Best Angle Grinders (2024 Edition)

[pizza]

i want to treat myself to a new angle grinder. i'm thinking corded, variable speed, somewhere around 5" (4.5" or 6" ok too i guess).

is WEV 15-125 Quick (600468420) metabo's top of the line? seems to be about $270.



not brushless, though. booo

the WEV 17-125 Quick Inox (600517420) also looks interesting. $255 but on sale for $230 rn.

what else should i be looking at either from metabo or from another brand?

bonus question: what about a cordless grinder? the only batteries i have with enough conceivable juice for a grinder are dewalt flexvolt.

 

[pizza]

I took the advice of Monte and bought Metabo grinder WEV 15-125 Quick Inox

they might not make a 120V version of this variant anyways, but what's "Inox" mean in metabo's grinder lineup?

@Monte ?

edit: perhaps inox has airflow/cooling better optimized for working with adjustable speed turned down for prolonged periods of time, and it also has slower max speed.

i'm trying to decide between WEV 15-125 Quick and WEV 17-125 Quick Inox and am still open to suggestions

 

[mike93lx]

What are you trying to solve for, besides the specs you listed? Are there grinders that have let you down?

Grinders live a hard life and I think I would find it difficult to drop 8x the price of a basic one unless I was using it a ton. No judgements just my take.

For me, a brake and a good switch would be key.

 

[IndyGarage]

Metabo is my favorite to use, and they will take some abuse, but they are not indestructible. I really like the quick system as well.

That said, my favorite one failed on me last year when I was pushing it a bit, but not necessarily abusing it. I was disappointed.

The only two brands I have not been able to kill are the cheap Porter Cable ones and Makitas. The Porter Cables, must be the bargain of the angle grinder world. I have two of them and have abused them for 10 years, and they just keep plugging along. They have no finesse: They run rough and are noisy, but they get the job done. I paid $40 each for them. They are way better than **** China grinders, some of which I have killed in less than an hour.

Makita is the brand I would recommend to anyone that wants a good grinder that will run smooth and last a long time. I have about 5 of them - from the cheapest one they make to one of their top of the line, and they all run good and can take abuse. I haven't killed any of them yet. Unfortunately they don't have the quick system. They do make something called the star system quick release, but it requires proprietary wheels, which isn't going to happen for me.

 

[rlitman]

I'm all for a nice variable speed grinder, but what do you plan to use it for? If you're doing grinding and cutting, you probably don't want variable speed. It's not only another point of failure, but variable speed grinders turned up to full speed usually don't have the power of their single speed brothers (ok, the WEV 15-125 may, but probably at the cost of more weight instead; there's always a tradeoff).

Now if you're polishing or cleaning or blending welds, then sure variable is where it's at. The "inox" model cut sheet implies that it runs at lower speeds for stainless work (so you don't get heat marks).

Cordless grinders have their place, but they're not a replacement for corded - yet. The best ones have caught up in power, though they're heavier, and don't have long run-time. For a cut here and there, ok, but you're shopping for a variable-speed, which implies the kind of slow work that has lots of run-time.

 

[Rabid Badger]

Makita's SJS grinders are world-class and made in Buford, GA.

Inox grinders are optimized for finishing work on stainless steel. They aren't intended for general purpose use.

 

[neophyte]

they might not make a 120V version of this variant anyways, but what's "Inox" mean in metabo's grinder lineup?

@Monte ?

edit: perhaps inox has airflow/cooling better optimized for working with adjustable speed turned down for prolonged periods of time, and it also has slower max speed.

i'm trying to decide between WEV 15-125 Quick and WEV 17-125 Quick Inox and am still open to suggestions

Inox grinders are made for use on Stainless Steel, hence the “Inox” label.
The top rpm speed is lower than on regular angle grinders of the same size, usually topping out at about 7,600+/-rpm, and generally including variable speed and the other electronic features usually included with variable speed.
-“

• Vario-Constamatic (VC)-Full wave electronics with thumbwheel for working with materials requiring customized speeds, which remain almost constant under load
• Electronic overload protection, soft start and restart protection

Other German power tool manufacturers like Flex and Fein also make “inox” grinders.

 

[Beerhippie]

....

