Hand-held grinders take on some of the toughest work in concrete construction. Cutting, grinding, tuckpointing, and surface prep all put heavy strain on the tool. When a grinder starts to lose power or run inconsistently, it can slow your crew down fast. Keeping these tools in top shape is just as important as choosing the right cup wheel or shroud.

Below is a guide to help you troubleshoot issues on the job and know when it’s time for professional repair.

When Your Hand-Held Grinder Isn’t Running Right

Most grinders give early warnings before they fail completely. If you notice any of the signs below, your grinder likely needs repair or a tune-up.

• Loss of power under load

• Stalling during cutting or grinding

• Excessive vibration or wobble

• Overheating, even during light use

• Burning smell coming from the tool

• Arcing or sparking near the motor

• The wheel slowing down on its own

• Difficulty maintaining speed

Troubleshooting Steps on the Jobsite

Here are a few quick checks your crew can do before bringing a grinder in for service:

1. Check the cord and plug

• Damaged cords or loose connections often cause intermittent power loss.

2. Inspect the wheel

• A cracked, unbalanced, or worn wheel can make the grinder vibrate or feel weak.

3. Clean the vents

• Dust-packed vents choke airflow and lead to overheating. A quick cleaning can help restore performance.

4. Check the guard and flanges

• Loose or bent parts can cause wobble or uneven grinding.

5. Try a different outlet or cord

• Weak power sources can mimic motor problems on the jobsite.

If the grinder still struggles after these checks, it’s time for professional repair.

The Most Common Grinder Repairs We Handle

Our certified mechanics see the same types of failures across almost all grinder brands.

1. Motor brush replacement

• Worn brushes cause weak performance, arcing, and failure to start.

2. Bearing replacement

• Bad bearings lead to loud noise, wobble, and overheating.

3. Switch and trigger failures

• Dust and constant use cause internal switches to wear out.

4. Armature or field coil damage

• Heavy loads and overheating can burn electrical components.

5. Gear housing repairs

• Continuous grinding wears down gears and causes vibration or binding.

6. Cord and plug replacement

• Frayed or damaged cords cause inconsistent power and pose a safety risk.

Why Tune-Ups Matter for Grinders

Regular tune-ups help prevent downtime and extend the life of your grinders. A tune-up from Esch typically includes:

• Full inspection

• Motor brush check or replacement

• Cleaning of vents, housings, and electrical components

• Bearing and gear inspection

• Power cord inspection

• Speed and performance testing

A tuned grinder runs cooler, lasts longer, and performs more consistently throughout the day.

Off-Season Fleet Repair

Winter and slower months are the perfect time to get your grinders serviced. Many contractors bring in their full fleet during the off-season to avoid downtime when the busy season starts.

Esch provides off-season fleet repair for:

• Hand-held grinders

• Gas cut-off saws

• Concrete saws

• Walk-behind saws

• Chainsaws and ring saws

• Rammers and plate compactors

Fleet repair ensures your equipment is ready the moment work picks up.

Why Contractors Choose Esch for Grinder Repair

Esch’s repair shops are staffed with certified mechanics who work on all major tool brands. Contractors rely on our fast turnaround times, strong parts availability, and clear repair quotes. With locations in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Colorado, our team brings deep concrete and surface-prep knowledge to every repair. Most importantly, we understand how downtime impacts your crew and make it a priority to keep your tools running.

When to Bring a Grinder In

Bring your grinder in for a diagnosis when:

• It overheats after a few minutes of use

• The wheel wobbles or vibrates heavily

• You hear rattling, grinding, or high-pitched noise

• The grinder loses speed under light load

• You smell burning insulation

• It takes several tries to start

• The tool cuts out randomly during use

Schedule Grinder Repair

Esch Construction Supply repairs hand-held grinders for professional contractors every day. Whether you need a single tune-up or off-season fleet service, our repair shops are ready to keep your grinders running strong.