Grinding attachments for a drill: types, advantages and disadvantages, application

The most irreplaceable device used during construction and renovation is the drill. This tool is capable of performing a variety of work, ranging from mixing plaster mix and ending with sanding wood and even concrete surfaces. It is important to note that sanding different types of coatings requires the use of modified attachments. And the result, made by the hands of a builder, cannot be distinguished from working on a production machine.

The grinding attachment for a drill is a special element of a construction tool designed for processing various types of surfaces. This device is available on the market in various modifications, depending on the type of work. For example, they can polish metal surfaces, as well as wood coatings and paints and varnishes. From this it follows that grinding attachments are used not only in the construction industry, but also in carpentry shops, as well as in factories and car parks.

Any repair or small construction site is not complete without a drill. Moreover, each separate type of work requires the use of a special nozzle. It is not necessary to be a jack of all trades in order to qualitatively fulfill the task set for oneself, it is enough to have in your arsenal various types of grinding attachments. To begin with, you should consider the main categories of nozzles on the market. Flat models are made in the form of a circle with sanding paper glued to it. They can be rigid or rubbery. But in petal models, the central part is equipped with a metal insert, it is this insert that serves as a mount for replaceable processing materials.

For high-quality polishing, use a felt pad. These are used in auto repair shops to update the headlights, glass and make the body of the car bright after painting. In carpentry workshops, special attention is paid to fur attachments. It is they who are able to give shine to the wooden surface. In the process of construction work, a wide range of services are available with petal nozzles. They allow you to apply protective layers of gesso on the walls, as well as on decorative plaster.

In general, grinding attachments are classified in three main types, the difference between which is the appearance and the material used:

• abrasive - remove burrs on a wooden surface, even coated with paint or varnish;
• grinding wheel - brings the smoothness of any surface to its logical conclusion;
• polishing wheel - gives shine and brightness to the finished product.

The first thing a buyer pays attention to is the price. Drill grinding components can boast of their low cost. The minimum investment will allow you to create the most unusual things in the process of restoration of products, as well as decorative finishing of plaster. The versatility and variety of sanding attachments is also an important advantage. Some varieties can be used in different jobs and on different surfaces. It is important to keep in mind that there are a number of products that should be used only for certain types of work.

Like any accessory, the grinding attachments have some disadvantages, for example:

• due to the standard dimensions of some nozzles, it is quite difficult to process small parts;
• some nozzles in their structure may seem extremely inconvenient in work;
• to perform some types of work, in addition to the nozzle, it is necessary to use smaller drills, with the ability to switch power and adjust the number of revolutions.

Knowing the features and general characteristics of the grinding attachments, you should go on to consider specific models that are often used in various types of work.

• Plate nozzles are presented in a similar version of standard disc nozzles. The only difference between the two is design. Instead of a thread, there is a special fastening pin in the chuck. In some cases, these pins can be adjusted, so that you can make smooth movements along the contour of the surface to be treated. In addition to plastic material, plate nozzles are made of rubber. These models no longer have a movable pin, due to which they are firmly attached to the base of the tool.

• Cup nozzles presented in several versions. The most popular are models with a metal base. They are convenient to use, easy to remove and install in the drill chuck. The bristly part of the nozzle is made of hard metal or light brass, due to which it is suitable for processing wood, metal surfaces and much more. Quite often, stiff bristles are used to remove rust and deteriorated paintwork. For polishing work, cup attachments are made of special soft materials, for example, on a felt base or on foam rubber.

• Padded discs are related to grinding cup attachments. The only difference between these types is the direction of the bristly and padded backing. In this embodiment, the bristles diverge from the central portion to the edges. Disc models are very convenient to use for meticulous work, especially in the processing of small areas of the surface.

• Drum-shaped sanding attachments. Sandpaper is attached to its sides. The design of the nozzle itself can be made of solid material or inflatable rubber. The mounts are made in two versions, inflatable method and tension with a bolt. Drum attachments are suitable for wood, metal and glass surfaces. Masters of their craft with the help of this type of attachments effortlessly process round products of various diameters.

• Fan shaped like a disk image, the edges of which have a special fastening for the processing material. For hard-to-reach surfaces, the fan-shaped nozzles are second to none. It is worth noting their design feature. During operation, the nozzle can use any desired shape, which is very convenient when processing surfaces with a complex geometric pattern.
• Polishing model with a soft nozzle, it is mainly made of foam rubber, felt or leather. Fasteners are presented in the form of a pin with special washers for clamping. Quite often, these attachments are used in polishing work, especially in auto repair shops.

• End caps presented on the world market in the form of a cone, a bullet and a small file. The design is equipped with a special pin that is fixed in the drill chuck. The principle of operation of the end bit is similar to a conventional hand file, only the process takes much less time.

Many craftsmen claim that grinding attachments can be made with your own hands from any materials. It's easier, of course, to buy, but there are situations when there is no time for a trip to a hardware store. So, the easiest way to replace the grinding attachment is to replace it with a regular round file. To do this, the handle is removed from the tool and its seat is cut off. The file is then clamped in the chuck and surface finishing can be continued.

For the polishing process, you can make a homemade construction on a felt basis. A pin of the required diameter is taken, a thread is made at its tip and a lock nut is placed. A washer is twisted on top, then the disk itself goes and is closed with the same washer and nut. Quite simply, you can make a drum nozzle using scrap materials. A piece of a rubber bar or cylindrical wood will fit as a basis. A pin is attached to the prepared base, which will be attached to the drill chuck. To install the sandpaper, you can use any method, for example, attach it with rubber inserts.

It is actually not so easy to carry out restoration work with grinding attachments. It is important to remember that the perfect surface will be obtained when the drill is positioned correctly. If you deviate from this rule, then on the adjacent surface there will be scratches from the disc. To avoid such problems, it is worth practicing on any other surface beforehand. Grinding with a drill can come in a number of ways.

• When a person holds an instrument with their own hands. Accidental indiscretion and simply the human factor can negatively affect the quality of the work performed. On the other hand, manual sanding allows you to reach the surface in the most difficult place.
• When the drill is firmly on the table. This method allows you to give the ideal smoothness of the processed surface, but it is very inconvenient that the tool lacks mobility.

It is important to take breaks during the work process. The drill heats up after a certain period of time, and with prolonged use, structural parts may burn out. It is very important for the master not to forget about his safety and to use gloves, goggles and a respirator. Each job should be approached wisely, and the result will be above all praise.

For information on how to make do-it-yourself grinding attachments for a drill, see the next video.