Makita is the brand I would recommend to anyone that wants a good grinder that will run smooth and last a long time. I have about 5 of them - from the cheapest one they make to one of their top of the line, and they all run good and can take abuse. I haven't killed any of them yet. Unfortunately they don't have the quick system. They do make something called the star system quick release, but it requires proprietary wheels, which isn't going to happen for me.

I've been using and abusing a Makita 9554NB corded 4 1/2" grinder for the last twenty-odd years. Can't seem to kill the damned thing. Even the cord is still in top-notch condition.

That said, I recently purchased an M18 cordless. I know it has no chance of lasting as a long, nor taking the kind of abuse I sometimes dish out, as the Makita, but every time I just need to do something right now or distant from an outlet, I wonder how I ever got by without it.

If I need to "lean into it", the Makita gets the win. But if I need to just do something fast, the Milwaukee cordless is the one to reach for.

But, this being GJ, I think y'all will agree: Why have only one?

 

[Steve_P]

I have two of the WEV15-125 HT and absolutely love them. They've totally ruined me from using my other non VS grinders because I use a flap wheel very often. If you're just wanting to remove a lot of metal, fast, then the VS isn't necessary. As said. But I can't remember the last time I used one of my non VS Metabos, or my ancient DeWalt.

 

[tarbellb]

dark horse feature rich
Hitachi (HTP) corded brushless 5"

hands down my favorite grinder, grab it before my German Metabo, Fein, etc...*

* I do mostly precision (within reason) and finish grinding so the lighter weight, super skinny body, and safety features make it my go to..

If you are doing heavy cuts and grinding just grab the biggest Metabo or Makita that you're comfortable holding

 

[rlitman]

dark horse feature rich
Hitachi (HTP) corded brushless 5"

hands down my favorite grinder, grab it before my German Metabo, Fein, etc...*

* I do mostly precision (within reason) and finish grinding so the lighter weight, super skinny body, and safety features make it my go to..

If you are doing heavy cuts and grinding just grab the biggest Metabo or Makita that you're comfortable holding

Wow, that looks fantastic. The 8500 RPM no-load speed seems a bit slow to me, so at first glance that metric has me concerned, but it's really the speed under load we care about, and brushless should compete well. The grip format reminds me of my IR VT22-120P105 (which I REALLY like), but I'm sure it doesn't have pneumatic kind of power. Still, that checks off a lot of boxes for me, and if I didn't already have a rack of Fein and Metabo grinders, I'd really be thinking hard about getting one of these.

 

[pizza]

well...
i just saw an az warehouse deal on the WEV 17-125 Quick Inox for $255 $230 $156, so i couldn't resist.
it weighs 5.5lb just like the WEV 15-125.

maybe i'll have a look at the brushless HPT options as well which are around 4lb. it could be a good complement to the heavier, VS grinder, and the lack of top speed on the inox won't matter then if i mostly use the HPT for cuts and stuff.

i'll also have a look at the makita SJS for the heck of it.

the only grinder i've ever had is a 4.5" makita i got almost 20 years ago. it's been good to me but has no fancy features, and i've been without it for months because i left it in another state with my secondary set of tools.

 

[Wamsutta]

I think the 1375A should go down as one of the best angle grinders of all time. I have two of them and I use them for hours on end removing welds. They come with a 4.5 inch guard but I have a 5 inch guard on one of them for running 5 inch Cubitron II discs at a 11,000 RPM.

 

[pizza]

Hitachi (HTP) corded brushless 5"
hands down my favorite grinder

do you remember which one you have?

looking at the brushless HPTs,

5" (G13)
G13VE2 5", 1500W, VS 2.5–8.5krpm, 3.75lb, $170
G13BYEQ 5", 1600W, 10krpm, 4.6lb, non-locking paddle, $160

4.5" (G12)
G12VE2 4.5", 1500W, VS 2.5-8.5krpm, 3.75lb, $170

the G13VE2 definitely sounds interesting at only 3.75lb. just from looking at stock, i think they may be phasing out their non-VS line in favor of VS? like i can't find G12VE (non-VS) for sale anymore, and i see VE2 described as next-gen.

G13VE2 looks like it's probably the same as G12VE2 but with a 5" guard.

