How to Safely Grind Concrete Floors (Quick Tips)

This video shares how to safely grind concrete floors. We share what tools to use and what mistakes to avoid. For more home improvement tips visit www.homerepairtutor.com/ 👍🏼
#concretefloors #grindconcrete #homerepairtutor
How to Safely Grind Concrete Floors
0:27 Fein HEPA Vac
0:51 Fein WSG7-115 Grinder
1:03 Fein Ecoguard Type G Surface Dust Grinding Guard
1:19 Thin-set removal bit
2:01 Sundstrom silica dust respirator
3:02 Vacuum concrete floor
3:09 Attach Ecoguard to grinder
4:01 Attach thin-set removal bit
4:39 Grind concrete floor
These supplies were used in our video:
Fein HEPA Vac -- amzn.to/2qPeLNA
Fein WSG7-115 -- amzn.to/2qOR483
Fein Ecoguard Type G Surface Dust Grinding Guard -- amzn.to/2Ehas0G
Thin-Set Removal Bit -- amzn.to/2YKLBM6
Sundstrom Silica Dust Respirator -- amzn.to/2Eeb3A3
Some product links may be Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you.
Want our newest DIY videos? Subscribe to our channel and hit the notification bell to see every upload. We upload new videos every Saturday.
Disclaimer:
Videos produced by Home Repair Tutor are provided for informational, educational, & entertainment purposes only. Some of these projects, materials, and techniques may not be appropriate for all ages or skill levels. Home Repair Tutor does not make any claims of the safety of the projects, techniques, or resources listed on this site and will not take responsibility of what you do with the information provided by this site. Viewers must be aware by doing DIY projects on their homes they are doing it at their own risk and Home Repair Tutor cannot be held liable if they cause any damage to their homes. Home Repair Tutor cannot claim liability with all applicable laws, rules, codes and regulations for a project.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

What's your favorite tool from this project?

[@bumstudios8817]

Would this method repair surface chipping on a sidewalk?

[@tysumm]

I love my 9 inch grinder. Kicks like hell

[@felixgallardo1783]

The mask.

[@rickybobby7276]

Make sure to get a fine dust bag for your shop vac even if you have a hepa filter. I filled the entire room up with dust in a few minutes, because my filter got instantly clogged by the dust and the vacuum pulled in practically nothing even though it's plenty powerful.

[@jerrygrayson65]

Great video as usual for Jeff and Steve. Suggest that you inform viewers to place/tape thin plastic over the bathroom entrance, exhaust fan, windows and all other areas low and high you are not grinding since the amount of superfine dust is enormous .I used a shop Vac 6.5 HP and did not have a Hepa type vacuum . This is a super messy job and to reduce dust you can lightly spray water on the ground while working. Also wear a hat when possible and not just small ear plugs to limit noise but plugs like ear muffins to keep dust from your ear canals and get a good shampoo for later! When I did this I used a Stadea variable speed wet polisher/grinder with a shroud rather than a regular high speed grinder . Caution the thin set removal plate is strongly agreessive and be very attentive when using it. Thanks again for another good video.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you so much for the great tips. They’re invaluable for anyone doing this type of work. We should have added them to the video and are happy you mentioned them in the comments!!

[@rogerNOmore]

Wow, a DIY video on youtube without a freaking dumb intro! nice job man!

[@bitcoinparaprincipiantes4940]

thought the same

[@lovefeist3136]

And, mercifully, no "music."

[@landonjakse9952]

I used this vid as a guide for my own project, love the videos these guys put out. Very helpful, keep the content coming. I went with a similar setup, but using Milwaukee battery-powered grinder, Dustless brand shroud, dustopper + ShopVac w/bag and filter. Having the shroud makes a HUGE difference with dust control. However, I just wanted to share that the bristles on the bottom of the Dustless brand shroud (maybe others are better?) make it kind of hard to control the angle and pressure of the thinset removal grinder onto the concrete. The bristles are pretty stiff, so changing directions on your grind means you have the bristles pushing back. Also, the size of grinder I have made it difficult to get the grinder wheel to sit flat on the concrete. Mostly due to the battery size hitting the ground while using. The thinset remover wheel is also no joke. I had to actually focus more on NOT putting pressure or else this thing dug into the concrete pretty easy. That being said, it took thinset off with absolute ease. I actually used the wheel with my hand in areas with less thinset. All that said, thanks for the tips guys and I hope my comments help someone else out there.

[@SRSnure]

Very helpful information, especially the safety aspect!

