need ELECTRIC right angle die grinder recommendations

[BTL-A4]

I'm looking for a small, ELECTRIC right angle die grinder. A straight one would be okay, but they all seem too big. I'd prefer a cord, but cordless could work if it has the power and run time. I need this for dressing inside corner welds, among other tasks.

I have an M12 rotary tool; would this work? I don't have any burr bits, so I haven't tried it. It also uses a chuck, so standard 1/4" bit won't fit.

Milwaukee M12 rotary tool:


My 2 choices for a cordless one seem to be:

Milwaukee M12:

I have one M12 tool already, so the extra battery will be nice. But this needs to be more than "ok" for me to spend $200.

Ryobi:

I drink the limeade, so have lots of batteries and chargers. this one seems a little big. I can't go to the store and check it out, it's only available online.

Thoughts and comments from anyone who has used these would be appreciated. Thanks!

 

[dnschmidt]

The M12 is good but it REQUIRES the 5.0 of 6.0 XC batteries. Ryobi, if you've got unlimited room and a bag full of batteries probably isn't that bad of a choice. Rotary tool is a different class of tool not comparable to either of the other two.

 

[CobraRed]

Milwaukee 3485-20 is the new one out next month, I'd just wait to see it on TTC and check out if it's good

 

[FigN⋅m]

Milwaukee 3485-20 is the new one out next month, I'd just wait to see it on TTC and check out if it's good

The $150 with batteries sale was obviously an indication that a new one was finally coming, but I still couldn't pass it up...

 

[mike93lx]

I love my M12 right angle grinder. Super useful

 

[Benito]

M12 RA has no balls, i use air for right angle still

 

[GaryM909]

I have a Metabo flex shaft that works well. I paid about $250 cad about 11 years ago but you might have to empty your wallet to buy one these days. I use it with an older Makita die grinder with a toggle switch.

 

[UOfan]

I have the Bosch RA (12V cordless). Great tool, I use it constantly with a flap disc and wire wheel. But the battery life is terrible with the 2ah batteries. So be it. Very nice to have no cords or hoses to wrangle.

Ive used it to prep metal for welding but only small areas. It’s amazing for cleaning rust/crud off parts…no so much for getting to bare steel on large pieces (unless you have 3+ charged batteries).

 

[LXCam]

I’ve had that straight Milwaukee for a while now and it’s pretty damn unimpressive. I just bought the 90 degree one with the 5amp battery but haven’t used it yet so I guess we’ll see.

 

[FigN⋅m]

I’ve had that straight Milwaukee for a while now and it’s pretty damn unimpressive. I just bought the 90 degree one with the 5amp battery but haven’t used it yet so I guess we’ll see.

I agree you really do need to be realistic about what it is actually capable of...
I use mine mostly for finish/paint, not stock removal. It just ain't got the beans for that.
But way less gangly than air (for me) and way faster to deploy than the 4.5" for small tasks.

 

[LXCam]

I agree you really do need to be realistic about what it is actually capable of...
I use mine mostly for finish/paint, not stock removal. It just ain't got the beans for that.
But way less gangly than air (for me) and way faster to deploy than the 4.5" for small tasks.

I’ve got top of the line pneumatic stuff that i never expected the cordless to compare too. But I did expect a little more. I’ll get to play with the 90 degree one next week and see if it’s got a bit more grunt. I bought my superintendent one and he says it’s much better.

 

[GeoBruin]

I have both the straight and right angle M12. The straight one pretty much always has a carbide Burr in it while the right angle model rotates between a cutoff wheel, a Scotch-Brite disc, and bristle discs of various flavors. In my opinion you're asking too much to put a 3-in Scotch-Brite disc on it and really lean into it. That's why I've pretty much standardized on the 2-in wheels.

If I have a job that's too much for the M12 and I can't fit an angle grinder, I have pneumatic die grinders that will get the job done but I use the M12 90% of the time. When the new model comes out, I will buy it the first day it's available. It's supposed to have more power and torque and better ergonomics. I'm just excited not to have to swap discs so often.

