How to Change Angle Grinder Blade Without Tool

It happened again last Tuesday.

I was in the driveway. The sun was going down. I was rushing to finish a cut on some steel.

I used my Makita 9557PB. It is a good tool. But the blade wore out. It was time to change it.

I looked for the pin wrench. It was gone.

I checked my pocket. I checked the floor. The wrench was missing. This happens to everyone. The tool you need most is always the one you lose.

If you are stuck, do not panic. You do not need to go to the store. I have fixed this many times. Most pros do not even use the wrench.

Here is how to change the blade safely and fast.

First: Safety Rule

We must be safe.

Unplug the grinder.

Do not just turn it off. Pull the plug from the wall. If it has a battery, take it out.

I once saw a guy try this with the cord plugged in. His hand hit the switch. It was bad. Do not be that guy. Cut the power.

Method 1: The “Glove and Grip”

I use this way the most. It is fast. It works because the nut tightens when the blade spins. We just need to turn it back.

What you need:

• A thick leather glove.
• Your hands.

Step 1: Lock It

Flip the tool over. Look at the metal head. You will see a button. This is the spindle lock.

Press it down. Hold it. Spin the old blade by hand. You will feel a “click.” The button sinks in. The blade stops. Keep holding the button.

Step 2: The Palm Strike

Put your heavy glove on. You need it to protect your hand. The old blade is sharp.

Grab the edge of the blade. You want to turn it the wrong way. Look at the arrow on the tool. Turn it the other way (usually left).

Here is the trick:

Do not just push. Give it a quick snap with your wrist. Use speed, not just force.

• Hold the button.
• Snap the blade hard.

The nut will “pop” loose. Now you can spin it off with your fingers.

Method 2: The Plier Hack

Sometimes the nut is too tight. Maybe it is rusted. If your hand cannot move it, use pliers.

Step 1: Lock the Spindle

Unplug the tool. Hold the lock button down.

Step 2: Put Tips in Holes

Look at the round nut holding the blade. It has two small holes on top.

Take your needle-nose pliers. Put one tip in one hole. Put the other tip in the other hole.

Step 3: Twist

Grip the pliers tight. Twist them to the left.

Be careful. Do not let the pliers slip. You might scrape your hand. Push steady. Do not jerk it.

Method 3: The “Tap” Method

Use this only if the nut is stuck tight. I used this on an old rusted grinder once.

What you need:

• A hammer.
• A screwdriver or metal punch.

The Steps

1. Hold the blade. Lock the button so it does not spin.
2. Aim the tool. Put the tip of the screwdriver on the inside edge of a hole.
3. Angle it. Aim so the hit pushes the nut to the left.
4. Tap it. Hit the screwdriver with the hammer.

Do not hit it too hard. You just want a sharp tap to break the rust. Once it moves, use your fingers.

Which Way is Best?

I made this table to help you choose.

The “Why”: How the Nut Works

It helps to know how the parts work. The grinder has two parts on the shaft:

1. The Bottom Piece: It sits flat on the shaft.
2. The Top Nut: This is the one we lose the key for.

A Common Mistake:

Many people put the nut on wrong.

• For Thick Wheels: The raised lip faces down into the hole.
• For Thin Cuts: The raised lip faces up. The flat side touches the blade.

If you put it on wrong, it will wobble.

My Fix: The Quick Nut

I got tired of losing the wrench. I bought a quick-change nut.

Brands like Bosch make them. You spin it on by hand. When you need to change the blade, you lift a tab. It spins right off.

It costs about $15. It saves me time. If you use your tool a lot, buy one. It is worth it.

Final Tips

You do not need the metal wrench. Learning to use your hands makes you faster.

Just remember: Unplug the tool first.

Now, go finish your work.

FAQs: How to Change Angle Grinder Blade Without Tool