Cordless Angle Grinder ?

[Lucid Moments]

Not long ago I took a Bauer cordless angle grinder in trade. I didn't really want it, the stuff I "traded" for it was just in my way but the guy wanted to give me something in trade.

I used it for the first time the other day and boy this thing is a gutless piece of junk. At least compared to my corded grinders. I have not used any other cordless grinders to compare it to. So here is my question. Are all cordless grinders kind of gutless or is the Bauer exceptionally bad? I like the convenience but I could have run an extension cord and put it back up in the extra time it took to do the job. As a specific reference I am fairly invested in the DeWalt 20v platform so how does a DeWalt cordless grinder perform compared to their corded offerings?

 

[u2slow]

We have 18v Makita grinders at work. Nothing keeps up like a strong corded model. Battery is a convenience tool, not a production tool.

 

[Bmxkelowna]

We have 18v Makita grinders at work. Nothing keeps up like a strong corded model. Battery is a convenience tool, not a production tool.

I have the Milwaukee M18 and you're right, it's perfect for the convenience factor or for a quick job but when I need to do a lot of cutting or even more so, a lot of grinding the corded grinder is the way to go.

 

[matt_i]

I had to cut off a fence post in a parking lot which got destroyed by semi truck wrestling. It took a couple of batteries but was so far out from an outlet it would have taken a generator. Perfect tool for the job.

 

[nadogail]

I don't own any cordless grinders, and want to keep it that way, I am on my 2nd Makita drill after the old long battery 12? volt died. In between I had a Dewalt Cordless that my employer gave me to replace my Makita, then I foolishly took a chance on a Royobi set, after the 2nd set of batteries died I found my way back into the Makita camp. I have recommended Makita to my employee and he has become a believer, He started with one drill and now has a stable of 6 Makitas.

 

[tyyost]

I have a first gen non-fuel M18 grinder and a newer 5” Fuel version. They are night and day. The non fuel was at best a cut off tool, any flap disc, wire wheel, or grinding disc would eat batteries every 5-10 minutes. The fuel version will do the work of a corded grinder, at least as strong as a mid amperage corded, and with a 6.0 battery you can get a lot of work done.

To answer your question, no the Bauer is not typical of a newer model brushless 18 volt tool with a high capacity battery. But in the end, you get what you pay for.

 

[LeeG]

I have 3 of the M18 cordless grinders. They are great for short grinding tasks. I use my 5" ones to clean up welds and prep joints for welding. I keep an abrasive pad on the 6" and run it with an 8ah battery. It works pretty good. None of them hold a candle to my Metabo and Makita corded grinders for serious work though. That being said, they see about 80-90% of my grinding work in my hobby shop.

 

[bwringer]

This is one application where a brushless motor makes a huge difference in usable power and battery life.

So no, they're not all like that.

There are still limitations, of course, depending on what you're doing, but a good brushless tool will do everything you expect from a mid-amp corded tool, until the battery runs out.

 

[sgf13]

I have an 18V DeWalt 4.5" that I like. Ditto to those who say it depends on what you do. I have a corded Dewalt 7" I almost never use and five 4.5 inch $20 or less grinders each with a different wheel or brush. Although I use them frequently It has probably been ten year since I ran one for over ten min. straight, and rarely the corded models unless I don't want to swap wheels. I know a lot of folks don't care for cordless tools but I had power tools long before cordless existed and I am a big fan.

Bauer cordless grinders are on my birthday list and it's too late to erase it now, so maybe I'll get a chance to see how it compares to my DeWalt.

 

[GaryM909]

I have a couple of the 60v Dewalt grinders with the 9 ah batteries. I bought them because I use 6" blades. They have as much jam as my corded ones except you need a few batteries to make it through the day. Still my first choice is the corded ones.

 

[Voi]

A friend of mine has the first generation of the brushed 20v DeWalt that I have borrowed. Since then I have picked up three of the brushless Makitas that were bundled with various OPE.

The DeWalt was pretty bad. I've heard the newer brushless ones are pretty darn good.

I really like my Makitas. I grab them over my corded Bosch for every quick job.

It's my understanding that Makita has other cordless brushless grinders that are even better than these. Would love to try one but I just can't justify it.

I do trail cleanup in our national forest & a cordless angle grinder is sometimes the best tool for a job. I'm glad to have these.

 

[engineer2]

I have the brushless Makita 18V 4.5". They have many models. I got the one with a paddle switch and variable speed. I really like the variable speed since most jobs can be done at lower speeds You often need finesse over butchery.
It goes though batteries pretty quick but as long as you have an extra one to recharge, you'll be OK.

