How do you safely handle the sparks thrown towards the wall cavity when using a 412 angle grinder with a thin diamond blade to cut wire lathe over plaster?
Asked by Stephanie Hanson 
5 months ago
Last Updated: July 26, 2024
I’ve learned that using a 4-1/2″ angle grinder with a thin diamond blade is a good method for cutting wire lathe over plaster. For anyone who has tried this, how do you handle the sparks flying towards the wall cavity? Are they not too damaging?
Where you hold the grinder can determine the direction of the sparks, so be mindful of your control.
Remember to keep a fire extinguisher close by, and remember that firewatch should continue for 30 minutes after hot work is completed.
When using a grinder, make sure it has a shield you can adjust to control sparks. I never had any problems with sparks that worried me, but it can be alarming if you’re not used to it. Just a tip – keep a spray bottle of water nearby, just in case.
I’m accustomed to using the grinder in the shop. But yeah, witnessing the sparks inside the house gives a whole different vibe.
It’s highly unlikely that something will catch fire, but it’s always good to have a fire extinguisher nearby just in case.
All set with the grinder and vacuum – ready to get to work!
I used a grinder in my last bathroom project, and it didn’t produce many sparks. Nothing to worry about in terms of fire hazards.
No no no, to remove plaster, use a long crowbar with a straight end and a 90-degree hook on the other…
Poke a hole with the straight end, insert the hooked end and give it a few tugs. The plaster will come off with the right amount of pulling force onto the tarp. Transfer plaster into plastic buckets, remove the lathe (wood) and keep it for possible shims later on. Older houses were never perfectly square or plumb. The 1/4 inch wood lathe will come in handy for creating drywall shims to make the drywall align with all the studs… Sometimes I had to cut 1/4 inch and 3/8 inch sheet boards for shimming purposes…
That won’t remove the thick wire
Oh yeah… the crowbar measures nearly 4 feet… gonna need some muscle.