RYOBI R18AG Cordless Angle Grinder

Important!

It is essential that users read the instructions in this manual before assembling, operating, and maintaining the product. The product is subject to technical modifications.

Safety

Safety, performance, and dependability have been given top priority in the design of the RYOBI cordless angle grinder.

Intended Use

The angle grinder is intended to be used only by adults who have read and understood the instructions and warnings in this manual and can be considered responsible for their actions. The angle grinder is designed for grinding metals only. Only appropriate grinding discs as described in the product specification section of this manual should be fitted to the angle grinder. The angle grinder is designed for handheld use; it is not to be mounted onto a fixture or workbench. This angle grinder is not to be used for cutting operations. Do not use the product in any way other than those stated for intended use.

General Power Tool Safety Warnings

WARNING: Read all safety warnings and all instructions. Failure to follow the warnings and instructions may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.

Save all warnings and instructions for future reference. The term "power tool" in the warnings refers to your mains-operated (corded) power tool or battery-operated (cordless) power tool.

Work Area Safety

• Keep work area clean and well lit. Cluttered or 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 children and bystanders away while operating a power tool. Distractions can cause you to lose control.

Electrical Safety

• Power tool plugs must match the outlet. Never modify the plug in any way. Do not use any adapter plugs with earthed (grounded) power tools. Unmodified plugs and matching outlets will reduce risk of electric shock.
• Avoid body contact with earthed or grounded surfaces, such as pipes, radiators, ranges and refrigerators. There is an increased risk of electric shock if your body is earthed or grounded.
• Do not expose power tools to rain or wet conditions. Water entering a power tool will increase the risk of electric shock.
• Do not abuse the cord. Never use the cord for carrying, pulling or unplugging the power tool. Keep cord away from heat, oil, sharp edges or moving parts. Damaged or entangled cords increase the risk of electric shock.
• When operating a power tool outdoors, use an extension cord suitable for outdoor use. Use of a cord suitable for outdoor use reduces the risk of electric shock.
• If operating a power tool in a damp location is unavoidable, use a residual current device (RCD) protected supply. Use of an RCD reduces 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 a power tool while you are tired or under the influence of drugs, alcohol or medication. A moment of inattention while operating power tools may result in serious personal injury.
• Use personal protective equipment. Always wear eye protection. Protective equipment such as dust mask, non-skid safety shoes, hard hat or hearing protection used for appropriate conditions will reduce personal injuries.
• Prevent unintentional starting. Ensure the switch is in the off-position before connecting to power source and/or battery pack, picking up or carrying the tool. Carrying power tools with your finger on the switch or energising power tools that have the switch on invites accidents.
• Remove any adjusting key or wrench before turning the power tool on. A wrench or a key left attached to a rotating part of the power tool may result in personal injury.
• Do not overreach. Keep proper footing and balance at all times. This enables better control of the power tool in unexpected situations.
• Dress properly. Do not wear loose clothing or jewellery. Keep your hair, clothing and gloves away from moving parts. Loose clothes, jewellery or long hair can be caught in moving parts.
• If devices are provided for the connection of dust extraction and collection facilities, ensure these are connected and properly used. Use of dust collection can reduce dust-related hazards.

Power Tool Use and Care

• Do not force the power tool. Use the correct power tool for your application. The correct power tool will do the job better and safer at the rate for which it was designed.
• Do not use the power tool if the switch does not turn it on and off. Any power tool that cannot be controlled with the switch is dangerous and must be repaired.
• Disconnect the plug from the power source and/or the battery pack from the power tool before making any adjustments, changing accessories or storing power tools. Such preventive safety measures reduce the risk of starting the power tool accidentally.
• Store idle power tools out of the reach of children and do not allow persons unfamiliar with the power tool or these instructions to operate the power tool. Power tools are dangerous in the hands of untrained users.
• Maintain power tools. Check for misalignment or binding of moving parts, breakage of parts and any other condition that may affect the power tool's operation. If damaged, have the power tool repaired before use. Many accidents are caused by poorly maintained power tools.
• Keep cutting tools sharp and clean. Properly maintained cutting tools with sharp cutting edges are less likely to bind and are easier to control.
• Use the power tool, accessories and tool bits etc, in accordance with these instructions, taking into account the working conditions and the work to be performed. Use of the power tool for operations different from those intended could result in a hazardous situation.