[@michaelscreen5768]

This video helped me soo much I start this job tomorrow thanks

[@fastlinecontracting3345]

Just a useful tip for anyone interested☺️ The best way to cool down most power tools is to leave them running while they're not under load. They have a built in motor fan that cools the motor sufficiently while under low or no load. Turning an over-heated power tool off can actually keep it over heated longer, as there is very low to no air circulation.

[@fastlinecontracting3345]

This is if your power tool isn't defective of course. If it's smoking like it was in the video immediately unplugging the tool is the best course of action👍

[@jitty_timmy2069]

That was a useful tip

[@moneymakingmikeg.9555]

I'm back, I'm back!!! Man, I've missed so many of the lives!! We've just been so busy at work & I haven't been able to catch them. Prep work, Prep work, Prep work!! Absolutely amazing how clean that set up keeps everything!! Great tip on the angle grinder. I've seen those suckers freeze up too. Hoping all is well, Dirty Jersey out!!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

Thanks buddy and super appreciate you always being in the comments. If that grinder would lock up it would be tons of torque and painful!!

[@crazymonkey1545]

Whew - glad we only saw smoke at the end and not flames. Loved the tutorial. 👍

[@HomeRepairTutor]

ditto, although our motor did have a few small embers...bummer

[@crazymonkey1545]

Home Repair Tutor That’s too bad. Really appreciate the tips to help others avoid that mess. 🤜🤛

[@HomeRepairTutor]

@@crazymonkey1545 thank you, at first we thought the HEPA vac was clogged or the shroud wasn't working...but nope, the grinder caught fire

[@crazymonkey1545]

Bret Martinelli Thanks for the helpful tips!

[@privatename3621]

All great tips. Thank you. I'm just about to do some of this type of work and this video was helpful.

[@creamconcrete]

Really Nice Video, I'm about to grind some concrete steps, and watching this video is gonna make it so much safe and easy!

[@williamlynch804]

Now that you have let the magic smoke out, you have probably significantly reduced the life of your angle grinder. The first floor I did I burned out a motor on a general use Bosch angle grinder. Brand new tool, died in 15 mins of first use from overwork, sounds exactly like the problem you had. I replaced it with the Bosch CSG15 which is specifically intended for this use and only this use. OMG, it is the best! It gets warm but never hot and you can cool it quickly simply picking it up off the floor slightly while continuing to let it run for about 30 seconds. That removes the load while keeping the airflow across the motor to cool it down. I have since grinded (ground?) around 2000 sq ft with it and have continued to be pleased with the performance.

[@teamdada2194]

You replaced it with the same manufacturer? Did I read that right? If so, you have issues bubs that goes beyond the scope of tools.

[@aymanantoun2083]

You are the best I truly enjoyed your educational video

[@SYBEX21]

I prefer the MSA half mask with P100 filters. I use them in a shipyard for all haz. mat. removal (filters change based on particulates, ok asbestos and lead are full face mask ) Also use a air tool to blow out the dust off the coils it helps with the heat and fire issues.

[@N8Soccer]

The heat your getting from the angle grinder is from leaning down on it. I've found for larger surface areas, its good to get rid of the thick stuff with a rotary hammer and use your angle grinder setup to get rid of the residual. Great video though, I had a hard time getting that dust protector on 😅

[@lionintu]

Thanks for the video! How important is it to get the grinder in that ⅝inch space between sheetrock bottom and stud base plate? I'm installing epoxy floor in my basement.

[@benoitlaforest6198]

Nice video, thanks. Did you need to setup a negative chamber to perform the buffering? Is this realistic for a full basement floor (450 pi2) ?

[@philcotter2853]

have you tried spraying the floor with water to eliminate the dust problem? that seems to be what the pros do but I'm still learning.

[@omarvillarreal714]

use the metabo 7" hand grinder. works really good

[@emmasshow3081]

Hey man! Please help! I've messed up with mapei self leveling compound and now need to remove it from plywood subfloor. How would you remove it? I've tried hammer but it's not working cause the self leveler isn't that thick. Would you use grinder or maybe the best way to replace all plywood. Its half of the room lol

[@charleshendricks9188]

Get yourself a 6" Metabo W24 for the field grinding and the use the 4.5" up against the wall. The Metabo W24 is a beast and can be found with the dust shroud under $300. Then sell it when you are done or keep it. I'm keeping mine.