 

[rlitman]

..., i think they may be phasing out their non-VS line in favor of VS?...

Brushless throws everything I said about VS out the window. All brushless is inherently speed controlled, so the only big difference in a brushless tool is whether or not that control is exposed to the user (via a knob or whatever).

 

[Terra Nova]

I have a Metabo WP 11-125 grinder and it's fantastic. Highly recommend and would not hesitate to buy another one of their lineup.

 

[Wamsutta]

do you remember which one you have?

looking at the brushless HPTs,

5" (G13)
G13VE2 5", 1500W, VS 2.5–8.5krpm, 3.75lb, $170
G13BYEQ 5", 1600W, 10krpm, 4.6lb, non-locking paddle, $160

4.5" (G12)
G12VE2 4.5", 1500W, VS 2.5-8.5krpm, 3.75lb, $170

the G13VE2 definitely sounds interesting at only 3.75lb. just from looking at stock, i think they may be phasing out their non-VS line in favor of VS? like i can't find G12VE (non-VS) for sale anymore, and i see VE2 described as next-gen.

G13VE2 looks like it's probably the same as G12VE2 but with a 5" guard.

What are you going to be running on the end of the grinder? You don't really need variable speed unless you're running wire cup wheels.

For grinding wheels, you'll want the fastest speed possible for quick material removal.

That one you have listed with the non-locking paddle switch would be horrible. I recommend getting the lock-on side switch.

 

[Beerhippie]

What are you going to be running on the end of the grinder? You don't really need variable speed unless you're running wire cup wheels.

For grinding wheels, you'll want the fastest speed possible for quick material removal.

That one you have listed with the non-locking paddle switch would be horrible. I recommend getting the lock-on side switch.

Faster speeds also leave a smoother finish using the same media. My old Makita runs at 10K rpm, while the new Milwaukee runs at 11K. You wouldn't think that 1000 rpm is that big of a difference, but the difference in finish is very noticeable. It's like stepping up grits by 50%, but using the same wheel.

 

[Wamsutta]

Faster speeds also leave a smoother finish using the same media. My old Makita runs at 10K rpm, while the new Milwaukee runs at 11K. You wouldn't think that 1000 rpm is that big of a difference, but the difference in finish is very noticeable. It's like stepping up grits by 50%, but using the same wheel.

For the smoother finish and to level out the surface, I use a sanding disc on the other grinder. I'm going to start buying Cubitron II for everything.

The regular aluminum oxide discs are slow and don't last long on tough steel like the ER70S-6.

 

[Beerhippie]

For the smoother finish and to level out the surface, I use a sanding disc on the other grinder. I'm going to start buying Cubitron II for everything.

The regular aluminum oxide discs are slow and don't last long on tough steel like the ER70S-6.

I haven't tried Cubitron on steel yet--other than on a flat plate for flattening tools--but I'm rockin' it on my RA sanders for wood.

Unfortunately, no one around here carries it. I'll have to order some for the 5" sanding disk.

What grits do you find yourself using?

 

[Wamsutta]

I haven't tried Cubitron on steel yet--other than on a flat plate for flattening tools--but I'm rockin' it on my RA sanders for wood.

Unfortunately, no one around here carries it. I'll have to order some for the 5" sanding disk.

What grits do you find yourself using?

I'm using 36 grit on the sanding discs. They don't tell you the grit for the grinding wheel.

I get them on eBay. They're way too expensive locally.

 

[Sumboodie]

I'm using 36 grit on the sanding discs. They don't tell you the grit for the grinding wheel.

I get them on eBay. They're way too expensive locally.

Most grinder discs are 36 grit

 

[pizza]

That one you have listed with the non-locking paddle switch would be horrible. I recommend getting the lock-on side switch.

all i've ever used is a locking side switch. i get that non-locking is safer, but f me, i still want the lock. lol
i think intuitively paddle sounds worse, but i wonder if i'd like rat tail or trigger style.

anyway, i just mentioned that paddle one as a comparison since it's the older gen HPT brushless.
the only HPT catching my eye is the G13VE2.

 

[Beerhippie]

I'm using 36 grit on the sanding discs. They don't tell you the grit for the grinding wheel.

