Best Angle Grinder In 2023/2024

It pays to get a good angle grinder the first time.

There’s nothing worse than using your angle grinder for the first time and realising it doesn’t come with the right guard, it isn’t powerful enough, it doesn’t grind AND cut, the discs take forever to change or a range of other annoying and unfortunate scenarios.

To save you time, money and the hassle of researching angle grinders yourself, we’ve put together a list and guide containing the best angle grinders in each type/category.

We’ve also completed angle grinder reviews for popular brands like Makita, DeWalt, Bosch, and Porter-Cable (subsidiary of Black and Decker).

If you’re running a little short on time, you can check out the top rated angle grinder list immediately below.

Otherwise, you can read the guide in full.

 

(*Friendly Disclosure – links to retailers or brands on this page may include affiliate links, and we may receive a commission when you purchase through these links)

 

Top Rated Angle Grinder List 

 

Best Cheap Angle Grinder – PORTER-CABLE PC60TAG 6.0-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder (on Amazon)

Best Value Angle Grinder For Regular User – Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder with Aluminum Case (on Amazon)

Best 4.5 inch Angle Grinder (1 Speed) For Wide Use – DEWALT DWE402 4-1/2-Inch 11-Amp Paddle Switch Angle Grinder (on Amazon)

Best Variable Speed Angle Grinder for Wide Use – Makita 9564CV 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder (on Amazon)

Best Heavy Duty/High Performance 4.5 inch Angle Grinder – DEWALT D28115 Heavy-Duty 4-1/2-Inch/5-Inch High Performance Grinder with Trigger Grip (on Amazon)

Best Small Angle Grinder – DEWALT DWE4011 Small Angle Grinder with One-Touch Guard, 4-1/2 -Inch (on Amazon)

Best 7 Inch Angle Grinder – Makita GA7021 7-Inch Angle Grinder (on Amazon)

Best 9 Inch Angle Grinder – DEWALT D28499X 7-Inch/9-Inch 5.3-Horsepower Large Angle Grinder (on Amazon)

Best Cordless Angle Grinder – Makita XAG03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder, 4-1/2-Inch (on Amazon)

 

Best Angle Grinder Reviews

 

PORTER-CABLE PC60TAG 6.0-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder

View On Amazon

When it comes to power tools, it is important to distinguish between consumer products (average or casual tool users), and products designed for commercial or heavy duty use (business owners and those who use their tools frequently).

The Porter Cable PC60TAG 6.0-Amp is a popular angle grinder for casual users, and being at a low price, is probably the best angle grinder for the money (very little). If you are unfamiliar with the name Porter Cable, they are a subsidiary of Black and Decker.

This angle grinder is best suited to light to moderate use for grinding and sharpening around the house and backyard. It is a corded/electric angle grinder.

 

Pros
  • Very cheap and affordable
  • Reasonably lightweight
  • 6 Amp and 11,000 rpms is enough power and disc speed to handle a range of tasks like grinding and sharpening
  • 5/8 inch arbor and spindle, but can take up to a 7/8 inch disc
  • Disc Guard can be adjusted without the use of tools – saves time!!
  • Spindle lock for single wrench bit changes
  • Warranties are included (check Amazon for warranties)
  • Comes with grinding wheel, handle, guard, wrench and other accessories

 

Cons
  • Designed more for lighter tasks and lower frequency of use – not for heavy duty tasks and extended periods of use.
  • This model is not for cutting – or to be more accurate, can be unsafe if used to cut. If you want to cut, you can buy the PORTER-CABLE PC60TPAG 7-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder/Cut Off Tool which is essentially the grinding and cutting version of the 6.0-Amp product.
  • Single speed

 

Final Word

If you are a casual angle grinder user (i.e. you won’t use it daily, or for extended periods of hours at a time), this is the angle grinder for you.

View the PORTER-CABLE PC60TAG 6.0-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder on Amazon

If you want the option to cut, in addition to grinding and sharpening, get the 7.0-Amp version (which comes with an additional cutting wheel and guard).

View the PORTER-CABLE PC60TPAG 7-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder/Cut Off Tool on Amazon

NOTE: the main differences with the 7.0 Amp version is that it comes with a cutting guard for those who want to grind AND cut with their angle grinder.

 

Black & Decker BDEG400 6-Amp Angle Grinder, 4-1/2-Inch

We rated this as the second best cheap angle grinder on the market by a small margin.