[@alexanderchuyko4889]

That`s simply the best tutorial! Is this method works if we need to level the floor deeply than only paint removal. The slab is a bit uneven and needs to be down leveled (6-8mm probably). It`s a small 1.8*1.8 m en suite. If no this method, which tool can be used for this task, please? Thank you

[@manuelrayon3891]

7 inch grinder first and then a 4 inch grinder to get the tight spots. You can use the vacuum hose to circulate air through the grinder and cool it down faster. Also the respirator is good for grinding for about 3-4 hours at a time

[@jeromebouchard6070]

I have a 12x31 patio terrace and I am planning to grind it. How many disk grinder do you think I will need? Is it ok only 1 or should I got 2 ?

[@rarto34677]

Do you put the angle grinder on an angle when grinding the thin-set?

[@johnwatkins6322]

I used a dust separator I bought from Home Depot and used a 5 hp shop vac. Almost all or at least very little dust entered the vac it's self and I was able to catch about 98 to 99% of the dust. Be warned, you'll need the biggest hose you can to get the right CFM or you'll not get the performance you should. You'll know it's not enough when the sides of your bucket the dust collector is on starts collapsing. Works great if you can't afford or find a hepa vac.

[@SomeDumUsrName]

That tip about the tool getting hot applies to ALL tools and ALL tasks with ANY power tool ALWAYS.

[@ericdonofrio6946]

Ah, just finished grinding. That dust shroud would have been helpful! 😀

[@ibrahimmerie8604]

Great video. I got some non level concrete flooring outdoors. The highest level on concrete sits flush against a wall. This is the level that needs to be grinded. Would your tool setup allow me to grind down this excess concrete adjacent to the wall and particularly in corners? Never used an angle grinder before and would love anyone's advice...

[@joelleamaya7694]

I could use the answer to this question as well. 😆

[@jerrycampbell9648]

What brand of vacuum cleaner do you like?

[@travis8106]

Do the regular 3m dust filters (pink discs) work good enough for silica? Thanks

[@LUCKYLADY000000]

There are many types of 3M pink disc filters. Call 3M they have a tech specialist who will reccomend the best filter for your project.

[@gildatyler8458]

I would like to know if anybody has suggestions I'm grinding down cement or concrete that has Rock in it. We have a concrete driveway that it was not properlyleveled out and trying to figure out some fixes for it. Does anyone have any suggestions?

[@SyberPrepper]

Loved the video. Great tips. Thanks!

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you 🙏🏻

[@mer33dolph]

Where do I find the HepaVac? Can't seem to locate and you don't mention the model

[@millertime7915]

All wonderful advice I use 2 ,100 foot extension cords on the grinder. This reduces the rpm and power of the grinder under a load ,this will make your grinding wheel last 10 times longer and it is so much easier to control the amount of material you take off for a Smooth clean surfaces

[@mdhonze]

if you saw a small amount of black mastic and it tested positive for asbestos would you use a hepatic and a grinder or would you not do that job? generally speaking.

[@hughseagraves7036]

Also, is it normal for the aggregate to be exposed when done?

[@lindaleung6691]

Will an N95 respirator work well ?

[@AnnD2023]

How long did one grinding bit last?

[@hughseagraves7036]

How did you decide between the two-row diamond cup versus the "turbo" diamond cup that has a single row of angled teeth? I'm removing paint over spray and carpet glue from concrete. My local retailer had both and I don't know the difference. I ended up buying the "turbo" diamond cup because it was listed as a "best seller" but I'm wondering if one is better than the other and why.

[@kriscamin5049]

I had the same question, I googled it. Looks to me like the single rows remove concrete more aggressively. I purchased and used the double row diamond cup wheel, I like it. It works great for removing glue, some white stuff that reminds me of spackling, and leveling out a few uneven spots. It was cutting down a little more than I wanted, so I make sure I don't push down on the grinder, just let it move across the surface.

[@hughseagraves7036]

@@kriscamin5049 I ended up renting a floor maintainer at Home Depot with the diamond bladed removal tool. Used it wet so dust wasn't as much of an issue.

[@alexanderchuyko4889]

It`s a beautiful tutorial. However it represents a finishing stage (as a polishing the surface). But what if we have to take a level down, please? Our bathroom concrete floor is a bit uneven, plus, tiles will be a bit thicker than old ones and we need the total level would meet next room (bedroom) with no threshold. How to adjust the level for this purpose? What sort of tools do we need to get the surface deeper on 8-12 mm? Thank you

[@erikedwards3804]

I'm curious what you ended up doing? I have the same issue. Mind sharing?

[@alexanderchuyko4889]

@@erikedwards3804 Unfortunately some people have advised me to leave this idea... It`s too dusty, expensive and, even not too legal because if we grind, we are getting concrete base thinner... A tiler did this by leveling a bit with tile glue playing. And a threshold to our en-suite will be a a bit as a ramp. Not too much visible. I accepted this as a reasonable compromise :)

[@darwinbodero7872]

There’s self leveling cement actually

[@PriorityKate]

Many links are not connecting to active Amazon product. Are you able to update the links so I can source the products you used?