 

[BTL-A4]

I love my M12 right angle grinder. Super useful

I have both the straight and right angle M12. The straight one pretty much always has a carbide Burr in it while the right angle model rotates between a cutoff wheel, a Scotch-Brite disc, and bristle discs of various flavors. In my opinion you're asking too much to put a 3-in Scotch-Brite disc on it and really lean into it. That's why I've pretty much standardized on the 2-in wheels.

If I have a job that's too much for the M12 and I can't fit an angle grinder, I have pneumatic die grinders that will get the job done but I use the M12 90% of the time. When the new model comes out, I will buy it the first day it's available. It's supposed to have more power and torque and better ergonomics. I'm just excited not to have to swap discs so often.

Would you say this is capable of grinding inside fillet welds on steel? I have some inside corner welds I'd like to clean up a bit for aesthetic purposes. I'd be using a 1/4" shank carbide burr bit.

 

[BTL-A4]

M12 RA has no balls, i use air for right angle still

What are you using it for? Would it work for grinding down inside corner welds? I don't have air capability.

 

[BTL-A4]

The M12 is good but it REQUIRES the 5.0 of 6.0 XC batteries. Ryobi, if you've got unlimited room and a bag full of batteries probably isn't that bad of a choice. Rotary tool is a different class of tool not comparable to either of the other two.

So don't get anything less than a 5.0, huh? There's a few 3.0 and 4.0 batteries for sale near me; would you recommend staying away?

The Ryobi is tempting; I have lots of batteries, but it is much bigger than the Milwaukee.

Yeah, the rotary tool is not really meant for this application. I use it all the time, but not on welds.

 

[mike93lx]

I haven't tried mine with burrs but I do run it with 2.0's and 4.0's regularly. The 2's work but don't last for ****.

I wouldn't consider it a replacement for air, but for someone that doesn't have air tools, it's pretty great.

 

[FigN⋅m]

What are you using it for? Would it work for grinding down inside corner welds? I don't have air capability.

I tend to use mine for prepping to weld - not cleaning them up, but with enough decent batteries, you'd be ok.

 

[BTL-A4]

I came across this on CL:



Thoughts? Anyone ever use one? I think it's a pawn shop.

 

[Black300zx]

Are you planning on dressing welds all day long, or just occasionally? My m12 RADG with a good burr did just fine cleaning up my cast iron manifolds. I frankly have never had an issue with power when using burrs. 3inch rolocs will stall it out. I don't notice much difference between 4.0 and 6.0xc, but cp batteries are weaksauce

It did just fine on my cast iron manifolds

 

[BTL-A4]

Are you planning on dressing welds all day long, or just occasionally? My m12 RADG with a good burr did just fine cleaning up my cast iron manifolds. I frankly have never had an issue with power when using burrs. 3inch rolocs will stall it out. I don't notice much difference between 4.0 and 6.0xc, but cp batteries are weaksauce

It did just fine on my cast iron manifolds

I'm a home gamer that will be doing this every once in awhile, not all day, everyday. I would like something that works when I need it to. thanks for the battery info!

 

[mike93lx]

I'm a home gamer that will be doing this every once in awhile, not all day, everyday. I would like something that works when I need it to. thanks for the battery info!

I think the M12 would work well in that application

 

[JradM]

There's a new M12: Milwaukee M12 Fuel Right Angle Die Grinder got an Upgrade.

I use the 12v Bosch and it would handle everything you want without issue - but if I were buying today (and ignoring any potential price discrepancy), I would go with the Milwaukee.

Super handy tools by the way. Having a cordless version really changes how I use mine. I have a shop at my house, but it's not like I keep my compressor charged at all times. That often meant I found a workaround (be it an angle grinder, rotary tool, file, etc.) for any small jobs, rather than charge up my compressor to use my pneumatic die grinders. Not anymore.

 

[txvwnut]

I'm a home gamer that will be doing this every once in awhile, not all day, everyday. I would like something that works when I need it to. thanks for the battery info!

The Milwaukee will suit you well for that. Once you figure it out you'll be amazed at how well it actually performs.

 

[BTL-A4]

There's a new M12: Milwaukee M12 Fuel Right Angle Die Grinder got an Upgrade.

I use the 12v Bosch and it would handle everything you want without issue - but if I were buying today (and ignoring any potential price discrepancy), I would go with the Milwaukee.

