Lets talk about small angle Grinders

[madcrisis]

Ok so I have some larger units but my dad is always using the 4.5" grinder that I liketo use (in all fairness it is his). I try to keep it on my welding cart but its never there when I need it. So this leads me to wanting my own as with most other things.

So ive heard of a lot of people using the Harbor freight one with decent results after a nice lubing but I havent heard anyhting about other brands. I know Metabos are top of the line and I absolutely love their grinders but I dont really want to spend that much. I was looking at the craftsman grinders because I have 15 in points for purchase over 50. Specifically these:

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-4-1-2-in-small-angle-grinder/p-00924542000P?adCell=REC_1_0

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...p-00924544000P?prdNo=4&blockNo=4&blockType=G4

Any word on these. Ive noticed one has a paddle switch and the other doesnt. Im not really sold on paddle switches but I dont mind them either.

Any other reccomendations for a good 4.5" grinder in the 30-50 is range? Whatre you guys using? It will see infrequent use but when used will be used hard as I do with everything. Id like to get years out of one if possible in this price range. If the harbor freight version isnt that much worse maybe Ill just abuse the $10 one until it dies.

Thoughts and suggestions?

thanks in advance.

 

[madcrisis]

Oh and I did search but came up with a million un related threads of people talking about the HF or random other posts.

 

[crewchief888]

i have several 4 1/2" grinders.

CM pro
dewalt
hitachi
2 HF orange


the HF grinders are inexpensive ( i paid $10 ea for them 7 years ago), but they do vibrate a lot more than anything else.

the dewalt is nice, no issues $59 @ home depot
the hitachi is probably the best "deal"
mine came with a blow molded case, and 5 wheels $40 on sale at lowes.

the CM pro i have had the smaller metric spindle, that i didnt really like, i use a threaded adapter with it.


i'd suggest you wrap your hands around each one at a store before you buy.
they all have a different feel to them. some just dont have the right "feeling" in my hands. i'd rather not have something spinning at 11K RPM in my hand that i cant get a good grip on.

 

[Ign]

x2 on HF vibration. I know some people swear by them and I like HF but swore off their grinders years ago.

I've got two Metabos, 2 Ridgids (one Metabo and one post-Metabo) and 2 Milwaukees. I like 'em all.

Look for a motor 7A or greater, a grip YOU find comfortable, and a QUALITY cord. One of my Ridgids has a really long, flexible cord and its awesome.

 

[jake00]

Yea, in the range you're looking at, I'd figure out what feels the best

 

[hackwelder]

X3 on excessive HF vibration, also my HF angle grinder did not have a "deadman" switch which is a safety issue, especially with wire cup brushes...have only wire brushed myself once (my fault) and got a really nasty wound.
Now have DeWalt and Hitachi 4.5" angle grinders and both are good.

 

[ken w.]

I have 2 Milwaukee grinders with the paddle switch. They are my favorite. I bought a $ 10.00 HF with a 20 % coupon and it was on sale. It's ok. Nothing great. I bought it grind some slots in concrete and didn't care if I ruined it. It has some vibration and not thrilled with the switch that's on top.

 

[CJM8515]

I have 2, a cheapo black and decker I got when I wanted a throw away that just wont die. It vibrates a good bit, but not as bad as the HF I returned. I also have a makita 6amp that will out work my buddies 8ish? amp crapsmen.

 

[BK13]

I have a 4" Makita, a 4.5" DeWalt, and one of the Bosch 4.5" Slim. Despite not being a DeWalt guy, it is my favorite grinder I've used. the Bosch is a little rougher sounding, and the 4" wheels on the Makita are a little harder to find.

My advise: get one with at least an 8 amp motor. I can stall all of mine out way too easily.

I will pick up at least one Fein and one Metabo in the future...

 

[SchuLace]

I bought a Black and Decker a couple weeks ago for $40. So far it seems to be a good tool. I have used it for grinding, cutting and with a flap wheel so far and it has worked fine for me. I bought it with the plans on using it occasionally.

 

[SMKS]

More info on one of the grinders in question in this thread:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=227903

I found during my googling that it's a rebadged Porter-Cable.

 

[justme-]

We bought a Hf several years ago which turned out to have a metric shaft - had to have an adaptor made to use normal 4-1/2 discs. Decent other than that, but I'll pass unless I need a disposable one. I have a Dewalt that's about 4 years old now. Love it - smooth and powerful. I dislike paddle switches, but it's preference. It's the safety thing on the paddle that bothers me.

 

[Ign]

The Craftsman pictured in post #11 does indeed look like the PC I bought on clearance at TSC awhile back. The quick release for the guard is kinda cool, altho it went into the recycle bin as do most of my guards Honestly I don't care for this grinder that much, the handle kicking forward is just flat-out weird and it's got a fair bit of vibration combined with a sickly shriek (presumably from cheap bearings), this is definitely an entry-level grinder.