Like the Porter Cable, it is 6-Amp, but only 10,000rpm in disc speed (less than the Porter Cable 11,000rpm).

Similarly, it is designed for the casual or average user who is looking to perform light/moderate angle grinder duties on a non-frequent basis.

This model can grind, sharpen AND cut. It is corded/electric.

 

Pros
  • Can grind, sharpen and cut
  • Lightweight
  • 10,000rpm is still plenty of power for light and moderate grinding and cutting functions
  • Easy to change discs with the spindle lock
  • Comes with grinding wheel, handle and wrench

 

Cons
  • On/off switch can be fiddly and get stuck sometimes
  • With extended use, users of this angle grinder have sometimes reported the unit getting very hot, so there are potential long term issues with motor burnout
  • Not for heavy and frequent use
  • Single Speed

 

Final Word

If you are only after a cheap angle grinder to perform simple tasks like sharpen lawnmower blades or cut low grade metal, either the Porter Cable or the Black and Decker are for you.

View the Black & Decker BDEG400 6-Amp Angle Grinder, 4-1/2-Inch on Amazon

 

3. Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder with Aluminum Case

Probably the best value angle grinder (mid priced and alot of extras are thrown in) for the average user using it for frequent, light to moderate grinding and cutting.

The extra money spent on this electric angle grinder over the cheaper ones will get you superior construction, a more comfortable and safer design, and overall better performance and longevity for the average or casual user.

This unit is still a consumer unit at its core though. The average user will have no problem with occasional heavy duty tasks, and frequent/daily lighter and moderate cuts and grinds.

However, you may only get a year or so out of it if you are constantly pushing the motor and gears to their limits (for those wanting a workshop or business angle grinder). In fairness to Makita, they do not make this claim anyway.

Among the best value 4.5 inch angle grinders on the market.

 

Pros
  • 7.5 Amp – A LOT of power for infrequent heavy cuts and grinds
  • Labrinth construction that seals the motor and bearing from debris like dust and metal shards (good for longevity)
  • Shaft lock – easy disc changeover
  • Reasonably lightweight for a high power angle grinder – 4.5 pounds
  • Large paddle switch for easy activation and safe operation
  • Comes with a HEAP of accessories including storage case, handle, grinding and cutting guards, and grinding and cutting discs
  • Will fit 5/8 inch aswell as 7/8 inch discs

 

Cons
  • Not variable speed
  • Not a true heavy duty or workshop type grinder, although it is not meant to be

 

Final Word

If you are looking for a quality 4.5 inch electric angle grinder that can do all the basic duties and step up occasionally to do the high end tasks, this is the one for you.

View the Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder with Aluminum Case on Amazon

There are better options if you are a heavy, or business/workshop type tool user. Although it is made and performs well, it is not a true ‘heavy duty’ angle grinder – at least not in the long term of 1 year plus.

 

DEWALT DWE402 4-1/2-Inch 11-Amp Paddle Switch Angle Grinder 

If you want a mid priced angle grinder that can do everything from the light tasks such as basic grinding to the heavy tasks like dealing with concrete and heavy duty metal, this is the best 4.5 inch angle grinder for most uses.

It’s designed and built as a top of the line/premium angle grinder for the average user, and heck, it could even get away with being a hybrid type tool for workshop owners or tradesmen.

It’s got an insane amount of power and speed, is comfortable in the hand and has quality features to prevent motor burnout for longevity.

You only get the grinder, grinding guard and the handle grip in the basic model. So, the cutting guard, discs, and Hex disc changing tool aren’t included (you get a Hex tool and case in the Kit version of this grinder).

 

Pros
  • A massive 11 Amp and 11,000rpm of power and speed in the motor and disc
  • Can take grinding and cutting discs
  • One touch disc guard that rotates a full 360 degrees
  • Has a dust ejection system to maintain the internal motor and gears long term
  • Nice sized warranty which you can check on Amazon
  • Paddle switch is conveniently placed on the underside of the tool

 

Cons
  • Can be heavy for some – not ideal for smaller statured people or long periods of use.
  • Doesn’t come with a cutting guard, discs or Hex tool in the base model (must be purchased separately – albeit the guard is only a minimal amount extra)
  • Not variable speed. If you don’t need the extra power, it can be overkill (although that’s not a bad problem to have)
  • Quick change wheel needs to be changed with a Hex tool

 

Final Word

In a nutshell, DeWalt don’t throw in all the extras (discs, cutting guard, disc change tool) because the angle grinder itself has been designed with superior quality.