I get them on eBay. They're way too expensive locally.

I just bought a 5-pack of 36 grit to try out. I'll pick up a 40 flapwheel next time I'm at NAPA, as they actually stock them as singles.

I haven't used a stone (bonded) wheel in a long time. Flapwheels, fiber disks and cut-off wheels do what I need.

 

[Wamsutta]

the only HPT catching my eye is the G13VE2.

That one tops out at 8500 RPM. What will you be needing the lower RPM for?

 

[Wamsutta]

I just bought a 5-pack of 36 grit to try out. I'll pick up a 40 flapwheel next time I'm at NAPA, as they actually stock them as singles.

I haven't used a stone (bonded) wheel in a long time. Flapwheels, fiber disks and cut-off wheels do what I need.

I have given up on flap discs; they don't remove material fast enough for me.

 

[swsman]

My vote goes for better quality Makita, followed closely by Metabo (German made).
Buy once, cry once as you have a particular demands for it.

I am using a variety, two Milwaukee M18 Fuel 2880-20 cordless (one with cutoff wheel/the other one with a grinding disc), plus 4 corded units (Chicago Electric over 20yrs old and still kicking, Hitachi, and two more HF units).
When corded stuff kicks the bucket I plan on Metabo upgrade at some point.
4 1/2" to 5" is what I have on hand, no need for a larger angle grinder.

 

[The Cobbler]

Makita is the brand I would recommend to anyone that wants a good grinder that will run smooth and last a long time. I have about 5 of them - from the cheapest one they make to one of their top of the line, and they all run good and can take abuse. I haven't killed any of them yet. Unfortunately they don't have the quick system. They do make something called the star system quick release, but it requires proprietary wheels, which isn't going to happen for me.

I have several grinders,all corded. Milwaukee , dewalt & Makita are the top names, and several generics... the Makita runs very smooth, by far the smoothest runner I own .. I destroyed the gears in the head by using 5" discs on a 4-1/2" tool and getting it jammed and reefing on it.it was almost too hot to touch ... My fault, totally... new gears were about $10 , cleaned out the housing, put them in, greased them up & the grinder is like new again . https://www.garagejournal.com/forum...rinder-110v-quality-unit.510240/#post-9975347

 

[Beerhippie]

I have several grinders,all corded. Milwaukee , dewalt & Makita are the top names, and several generics... the Makita runs very smooth, by far the smoothest runner I own .. I destroyed the gears in the head by using 5" discs on a 4-1/2" tool and getting it jammed and reefing on it.it was almost too hot to touch ... My fault, totally... new gears were about $10 , cleaned out the housing, put them in, greased them up & the grinder is like new again .

Thanks for the reminder! I need to open the head on my Makita up and grease the gears... getting a little noisy after twenty-odd years of daily use.

 

[swsman]

Thanks for the reminder! I need to open the head on my Makita up and grease the gears... getting a little noisy after twenty-odd years of daily use.

It is well worth it, just did all of my corded ones a couple weeks back. Some of the factory grease was chunky to say the least.

 

[Beerhippie]

It is well worth it, just did all of my corded ones a couple weeks back. Some of the factory grease was chunky to say the least.

Yup, it's time.

 

[The Cobbler]

A while back I bought a very gently used generic angle grinder because it was cheap . I greased up the gears & it made it remarkably quieter & smoother running. it had almost no grease in it https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/how-bad-are-metabo-hpt-tools.531385/#post-10636615

 

[Beerhippie]

Purrs like a kitten now--a really angry kitten purring at 10,000 rpm.

The bearing still feel like new--old Makitas rock!

 

[scooby074]

Metabo (german) make a fine grinder. They are rebranded as Walter and are considered the cadillac. The Walter Big6 is a beast with all the bells and whistles. I wouldnt buy an Metabo Inox model. Its slower speed and made to work Stainless (inoxable) Steel.

What I used most in industry is the Makita 9005B. 5" rat tail. They are (or were) made in Canada. Absolute tank of a grinder and took whatever abuse a 300lb pissed off millwright could throw at it. No fancy anti-vibe system or brushless motor, or variable speeds, just a rock solid grinder you can rely on.