Super handy tools by the way. Having a cordless version really changes how I use mine. I have a shop at my house, but it's not like I keep my compressor charged at all times. That often meant I found a workaround (be it an angle grinder, rotary tool, file, etc.) for any small jobs, rather than charge up my compressor to use my pneumatic die grinders. Not anymore.

Same here; having to turn on the compressor for a small job got old real fast. I have one Milwaukee M12, so I already have a charger and battery (a small one, though).

The Milwaukee will suit you well for that. Once you figure it out you'll be amazed at how well it actually performs.

What bits do you use? I'm thinking of using carbide burrs.

 

[txvwnut]

Same here; having to turn on the compressor for a small job got old real fast. I have one Milwaukee M12, so I already have a charger and battery (a small one, though).


What bits do you use? I'm thinking of using carbide burrs.

It's main gig is 2" flap wheels or sanding discs but I have used carbide burrs, 1" sanding drums, my homemade strip sandpaper polishing apparatus and cutoff discs. If you get overzealous with it, it will shut itself off and flash the battery indicator lights until you let off the go button. If you wanting to do a long heavy operation with the burrs then this may not be the tool for the job unless you have a fair amount of batteries and give sufficient time to cool down.

 

[Black300zx]

The Milwaukee will suit you well for that. Once you figure it out you'll be amazed at how well it actually performs.

Especially if he gets a gen1 RADG at a nice discount given the gen2 release

 

[tarmy]

What are you using it for? Would it work for grinding down inside corner welds? I don't have air capability.

The only M tool I am not impressed with is the right angle grinder you are considering. I have a lot of M18 and M12 tools…love them and use them hard…however, this one is a stall out whimp. The only thing I use it for is 2” rolox and buffing attachments. Inside welds I use a variable speed die grinder with burrs and round edge flap wheels.

 

[GeoBruin]

I came across this on CL:



Thoughts? Anyone ever use one? I think it's a pawn shop.

Those are really meant to run stones. Great for precision work but not a substitute for a die grinder the likes of which we are discussing here.

I have two Dumore 10-series hand grinders.

 

[LXCam]

There's a new M12: Milwaukee M12 Fuel Right Angle Die Grinder got an Upgrade.

I use the 12v Bosch and it would handle everything you want without issue - but if I were buying today (and ignoring any potential price discrepancy), I would go with the Milwaukee.

Super handy tools by the way. Having a cordless version really changes how I use mine. I have a shop at my house, but it's not like I keep my compressor charged at all times. That often meant I found a workaround (be it an angle grinder, rotary tool, file, etc.) for any small jobs, rather than charge up my compressor to use my pneumatic die grinders. Not anymore.

The only M tool I am not impressed with is the right angle grinder you are considering. I have a lot of M18 and M12 tools…love them and use them hard…however, this one is a stall out whimp. The only thing I use it for is 2” rolox and buffing attachments. Inside welds I use a variable speed die grinder with burrs and round edge flap wheels.

Tarmy, you have V1 right?. I know the two I just bought are the V2's that Jrad posted. I'll put that thing to a test and see how it compares to the older straight unit.

 

[darkzero]

I've got both the M12 RA & straight die grinders. They work well enough for me, the convenience of them & quick to use makes them well worth it. My air die grinders are the only air tools I have not put away in storage yet but at home I have not used them since I got the cordless.

I wanted another RA for work but could not justify the cost for another M12. I ended up breaking my rule & got a Walmart one. For $47 including a battery I couldn't be happier although it does have minor cons. I did get a 4ah battery & "real" charger for it which were also dirt cheap ($25 & $15).

HF/Hercules has a RA coming out soon.

 

[Cruzan80]

Those are really meant to run stones. Great for precision work but not a substitute for a die grinder the likes of which we are discussing here.

I have two Dumore 10-series hand grinders.

The ones I have like are great workhorses, but they are also heavy. Like can use a single hand, but not ergonomically, and better with a second.

 

[Sumboodie]

The M12 is good but it REQUIRES the 5.0 of 6.0 XC batteries. Ryobi, if you've got unlimited room and a bag full of batteries probably isn't that bad of a choice. Rotary tool is a different class of tool not comparable to either of the other two.

