How close should the tongue guard be adjusted prior to the use of grinders equipped with tongue guards?

The correct choice is based on safety and effectiveness during grinding operations. A tongue guard is an essential safety feature on grinders designed to protect the operator from sparks and debris while also preventing accidental contact with the wheel.

Adjusting the tongue guard to 1/4 inch from the wheel allows for a balance between safety and operational efficiency. This distance is sufficiently small to provide protection from wheel breakage and flying particles while also ensuring that the guard does not interfere with the grinding process. If the tongue guard were set too far from the wheel, it could potentially expose the operator to more hazards.

In summary, setting the tongue guard at 1/4 inch is the recommended practice for maintaining safety and functionality when using grinders equipped with tongue guards.