 

[tarbellb]

My model (have 3) is the G12VE- 4.5" model it looks like. All have performed flawlessly.

Ive pulled all my guards off and run 5" cutting disc, fiber resin pads, and some flap. Rarely I will throw a big wire brush on and turn down the rpms. But that and heavy work gets thrown to the Fein

 

[Rinspeed]

I've had very good luck with Milwaukee.

 

[Hohn]

Metabo is my favorite to use, and they will take some abuse, but they are not indestructible. I really like the quick system as well.

That said, my favorite one failed on me last year when I was pushing it a bit, but not necessarily abusing it. I was disappointed.

The only two brands I have not been able to kill are the cheap Porter Cable ones and Makitas. The Porter Cables, must be the bargain of the angle grinder world. I have two of them and have abused them for 10 years, and they just keep plugging along. They have no finesse: They run rough and are noisy, but they get the job done. I paid $40 each for them. They are way better than **** China grinders, some of which I have killed in less than an hour.

Makita is the brand I would recommend to anyone that wants a good grinder that will run smooth and last a long time. I have about 5 of them - from the cheapest one they make to one of their top of the line, and they all run good and can take abuse. I haven't killed any of them yet. Unfortunately they don't have the quick system. They do make something called the star system quick release, but it requires proprietary wheels, which isn't going to happen for me.

I bought a new SJS 5" makita a couple months ago-- 15 amps in a 5" grinder. Variable speed.


As far as I can tell, it's the best corded angle grinder on earth for heavy work in a 5" size. SUPER smooth, insane torque, quick stop e-brake.
Add a quick-change setup of your preference from 3M or Pferd or such and don't look back.

It's as powerful as my 7" Hitachi GS18 (also 15a) but weighs half as much.

 

[GaryM909]

What I used most in industry is the Makita 9005B. 5" rat tail. They are (or were) made in Canada. Absolute tank of a grinder and took whatever abuse a 300lb pissed off millwright could throw at it. No fancy anti-vibe system or brushless motor, or variable speeds, just a rock solid grinder you can rely on.

I have been using those for over 35 years. I always bought 6" guards for them. Back in 2010 I had to switch to
Dewalt DWTDWE43066 because the client wouldn't let me use a 6" guard on the Makita. They weren't as durable as the Makita ones but they were easy to handle with the slim body. I sold the Dewalt grinders when I sold my rig.
I am still using the Makita grinders in my garage (5) and I have two cordless DeWalt 6"grinders with three 9ah batteries. The Dewalt seem pretty good so far but they haven't been abused like the Makita ones.

 

[IndyGarage]

I bought a new SJS 5" makita a couple months ago-- 15 amps in a 5" grinder. Variable speed.


As far as I can tell, it's the best corded angle grinder on earth for heavy work in a 5" size. SUPER smooth, insane torque, quick stop e-brake.
Add a quick-change setup of your preference from 3M or Pferd or such and don't look back.

It's as powerful as my 7" Hitachi GS18 (also 15a) but weighs half as much.

I have both of those and they both work good.

The 7-9 inch grinders are ok for grinding, but I use most of my grinders with wire wheels, which is a power hog, and the big ones are just too much to handle with a wire wheel. I've got a big 9 inch Dewalt that wears me out in about 5 minutes. It's a monster. I also have the big all metal Makita grinder, which is better, but still tough to hold onto for a long period of time.

Honestly, with a grinding wheel, the smaller grinders do a pretty good job.

 

[pizza]

I bought a new SJS 5" makita a couple months ago-- 15 amps in a 5" grinder. Variable speed.


As far as I can tell, it's the best corded angle grinder on earth for heavy work in a 5" size. SUPER smooth, insane torque, quick stop e-brake.
Add a quick-change setup of your preference from 3M or Pferd or such and don't look back.

It's as powerful as my 7" Hitachi GS18 (also 15a) but weighs half as much.

not seeing a 5" variable speed with e-brake. a couple have mechanical brake, though.

https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/GA5091 (side switch)
https://www.makitatools.com/products/details/GA5093 (paddle)

one of these, maybe?
also, made in usa? lol, i wonder if the "GA" model prefix means made in georgia. at a glance, they're all SJS.