FIND A CONTRACTOR BUYER'S GUIDE
BECOME AN INDUSTRY PARTNER
MCAA Logo
MEMBER LOGIN JOIN
NEWS
World of Concrete 2026 Registration Is Open ↗

New ‘instant brake’ grinders revolutionize safety

Words: Rob Beusan/Public/News/20120408135000-1.jpg" width="600" height="338" border="0" alt="Once the attitude of the leader improves, the attitudes of the others will follow." />
Once the attitude of the leader improves, the attitudes of the others will follow.
Metabo Corporation, a leading international manufacturer of professional grade portable electric power tools and abrasives for heavy duty metalworking, industrial, construction and welding applications, introduces two new angle grinders that are designed to stop wheel rotation in two seconds or less when the Deadman safety switch is released, greatly reducing the likelihood of injuries.

Ideal for heavy duty grinding and cutting applications, both the WEPBA14-125 Quick and WEPBA14-150 Quick feature a long-lasting 12.2 A motor and 1,400 watts of power.

The WEPBA14-125 Quick offers a no-load speed of 10,000 rpm and a maximum wheel diameter of 5". The WEPBA14-150 Quick provides a no-load speed of 9,000 rpm and a maximum wheel diameter of 6".

Both new 'instant brake' grinders offer a mechanical brake system that stops a grinding disc in two seconds or less, or stops thin cutting wheels in one second or less. The system has been tested to 50,000 cycles with no failures. The tools also feature Metabo's auto-balance technology that replaces a traditional backing flange with an auto-balancing flange pressed onto the spindle. While the tool is in use, ball bearings automatically offset out-of-balance conditions present in the grinding accessory, reducing vibration significantly.

This unique feature helps to reduce the risk of cumulative work related disorders, such as white finger syndrome, minimize operator fatigue and increases the life of the grinding disc as well as the tool by a minimum of 50%.

Each tool also features the Metabo 'S' Automatic safety slip clutch that helps to prevent kickback in the event that a wheel is bound or pinched, further enhancing the overall safety of these angle grinders.

Both angle grinders include Metabo's ergonomic Deadman paddle switch and a Quick toolless wheel change system that saves time and energy when replacing wheels, making the operator more efficient.

The WEPBA14-125 Quick and the WEPBA14-150 Quick each offer advanced electronics, including an electronic winding temperature monitor with LED display, an electronic soft start feature and electronic speed stabilization that greatly increases productivity.

Safety features for both tools include a burst-proof wheel guard with seven stops, anti-vibration side handle, current interruption protection, auto-stop carbon brushes and winding protection grid.
 0
From Day One to Long-Term Success: Onboarding Strategies for Contractors
January 2026

The construction industry is facing one of its toughest challenges in decades. Companies are struggling to find enough skilled workers while competing to keep the ones they have. At the same time, projects are becoming more complex, deadlines are tighter,

Matt Dibara
Business Management
Read More
Finding the Right PPE for Your Work
January 2026

When it comes to PPE, one thing’s for sure: safety isn’t one size fits all. The work you’re doing, where you’re doing it, and even what time of year it is, can all make a big difference in what gear actually works. Price, comfort, and job performance all

Greg Brown
Safety Library
Read More
Back Injuries: The Real Cost and How to Prevent Them
January 2026

The mention of back injuries makes mason contractors cringe, and for good reason. Masons lift heavy objects every day, all day long. When a person sustains a back injury, it is serious. It affects every part of their life, from their ability to perform wo

Zach Everett
Safety Library
Read More
Detailing for Durability: The 2026 Guide to High-Performance Stone Veneer Transitions
January 2026

Some of the most expensive failures involving manufactured stone veneer installations don’t come from the stone at all, but rather from the material transitions and flashing around it. Transitions are weak points in the overall cladding where water can fi

Jeff Tew
Technical Talks
Read More