I used it for my entryway re-grouting project and it worked great. This was low speed work to keep the dust and chips down. Wife was holding the shop-vac hose. Wisdom: never use light colored grout in a high-traffic muddy shoe entryway!

The real test would be to grind metal all day. I think it would be fine, just have an extra battery or two cooking on the charger.
I have an old plug-in Craftsman, but it is one speed only, which is like 12,000 RPM. If I was grinding welds all day, it would be great.

 

[finn]

I have the Dewalt brushless flexvolt, but normally just use the 20v battery because it’s lighter.

It’s fine. I prefer it to my Metabo, Milwaukee, Makita, and Bosch corded grinders.

I won’t buy another corded grinder after using The Dewalt.

 

[Renegade1LI]

I really like the flexvolt system, makes a big difference with the grinder, but you need the batteries. It is great for use while welding with a 6 amp bat. Won't replace a corded one for continuos work but the portable convenience & not having to keep moving around with a chord makes it worth it.

 

[Jlarson]

The M18 fuels are the only ones that really keep up.

The DeWalt 18 volts were always pretty useless, we have a few Makita LXT grinders, the brushless ones are definitely better, they make good deburring grinders.

 

[finn]

The M18 fuels at the only ones that really keep up.

The DeWalt 18 volts were always pretty useless, we have a few Makita LXT grinders, the brushless ones are definitely better, they make good deburring grinders.

The last Dewalt 18 v grinders were made what? Maybe ten years ago......

I’m sure the Milwaukee 14.4 v grinders were pretty useless, too.

 

[iamrfixit]

I have three Dewalt cordless, the bigger 6" 60v brushless, the 4" 20v brushless and the older 4" 20v brushed. The old 20v brush model is only good for light jobs, it doesn't have much power or speed.

The 60v feels just the same as using a corded tool. On the downside, it can burn through a battery in about 15-20 min of use. The 20v brushless is "flexvolt advantage" so it can make use of a 60v battery to improve performance. Even on 20v it runs way better and more usable than the old brush model and really it feels much the same as using a corded grinder. They can burn through the batteries if you work them hard. I have a bunch of batteries so it's not a big deal. If I know I have a lot of heavy grinding to do or I'm making long cut off wheel cuts that's when I break out the corded tools.

 

[JradM]

I have three Dewalt cordless, the bigger 6" 60v brushless, the 4" 20v brushless and the older 4" 20v brushed. The old 20v brush model is only good for light jobs, it doesn't have much power or speed.

The 60v feels just the same as using a corded tool. On the downside, it can burn through a battery in about 15-20 min of use. The 20v brushless is "flexvolt advantage" so it can make use of a 60v battery to improve performance. Even on 20v it runs way better and more usable than the old brush model and really it feels much the same as using a corded grinder. They can burn through the batteries if you work them hard. I have a bunch of batteries so it's not a big deal. If I know I have a lot of heavy grinding to do or I'm making long cut off wheel cuts that's when I break out the corded tools.

Thanks for the info. I've been wondering about the Flexvolt/Flexvolt Advantage grinders myself.

I have a Porter Cable 20v grinder and it's noticeable slower and weaker than my corded angle grinders. Oftentimes I don't care - it's still easier to make a quick cut with it that to use one of my corded grinders. I enjoy having it. However, if I'm going to be using it for more than 5 minutes, odds are I will just take out a corded grinder.

Flap discs and wire wheels only make the power difference more noticeable. However, it sure is nice to have something I can bring to a project if it's away from my shop - e.g. cutting something while under my truck, on my tractor or elsewhere around the farm.

 

[oldwino]

I have the 5" Fuel Milwaulkee and have been pretty happy with it. Not something to use for major jobs but the battery lasts well (8ah) and it's nice to not drag a generator to do a couple of cutoffs or wire brushings. It'll never replace my corded stuff though

 

[Handyandy23]

I've got the DeWalt XR (brushless) version and I really like it. Like others said, it's not going to have the same power as a corded one for sure. But it has enough power to be useful for 95% of what you want to do. I use mine to cut bolts, exhaust pipe, and general grinding, and it's nice and easy to whip out when you just have one broken bolt or whatever to take care of.

 

[joshmodelskidoo]

I have the brushed 20 volt dewalt and it works great with a 6ah battery but they don’t last all that long

 

[Renegade1LI]

Having both dewalt & milwaukee brush less grinders I would say they are very comparable to each other as far as performance. Once you need to go over a 5 amp battery they tend to get a little awkward unless it's just for lack of nearby electric. If I have to grind that much I just get out the corded one. To me the 5amp milwaukee or dewalt battery is the right balance of weight to power, I have a couple 12 amp milwaukees & it's a motorcycle battery, same with dewalt.

