Performax 241-0980 User manual

OPERATING MANUAL
4-1/2” Angle Grinder
241-0980
IMPORTANT:
Carefully read this operating manual before using your new tool. Pay close
attention to all Safety Instructions, Warnings and Caution sections. Use your
tool properly and only for its intended use.
Safety symbols in this manual are used to call attention to possible
dangers. The safety symbols and their explanations require the operator’s full
understanding. The safety warnings do not, by themselves, eliminate any danger,
nor are they a substitute for proper accident-prevention measures.
This Safety Alert Symbol indicates caution, warning, or danger. Failure to obey
a safety warning can result in serious injury to the operator or to others. To reduce
the risk of injury, fire, or electric shock, always follow the safety precautions.

2
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Specifications...........................................................................................Page 2
Rules for Safe Operation...........................................................................Page 5
Description ...............................................................................................Page 9
Assembly and Adjustment ........................................................................Page 10
Operation ..................................................................................................Page 12
Maintenance.............................................................................................Page 13
Accessories ..............................................................................................Page 14
Warranty ...................................................................................................Page 14
SPECIFICATIONS
Motor: 120 V, 60 Hz, 6.5 A
No-load speed: 11000 RPM
Disc diameter: 4-1/2 in. (115mm)
Arbor size: 5/8”-11 UNC
Weight 5 lb 5 oz (2.4 kg)

3
SAFTEY SYMBOLS
The purpose of safety symbols is to attract your attention to possible dangers.
The safety symbols and the explanations with them deserve your careful attention
and understanding. The symbol warnings do not, by themselves, eliminate any
danger. The instructions and warnings they give are no substitutes for proper
accident prevention measures.
WARNING: Be sure to read and understand all safety instructions in this
manual, including all safety alert symbols such as “DANGER,” “WARNING” and
“CAUTION,” before using this angle grinder. Failure to following all instructions
listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
SYMBOL SIGNAL MEANING
DANGER:
Indicates an imminently hazardous situation
which, if not avoided, will result in death or
serious injury.
WARNING:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which,
if not avoided, could result in death or serious
injury.
CAUTION:
Indicates a potentially hazardous situation, which,
if not avoided, may result in minor or moderate
injury.
NOTE:
(Without Safety Alert Symbol) Indicates a situation
that may result in property damage.
WARNING: To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs should be performed by
a qualified service technician at an Authorized Service Center.
WARNING: The operation of any power tool can result in
foreign objects being thrown into your eyes, which can result
in severe eye damage. Before beginning power tool operation,
always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side
shields and a full-face shield when needed. We recommend a
Wide Vision Safety Mask for use over eyeglasses or standard
safety glasses with side shields. Always use eye protection
which is marked to comply with ANSI Z87.1

4
Safety symbols for your tool
the label on your tool may include the following symbols.
V Volts
A Amps
Hz Hertz
WWatts
min Minutes
~Alternating Current
Direct Current
no No-load Speed
.../min. Revolutions or Strokes per minute
Indicates danger, warning caution.It means attention! Your safety is
involved.
Wet Conditions Alert! Do not expose to rain or use in damp locations.

5
RULES FOR SAFE OPERATION
KNOW THE TOOL
To operate this tool, carefully read this Owner’s Manual and all labels affixed
to the angle grinder before using. Keep this Manual available for future
reference.
IMPORTANT
This tool should only be serviced by a qualified service technician. For more
information, call the toll-free helpline: 1-866-858-2664.
GENERAL SAFETY RULES FOR ALL POWER TOOLS
WARNING: Read and understand all instructions. Failure to follow all instructions
listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious personal injury.
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS.
WORK AREA
Keep your work area clean and well lit. Cluttered benches and dark areas
invite accidents.
Do not operate power tools in explosive atmospheres, such as in the
presence of flammable liquids, gases, or dust. Power tools create sparks
which may ignite the dust or fumes.
Keep bystanders, children, and visitors away while operating a power tool.
Distractions can cause you to lose control.
ELECTRICAL SAFETY
Double insulated tools are equipped with a
polarized plug (one blade is wider than the other.)
This plug will fit in a polarized outlet only one way.
If the plug does not fit fully in the outlet, reverse
the plug. If it still does not fit, contact a qualified
electrician to install a polarized outlet. Do not
change the plug in any way. Double insulation
eliminates the need for the three-wire grounded
power cord and grounded power-supply system.
Avoid body contact with grounded surfaces, such
as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There
is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is grounded.
Don’t expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power
tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
120V ~ 60Hz

