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Need opinions on choosing a 4½ angle grinder.

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RCsGarage

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bikermehound

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RCsGarage said:
I've narrowed it down to these three;

- Milwaukee 6141-30
https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-tools/corded/6141-30

- Makita 9564PC (Makita's site is acting up so here's the Amazon link)
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B001ASDTOU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

- Bosch AG40-11PD
https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/boschtools-ocs/angle-grinders-ag40-11pd-46783-p/



I'm not stuck on these 3 so if anyone has any other recommendations I'm all ears. My only needs are;

  • corded
  • 4½"
  • paddle switch
  • 11A+
Click to expand...
Dewalt has a15 amp

Sent from my SM-N920P using Tapatalk
 
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dutchgray

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Out of those, the Makita, I actually have a UK spec 5" version of that one and have just bought a lower power slide switch to replace the old one I burnt out after 10 years. We have a couple more at work as well.
I don't think there is a better grinder at the price point, I have tried a fair few. Makita is powerful, smooth running and should last a long time.
 
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mcmtech

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I've got a makita, not sure if it's that exact one, but looks similar and was about that price. No complaints for pro auto repair use
 
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Furd50

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I bought my Milwaukee some 35 years ago and I still like it. I did have to replace the motor brushes a year or so ago. While it was "down" I bought the more expensive Harbor Freight machine (around $30 on sale) and it has, surprisingly, been quite good. I think I originally paid around $75 for the Milwaukee.
 
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bob15

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Furd50 said:
I bought my Milwaukee some 35 years ago and I still like it. I did have to replace the motor brushes a year or so ago. While it was "down" I bought the more expensive Harbor Freight machine (around $30 on sale) and it has, surprisingly, been quite good. I think I originally paid around $75 for the Milwaukee.
Click to expand...

That was a "different" Milwaukee Electric Company. Today's Milwaukee is china made and not-so-good and is living off the laurels of the old company's reputation.
 
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matt_i

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Metabo is a step ahead.

Armed with a 6" cutoff disk there isn't much short of thick armor plate that can stop you.

That said I also have the Milwaukee and its very acceptable. Feels a bit nicer than the first one I owned, a early 90s Craftsman.
 
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Ign

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Most name brand 4.5" angle grinders will get the job done admirably, or at least sufficiently. Don't be married to 11A unless you're gonna abuse the hell out of it w something like a wire cup brush. 8A is great (all the Metabos used to be 8) and even 6 or 7 will work.

Anyway, since you're looking corded I would actually handle the cord on all contenders. Milwaukee used to use nice, flexible but short cords. No idea about their Chinese offerings. Ridgid used to furnish a nice, long, flexible cord.

All grinders spin and make noise, so it's about the little things.
 
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Furd50

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That was a "different" Milwaukee Electric Company. Today's Milwaukee is china made and not-so-good and is living off the laurels of the old company's reputation.
Click to expand...
Thank you for that information. I really haven't bought much in the way of tools for close to 20 years. I really think there should be a law against being able to sell a fine old company name to new owners. I've been burnt this way in the past.

I also own a Milwaukee drill motor and a genuine Sawzall, both bought in the 1970s.
 
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MEngineer

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Before you do check out the Makita 9005b. That is what I have and it is a beast. I have used these and metabos and the 9005b specifically lasts about 2 times as long. The Makita you showed is not even close to the grinder I am suggesting.
 
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Git

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I have a Milwaukee 6154-20 that according to Amazon, I bought back in 2004 for $145. Works great - never had any problems with it, BUT since I started getting into the Makita Cordless tools I bought their XAG06Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless and now I don't even know where the Milwaukee is! Very pleased with the Makita cordless - it does everything I need, but I am not a heavy duty grinder user

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00Z8X736S/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 

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Voi

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Git said:
BUT since I started getting into the Makita Cordless tools I bought their XAG06Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless and now I don't even know where the Milwaukee is!
Click to expand...

That grinder or a very similar model is included in a handful of Makita X2 lawn tool kits right now making for some nice deals. I'm trying to figure out which kit I need the most and then pick up an XRU08Z bare tool for my wife.

Do you like the paddle switch? Is the body fairly slim?
 
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Miss the Pontiacs

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I was going to buy a Bosch but the Dewalt had more amps when it came to power. So bought the yellow instead. Normally don't buy Dewalt. Purchased at Anchor Fasteners only had the 2 to choose from what I remember. But AF are fair on their pricing so didn't look any further.
 
