Angle Grinder Safety Guard: What to Know

Cutting a rusted bolt with an angle grinder throws sparks and dust, and a disc that breaks can throw pieces, so the guard stands between that spray and you. An angle grinder safety guard is the cover over the half of the wheel facing you, deflecting sparks away from your hands, face and clothes while the wheel spins. This guide explains what a guard does, how to match one to your wheel size and grinder, and which guards fit common grinders.

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Below: what a guard does, how to match the wheel size, and the guards that fit common grinders.

#	Product	Shop Score	Buy
1	5.3" 135mm Grinder Guard for 5" 4-1/2" 4" Wheel	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	DeWalt N441218 Angle Grinder Guard Replacement	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
3	3Pcs Angle Grinder Guard	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	HERZO Dust Shroud Dust Extraction Cutting Guard	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

5.3" 135mm Grinder Guard for 5" 4-1/2" 4" Wheel

Popbee·9.7/10 Shop Score

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The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 5.3 inch iron guard for blades 5 inch or smaller, installs with no tools, and keeps hot metal sparks off skin and eyes.

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Pros

• Fits blades 5 inch, 4-1/2 inch and 4 inch
• Iron body with good abrasion resistance
• Installs and adjusts with no tools
• Keeps hot metal sparks from skin and eyes

Cons

• Fits blades 5 inch or smaller only
• No dust extraction port is stated
• No warranty term is stated
• Listed for many models; check your model number first

2

DeWalt N441218 Angle Grinder Guard Replacement

DEWALT·9.6/10 Shop Score

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The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A durable metal replacement guard for DeWalt DCG414B, DCG414T1 and DCG418B grinders, part number N441218.

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Pros

• Made for DCG414B, DCG414T1 and DCG418B
• Durable metal body for repeated use
• Guard coverage around the grinding wheel
• Light at 0.3 pounds

Cons

• Fits only select DeWalt models
• No warranty term is stated
• 1 guard in the box; no spare
• Restores the stock guard; adds nothing over the original

3

3Pcs Angle Grinder Guard

soujkooy·9.6/10 Shop Score

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The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 3 piece set of iron guards in 4, 5 and 6 inch sizes, adjustable by screws and nuts, for 100, 125 and 150 grinders.

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Pros

• 3 guards in one box: 4, 5 and 6 inch
• Fits 100, 125 and 150 grinders
• Iron material with good wear resistance
• Tightness adjusts by screws and nuts

Cons

• Adjusting the fit needs screws and nuts, not a tool-free clasp
• 1 guard per size; no spare for any size
• Guards only; no disc or wheel in the box
• Stated for dust, not for sparks

4

HERZO Dust Shroud Dust Extraction Cutting Guard

HERZO·9.5/10 Shop Score

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The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A PVC dust shroud for 4-1/2 and 5 inch angle grinders, with a spanner, a cutting disc and 4 clamp fittings.

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Pros

• Dust shroud for dustless working
• Fits 80% of main brand 4-1/2 and 5 inch grinders
• Spanner, cutting disc and 4 clamp fittings included
• Easy to install and easy to release for cleaning

Cons

• PVC body, not metal
• Fits 4-1/2 and 5 inch grinders only
• 1 shroud in the box; no spare
• Dust shroud, not a spark guard

Angle Grinder Safety Guard: What It Does

A guard covers the half of the wheel facing you, so the spray from cutting and grinding goes away from you. The Popbee iron guard keeps hot metal sparks from hitting skin or eyes, and the DeWalt N441218 is designed to help provide guard coverage around the grinding wheel. The HERZO shroud is a dust extraction guard for cutting work, made to give a dustless working experience, and the soujkooy guards protect the grinder from dust flying. A guard does not replace eye protection, so wear it whenever the grinder runs.

Match the Guard to Your Wheel Size

Match the guard to the wheel diameter, in inches or in millimeters. The Popbee guard measures 5.3 inch (135mm) and fits blades 5 inch (125mm) or smaller, including 4-1/2 inch (115mm) and 4 inch (100mm). The soujkooy set covers 4, 5 and 6 inch wheels for 100, 125 and 150 grinders, with 1 guard for each size. The HERZO shroud fits 4-1/2 and 5 inch grinders. The DeWalt N441218 is a replacement guard for DCG414B, DCG414T1 and DCG418B grinders; verify the model number and part number before purchasing.

Fit, Brands and Install

Fit decides whether a guard works on your grinder. The Popbee guard installs and adjusts with no tools, and its clasp swings away to allow removal or installation without removing the cutting disc. It lists DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita, Metabo, Bosch and RYOBI grinders among its fits. The soujkooy guards adjust by screws and nuts; check dimensions before purchasing. The HERZO shroud installs in easy steps, releases easily for cleaning, and suits 80% of main brand 4-1/2 and 5 inch grinders. The DeWalt N441218 fits select DeWalt models only, so the part number is the check that matters.

Angle Grinder Safety Guard Picks for the Garage

Each guard below covers part of the job: the Popbee iron guard blocks sparks, the soujkooy and HERZO guards keep dust down, and the replacement guard restores the cover your grinder shipped with.

FAQ: garage tools

What size angle grinder safety guard do I need?

Match the guard to the wheel. The Popbee guard measures 5.3 inch and fits blades 5 inch or smaller, including 4-1/2 inch and 4 inch. The soujkooy set covers 4, 5 and 6 inch wheels for 100, 125 and 150 grinders, and the HERZO shroud fits 4-1/2 and 5 inch grinders.

Will a guard fit my grinder brand?

Check the fit list before ordering. The Popbee guard lists DEWALT, Milwaukee, Makita, Metabo, Bosch and RYOBI grinders. The DeWalt N441218 fits DCG414B, DCG414T1 and DCG418B only, so verify the model number and part number. The HERZO shroud suits 80% of main brand 4-1/2 and 5 inch grinders.

Do I need tools to fit a guard?

Not always. The Popbee guard installs and adjusts with no tools, and its clasp swings away for removal without removing the cutting disc. The soujkooy guards adjust by screws and nuts, and the HERZO shroud comes with a spanner and 4 clamp fittings.

Is a dust shroud the same as a safety guard?

Not quite. A dust shroud like the HERZO covers the wheel for cutting work and keeps dust down, while a metal guard like the Popbee or the DeWalt N441218 shields you from sparks. Pick the shroud for dusty cutting and the metal guard for grinding and spark protection.

Does a guard replace eye protection?

No. A guard deflects most sparks away from you, but dust still escapes around it and small pieces can still bounce around it. Wear eye protection whenever the grinder runs, and keep the guard fitted and adjusted before you switch the grinder on.

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