Battery Tool Use and Care

• Recharge only with the charger specified by the manufacturer. A charger that is suitable for one type of battery pack may create a risk of fire when used with another battery pack.
• Use power tools only with specifically designated battery packs. Use of any other battery packs may create a risk of injury and fire.
• When battery pack is not in use, keep it away from other metal objects, like paper clips, coins, keys, nails, screws or other small metal objects that can make a connection from one terminal to another. Shorting the battery terminals together may cause burns or a fire.
• Under abusive conditions, liquid may be ejected from the battery; avoid contact. If contact accidentally occurs, flush with water. If liquid contacts eyes, additionally seek medical help. Liquid ejected from the battery may cause irritation or burns.

Service

• Have your power tool serviced by a qualified repair person using only identical replacement parts. This will ensure that the safety of the power tool is maintained.

Angle Grinder Safety Warnings

Safety Warnings Common for Grinding Operations:

• This power tool is intended to function as a grinder. Read all safety warnings, instructions, illustrations and specifications provided with this power tool. Failure to follow all instructions listed below may result in electric shock, fire and/or serious injury.
• Operations such as sanding, wire brushing, polishing or cutting-off are not recommended to be performed with this power tool. Operations for which the power tool was not designed may create a hazard and cause personal injury.
• Do not use accessories which are not specifically designed and recommended by the tool manufacturer. Just because the accessory can be attached to your power tool, it does not assure safe operation.
• The rated speed of the accessory must be at least equal to the maximum speed marked on the power tool. Accessories running faster than their rated speed can break and fly apart.
• The outside diameter and the thickness of your accessory must be within the capacity rating of your power tool. Incorrectly sized accessories cannot be adequately guarded or controlled.
• Threaded mounting of accessories must match the grinder spindle thread. For accessories mounted by flanges, the arbour hole of the accessory must fit the locating diameter of the flange. Accessories that do not match the mounting hardware of the power tool will run out of balance, vibrate excessively and may cause loss of control.
• Do not use a damaged accessory. Before each use, inspect the accessory such as abrasive wheels for chips and cracks, backing pad for cracks, tear or excess wear, wire brush for loose or cracked wires. If power tool or accessory is dropped, inspect for damage or install an undamaged accessory. After inspecting and installing an accessory, position yourself and bystanders away from the plane of the rotating accessory and run the power tool at maximum no-load speed for one minute. Damaged accessories will normally break apart during this test time.
• Wear personal protective equipment. Depending on application, use face shield, safety goggles or safety glasses. As appropriate, wear dust mask, hearing protectors, gloves and workshop apron capable of stopping small abrasive or workpiece fragments. The eye protection must be capable of stopping flying debris generated by various operations. The dust mask or respirator must be capable of filtrating particles generated by your operation. Prolonged exposure to high intensity noise may cause hearing loss.
• Keep bystanders a safe distance away from work area. Anyone entering the work area must wear personal protective equipment. Fragments of workpiece or of a broken accessory may fly away and cause injury beyond immediate area of operation.
• Hold power tool by insulated gripping surfaces only, when performing an operation where the cutting tool may contact hidden wiring. Contact with a "live" wire" will also make exposed metal parts of the power tool "live" and could give the operator an electric shock.
• Never lay the power tool down until the accessory has come to a complete stop. The spinning accessory may grab the surface and pull the power tool out of your control.
• Do not run the power tool while carrying it at your side. Accidental contact with the spinning accessory could snag your clothing, pulling the accessory into your body.
• Regularly clean the power tool's air vents. The motor's fan will draw the dust inside the housing and excessive accumulation of powdered metal may cause electrical hazards.
• Do not operate the power tool near flammable materials. Sparks could ignite these materials.
• Do not use accessories that require liquid coolants. Using water or other liquid coolants may result in electrocution or shock.