 

[zkling]

I'm not a huge fan of paddle switches either, although I have two of them. My main user is a dewalt side switch. Have used the heck out of it, and it keeps going. Might also want to consider porter cable and milwaukee.

 

[Kurt4440]

We have used a bunch of different grinders in our shop. The $40 Hitachi grinders have held up very well.

 

[mikehaugen]

I also don't particulary like paddle switches but just last week I was using one with a side switch and a knotted wire cup brush. It caught the side of what I was working on and then hit me in the side, grabbed my shirt and continued it's way around and up my back and stopped around the top of my shoulder blade. Left some nice raw skin all up my back. Only reason it shut off was because it ran out of cord and un-plugged itself. I don't think I will use a wire wheel without a paddle switch anymore.

 

[Tronyadorable]

Well. 40 years later there are only 2 grinders worth owning and they both begin with M
The Makitas aren't as smoothe as the Metabo but they are damn tough.
I just added a 5020?? Rat tail. Bad little machine. Normally I hate rat tails and especially paddle switches.I also much prefer small grinders for the majority of things.Takes a bit longer but the end result is nicer. I have a pit at my shop and 3 floorboards to redo. Rat-tails are a must overhead.WHEN it grabs, the rat tail lets you not lose it.
Milwaukee wins 100% in the warranty dept. but Makita wins in Real Life Durability.
If I'm doing fine detail stuff( like a stainless counter) the Metabos come out.

Opinions eh. I give it 30 seconds until the Dewalt fanboys appear.I'm a fabricator and bow to you real mechanics as well as most of your tool opinions. When it comes to sparks, I'm your guy.

 

[SMKS]

I fondled the major brands (minus Metabo) in my local stores before deciding on a grinder. Makita has, IMO, the best paddle switch design.

 

[Ign]

I also don't particulary like paddle switches but just last week I was using one with a side switch and a knotted wire cup brush. It caught the side of what I was working on and then hit me in the side, grabbed my shirt and continued it's way around and up my back and stopped around the top of my shoulder blade. Left some nice raw skin all up my back. Only reason it shut off was because it ran out of cord and un-plugged itself. I don't think I will use a wire wheel without a paddle switch anymore.

I had the same experience w a wire cup brush. Twisted in my shirt, it only stalled because it was a cheap HF unit, but started smoking. Good times.

I love paddle switches, but I've simply become used to and thus comfortable with them.

 

[tarbellb]

Hitachi fan here myself. Got on the Fein deal a while back and they are nice, but I like the smaller grip (and amps) of the Hitachi.

Check www.bigskytools.com for some screaming deals on refurb'd Hitachi's.

 

[ZRX61]

Wait, did you just complain that someone elses tool isn't on YOUR toolbox when you need it? LOL!!

 

[catalytic]

I own the Metabo 4.5" as well as the Milwaukee in 4.5 and 9" sizes.

-I originally bought the Metabo with the on/off switch, but exchanged it to get a paddle switch, which I highly recommend. Some people hate them, but I hate stuck-on type switches on a tool that can catch clothing.

-The metabo is the finer tool between the two. The only thing I don't like is that the paddle switch has no lock for locking it on. The Milwaukee does. I only use it occasionally, though, so it's not a big deal.

-the Milwaukee wins re: warrantee (5 years when I bought all mine -- not sure what it is now). I've sent multiple grinders back multiple times after putting them through hell when I was in a hurry (hint: don't put an 8" extra thick cutting wheel on your 4.5" grinder). Milwaukee always repaired them free and sent them back in perfect shape.

Personally, I'd buy Metabo for yourself. If others are using your tools, then I'd consider the Milwaukee for warranty reasons.

 

[driz]

I'm not a huge fan of paddle switches either, although I have two of them. My main user is a dewalt side switch. Have used the heck out of it, and it keeps going. Might also want to consider porter cable and milwaukee.

Different strokes I guess, I just love the paddle on my Makita. That **** safety lever is easy to dispose of too without much trouble too. Those cheap HF grinders used to be ok even with their cheap switches that don't last but of late they seem to **** out even faster and the price has crept up. These days I just as soon buy a name brand on sale.

 

[madcrisis]

Wait, did you just complain that someone elses tool isn't on YOUR toolbox when you need it? LOL!!

hahaha yeah I know but it wouldnt be a problem if it went back in his box but it just seems to disappear somewhere when I need it.

Thanks for all the comments everyone. I'm still not decided but its not like im in a rush either.