6
Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord to carry the tool or to pull
the plug from an outlet. Keep the cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges
or moving parts. Replace damaged cords immediately. Damaged cords
increase the risk of electric shock.
When operating a power tool outside, use an outdoor extension cord
marked “W-A” or “W”. These cords are rated for outdoor use and reduce the
risk of electric shock.
PERSONAL SAFETY
Stay alert, watch what you are doing and use common sense when
operating a power tool. Do not use the tool while tired or under the
influence of drugs, alcohol, or medication. A moment of inattention while
operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewelry. Contain long hair.
Keep your hair, clothing, and gloves away from moving parts. Loose
clothes, jewelry, or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
Avoid accidental starting. Be sure the switch is off before plugging in the
tool. Carrying tools with your finger on the switch or plugging in tools that
have the switch on invites accidents.
Remove adjusting keys or wrenches before turning the tool on. A wrench
or a key that is left attached to a rotating part of the tool may result in
personal injury.
Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. Proper
footing and balance enable better control of the tool in unexpected
situations.
Use safety equipment. Always wear eye protection. Dust mask, non-skid
safety shoes, hard hat, or hearing protection must be used for appropriate
conditions.
Before connecting the tool to a power source (receptacle, outlet, etc.),
be sure that thevoltage supplied is the same as that specified on the
nameplate of the tool. A power source with voltage greater than that
specified for the tool can result in serious injury to the user, as well as
damage to the tool.

7
TOOL USE AND CARE
Use clamps or another practical way to secure and support the workpiece
to a stable platform. Holding the work by hand or against your body is
unstable and may lead to loss of control.
Do not force the tool. Use the correct tool for your application. The correct
tool will do the job better and more safely at the rate for which is designed.
Do not use the tool if switch does not turn it on or off. Any tool that cannot
be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
Disconnect the plug from the power source before making any
adjustments, changing accessories, or storing the tool. Such preventive
safety measures reduce the risk of starting the tool accidentally.
Store idle tools out of reach of children and other untrained persons. Tools
are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
Maintain tools with care. Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly
maintained tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are
easier to control.
Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts,
and any other condition that may affect the tool’s operation. If damaged,
have the tool serviced before using. Many accidents are caused by poorly
maintained tools.
Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for
your model. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool, may become
hazardous when used on another tool.
Do not alter or misuse tool. This tool is precision built. Any alteration
or modification not specified is misuse and may result in a dangerous
condition.
SERVICE
Tool service must be performed only by qualified repair personnel. Service
or maintenance performed by unqualified personnel could result in a risk of
injury.
When servicing a tool, use only identical replacement parts. Follow
instructions in the Maintenance section of this manual. Use of
unauthorized parts or failure to follow Maintenance Instructions may create a
risk of electric shock or injury.