[@killerbuellxb12]

For the residual dust, would it be a good idea to spray or pour some water down first in the area to help elevate some of the dust in the air? Or would that effect productivity?

[@user-vf2jh7gz7b]

You would need a wet/dry vac, most are dry only

[@udanjanimjim1826]

Should you wet the floor prior to grinding?

[@poepflater]

I picked up a big arse industrial grinder for a few bucks from a pawn shop, my first stop for buying tools.

[@MrShitthead]

So I just got a diamond cup wheel that screws on. First time I’ve come across this and not gunna lie it terrifies me putting only that and no lock ontop…. Even though that lock is only screwed on as well.

[@ttaylor1375]

can you grind fully cured concrete this way?

[@kgfaro]

What bit would work on a garage before installing a epoxy floor? With oil and stains on the concrete

[@marktroller3174]

What did you end up doing? How well did it work?

[@kgfaro]

The covid blocked everything we haven't done anything yet

[@Chris-ly3lv]

Love the video, but you need a Dewalt or Makita or Milwakee 6 or 9 inch grinders.. has more amps and dose not heatup as fast..

[@DibotDaniel]

Blew up a craftsman today 😅😅😂

[@tarsemjutla6822]

where to get the tool?

[@justinkeat9358]

Can you just grind it wet (with a GFCI for your grinder) and avoid the whole complicated dust issue?

[@SomeDumUsrName]

Oh yes. Trading dust for a slurry mess. Go ahead. You'll love it. NOT! That is not for indoor work in confined spaces.

[@jeffa847]

I just tried to do this recently. It slings wet slurry but the water also has to be continually added to the surface because you'll grind right through the wet top and into the dry concrete below and then you immediately have dust going on top of the wet slurry. It would be a two man job with one person spraying and one person grinding and it does make for somewhat of a mess with the slurry. I did see one guy who made a metal guard for his grinder and then used a small plumbing part - check out "DIY Vacuumless Concrete Grinder Dust Shroud with Water Control - Part 1"

[@graigg5932]

I tried it with water and it created a nightmare

[@jeffa847]

I have seen a professional do this with professional equipment and it works pretty well but without that equipment it is a mess

[@julierawlins5984]

What tool would you use for a larger area?

[@HomeRepairTutor]

7” grinder 👍🏼

[@harrydonald3674]

As a Christian, I appreciate professionals that share their knowledge in such a comprehensive manner. Between the vacuum, grinder, shroud, bit and warnings you covered it all - thank you.

[@CrazyTruckersDotCom]

lol what the hell does Christian have to do with it? If you were a Jew would you hate it?

[@justinrichmond9057]

It's better to use a 9" angle grinder, but don't use a 9" cup wheel. Use a 7" cup wheel and the rpm will be just right.

[@HomeRepairTutor]

thank you for the great tip!

[@jsmythib]

Every time you overheat a motor the coating on the coil wire can deteriorate and short. Making the motor less and less powerful, draw increasing power, and eventually dead.

[@graigg5932]

Even with the shroud and vacuum, cleaning this up is a nightmare

[@nflcolts83]

Doing this now, .. freakin hate this

[@Dave-yw2wc]

Wish I'd seen this video before I spent the day in a cloud of concrete dust with just a dust mask.

[@danalarson3978]

They need to develop a concrete grinding roomba so you don't even have to be in the same room.

[@magnusbrogren2849]

Only buy all this gear and then it’s good to go... I’m looking for some budget alternatives. It is unlikely to buy all this gear for a small surface.

[@hughseagraves7036]

You can rent a lot of it

[@kriscamin5049]

I purchased my angle grinder last week for $10.97! It's obviously not the top of the line, but it's doing the job!

[@equitypainting6949]

Keep hand off exhaust fan

[@marloweaimson6178]

Good stuff but that's definitely dust and alot of it

[@tedmcnair9709]

Lmao! Here is a tutorial on how to burn up a grinder!😂🤣😂🤣😂

[@nflcolts83]

I used a grinder wheel cup and over pressured...made a slip dent on my concrete floor .. fml

[@jessebustamante7206]

I messed up a $50k job :(

[@slipperytuesday7008]

Feel like he is trying to sell a vacuum the whole time

[@AzBlkHawk]

The dust grinding guard cost twice as much as the grinding tool! haha no thanks