Kickback and related warnings

Kickback is a sudden reaction to a pinched or snagged rotating wheel, backing pad, brush or any other accessory. Pinching or snagging causes rapid stalling of the rotating accessory which in turn causes the uncontrolled power tool to be forced in the direction opposite of the accessory's rotation at the point of binding. For example, if an abrasive wheel is snagged or pinched by the workpiece, the edge of the wheel that is entering into the pinch point can dig into the surface of the material causing the wheel to climb out or kick out. The wheel may either jump toward or away from the operator, depending on the direction of the wheel's movement at the point of pinching. Abrasive wheels may also break under these conditions. Kickback is the result of power tool misuse and/or incorrect operating procedures or conditions and can be avoided by taking proper precautions as given below.

• Maintain a firm grip on the power tool and position your body and arm to allow you to resist kickback forces. Always use auxiliary handle, if provided, for maximum control over kickback or torque reaction during startup. The operator can control torque reactions or kickback forces, if proper precautions are taken.
• Never place your hand near the rotating accessory. Accessory may kickback over your hand.
• Do not position your body in the area where power tool will move if kickback occurs. Kickback will propel the tool in the direction opposite to the wheel's movement at the point of snagging.
• Use special care when working corners, sharp edges, etc. Avoid bouncing and snagging the accessory. Corners, sharp edges or bouncing have a tendency to snag the rotating accessory and cause loss of control or kickback.
• Do not attach a saw chain woodcarving blade or toothed saw blade. Such blades create frequent kickback and loss of control.

Safety warnings specific for grinding operations:

• Use only wheel types that are recommended for your power tool and the specific guard designed for the selected wheel. Wheels for which the power tool was not designed cannot be adequately guarded and are unsafe.
• The grinding surface of centre depressed wheels must be mounted below the plane of the guard lip. An improperly mounted wheel that projects through the plane of the guard lip cannot be adequately protected.
• The guard must be securely attached to the power tool and positioned for maximum safety, so the least amount of wheel is exposed towards the operator. The guard helps to protect operator from broken wheel fragments, accidental contact with wheel and sparks that could ignite clothing.
• Wheels must be used only for recommended applications. For example, do not grind with the side of cut-off wheel. Abrasive cut-off wheels are intended for peripheral grinding, side forces applied to these wheels may cause them to shatter.
• Always use undamaged wheel flanges that are of correct size and shape for your selected wheel. Proper wheel flanges support the wheel, thus reducing the possibility of wheel breakage. Flanges for cut-off wheels may be different from grinding wheel flanges.
• Do not use worn down wheels from larger power tools. Wheel intended for larger power tool is not suitable for the higher speed of a smaller tool and may burst.

Additional Battery Safety Warnings

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, personal injury, and product damage due to a short circuit, never immerse your tool, battery pack or charger in fluid or allow a fluid to flow inside them. Corrosive or conductive fluids, such as seawater, certain industrial chemicals, and bleach or bleach-containing products, etc., can cause a short circuit.

Transporting Lithium Batteries

Transport the battery in accordance with local and national provisions and regulations. Follow all special requirements on packaging and labelling when transporting batteries by a third party. Ensure that no batteries can come in contact with other batteries or conductive materials while in transport by protecting exposed connectors with insulating, non-conductive caps or tape. Do not transport batteries that are cracked or leaking. Check with the forwarding company for further advice.

Residual Risks

Even when the angle grinder is used as prescribed, it is still impossible to completely eliminate certain residual risk factors. The following hazards may arise and the operator should pay special attention to avoid the following:

• Injury caused by thrown-off particles: Metal or abrasive particles may enter the eyes and cause severe permanent damage. Wear goggles approved for grinding operations whenever you use the product.
• Injury caused by vibration: Limit exposure. See Risk Reduction.
• Injury caused by dust: Wear appropriate dust control mask with filters suitable for protecting against particles from the material being worked on and abrasive particles from the grinding disc. Do not eat, drink, or smoke in the work area. Ensure adequate ventilation.
• Injury from contact with the grinding disc: The disc and workpiece will become hot during use. Wear gloves when changing discs or touching workpiece. Keep hands away from the grinding area at all times. Clamp the workpiece whenever possible.
• Injury caused by noise: Prolonged exposure to noise will increase the risk of hearing damage, and the effects are cumulative. When using power tools for any extended period of time, wear hearing protection.