8
SPECIFIC SAFETY RULES FOR ANGLE GRINDER
Hold the tool by its insulated gripping surfaces when performing an
operation where cutting tools may contact hidden wiring or its own cord.
Contact with a “live” wire will make exposed metal parts of the tool “live”
and shock the operator.
Always use the proper guard with a grinding wheel. A guard protects the
operator from broken wheel fragments.
Grinding wheels must be rated for at least the speed recommended on the
tool warning label. Wheels and other accessories running over their rated
speed can fly apart and cause injury.
Never leave the adjusting wrench on the tool when turning the tool on.
Never leave the trigger locked “ON”. Before plugging the tool in, check that
the trigger lock is “OFF”.
When starting the tool, let it run for a few minutes before using it on
a workpiece. Watch for vibration or wobbling that could indicate poor
installation or a poorly balanced wheel.
Avoid bouncing the wheel when operating the grinder. If bouncing occurs,
stop the tool and inspect the wheel.
Secure the material being ground. Never hold the material in your hand or
across your hand or across your legs.
Do not use a damaged grinding wheel.
Do not use a worn out grinding wheel. This could result in a wheel
explosion and serious personal injury. Wheel types with depressed centers
should not be used after they have been worn down to a 3” diameter.
Keep your hands away from rotating parts.
Always wear safety goggles and a dust mask when grinding, especially
when grinding over-head.
Watch out for flying sparks. Hold the tool so that sparks fly away from you
and other persons or flammable materials.
Do not touch the workpiece immediately after operation. It may be
extremely hot and could burn your skin.

9
DESCRIPTION
KNOW YOUR ANGLE GRINDER (Fig. 1)
Before attempting to use this angle grinder, familiarize yourself with all of its
operating features and safety requirements.
WARNING: Do not allow familiarity with your angle grinder to make you careless.
Remember that a careless fraction of a second is sufficient enough to inflict severe
injury.
1. ON/OFF switch with lock-on button
2. Spindle lock button
3. Grinding wheel
4. Wheel guard
5. Side handle
Fig. 1
1
2
4
3
5

10
ASSEMBLY AND ADJUSTMENTS
WARNING: Remove the grinder from the carton and examine it carefully. Do not
discard carton or any packaging material until all parts are examined.
WARNING: To avoid injury, ALWAYS turn the tool off and disconnect the angle
grinder from the power outlet before installing or changing the grinding wheel.
INSTALLING AND REMOVING THE GRINDING WHEEL DISC (Fig. 2)
TO INSTALL THE WHEEL DISC:
1. Unplug the angle grinder.
2. Make sure the guard (1) is
securely in place.
3. Place the inner flange (2) on
the spindle (3). Ensure that it is
located on the two flats.
4. Place the grinding wheel on the
spindle. Check the rated speed on
the grinding wheel (4). DO NOT
use a wheel with a rated speed
lower than the speed shown on the grinder nameplate.
NOTE: The maximum wheel thickness is 6.5mm, and the center hole
dimension must be 22.3 mm.
5. Press the spindle lock button (6) to prevent movement of the spindle.
6. Keep the spindle lock button pressed in; tighten the threaded outer flange
(5) by turning it clockwise with the wrench (7).
TO REMOVE THE WHEEL DISC:
1. Unplug the angle grinder.
2. Press the spindle lock button (6).
3. Loosen the outer flange (5) by turning it counterclockwise with the wrench (7).
4. Remove the threaded outer flange.
5. Remove the grinding wheel (4) from the spindle (3).
Fig. 2 7
5
4
2
1
3
6

11
ADJUSTING THE WHEEL GUARD (Fig. 3)
WARNING: Never use the angle
grinder without the wheel guard. Keep
the guard between you and the wheel.
Do not direct the guard opening toward
your body.
Adjust the guard to protect your
hands and to direct grinding debris.
1. Disconnect the plug from the
power source.
2. Loosen the clamp screws with a
screwdriver.
3. Position the guard at the desired angle.
4. Tighten the clamp screws.
INSTALLING THE SIDE HANDLE (FIG. 4)
The side handle should always be
used during grinder operations.
The side handle can be used in one
of three positions. Screw the side
handle into the right or left side of the
grinder, or to the top of the housing.
TURN ON AND OFF (Fig.5)
1. To turn the tool “ON,” slide the ON/
OFF switch forward.
2. To turn the tool “OFF,” release the
ON/OFF switch; it will return to the
“OFF” position automatically.
3. For continuous operation, the ON/
OFF switch is equipped with a
LOCK-ON button. To activate the
feature, slide the ON/OFF switch
forward to turn on the tool and
press the front of the LOCK-ON
switch down until the switch
clicks into position.
4. To unlock the switch and turn
the tool OFF, press the rear of the LOCK-ON button; the ON/OFF switch will
return to the “OFF” position automatically.
Fig. 3
Fig. 4
Fig. 5
LOCK-ON switch
ON/OFF switch