This is the best 4.5 inch angle grinder for the average person if you want an angle grinder that can do everything, and will last. Heck, it could even pass as a workshop grinder in some instances.

View the DEWALT DWE402 4-1/2-Inch 11-Amp Paddle Switch Angle Grinder on Amazon

There’s really only two downsides to this grinder:

  • You’ll have to purchase the discs (grinding and cutting), and cutting guard separately. If you don’t get the tool kit version of this angle grinder, you’ll also have to purchase a Hex tool. You’re looking at roughly an extra $30-$50 all up for all those extras.
  • The power can be too much for some lighter tasks like wood shaping

Get the DEWALT DWE402K 4-1/2-Inch 11-Amp Angle Grinder Kit if you want a box and disc change tool as additional accessories.

View the DEWALT DWE402K 4-1/2-Inch 11-Amp Angle Grinder Kit on Amazon

 

Makita 9564CV 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder 

Do you want an electric angle grinder that is built to last you years, has low end wood shaping speed as well as brutal top end speed for grinding concrete and tough rust spots, and is designed to fit comfortably in your hand/s? You may not need to look any further than the Makita 9564CV 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder.

We rated it as the best variable speed angle grinder on this list.

It is considered a higher priced angle grinder, but the quality justifies the price if you don’t want to be replacing your tools every few months.

You can use this angle grinder if you are a casual user or if you work with tools daily.

There is only one real drawback to this grinder – there is no Makita issued 4.5 inch cutoff guard, only 5 inch. So, you have to pay a very small amount more for the 5 inch grinder (which is almost identical) if you want the ability to buy the Makita cutting guard separately – we’ve linked to the 5 inch model below.

The 4.5 inch grinder still comes with the grinding guard, handle, a grinding wheel and disc wrench.

 

Pros
  • 5 Variable speed settings from 2,800rpm to 10,500rpm – set it to a speed for the activity you are carrying out
  • Has the SJS (Super Joint System), which is a mechanical system that protects your motor and gears in the event your disc catches/gets stuck – which adds to the lifespan of your angle grinder. Also has the labrinth construction to avoid debris damaging the inside of the unit.
  • No tool required to adjust the grinder guard
  • Plenty of power at 12 Amps
  • Soft start motor to avoid ‘kick backs’ upon starting
  • Ergonomically positioned start button on the side of the grinder

 

Cons
  • The 4.5 inch angle grinder doesn’t have a Makita cutoff guard available. You will have to purchase the 5 inch model if you want a Makita cutoff guard. The 5 inch model is identical in many ways except for the fact you can buy a Makita cutting guard, and is only slightly more expensive.
  • Compact in size for the power it delivers, but weighs 5.3lbs, which is a tiny bit more than most 4.5 inch grinders that usually sit somewhere in the 4lbs range. Some people may find more comfort operating with two hands.
  • May be too expensive for the casual user

 

Final Word

This one is pretty easy – it’s the best variable speed angle grinder on the market among many categories. If you need a variable speed grinder over the single speed mid priced grinders, this is the one you want whether you are just looking to perform the odd job or if you are using it to undertake multiple projects.

View the Makita 9564CV 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder on Amazon

If you want a Makita issued cutting guard, you can buy it separately (along with your cutting wheels) with the 5 inch model.

View the Makita 9565CV 5-Inch Variable Speed Angle Grinder on Amazon

 

DEWALT D28115 Heavy-Duty 4-1/2-Inch/5-Inch High Performance Grinder with Trigger Grip 

This is the most powerful 4.5 inch angle grinder on this list, and is the only one designed and built specifically for high performance and heavy duty grinding and cutting. If power, grinding and cutting are your priorities, you may not be able to go past this tool.

We rated it the best heavy duty angle grinder and best high performance angle grinder in the 4.5 inch range. It does have limitations though.

Here is the big drawback with this tool – some adapters that require a longer arbor (such as sanding attachments) to attach won’t fit this angle grinder without modification that could jeopardise your warranty or the longevity of the grinder.

The arbor base is below the flange level in this tool – which can cause some attachments to get stuck when tightening the nut (the rubber O ring sometimes has to be removed to fit certain cutting wheels).

Maybe DeWalt only intended this tool for grinding and (some) cutting, but this seems to be an issue for the overall flexibility of the tool when considering the price.

If you only need to grind, you need not worry.