WARNING: Injuries may be caused or aggravated by prolonged use of a tool. When using any tool for prolonged periods, ensure you take regular breaks.

Know Your Product

Refer to the product diagram (originally on page 7) for component identification:

1. Spindle lock button
2. Lock-off button
3. Switch trigger
4. Side handle
5. Toolless guard
6. Clamp nut
7. Grinding wheel
8. Disc flange
9. Battery port

Maintenance

• When servicing, use only identical replacement parts. Use of any other parts may create a hazard or cause product damage.
• Avoid using solvents when cleaning plastic parts. Most plastics are susceptible to damage from various types of commercial solvents and may be damaged by their use. Use clean cloths to remove dirt, dust, oil, grease, etc.
• Always wear safety goggles or safety glasses with side shields during power product operation or when blowing dust. If operation is dusty, also wear a dust mask.
• To avoid serious personal injury, always remove the battery pack from the product when cleaning or performing any maintenance.
• Do not at any time let brake fluids, gasoline, petroleum-based products, penetrating oils, etc., come in contact with plastic parts. Chemicals can damage, weaken or destroy plastic which may result in serious personal injury.
• Only the parts shown on the parts list are intended to be repaired or replaced by the customer. All other parts should be replaced at an authorized service center.

WARNING: Do not use compressed air to blow dust from the product. This practice is dangerous and can cause dirt and grit to be blasted into someone's eyes, causing serious injury.

Environmental Protection

♻️ Recycle raw materials instead of disposing of as waste. The machine, accessories and packaging should be sorted for environment-friendly recycling.

Symbols

• ⚠️ Safety alert
• n Rated speed
• EAC EurAsian Conformity Mark.
• TR 066 Ukrainian mark of conformity
• CE CE conformity
• ? Please read the instructions carefully before starting the machine.
• ? Wear ear protection
• ? Wear eye protection
• ? Wear dust mask
• ? Wear safety hand gloves
• ?⚙️ Do not use chipped, cracked or defective grinding wheel
• ?✂️ Do not use for cutting
• ? Metal
• ?️⚡ Waste electrical products should not be disposed of with household waste. Please recycle where facilities exist. Check with your local authority or retailer for recycling advice.

Unpacking

The RYOBI R18AG Cordless Angle Grinder package typically includes:

• 1 x Cordless Angle Grinder unit
• 1 x Grinding wheel
• 1 x Spanner wrench
• 1 x Side handle

Note: Battery pack (RYOBI ONE+ 18V System compatible) and charger are sold separately.

Getting Started & Operation

Attaching/Removing Grinding Wheel

1. Step 1: Press the spindle lock button (1). Use the spanner wrench (2) to loosen the clamp nut (3) by turning it counter-clockwise. Remove the clamp nut and disc flange. Place the grinding wheel (7) onto the spindle, ensuring it sits correctly on the disc flange (8). Re-attach the disc flange and clamp nut (6).
2. Step 2: Press the spindle lock button (1) again. Use the spanner wrench (2) to tighten the clamp nut by turning it clockwise until secure.

Attaching Side Handle

3. Step 3: The side handle (1) can be screwed into either of the two threaded ports on the grinder's head (2) for left or right-handed use. Screw the handle clockwise until tight.

Inserting Battery

6. Step 6: Align the battery pack with the battery port on the tool's handle. Slide the battery pack into the port until it clicks securely into place. To remove, press the battery release latches and slide the battery out.