 

[kazlx]

I have multiple Dewalts. It's nice to keep different wheels on them. My favorite is an old paddle switch that I've had for probably 10 years that just won't die. I did buy a Fein recently which is nice as well, but it was $100.

 

[sberry]

First thing is get the B&D 7750,,, "same as Dewalts" from Walmart and start there. There is no better grinder for the money.

 

[rice rocket]

I haven't had good experiences w/ DeWalts (albeit cheap DeWalts). Purchased two for the shop, both broke within a month. Bad switch on one, bad wiring on the other (latter was more easily fixed than the prior).

The little Makita I have keeps on chugging along, I have no complaints there. About 3/4 the size and weight of the beefy *** Fein so it gets used much more.

Reviews on the Craftsman look decent though, I've found that most these cheap ones break within the first month if they're going to break. Return it before Sears shits the bed if necessary.

 

[sberry]

I wasn't thrilled with the DeWalts either. I burnt up the brushes on a couple as we did on the industrial BD 2750. They made some changes to the box store version trying to make it cheaper and in the process made it better. (7750) The cord is better and whatever they did to fix brush/armateur problem worked and they must not have cheaped it,,, mqaybe consider the numbers but it used the same core parts and castings as the DW's whick cost 3x... and I think its a better grinder.
I dedicated one to the bench in a welding shop, outlasted 100$ units by a long shot and finally gave up a switch. I bought up a couple extras at a Menards sale for 20 a pop,,, cheap spare parts but havnt had to open one yet.
I used most the rest but what makes this so special is you soon forget its a 30$ tool.
The jackets even look near new after hard use and unlike rubber never had to replace a cord.
No grinder this good that isn't over 100$ and even that is speculative.

 

[dr_clyde]

My go to grinders are Metabo and Hitachi.

That said, with your budget in mind, I'd get a dewalt. I used the heck out of them at a shop I used to work at where they supplied dewalt grinders. They are great for the money.

I also can say that Makita grinders hold up to daily use. A sheetmetal shop I do a ton of business with has a rack on the wall with about a dozen of them, each with a different attachment. Some are over 20 years old.

 

[Kirbot]

Whatever brand you end up with, I REALLY suggest one with a paddle or trigger switch. Something that doesn't lock on.

 

[organ]

Are you guys getting all these cuts using your grinders single handedly?

 

[Kirbot]

Are you guys getting all these cuts using your grinders single handedly?

I had a pretty good 2 handed grip on mine, but it was a deep cut and it caught, spit back, wrapped up in my shirt and pulled right into my arm.

 

[SASORacing]

ouch! it happens though, mostly when you least expect it.

 

[paranoid56]

We bought a Hf several years ago which turned out to have a metric shaft - had to have an adaptor made to use normal 4-1/2 discs. Decent other than that, but I'll pass unless I need a disposable one. I have a Dewalt that's about 4 years old now. Love it - smooth and powerful. I dislike paddle switches, but it's preference. It's the safety thing on the paddle that bothers me.

all of the HF grinders i have had never needed an adapter to use normal 4.5" disks.

i have 4 or so of the HF ones that are 9 bucks each, each one gets a different attachment for quick use. they last a long time and when they die its only 9 bucks.

 

[bcradio]

I had a pretty good 2 handed grip on mine, but it was a deep cut and it caught, spit back, wrapped up in my shirt and pulled right into my arm.

Fight back... don't let the grinder get the best of you.

 

[dr_clyde]

FWIW, metabo grinders are available with a safety clutch, so if it catches, you won't kill yourself.

 

[Kirbot]

Fight back... don't let the grinder get the best of you.

I was back at with a new blade soon after!
Albeit with a little more caution....

I'm not getting rid of my Dewalt any time soon, but the next one will have a paddle switch.

Fumbling for the off switch while trying to pull it out of my arm & tangled up shirt put that idea in my head.

 

[catalytic]

I had a pretty good 2 handed grip on mine, but it was a deep cut and it caught, spit back, wrapped up in my shirt and pulled right into my arm.

I've had the exact same accident (though luckily no damage of this caliber) many times from kickback while using cutting wheels and wire wheels. This is why I only buy paddle switches and recommend others do the same. I still use my paddle switch Metabo 4.5" grinder one handed sometimes... not sure why people always scream that you need a permanent on switch to do that...t-rex fingers?

 

[madcrisis]

so majority reccomend dewalt makita or hitachi (a surprise to me) andwill look into the B&D on reccomended

I think I will get one with a paddle switch as ive had some close oh **** moments but thank god no injuries(just knocked on wood).

 

[dutchgray]

FWIW, metabo grinders are available with a safety clutch, so if it catches, you won't kill yourself.

Makita has something similar available as well, I know its on the 5" high power grinder.