 

Pros
  • Has a massive 13 Amp and 2.3 Horsepower output. For comparison sake, the mid level DeWalt 4.5 inch grinders top out at 11 Amp and 1.8HP.
  • Dust ejection system, and dual abrasion protection, to protect motor from debris like shavings and shards
  • Has an especially designed high performance motor to protect against overload and motor burn
  • Two position side handle to reduce vibration and stress on your hand/arm
  • Comes with grind guard, handle and disc change tool

 

Cons
  • Some disc attachments won’t have enough arbor on this tool to attach
  • Tops out at 9,000rpm – if you need higher disc speed, this is not the tool for you
  • Slightly more heavier and bulkier than other grinders
  • Produces a decent amount of noise

 

Final Word

For heavy grinding and cutting, there may not be a better angle grinder on the market. DeWalt has marketed this tool specifically as ‘high performance’ and ‘heavy duty’ and it seems to be designed and performs specifically for those purposes, particularly on the grinding side of things.

If you need an angle grinder with as much power as possible, this grinder will suit you.

View the DEWALT D28115 Heavy-Duty 4-1/2-Inch/5-Inch High Performance Grinder with Trigger Grip on Amazon

If you are looking for an all around grinder, steer clear as there is not a guarantee that all attachments which aren’t grinding or cutting attachments will fit the arbor on this tool.

 

DEWALT DWE4011 Small Angle Grinder with One-Touch Guard, 4-1/2 -Inch 

The best small angle grinder on this list is what you would expect it to be – a specialty grinder that is smaller in size the regular 4.5 inch models, and suitable for light to moderate grinding, cutting and shaping.

7 Amps, 12,000rpms and 1.14 HP are the power and speed specs for this small angle grinder, and it comes in at 3.9 lbs in weight. So, it lacks the high end power of the other grinders, but its very lightweight and is smaller in its length, width and breadth.

In terms of price it comes somewhere in between the cheap angle grinders and the mid priced ones.

 

Pros
  • Very lightweight, and sleek dimensions – easy to handle and perform finer tasks like wood shaping that other grinder might be too powerful to perform!
  • Takes both grinding and cutting discs
  • One touch adjustable guard
  • Comes with handle, grinder guard, depressed center wheel and hex tool
  • Fairly priced

 

Cons
  • No dust ejection system or overload protection – if you push the motor, there are concerns over longevity
  • Lacks the high end power of the standard 4.5 inch grinders
  • Slide switch means the tool is locked to ‘on’ until you switch it back even if you release it

 

Final Word

If you want a small angle grinder for lighter and mid ranged grinding and cutting, and are prepared to trade off some power for a sleeker design, this tool is perfect.

View the DEWALT DWE4011 Small Angle Grinder with One-Touch Guard, 4-1/2 -Inch on Amazon

If you want a ‘jack of all trades’ grinder that does all tasks, look at the mid priced and variable speed angle grinders.

 

Makita GA7021 7-Inch Angle Grinder 

We rated this the best 7 inch angle grinder for metal and concrete grinding.

It is best suited to heavy duty industrial tasks and in particular workshop type users such as welders (great for grinding down welds), steel fabricators, and other tradesmen that need high performance angle grinders.

If you need to perform heavy metal grinding, you likely won’t find too many problems with this angle grinder as it has all the power in the world and is a high quality unit.

However, we did identify two major negatives:

Firstly, it is not variable speed as advertised. It’s a one speed grinder.

Secondly, this grinder is designed to take depressed centre discs and not flat discs. You should check the range of Makita depressed discs and the tasks you need to perform before purchasing this angle grinder (e.g. concrete, masonry grinding and flat disc cutting).

 

Pros
  • 15 Amps of power and 6000rpm disc speed > suitable for most heavy metal grinding
  • Labrinth construction of unit to protect motor and gears from debris – metal, concrete etc.
  • Soft Comfortable grip handle
  • High quality unit and motor for tool longevity
  • Grinding Wheel, handle, wheel guard and wheel changing tool included

 

Cons
  • Heavy – weighs over 10 lbs
  • Takes only depressed center Makita discs with the standard model
  • Expensive – but 7 inch angle grinders don’t come cheap!
  • Single Speed (not variable speed as advertised by Makita)

 

Final Word

If you need a heavy duty 7 inch angle grinder with a truckload of power, look no further.