Grinding Angle

5. Step 5: For optimal grinding, hold the tool at approximately a 15° angle to the workpiece surface.

Proper and Improper Operation

7. Step 7: Always wear protective gloves. Ensure proper grip and control.
   • ✅ Correct: Hold the grinder firmly with both hands, one on the main handle and one on the side handle. Maintain a stable stance.
   • ❌ Incorrect: Do not operate the grinder with one hand. Do not hold the grinder loosely or in an unstable position. Avoid operating without the side handle attached.

Changing Grinding Wheel (Detailed)

1. Step 1: Ensure the battery is removed. Press the spindle lock button. Use the spanner wrench to loosen the clamp nut by turning it counter-clockwise. Remove the clamp nut and the used grinding wheel. Dispose of the used wheel responsibly (recycle if possible).
2. Step 2: Place a new grinding wheel onto the spindle, ensuring it is correctly seated on the disc flange.
3. Step 3: Re-attach the clamp nut and tighten it securely using the spanner wrench while pressing the spindle lock button.

Product Specifications

Measured Sound Values (according to EN 60745):

Wear ear protectors.

Vibration Total Values (triaxial vector sum) (according to EN 60745):

WARNING: The vibration emission level given in this information sheet has been measured in accordance with a standardised test given in EN 60745 and may be used to compare one tool with another. It may be used for a preliminary assessment of exposure. The declared vibration emission level represents the main applications of the tool. However if the tool is used for different applications, with different accessories or poorly maintained, the vibration emission may differ. This may significantly increase the exposure level over the total working period. An estimation of the level of exposure to vibration should also take into account the times when the tool is switched off or when it is running but not actually doing the job. This may significantly reduce the exposure level over the total working period. Identify additional safety measures to protect the operator from the effects of vibration such as: maintain the tool and the accessories, keep the hands warm, and organisation of work patterns.

RYOBI® Warranty Application Conditions

In addition to any statutory rights resulting from the purchase, this product is covered by a warranty as stated below.

1. The warranty period is 24 months for consumers and commences on the date the product was purchased. This date has to be documented by an invoice or other proof of purchase. The product is designed and dedicated to consumer and private use only. So there is no warranty provided in case of professional or commercial use. This warranty applies only on new products.
2. There is a possibility to extend for a part of the range of power tools (AC/DC) the warranty period over the period described above using the registration on the www.ryobitools.eu website. The eligibility of products for extended warranty is clearly displayed in stores and / or on packaging and is contained within the product documentation. The end user is required to register his/her newly-acquired products online within 30 days from the date of purchase. The end user may register for the extended warranty in his/her country of residence if listed on the online registration form where this option is valid. Furthermore, end users must give their consent to the storage of their personal data that is required to be entered online. They must also accept the terms and conditions. The registration confirmation receipt, which is sent out by e-mail, and the original invoice showing the date of purchase will serve as proof of the extended warranty.
3. The warranty covers all defects of the product during the warranty period due to faults in workmanship or material at the purchase date. The warranty is limited to repair and/or replacement and does not include any other obligations including but not limited to incidental or consequential damages. The warranty is not valid if the product has been misused, used contrary to the instruction manual, or has been incorrectly connected to a power supply. This warranty does not apply to:
   • any damage to the product that is the result of improper or lack of maintenance
   • any product that has been altered or modified
   • any product where original identification (trade mark, serial number) markings have been defaced, altered or removed
   • any damage caused by non-observance of the instruction manual
   • any product not displaying the CE approval mark on the rating plate
   • any product that has been attempted to be repaired by a non-authorised warranty service centre or without prior authorisation by Techtronic Industries
   • any product connected to an improper power supply (amps, voltage, frequency)
   • any damage caused by external influences (water, chemical, physical, shocks) or foreign substances
   • normal wear and tear spare parts
   • inappropriate use, overloading of the tool
   • use of non-approved accessories or parts
   • Power tool accessories provided with the tool or purchased separately. including but not limited to screw driver bits, drill bits, abrasive discs, sand paper and blades, lateral guide etc.
   • Components (parts and accessories) subject to natural wear and tear, including but not limited to Service & Maintenance Kits, carbon brushes, bearings, chuck, SDS drill bit attachment or reception, power cord, auxiliary handle, transport carry case, sanding plate, dust bag, dust exhaust tube, felt washers, impact wrench pins & springs, etc.
4. For servicing, the product must be sent or presented to a RYOBI authorised service station listed for each country in the following list of service station addresses. In some countries your local RYOBI dealer undertakes to send the product to the RYOBI service organisation. When sending a product to a RYOBI service station, the product should be safely packed without any dangerous contents such as petrol, marked with sender's address and accompanied by a short description of the fault.
5. A repair / replacement under this warranty is free of charge. It does not constitute an extension or a new start of the warranty period. Exchanged parts or products become RYOBI's property. In some countries delivery charges or postage will have to be paid by the sender. Your statutory rights arising from the purchase of the product remain unaffected.
6. This warranty is valid in the European Community, Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein, Turkey and Russia. Outside these areas, please contact your authorised RYOBI dealer to determine if another warranty applies.

