My bench grinder wheel just exploded on a Saturday morning

Wendy Scott · 2026-04-08T04:25:03.72598+00:00

It was a 6 inch wheel that came with the grinder, and it just came apart while I was sharpening a chisel. Had to clean up grit and chunks for an hour. Anyone know a good brand for a solid replacement wheel?

hall.ruby3mo ago

Yeah, valwest is right about Norton wheels. I had a cheap one blow up on me a few years back and switched to Norton, haven't had a single issue since. What kind of chisel were you sharpening?

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webb.val5mo ago

Sounds pretty dramatic for a grinder wheel. They're just compressed grit, not exactly a bomb. Maybe the wheel was old or had a crack you didn't see. I've used plenty of basic wheels for years without any fireworks.

3

valwest5mo ago

Oh man, that's terrifying! A buddy of mine had the same thing happen with a cheap wheel, sent a piece right into his shop wall. He swears by Norton brand wheels now, says they're way more solid. I mean, after seeing the dent in his drywall, I'd never cheap out on a replacement. Glad you're okay, that cleanup sounds like a real pain.

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