View the Makita GA7021 7-Inch Angle Grinder on Amazon

If you want to perform other form of grinding and cutting apart from metal grinding, be prepared to spend a bit more money and fiddle with modifying the grinder.

 

DEWALT D28499X 7-Inch/9-Inch 5.3-Horsepower Large Angle Grinder 

We rated Dewalt as the best 9 inch angle grinder, but it actually accommodates both 7 inch and 9 inch DeWalt grinding discs – which is a great bit of flexibility.

Great for pipefitters, metal workers and other industrial and heavy commercial users.

It is quite heavy so you will probably have to take a break between using at some points.

It doesn’t come with Type 1 cutting guard and you’ll need a few other little accessories if you want to customise this unit to take cutting and other types of wheels apart from the metal grinding wheels.

 

Pros
  • Huge power – 5.3 Horsepower!! Also, 6000rpm disc speed.
  • Tool-less guard adjustment
  • Motor overload protection
  • Epoxy coated armature and field – extra protection from grinding and cutting debris
  • Rotating rear handle – easier manoeuvring when handling the tool
  •  Takes both 7 inch and 9 inch discs
  • Double insulated power cord
  • Comes with handle, 7 inch and 9 inch wheel guards and disc changing tool

 

Cons
  • Very Heavy! Over 14 lbs!
  • State of California residents – read the Proposition 65 warning
  • Isn’t cheap – but the quality justifies it.
  • Single speed

 

Final Word

If you want the absolute most power you can get out of an angle grinder and you are prepared to take on the extra weight, get this bad boy.

View the DEWALT D28499X 7-Inch/9-Inch 5.3-Horsepower Large Angle Grinder on Amazon

Be prepared to spend a little extra time sourcing the cutting guard and a few other small accessories from DeWalt though if you want to be switching to cutting and a few other types of discs (should cost you about $50 extra in all for the additional cutting accessories).

 

Makita XAG03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder, 4-1/2-Inch 

We rated this Makita as the best cordless angle grinder/best portable angle grinder in the 4.5 inch range.

It can be used to grind and cut tile, stucco, metal, rebar among other materials, and it’s super comfortable to use.

When performing heavy tasks like concrete grinding, it can chew through the battery rather quickly though. We advise buying multiple batteries and having them both charged when using.

There isn’t really a heap of other downside to this tool.

If you’re new to angle grinders, note that cordless angle grinders do trade off some power for their cordless benefits.

 

Pros
  • Slightly cheaper than the Bosch angle grinder below as a package for the grinder, batteries and charger
  • Grinds and cuts
  • Uses lithium ion battery technology for extended battery time
  • Automatic speed change system adjusts speed and torque automatically to balance power and battery life
  • Brushless motor increases motor life
  • Quite compact and small for an angle grinder (just over 14 inches long)

 

Cons
  • Protection system can cause grinder to shut down if you are cutting/grinding through real heavy material (however, it does start up again quite quickly).
  • Batteries and charger do not come with the grinder, so you’ll have to get the Grinder, plus batteries (2x) and charger as a bundle.

 

Final Word

If your work requires portable or cordless grinding and cutting, I doubt you’ll find a better portable angle grinder than this Makita model. Although, the Bosch model below does come very close.

View the Makita XAG03Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder, 4-1/2-Inch on Amazon

This cordless angle grinder DOES NOT come with a battery or charger. We’ve provided you with a link for a 2 battery set complete with a USB charger:

View Makita BL1830-2 18-Volt 3.0 AH Battery with ADP05 LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Power Source Bundle on Amazon

 

 

Bosch Bare-Tool CAG180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 4-1/2-Inch Lithium-Ion Grinder 

It was hard to split the Bosch and the Makita – but, the Bosch was slightly more expensive with the batteries and charger included.

Like the Makita, it can perform a range of tasks, and is super comfortable in hand. It is lighter and smaller than the Makita though!

Make sure you have enough batteries for the tasks you want to perform – especially if you are away from power sources for an extended period.

If you’re new to angle grinders, note that cordless angle grinders do trade off some power for their cordless benefits.

 

Pros
  • Has the similar motor protection and battery optimisation systems to the Makita that protect the motor and make sure you get the most charge out of your batteries.
  • Grinds and cuts
  • Very compact for a portable angle grinder – 5 lbs in weight and only just over 12 inches long
  • Uses lithium ion battery technology for extended battery time
  • Great power for a cordless angle grinder

 

Cons
  • You get the tool only – so, you’ll have to purchase batteries and the charger separately
  • You’ll have to get the grinder with batteries (2x) and charger as a bundle.