Authorised Service Centres

For an updated list of authorised service centres, visit http://en.ryobitools.eu/header/service-and-support/service-agents.

United Kingdom Service Centres:

• ACD PLANT LTD
  145 Southbank Road, Coundon, Coventry, West Midlands, CV6 1FG
  Phone: 02476 594348
  Email: danmcgunigle@acdplant.co.uk
  Web: www.acdplant.co.uk
• CBS Power Tools Limited
  Unit 4, V P Square, Storeys Bar Rd, Fengate, Peterborough, Cambridgeshire, PE1 5YS
  Phone: 01733 343031
  Email: steeve@cbspowertools.co.uk
  Web: www.cbspowertools.com
• C D Powertools
  76 Old Road, Churwell Morley, Leeds, LS27 7TH
  Phone: 0113 2718494
  Email: info@cdpowertools.co.uk
  Web: www.cdpowertools.co.uk
• C J Sinclair Limited
  44 Victoria Road, St Peters, Broadstairs, Kent, CT10 2UG
  Phone: 01843 869400
  Email: repairs@cjsinclairltd.co.uk
  Web: www.cjsinclairltd.co.uk
• Powertech Ind Ltd
  Unit 2C, Ellison Road, Norwood Ind, Killamarsh, Sheffield, South Yorkshire, S21 2JG
  Phone: 01142 474080
  Email: stores@powertech-industrial.co.uk
  Web: www.powertech-industrial.co.uk
• RYCKO Technical Services LTD
  104 Green Lane, St Albans, Herts, AL3 6EX
  Phone: 08458 678790
  Email: info@ryckotechnical.com
  Web: www.ryckotechnical.com
• ToolTech Industrial Equipment
  227 E Dunhill Road, Macosquin, Coleraine, Co Londonderry, BT514LQ
  Phone: 028 70359493
  Email: john@tooltech.org.uk

Declaration of Conformity

Techtronic Industries GmbH
Max-Eyth-Straße 10, 71364 Winnenden, Germany

Herewith, Techtronic Industries GmbH declares that the product:

• Product: Cordless Angle Grinder
• Brand: RYOBI
• Model number: R18AG
• Serial number range: 44431303000001 - 44431303999999

is in conformity with the following European Directives and harmonised standards:

• 2011/65/EU (RoHS)
• 2006/42/EC (Machinery Directive)
• 2014/30/EU (EMC Directive)
• EN 60745-1:2009+A11:2010, EN60745-2-3:2011+A2:2013+A11:2014+A12:2014+A13:2015
• EN 55014-1:2006+A1:2009+A2:2011, EN 55014-2:2015

RoHS documentation is compiled according to EN 50581:2012.

Signed by Andrew John Eyre (BEng, CEng, MIET), Vice President, Regulatory & Safety, Winnenden, Sep. 29, 2017.

Authorised to compile the technical file: Alexander Krug, Managing Director, Techtronic Industries GmbH, Max-Eyth-Straße 10, 71364 Winnenden, Germany.

CE