Let's Talk About Die Grinder

[dragonle87]

I have been looking at a few brand (Snap-On, Aircat, Florida Pneumatic, Ingersoll, & Matco). I want to have a straight & angle die grinders. But I may be sticking with Snap-On.

Straight:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...6&group_ID=809&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Angle:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...5&group_ID=809&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog


These are slightly the stronger version. Any suggestions or recommendations on different brands?

Thanks

 

[garfunkle24]

Those are great die-grinders. They are Sioux's previous model line badged as Snap-on.

For 90* die grinders I recommend buying a quality unit, as the bevel gears in the cheapies don't last.

Personally, when it comes to straight die grinders, I'd rather have 10 Harbor Freight units each chucked with different attachments than 1 Snap-on unit. Then again, I really hate changing die-grinder attachments.

I also recommend getting one of these mini polishers:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?search=true&item_ID=89476&PartNo=AT401MC&group_id=19404&supersede=&store=snapon-store&tool=all

They only spin at 15k rpm but but have a straight mounted motor that will run forever. If you use that when you don't need the power/speed of the 90 deg die grinder, the die grinder will last a lot longer.

 

[ZRX61]

Do NOT buy a Matco die grinder, they really are absolute **** these days. My original one lasted about 15 years. the replacement didn't even make it 2 weeks.

 

[BigMike782]

I hate to admit it but I have 10 or so Chicom 90 degree set up for all kinds of apps and have yet to loose one.The one set up with the death wheel really gets the **** beat out of it.

 

[dragonle87]

well i'm just planning to use to cut any bolts or rusted nuts & remove the old gasket.

 

[jjjrmx5]

The two grinders you list in your OP are by far among the nicest out there if looking for the small light industrial types.

I use Mac (rebranded IR) and IR (both full metal casing and insulated like the ones above) and have had no problems.

I keep them oiled and cleaned up, but even teh HF grinders those on the floor use seem to hold up ok.

Buy the best you can afford if you use it alot, but there are alternatives if the S-O units seem high in price.

 

[Ritter4.0]

I have the Aircat 6255. I like it but don't use it too much. I bought the mini Kobalt straight die grinder for $20. It was super loud, but now its quieter than my Aircat 6255. The Kobalt does not have very much power since I modified it, but I am going to try to fix that. At my workbench I run a little under 90psi, so that makes a difference too.

 

[rodm1]

You could get a used Dotco for the Snap On price.

 

[sberry]

The straight can be had at Home Depot for about 40$, the home/hobby crowd couldnt wear one out. It has outlasted or equel to some "good " ones. They are made under different labels by same outfit. A 20$ one isnt much good but for about double can get decent tool.

 

[shampoop]

I currently only have a basic IR 90 degree die grinder. I want to eventually also get a straight grinder.

If i could do it all over again, i'd either stay with the basic IR i got, or upgrade to one with a composite case (to insulate from cold and increase grip), and cheap out on a straight one and get a HF or something similar.

 

[hotrozz]

I paid $20 for a Taiwan HF 90 angle die grinder over 15 years ago. I use it on a regular basis in a truck shop environment and almost never oil it, it still works perfectly.

 

[garfunkle24]

I hate to admit it but I have 10 or so Chicom 90 degree set up for all kinds of apps and have yet to loose one.The one set up with the death wheel really gets the **** beat out of it.

I paid $20 for a Taiwan HF 90 angle die grinder over 15 years ago. I use it on a regular basis in a truck shop environment and almost never oil it, it still works perfectly.

Sounds like you guys have much better luck with 90 deg units than I do. I'm lucky if I can get 6 months out of even the good branded ones. That's why I bought the straight motor grinder to save on wear.

Maybe it's my homemade 18" sanding disks running at 225psi that are the problem?

 

[Sterff]

This maybe different than what your looking for but, I love using my 14.4V IR...

 

[wheats71]

i have used the husky straight die grinder pictured in mrberry's post
for 10+ years with cut off wheels and knotted 3 inch wire brushes
cant beat it for power doesnt run a smopoth as my S/O grinder but has more power
and a fifth of the price

 

[dragonle87]

The two grinders you list in your OP are by far among the nicest out there if looking for the small light industrial types.

I use Mac (rebranded IR) and IR (both full metal casing and insulated like the ones above) and have had no problems.

I keep them oiled and cleaned up, but even teh HF grinders those on the floor use seem to hold up ok.

Buy the best you can afford if you use it alot, but there are alternatives if the S-O units seem high in price.

Thanks. I only thought I only needed those 2 grinders. Though what about power wise? The S-O unit have 2 different HP versions: 0.3hp & 0.5hp. I dont know it will make a lot of difference by 0.2hp.

Thanks again

 

[garfunkle24]

Thanks. I only thought I only needed those 2 grinders. Though what about power wise? The S-O unit have 2 different HP versions: 0.3hp & 0.5hp. I dont know it will make a lot of difference by 0.2hp.

Thanks again

I've never been using a die grinder and wished it had less power.....

Also, I would say it will make approximately a 66.6% difference

 

[avalanchex88]

I have a Snap-On straight and angle, and an ir angle, both are decent. I also have a Dynabrade cut-off wheel and da. If Dynabrades die grinders are anything like the rest of their tools, i would seriously look at theirs before buying any other replacement.

 

[Hammer1963]

I own both Snap-on and Matco die grinders and both are very reliable and powerful. My current collection included by the smaller Snap-on and larger units in both straight and angle configurations as well as two low RPM die grinders with 1/4" chucks. All have been in use for several years and not one issue from any of them.

I use the Matco 1/2 HP units in both straight and angle styles, the reversable cut-tool, the 2" angle grinder that I have modified to use 3" wheels and these tools are beast.

Only thing I do is oil them daily with Marvel Mystery Oil and grease the bevel cut gears where applicable and run the **** out of them. You can't go wrong with any of these tools.

 

[crewchief888]

my astro (mac) die grinders have been around for 20+ years.
both still work as expected (for 20 year old "cheap" tools).

they've survived in my service truck for 7 years now, if they were an everyday use tool, i would have replaced them by now.

i picked up a HF cutoff tool when it was on sale last year, and was fairly impressed with it.

 

[jjjrmx5]

Thanks. I only thought I only needed those 2 grinders. Though what about power wise? The S-O unit have 2 different HP versions: 0.3hp & 0.5hp. I dont know it will make a lot of difference by 0.2hp.

Thanks again

Didn't realize that they made several with HP differences. I never looked.

I use the die bits for any and all tasks and also use a 4" dia kevlar preg cutting disc for cutting and trimming armor plate for various gov't military contract jobs. Never had a problem.

If you have a Mac truck, check with them for the deal they used to do with both a MAC straight and 90 degree air grinder for $75 (rebadged IR). It's been a few years but they usually offer it twice a year. I still have a set brand new in blister pack as a back up.

If used every day I suggest dynabrade or Snappy. If only weekly or less, IR, CP or anything better than HF or the hddware stores witll be fine.