Hi, Had the patio done with indian stone flagsabout 6 years back and the mortar between the flags is missing in places and there are a few loose flags and some that are broken and need replacing/cutting to shape round drain pipes and grids. I am going to need to remove any remaining mortar, so I was thinking an angle grinder might be the best thing for the job? If it is, what kind of size is the best to go for? I already have some 18v makita gear that I can use batteries from, or 240v would be ok too or will a cheap **** one do for this? Thanks!
4.5" is ideal, easier to handle. Now't wrong with Makita 18v grinder, but mains version would be cheaper. A 240v 4.5" grinders: all have 3 year warrenty. Makita 9557NB , can be picked up for about £40. Also Makita GA4530/2 about £45
Thanks mate, much appreciated. Will these be up to a few cuts of sandstone flags? I was looking at the Bosch GWS 850C too, some good deals on that kicking about.
Now't wrong with Bosch. I have a 5" Makita GA5021,which has a paddle handle, you don't see many of them around.
Diamond blade on a 9" grinder is what you need, its much easier to hold for long periods of time than a 4,5". Run a cut through the middle of the joint and then chip out with a hammer and small chisel, this way will leave the natural edge to the paving.
I had a Bosch one previously (green version) it lasted well over 10 years, it only burned out when the heavy diamond disc was used. For slabls will have to make cuts on either side as the blade won't cut through. Did manage like this for a number of years though. But the small one is much more useful for other thinks. You could buy the mortar rake disk which is thicker ideal for chasing out joints.
DId buy a cheap 9" grinder a few years back (ARgos), but the locking nut got seized up and could undo it. Luckily they refunded me. We have both sizes now, but the small ones gets most use and will pay back in a short space of time. You need a diamond blade for it.
Sorry, having used grinders for well over 30 years, 9" are the most stable of all. 4.5" ok for small jobs, but very unstable and on a patio would probably burn out. 12" just to heavy for long term use and are generally petrol powered.
Nearly 35 years using grinders, & I haven't yet burnt out my 5" grinder in 10 years or so, of hard use on masonry & metal, got it to replace my Bosch 4.5" which was nicked,still working after 20 years of use. My 9" Makita must 25 years old & still going strong, the Hitachi 9" is only 5 years, gotit free off Freecycle. As for my Stihl, I sold it, just didn't have the use for it in the last few years.
On a job years ago we had to cut some steel in the middle of nowhere and the only option was to dismantle a 14" cut off saw and use it as a hand held grinder
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