I don't own those batteries, been using the M12 die grinder for 5-6 years. Use the normal #2? battery.

 

[mreisner]

I've been very happy with my M12 ra. I have a Snap One neck straight one also which is convenient for getting into tight spots. The M12 has a little more grunt to it I believe, but with either one the secret with carbide burrs is to have a good quality one. First time I used my M12 I wasn't real impressed with it, I took a closer look at the Burr and saw it was not the sharpest. I ended up getting a set of the Mac truck which have a lifetime warranty and it made it much better. The first one I was using was not particularly low it just wasn't as well made and aggressive. I have found that quality varies greatly with carbide burrs. With an air die grinder you can get away with a lesser quality bit by compensating with more power, not so much with the cordless ones.

 

[tarmy]

Tarmy, you have V1 right?. I know the two I just bought are the V2's that Jrad posted. I'll put that thing to a test and see how it compares to the older straight unit.

V1

 

[BTL-A4]

I've got both the M12 RA & straight die grinders. They work well enough for me, the convenience of them & quick to use makes them well worth it. My air die grinders are the only air tools I have not put away in storage yet but at home I have not used them since I got the cordless.

I wanted another RA for work but could not justify the cost for another M12. I ended up breaking my rule & got a Walmart one. For $47 including a battery I couldn't be happier although it does have minor cons. I did get a 4ah battery & "real" charger for it which were also dirt cheap ($25 & $15).

HF/Hercules has a RA coming out soon.

I was avoiding Walmart and another battery platform. These look very similar! Hmmmm...

I was surprised HF didn't have one. It's about time they came out with one.

 

[BTL-A4]

The ones I have like are great workhorses, but they are also heavy. Like can use a single hand, but not ergonomically, and better with a second.

I thought they might not be as comfortable to use one-handed. Thanks for your input, much appreciated!

 

[BTL-A4]

I've been very happy with my M12 ra. I have a Snap One neck straight one also which is convenient for getting into tight spots. The M12 has a little more grunt to it I believe, but with either one the secret with carbide burrs is to have a good quality one. First time I used my M12 I wasn't real impressed with it, I took a closer look at the Burr and saw it was not the sharpest. I ended up getting a set of the Mac truck which have a lifetime warranty and it made it much better. The first one I was using was not particularly low it just wasn't as well made and aggressive. I have found that quality varies greatly with carbide burrs. With an air die grinder you can get away with a lesser quality bit by compensating with more power, not so much with the cordless ones.

Thanks for your input, much appreciated! I bought some Astro Pneumatic bits. I try not to be cheap with cutter bits, drills and saw blades.

 

[BTL-A4]

Thanks for the input everyone. I bought the Ryobi and some Astro Pneumatic burrs. I have tons of Ryobi batteries. For about the price of the M12 I got the Ryobi, a carbide burr set and some hex screwdrivers. It got decent reviews (4.8/5 with 308 reviews). Here's the AI-generated summary:

Customers say the Ryobi 18V Brushless Cordless Compact Right Angle Die Grinder is a powerful and versatile tool that excels in various applications, particularly for automotive and metalworking tasks. Users appreciate its lightweight design, multiple speed settings, and the convenience of being cordless, eliminating the need for air hoses. While many find it performs comparably to pneumatic tools, some have noted issues with overheating and the need for larger batteries for optimal performance. Overall, it is well-regarded for its value and effectiveness in completing projects efficiently.

I was really tempted to get the M12 (I have one battery and a charger), and I thought I might get the V1 since a new one was coming out, but the new one seems so much better, I thought why not get something newer. The Ryobi uses batteries I already have and it got good reviews so I thought I'd try it. I'll use it and report back.

 

[tarbellb]

Nice report back on how it works out for you. Those Astro bits are supposed to be nice.

In general I like double cut HSS or carbide depending on the material


ps Milwaukee not using a spindle-lock on the 2485 is a huge oversight and reason enough to jump on the competition

 

[FigN⋅m]

ps Milwaukee not using a spindle-lock on the 2485 is a huge oversight and reason enough to wait for the new model

FIFY