12
WARNING: Hold the tool with both hands while starting the tool, because torque
from the motor can cause the tool twist.
WARNING: DO NOT turn the switch “ON” and “OFF” while the tool is under load;
this will cause severe injury. Start the tool and allow it to come to full speed before
contacting the workpiece with the tool. Lift the tool from the work before releasing
the switch to turn it off.
OPERATION
GRINDING OPERATION
1. Hold the angle grinder firmly with both hands: one hand around the side
handle and the other hand around the body of the angle grinder so you have
full control at all times.
2. Always position the guard so that as much of the exposed disc as possible is
pointing away from you.
3. After starting the tool, apply the grinding wheel to the workpiece.
WARNING: DO NOT TURN the switch ON or OFF while the grinder is in contact with
the workpiece. It will cause severe injury.
NOTE: BE PREPARED for a stream of sparks when the disc touches metal.
4. Tilt the grinder at a 10°to 15°angle for easy handling and smooth grinding.
This increases the removal capacity of the disc and avoids unnecessary
overloading.
5. Apply the grinding wheel to the work surface with a light, steady pressure
for grinding efficiency. It should never be necessary to force the tool. The
weight of the tool applies adequate pressure.
WARNING: Excessive or sudden pressure will overload the motor, cause a drop
in the speed and put dangerous stress on the wheel, causing breakage.
6. When using a new grinding wheel, DO NOT move the wheel in a forward
direction (A) on the workpiece. This will cause the edge of the wheel to cut
into the work surface. Move the grinder back toward you (B) while grinding.
A B
100to 150
Fig. 6

13
7. DO NOT use a wheel with a depressed center after it has been worn down
to 3” diameter. The continued use of a worn-out wheel may result in wheel
explosion and serious injury.
MAINTENANCE
Before each use, inspect the grinder, switch and cord for damage. Check for
damaged, missing, or worn parts. Check for loose screws, misalignment or
binding of moving parts, or any other conditions that may affect the operation.
If abnormal vibration or noise occurs, turn the tool off immediately and have the
problem corrected before further use.
Before cleaning or performing any maintenance, the tool should be unplugged
from the power supply. Using compressed air may be the most effective
cleaning method. Always wear safety goggles when cleaning tools with
compressed air.
WARNING: Do not let brake fluids,gasoline,petroleum-based products, penetrating
oil, etc. come in contact with plastic parts. They contain chemicals that can damage,
weaken or destroy plastic.
WARNING: When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other
parts may create a hazard or cause product damage.
WARNING: Use only accessories that are recommended by the manufacturer for
your model. Accessories that may be suitable for one tool may become hazardous
when used on another tool.
WARNING: Check extension cords before each use. If damaged, replace
immediately. Never use a tool with a damaged cord.
WARNING: To ensure safety and reliability, all repairs should be performed by a
qualified service technician.

14
ACCESSORIES
Wrench…………..……………………………………….. 1pc
Side handle…………..…………………………………….. 1pc
Grinding disc…………..………………………………….. 1pc
WARRANTY
If, during normal use, this PERFORMAXTM power tool breaks or fails due to a
defect in material or workmanship within two years from the date of original
purchase, simply bring this tool and its sales receipt back to your nearest
Menards®retail store for a free equivalent replacement within those two years.
The warranty:
(1) excludes expendable parts including but not limited to blades, bits, light
bulbs, and/or batteries;
(2) shall be void if this tool is used for commercial or/and rental purposes; and
(3) does not cover any losses, injuries to persons/properties, or costs. This
warranty does give you specific legal rights and you may have other rights,
which vary from state to state.
*SAVE YOUR RECEIPTS. Your warranty is void without them. For help, please call
to our customer center, toll free number: 1-866-858-2664.

15

16
Table of contents
Other Performax Grinder manuals