Hercules HE65 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

C
Charles AndersonAug 4, 2025
What to do if my Hercules Grinder will not start?
- M
  Matthew SteeleAug 4, 2025
  If your Hercules Grinder won't start, there are several potential causes. First, ensure the power cord is properly plugged in. Next, check the power outlet to confirm it's working. If the outlet is unpowered, turn off the tool and inspect the circuit breaker; if tripped, ensure the circuit has sufficient capacity and no other loads. If your tool has a thermal reset breaker, turn it off, let it cool, and then press the reset button. Finally, internal damage or wear could be the issue, in which case you should have a technician service the tool.
L
Laurie SmithAug 9, 2025
Why is my Hercules HE65 overheating?
- V
  Veronica MannAug 9, 2025
  Several factors can cause your Hercules Grinder to overheat. You might be forcing the tool to work too fast; allow it to work at its own pace. The motor housing vents could be blocked; wear safety goggles and a dust mask/respirator while using compressed air to blow out any dust. Also, a long or small diameter extension cord could be straining the motor; try eliminating the extension cord or using one with the correct diameter for its length and load.
M
Michael SmithAug 14, 2025
Why is my Hercules HE65 tool operating slowly?
- S
  Sarah SteeleAug 14, 2025
  Your Hercules Grinder might be operating slowly due to a couple of reasons. You could be applying excess pressure to the workpiece; decrease the pressure and allow the tool to do the work. Alternatively, a long or small diameter extension cord might be reducing power; eliminate the extension cord or use one with the proper diameter for its length and load.
O
ofloresAug 19, 2025
What to do if Hercules HE65 does not grind, sand or brush effectively?
- M
  morrisoncrystalAug 19, 2025
  If your Hercules Grinder isn't grinding, sanding, or brushing effectively, it could be due to a couple of reasons. The disc accessory might be loose on the spindle; ensure the disc accessory is the correct dimension and the Flange Arbor Nut is tight. Also, the disc accessory might be damaged, worn, or the wrong type for the material; check its condition and type, and use only the proper type of disc accessory in good condition.
P
Peter McbrideAug 25, 2025
Why does my Hercules HE65 Grinder have excessive noise or rattling?
- J
  Joseph KingAug 25, 2025
  Excessive noise or rattling in your Hercules Grinder could indicate internal damage or wear, such as to the carbon brushes or bearings. In this case, you should have a technician service the tool.
M
Michael MurrayAug 29, 2025
Why does the performance of my Hercules HE65 decrease over time?
- T
  Tony BellAug 29, 2025
  If the performance of your Hercules Grinder decreases over time, it could be due to worn or damaged carbon brushes. You should have a qualified technician replace the brushes.

Summary

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

GENERAL POWER TOOL SAFETY WARNINGS

General safety guidelines for operating power tools.

Power Tool Use and Care

Service

Procedures for maintaining and repairing the power tool.

Safety Warnings Common for Grinding, Sanding, Wire Brushing, or Abrasive Cutting-off Operations

Safety Warnings Specific for Grinding and Abrasive Cutting-off Operations

Safety Warnings Specific for Abrasive Cutting-off Operations

Safety Warnings Specific for Sanding Operations

Safety Warnings Specific for Wire Brushing Operations

Grounded Tools: Tools with Three Prong Plugs

3-Prong Plug and Outlet

Explanation of three-prong plug and outlet grounding.

Double Insulated Tools: Tools with Two Prong Plugs

Outlets for 2-Prong Plug

Explanation of outlets for two-prong plugs.

Warning Symbols and Definitions

OPERATION

Tool Set Up

Procedures for setting up the tool before use.

Adjusting the Wheel Guard

Instructions for properly adjusting the wheel guard.

Installing Auxiliary Side Handle

Steps for attaching the auxiliary side handle.

Installing a Non-threaded Grinding Wheel or Cut-Off Wheel (wheels sold separately)

Installing a Threaded Accessory

Workpiece and Work Area Set Up

MAINTENANCE AND SERVICING

Cleaning, Maintenance, and Lubrication

Procedures for cleaning, maintaining, and lubricating the tool.

This document describes the Hercules HE65 4-1/2" – 6" 13A Trigger Grip Angle Grinder, an owner's manual and safety instructions guide.

