppings.
Spot remedial work and localised repairs.
Texture creation for slip-resistance and mechanical key.
Preparation in confined or awkward spaces where a handheld concrete surface prep tool is more practical than a full-size floor grinder.

Finishing & Polishing (Variable-Speed Polishers & Sanders)

Variable-speed handheld polishers allow:

Controlled smoothing and refining of concrete surfaces.
Step-by-step pad polishing for higher shine levels.
Edge blending and perimeter finishing to avoid visible lines.
Wet polishing to reduce heat and prevent glazing of pads.

For more delicate finishing work, a handheld concrete sander, handheld diamond polishing tool or handheld resin polish tool can produce clean transitions without harsh grinder marks. Wet options can also be used as a water-fed concrete polisher to manage dust and heat simultaneously.

Handheld Grinder Recommendation Chart (HSE Guidance)

Our handheld grinder recommendation chart summarises representative models, including weight, available voltages, maximum plug ratings, vibration values (m/s²) and typical daily trigger times. This is particularly useful when selecting a low vibration angle grinder or assessing HAVS exposure from industrial angle grinder use in daily site conditions.

Model (Representative examples)	Weight (kg)	Voltage Options	Max Plug Rating	Vibration (m/s²)*	Max Daily Time to EAV**	Light Duty / Edging	Medium Prep / Chasing	Heavy Removal / Cutting	Polishing / Refining
Makita 9237CB (180 mm Polisher)	≈ 3.4	110 V & 240 V	16 A / 13 A	≤ 2.5	≈ 8 hours+				✔
Makita 9565PCV (125 mm)	≈ 2.4	110 V & 240 V	16 A / 13 A	8.5	≈ 40 mins	✔
HiKOKI G13SE3 (125 mm)	≈ 2.1	110 V & 240 V	16 A / 13 A	7.9	≈ 45 mins	✔
HiKOKI G18SE4 (180 mm)	≈ 3.1	110 V & 240 V	32 A / 13 A	7.2	≈ 55 mins	✔	✔
HiKOKI G23MR (230 mm)	≈ 5.2	110 V Only	32 A (Site)	7.1	≈ 60 mins		✔	✔
HiKOKI G23ST (230 mm)	≈ 5.1	110 V Only	32 A (Site)	6.3	≈ 75 mins		✔	✔
Makita GA9020 (230 mm)	≈ 5.9	110 V Only	32 A (Site)	5.5	≈ 95 mins		✔	✔

*Vibration values (ah) based on manufacturer data.

**EAV = Exposure Action Value at 2.5 m/s² (HSE HAVS guidance).

Models shown are representative examples. Other equivalent 125 mm, 180 mm and 230 mm grinders are available in this category.

FREE Ready-to-Use Assembly Service

If you purchase a grinder with a dust cowl and a blade or cup wheel, PWM will assemble the complete setup free of charge in our workshop on request.

Fully built and inspected prior to dispatch.
Correctly guarded for the intended application.
Accessory safely fitted and checked for balance.
Ready for immediate site work on delivery.

This includes angle grinder dust extractor combinations, angle grinder with dust extraction assemblies, dust extraction for angle grinder systems, grinder dust extractor setups, dust extractor grinder packages and complete M-Class grinder setup configurations.

Dust Extraction for Handheld Tools

Correct dust extraction is essential for safety, compliance and tool longevity.

PWM supports:

Angle grinder dust extractor combinations with matched shrouds and vacuums.
Angle grinder with dust extraction packages for grinding or cutting.
Dust extraction for angle grinder configurations across 5 inch and 9 inch grinders.
Grinder dust extractor and dust extractor grinder setups for concrete.
Dust extractor for power tools and dust extractor vacuum for power tools generally.
Dust extractor sander and sander and dust extractor pairings for finer finishing.
Dust extractor for wall chaser and matched wall chaser with dust extractor solutions.

A fully matched system ensures a reliable dust free angle grinder configuration for concrete grinding, cutting and chasing, helping you meet site H&S requirements while protecting your workforce from harmful dust.

To view compatible vacuums, visit our Industrial Vacuums & Extractors section or our Dust Control Hub.

Power Supply, 110 V & Site Safety

Most UK construction sites require 110 V tools. A typical 110v concrete grinder or heavy-duty angle grinder should be run through a site-safe transformer with RCD protection to maintain compliance and reduce electric shock risk.

Supporting tools include:

110 V power supply testers.
Load-check devices such as a grinder power tester.
Correctly rated transformers and cabling for high-torque grinders.

Undervolting is one of the most common causes of motor failure, particularly on high-load 9 inch grinder setups and larger industrial angle grinder tools.

Warranty & Aftercare

PWM supplies professional hand tools from leading manufacturers:

HiKOKI grinders (formerly Hitachi) – 3-year warranty when registered.
Makita concrete grinder and angle grinder models – 1-year warranty.
Refina / EPO specialist tools – 1-year warranty with optional extended cover.

We also stock compatible industrial angle grinder models from premium brands including Metabo grinder options and Bosch professional grinder units widely used across UK construction, concrete repair and surface preparation.

Most manufacturers require registration before warranty returns can be processed.

The PWM team can assist with all warranty and aftercare enquiries.

FAQs – Handheld Power Tools

What are handheld power tools?

Handheld power tools are portable electric tools powered by mains supply or a 110 V transformer. Common power hand tools for concrete include grinders, polishers, scabblers, planers and dust-control accessories. They are used for edging, grinding, cutting, chasing, keying, finishing and small-area resurfacing where larger machines cannot operate.

Can a handheld tool replace a floor grinder?

Yes. A handheld concrete grinder or small concrete grinder is ideal for edges, corners, steps, walls and columns, or where access is restricted. For large open areas, it is more efficient to use a walk-behind concrete grinder and reserve handheld tools for concrete grinding hand tool applications and detailed edging work.

How do I operate an angle grinder safely?

Hold the main housing firmly with one hand and the side handle with the other, keeping a stable stance. Use the correct guard, diamond accessory and angle grinder dust shroud, keep vents clear and let the accessory cut at its own speed. Avoid excessive downward pressure and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and site safety rules.

What size grinder should I choose?

A 5 inch grinder is best for detail work and tight spaces, a 7 inch grinder offers a balance of coverage and control, and a 9 inch grinder or 9 inch angle grinder provides maximum cutting depth and removal rate. Your choice depends on material hardness, access and the size of the work area.

Can PWM help me choose the right handheld tool?

Yes. Whether you need a handheld concrete sander, handheld concrete planer, concrete grinder for walls, industrial angle grinder or a complete extraction package, the PWM team can recommend a safe, efficient setup for your application, including compliant dust free angle grinder and dust control solutions.

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Handheld Concrete Grinders & Power Hand Tools

Handheld vs. Walk-Behind Grinders

Grinding, Cutting & Chasing