RIDGID R1020 Operator's Manual page 10

ASSEMBLY
WARNING:
If any parts are damaged or missing do not operate
this product until the parts are replaced. Use of
this product with damaged or missing parts could
result in serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not attempt to modify this product or create
accessories not recommended for use with this
product. Any such alteration or modification is
misuse and could result in a hazardous condition
leading to possible serious personal injury.
WARNING:
Do not connect to power supply until assembly
is complete. Failure to comply could result in
accidental starting and possible serious personal
injury.
INSTALLING THE GUARD
See Figure 2, page 13.
 Place the guard on the shoulder of the bearing cap by
aligning index arrows on guard and bearing cap. Press
down on guard until it is fully seated.
 Depress the lever and rotate guard to the correct position.
Refer to Positioning the Guard.
NOTE: Be sure the raised ridge on the guard is seated in
the groove on the bearing cap.
 Install disc flange, grinding wheel, and clamp nut. Refer
to Installing/Replacing Grinding Wheel.
 Tighten clamp nut securely with the wrench provided.
INSTALLING/REPLACING GRINDING WHEEL
See Figure 2, page 13.
WARNING:
Thoroughly inspect a new grinding wheel before
you install it on the grinder.
• Tap lightly around the wheel using a wooden
hammer.
• Listen carefully to the resulting sounds. Places
with fissures or cracks will result in a different
sound.
Do not use a wheel containing fissures or cracks.
When you install a new grinding wheel, carry out a
no load revolution test of approximately one minute
with the grinding wheel facing a safe direction, i.e.,
away from people or objects.
Unplug the grinder.

 Depress the spindle lock button and rotate the clamp
nut until the spindle locks.
NOTE: To prevent damage to the spindle or spindle lock,
always allow motor to come to a complete stop before
engaging spindle lock.
Loosen and remove the clamp nut from the spindle. Do

not remove the disc flange.
Make sure the flats on the bottom of the disc flange are

engaged with the flats on the spindle.
Place the grinding wheel over the spindle.

Thread the clamp nut on the spindle with the flat side of

the nut facing up.
Fit the raised, small diameter portion of the clamp nut

into the hole in the wheel and finger tighten.
WARNING:
Always install a grinding wheel with the depressed
center against the disc flange. Failure to do so
will cause the grinding wheel to crack when
tightening the clamp nut. This could result in
serious personal injury because of loose particles
breaking off and being thrown from the grinder. Do
not overtighten.
Depress the spindle lock button and rotate the wheel

clockwise until the spindle locks in position.
Tighten the clamp nut securely with the wrench

provided. Do not overtighten.
DANGER:
Never attach a TYPE 1 straight or cut-off wheel to
this angle grinder. It is only designed for grinding.
Use for any other purpose is not recommended
and creates a hazard, which will result in serious
injury.
ATTACHING THE SIDE HANDLE
See Figure 3, page 13.
Unplug the grinder.

Screw the handle into the side of the gear housing.

NOTE: You can install the handle on either the left or right
side of the grinder, depending on operator preference.
It must always be used to prevent loss of control and
possible serious injury.
Tighten the side handle securely.

POSITIONING THE GUARD
See Figures 4 - 6, page 13
The guard on the grinder should be correctly installed de-
pending on which side the handle is mounted. Never use
the grinder without the guard correctly in place or when the
index arrows are aligned.
10 - English