 

Final Word

To be honest, for work that requires a cordless angle grinder, you should be fine with either the Makita above or this model.

View the Bosch Bare-Tool CAG180B 18-Volt Lithium-Ion 4-1/2-Inch Lithium-Ion Grinder on Amazon

This cordless angle grinder DOES NOT come with the battery or charger. The batteries and charger are sold separately which you can check out below:

View Bosch BAT620-2PK 18-volt Lithium-Ion 4.0 AH Battery with Digital Fuel Gauge, 2-Pack on Amazon

View Bosch BC660 18-volt Lithium-Ion Battery Charger on Amazon

 

Best Angle Grinder Buyer’s Guide and FAQ

We’ve answered some important questions below, but you may also want to read Angle Grinder FAQ: What Is An Angle Grinder & How To Use It?

 

1. What Are The Other Names For An Angle Grinder?

Other names for an angle grinder are:

Side Grinder

Disc Grinder

Right Angle Grinder

Hand Grinder

Power Grinder

Metal Grinder

Angle Cutter

Angle Sander

Grinder Tool

 

An angle grinder is a different power tool to a Die Grinder, Bench Grinder or a Straight Grinder.

 

2. What Are Angle Grinders Used For?

Angle Grinders are used for a range of activities that involve:

Cutting (used with a cutting disc – these are the thin discs)

Grinding and Removal/Cleaning (used with a thick abrasive/grinder disc or metal wire wheel)

Sharpening

Polishing (with a polishing pad)

Sanding when used with a sanding disc and the proper attachment (also depends on the type and speed range of the grinder)

Shaping

 

3. What Materials Are Angle Grinders Used On?

Angle grinders are used for working with a range of building materials including but not limited to:

Wood – shaping and cutting, particularly in wood work and carpentry.

A range of sheet metals, both soft and hard – cutting, aswell as stripping, grinding away welds, cleaning and deburring (paint and rust removal are common)!

Heavy duty beam steel and lower grade rebar – grinding and cutting.

Plasterboard and stucco – cutting.

Tiles – cutting.

Mortar and brick – cutting.

Concrete – cutting and grinding.

 

4. What Are The Different Types of Angle Grinders Available?

Angle grinders come in 3 main power types:

Electric Angle Grinders or Corded Angle Grinders

Air Angle Grinders (pneumatically operated – referred to as air angle grinders)

Gas/Petrol Angle Grinders

 

This guide explores electric angle grinders specifically.

 

There are then the following shape and feature based types of angle grinders:

Corded Angle Grinder

Cordless Angle Grinder (battery operated and portable)

4.5 Inch Angle Grinder (most common)

5 Inch Angle Grinder

7 Inch Angle Grinder

9 Inch Angle Grinder

Single Speed Angle Grinder

Variable Speed Angle Grinder

 

5. Parts of an Angle Grinder

toolpartspro.com has a good diagram of the most important parts of angle grinder. As you can see, we are mainly looking at the:

Clamp Nut (clamps to the arbor thread and keeps the disc/wheel secure)

Disc Tool (a wrench or hex tool used to adjust the clamp nut

The disc or wheel, or another attachment of choice

Flange disc/ring – sits between the disc and grinder unit

Guard – grinding, or cutting guard used to shield your hands from the wheels

Side Handle – screws into the side of the grinder unit so your second hand has a place to grip

 

6. Types of Angle Grinder Discs, Wheels and Attachments

Discs, wheels and attachments are very important to understand.

You can easily look up the wheel diameter, arbor size, application (what its used for), max rpm and grit on the manufacturer website usually under grinding accessories.

There are three main angle grinder attachments:

  • Wheels/discs which are metal or diamond discs, and either flat or depressed center

Metal discs can be made of different metal materials and grits like aluminium oxide (for wood and soft metal) or a diamond wheel (for demanding surfaces like concrete and bar metal).

Discs are used for cutting, grinding and sharpening mainly on a range of surfaces from wood to metal and concrete and steel and tiles and mortar. Discs can be depressed or flat.

Discs sizes are usually these sizes in diameter –

4½ inch – 115mm (most common)

5 inch – 125mm

6 inch – 150mm

7 inch – 180mm

9 inch – 230mm

Type 1 Wheels are for Cutting (thin discs) whilst Type 27 are for grinding (thick discs, and look out to get a matching grinder guard). There are also the Type 29 flap discs.

