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.
Turning Visualization into Opportunity: How Digital Design Tools Are Supporting Today’s Masonry Contractors
April 2026

Today’s homeowners are taking a proactive approach to planning and design. Before reaching out to a contractor, many clients spend hours researching products, comparing materials, and building inspiration boards online. By the time they request a quote,

Sarah Lograsso
MAP Partner
Read More
Smarter Time Tracking on the Jobsite: Introducing Geofence Notifications and Logging in CrewTracks
April 2026

For masonry contractors, time tracking is more than just a payroll task; it’s a key part of managing crews, understanding job costs, and keeping projects running smoothly. Yet many companies still struggle with one common challenge: making sure employees

Erin Koets
MAP Partner
Read More
Outreach Outlook: Building Momentum Across the Southern Region
April 2026

As April arrives, the pace of our outreach and workforce efforts across the Southern Region reaches a new level of intensity. This is the time of year when our programs, partners, and state collaborators all accelerate at once. SkillsUSA competitions are

Conner Birdsong
Outreach Outlook
Read More
Marvelous Masonry: Elbphilharmonie
April 2026

Most people know the Elbphilharmonie for its glass façade and dramatic roofline. From a distance, that’s what defines the skyline in Hamburg’s HafenCity district. But for masonry contractors and suppliers, the real story starts at the base.

Cass Stern
Marvelous Masonry
Read More