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Git

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Voi said:
That grinder or a very similar model is included in a handful of Makita X2 lawn tool kits right now making for some nice deals. I'm trying to figure out which kit I need the most and then pick up an XRU08Z bare tool for my wife.

Do you like the paddle switch? Is the body fairly slim?
Click to expand...

The body necks down from about 8 1/2" circumference to about 6 1/2" where the switch is and I find it very comfortable to hold. The top part (opposite the switch where the battery charge indicator is) has a slight angle to and I find it fits the heal of my hand really well - instead of just being cylindrical shaped

The paddle switch - yes, it feels more natural and if something were to happen as soon as you let go, it is going to turn off versus having to hit the slide type switch with your thumb (some people have had some very nasty accidents with these things)

Makita does not seem to have as many sales as Milwaukee. I picked this up on one where if you bought two tools you would get two 4.0 batteries for free.

Now I am waiting to see if their oil impulse impact driver will go on sale - the XST01Z
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00M9D5JIO/?tag=atomicindus08-20
 
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TNBurban

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Love my Makita 4.5" corded grinder. Only Makita tool I have but have had it since probably 2001 or so and it's great. No plans on replacing or upgrading.

With that said, I have a lot of Bosch cordless tools and a few corded. Plus lots of other Bosch items (levels, angle finder, vac, storage boxes). But when the Makita dies I will probably get another Makita grinder.
 
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BK13

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I've about decided that any further grinders I get (I have four now) I'll either go HF or Fein/Metabo.
 
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Voi

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Git said:
Makita does not seem to have as many sales as Milwaukee. I picked this up on one where if you bought two tools you would get two 4.0 batteries for free...
Click to expand...

The lack of sales is one of the reasons why I'm tempted to go with one of these yard tool deals. For example, I can get the XRU07Z 36 V trimmer, two 5 amp hour batters, the dual rapid charger and the angle grinder bare tool for $359 right now.

Just the batteries and the charger would be $340 right now on Amazon.

Thank you for your reply about the grinder.
 
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Brad54

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Very happy with my dewalt.
I don't like a paddle--I've seen too many of them set down and get turned on.
 
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mbshop

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Meh, bought a kawasaki branded grinder at orchard supply for 18 bucks. Have used it three times in 4 years and it works great !
 
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Whchua

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I have both metabo n dewalt, love both of them, both paddle switch
 
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Git

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Brad54 said:
Very happy with my dewalt.
I don't like a paddle--I've seen too many of them set down and get turned on.
Click to expand...

Take a look at this pic - that thing that sticks down is a safety switch. You have to pull it backward, like pulling a trigger and then your able to pull up on the paddle
 

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Ign

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General Geoff said:
I have the Makita GA4542C and it's been fantastic. Massively reduced vibration compared to other angle grinders I've used.
Click to expand...

It's nice to see someone else understand that vibration is a factor. The inexpensive imports work but user fatigue increases and I have to imagine excessive repeated vibration which causes your hands or forearms to go numb has the potential for long-term/permanent injury.
 
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Brad54

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Git said:
Take a look at this pic - that thing that sticks down is a safety switch. You have to pull it backward, like pulling a trigger and then your able to pull up on the paddle
Click to expand...

Or set it on a pile wrenches, other tools, or steel scraps, etc.
probably hasn't happened to you, which is fine, but I've been in hundreds of shops doing stories over the years, and I've seen it happen more than a couple times.
 
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exmaxima1

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I'd look for a model with Speed Control. If you ever use cup-style wire brushes you'll find they last much longer when you can dial down the speed a bit.
 
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sberry

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exmaxima1 said:
I'd look for a model with Speed Control. If you ever use cup-style wire brushes you'll find they last much longer when you can dial down the speed a bit.
Click to expand...
A guy should have a couple of these grinders if he is doing much work and I agree for wire wheels a variable is nice. Lots safer too.
 
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braidmeister

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RCsGarage said:
I ended up buying this model instead.
Metabo WEV15-125 HT
https://www.metabo.com/us/enus/tool.../wev-15-125-ht-600562420-5-angle-grinder.html

Thanks for the help everyone!
Click to expand...

I've been using the Milwaukee with paddle switch for a number of years. I love it....However, I'm diggin the variable speed thumb speed control on the Metabo you linked. I hate on/off slide switches on these things because they are infinitely more dangerous than a paddle.

Let us know how you like it after you do some grinding. :thumbup:
 
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spooler41

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My best 4.5" grinder is a DeWalt, been using it for more than 1 4 years, it's showing no signs of giving up. The DeWalt has out lived many other grinders I own , it's always my go to grinder.
 
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