Make sure you check the max rpm of the discs when you buy them so they don’t break. Also, make sure you check the arbor size of the disc and that it will fit your angle grinder attachment properly.

 

  • Wire wheels and wire brushes

Wire wheels and cup brushes are used for grinding and cleaning and are made of very coursesteel wire. Usually used for removing rust and paint.

 

  • Different attachments used for sanding, abrasive sanding and polishing/buffing

Sanding and polishing attachments aren’t usually standard, but are used for polishing stone, wood and soft metals. They are sanding discs, backing pads and wool bonnets.

 

7. Types of Angle Grinder Guards

There are two main types of angle grinder guards – cutting (Type 1) and grinding (Type 27).

These guard increase in size as the discs get bigger.

Different manufacturers of different tools may not sell certain sized guards or discs – always check before you buy!

 

8. Angle Grinder Safety Checklist, Rules and Tips

Here is a list of just some of the angle grinder hazards to watch out for, and some precautions you can take:

Kickback on the grinder if there is no soft start – get a soft start grinder

Speed control – a feature that maintains the motor speed if the disc stalls or gets stuck and protects you against the tool jerking or kicking back on you

Grinder stays running if there is no quick release switch – paddle switches can work well if you drop the grinder

Disc breaking – get a disc which can take the rpms and the tasks e.g. use a diamond blade for concrete, and check disc condition regularly.

Guard isnt big enough – don’t use an angle grinder without a guard when operating with discs and wheels

Not wearing gloves, eye protection and safety clothing like an apron – especially if grinding for long periods

Inhaling dust or fumes – look at getting a dust shroud for your angle grinder and breathing mask

General shards, offcuts and grinding material hitting you – wear PPE

Motor overheating – get a quality grinder and wear gloves when using for extended periods

The level at which sustained exposure might result in hearing loss is 90 to 95 decibels – check the decibel rating of any tool you buy and wear hearing protection if necessary.

 

9. Other Angle Grinder Features and Accessories To Look For

Do you want a variable speed angle grinder, or single speed grinder?

Do you need a corded angle grinder, or cordless angle grinder with batteries and charger?

What rpm, or speed and torque, do you want out of the wheel?

How much amperage and horsepower do you require for your task?

What are the parts that come with the grinder you want to buy? Can you get grinding AND cutting parts – wheels and guards? Does the arbor thread fit your discs and attachments? Can you get the right sized wheels and discs on the grinder?

Do you need a small angle grinder, a regular 4.5 inch angle grinder, or a large 7 inch or 9 inch angle grinder?

What is the motor and gear protection like, as this contributes to longevity of the tool

Is there a level of vibration and noise control on the grinder?

 

10. Advice And Tips For Buying Angle Grinders Online and In Store

For first time buyers, or even for seasoned tool users, here are a few tips and things to look out for when buying the best angle grinder for you in store or online:

Know the difference between consumer and commercial/industrial tools – commercial tools are built to last longer!

Sold and shipped by – check who the tool is actually sold and shipped by online if its not the actual manufacturer or Amazon. If it’s a 3rd party tool store or tool seller, make sure you research them and their commitment to quality and honouring warranties (you don’t want to buy defective equipment or buy through a seller that doesn’t honor warranties). On the right hand side of the page it says ‘sold by’ in Amazon – research that company.

Check the Seller’s Warranties on their site – the good warranties usually give you a) money back period (30-90 days), b) full 1 year warranty, and c) 3 year part warranty. Check the manufacturer/sellers site for details.

Be careful of buying reconditioned tools!

Always read what is included in your purchase – discs, guards, batteries, chargers, disc changing tools, cases and other accessories can be sold separately.

Unfortunately alot of tools are made in Asia these days. Check where the tools have been made, and assembled for quality.

Double check the tool manufacturer site for your country’s tool specifications and policies – tools parts can vary slightly country to country and have different company policies by country.

 

Best Angle Grinder Resources

1. https://www.makitatools.com/

2. http://www.dewalt.com/en-us

3. http://www.blackanddecker.com/

4. https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/

5. https://www.reference.com/science/loud-75-decibels-9bc5167e3a880b06

6. https://www.toolpartspro.com/ryobi-parts%5Cryobi-ag450-parts.html

 

 

Friendly Disclaimers 

 

Tooljuice.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates.

Additionally, Tooljuice.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links.

Leave a Comment