Function Description

The Hercules HE65 is a versatile power tool designed to function as a grinder, sander, wire brush, or cut-off tool. It is intended for various operations such as surface grinding, edge grinding, sanding, and wire brushing. The tool is equipped with a trigger grip for control and requires accessories like grinding wheels, sanding discs, wire wheels, or wire cup brushes (sold separately) to perform specific tasks. Its primary function is to remove material, smooth surfaces, or cut through various workpieces.

Important Technical Specifications

Electrical Rating: 120VAC / 60Hz / 13A
No Load Speed: 10,000/min
Spindle Thread: 5/8"-11 TPI
Accessory (Wheel Guards) Diameters:
- 4-1/2" (115mm)
- 5" (125mm)
- 6" (150mm)

The tool's design includes a Spindle Lock, Trigger, Trigger Lock, Wheel Guard, Wheel Guard Bolt, and Wheel Guard Lock Lever for operation and safety. It also features a Side Handle for improved control.

Usage Features

The grinder is designed for ease of use with several key features:

Trigger Grip: Provides intuitive control over the tool's operation. The trigger can be squeezed to start and released to stop. A Trigger Lock allows for continuous operation.
Adjustable Wheel Guard: The Wheel Guard can be rotated and secured using the Wheel Guard Lock Lever to shield the user during planned work, ensuring maximum safety. It is crucial to operate the tool only with the Wheel Guard properly installed.
Auxiliary Side Handle: The Side Handle can be installed in one of two positions on either side of the Gear Housing, providing better grip and control, especially important for resisting kickback forces. The manual explicitly states not to operate the tool with one hand only or without the Side Handle properly installed.
Accessory Installation:
- Non-threaded Grinding/Cut-Off Wheels: These wheels must be rated to at least 10,000/min, no larger than 6" in diameter, fitted with a 7/8" round arbor hole, and between 0.035" to 0.3" thick. They are secured onto the spindle using a Flange and Flange Nut. A ring-test procedure is recommended before mounting to check for damage. Gaskets (blotters) or metal gaskets should be used if provided, to prevent wheel damage and slippage.
- Threaded Accessories (Wire Wheels/Brushes, Sanding Discs): These accessories must be rated to at least 10,000/min, no larger than 6" in diameter, and fitted with a threaded opening of 5/8" x 11 TPI. They are threaded directly onto the spindle after removing the Flange Nut and Flange.
Operation Guidelines:
- For grinding or sanding, apply the wheel or disc to the work material at a 10°-15° angle, allowing the tool to operate at full speed. Lighter pressure should be used if the tool bogs down.
- For abrasive cutting-off, apply the wheel straight into the work material using only the edge of the wheel, allowing the tool to operate at full speed.
- The manual warns against grinding with the side of cut-off wheels, as this can cause them to shatter.
- To prevent tool damage, it is recommended to use the tool for 15-20 minutes at a time and allow it to cool completely before next use.

Maintenance Features

Regular maintenance is crucial for the safe and efficient operation of the Hercules HE65:

Pre-Use Inspection: Before each use, a general inspection of the tool is required. This includes checking for loose hardware, misalignment or binding of moving parts, damaged cord/electrical wiring, cracked or broken parts, and any other condition that may affect safe operation.
Post-Use Cleaning: After use, external surfaces of the tool should be wiped with a clean cloth.
Motor Vent Cleaning: Periodically, dust and grit should be blown out of the motor vents using dry compressed air. This helps prevent excessive accumulation of powdered metal, which can cause electrical hazards. Appropriate safety goggles and NIOSH-approved breathing protection must be worn during this task.
Cord Replacement: If the power cord is damaged, it must be replaced only by a qualified service technician to prevent serious injury.
Troubleshooting: The manual provides a troubleshooting guide for common issues such as the tool not starting, operating slowly, decreased performance, excessive noise/rattling, overheating, or ineffective grinding/sanding/brushing. Solutions range from checking connections and circuit breakers to allowing the tool to cool, adjusting pressure, or having a qualified technician service the tool.
General Safety: All maintenance procedures not specifically explained in the manual must be performed only by a qualified technician. The tool should be unplugged from its electrical outlet before performing any maintenance. Damaged equipment should not be used, and any abnormal noise or vibration should be corrected before further use.

The manual emphasizes the importance of reading and understanding all safety warnings and instructions to prevent serious injury, electric shock, fire, and other hazards. It also highlights the need for personal protective equipment, proper work area setup, and awareness of kickback risks.