 

[Kscardsfan]

I think your problem is more related to it being Bauer than it being a cordless grinder.

 

[ItsNemo]

I have the Dewalt 20v brushless (not flexvolt) and the Dewalt 60v flexvolt running the bigger 6" wheel....love them, they're my go to grinders. I usually get a good day in the garage doing work out of a battery on each. They're ideal for weld prep or finish clean up, or sometimes a cut or two ... but if I really need to move metal, the corded grinders will come out, the 4.5" if I need to cut a bunch of stuff, or the 7" massive honkin "4.9hp" one if I want to absolutely tear through metal.

Regardless, a brushless cordless grinder(s) are IMO a must have.

 

[BukitCase]

BTW, it isn't the battery VOLTAGE that makes the difference

20V Max vs 18V Batteries: Setting the Record Straight

The 20V MAX vs 18V debate has people thinking 20V tools offer more. They don't. 20V = 18V and we prove it using science, logic...and DeWalt.

www.protoolreviews.com

Which is NOT to say the newer tools aren't stronger, nor am I saying that newer battery chemistries aren't longer lasting, etc - but that 2 volt "marketing ploy" isn't why, just more of "figures don't lie, but a liar can figure"... Steve

 

[Rinspeed]

We have 18v Makita grinders at work. Nothing keeps up like a strong corded model. Battery is a convenience tool, not a production tool.

Battery tools almost always **** compared to corded tools, I don't understand the laziness with so many people thinking a battery tool is all that great. We've certainly reached the age of the girlyman when a cord or air hose is such a burden on you getting something fixed.

 

[finn]

Battery tools almost always **** compared to corded tools, I don't understand the laziness with so many people thinking a battery tool is all that great. We've certainly reached the age of the girlyman when a cord or air hose is such a burden on you getting something fixed.

Who appointed you tool king?

 

[Rinspeed]

Who appointed you tool king?

Just an opinion, you can have yours and I can have mine.

 

[Mgdoug3]

Battery tools almost always **** compared to corded tools, I don't understand the laziness with so many people thinking a battery tool is all that great. We've certainly reached the age of the girlyman when a cord or air hose is such a burden on you getting something fixed.

That seems like a dumb reply. Cordless tools has helped me be more productive and jobs easier. A few weeks ago I needed to cut some 2" square tubing out in a field. I suppose I could have brought a hack saw and wasted an hour. Instead I used my cordless grinder and 1 minute of my time.


Cordless tools can't replace all tools but when you don't have an electrical outlet or an air hose nearby, they can be the perfect tool for the job.

 

[finn]

BTW, it isn't the battery VOLTAGE that makes the difference

20V Max vs 18V Batteries: Setting the Record Straight

The 20V MAX vs 18V debate has people thinking 20V tools offer more. They don't. 20V = 18V and we prove it using science, logic...and DeWalt.

www.protoolreviews.com

Which is NOT to say the newer tools aren't stronger, nor am I saying that newer battery chemistries aren't longer lasting, etc - but that 2 volt "marketing ploy" isn't why, just more of "figures don't lie, but a liar can figure"... Steve

I don’t recall anyone making any claims that the 20v tools are superior because they’re advertised as 20v rather than 18v.

Dewalt likely started advertising 20v Max when the upgraded from the stem type Nicad batteries to the slide type lithium batteries, as a way to differentiate the two platforms. Big deal. I don’t understand why some people get their pantys twisted up over this. My opinion is that they certainly succeeded in making that differentiation.

The point most are making here is that the newer brushless grinders, which happen to be either 20v Max or Flexvolt tools are far superior to the older 18v Nicad grinders.

The whole point of the thread is to ask for opinions on whether battery grinders are suitable replacements for corded tools.

The answer is a resounding yes, for many or most users.

Production work would perhaps present a different result.

The voltage issue has been litigated to death in other threads. The Milwaukee fascists can’t let it go, though.

(I have both Dewalt and Milwaukee platforms).

 

[Lucid Moments]

Thanks all. I think I pretty well get it. Since I do virtually all my work in my shop where electrical outlets are plentiful I think I am going to stick with corded grinders.

 

[xjfish]

I have a DeWalt 20v. I believe its brushless non flex volt. I like it a lot for lighter tasks. Has adequate power and speed for most jobs IMO. Batteries don't last long from my experience. If I'm in the garage near an outlet doing heavy grinding I still usually grab a cheap corded one to beat up.

 

[swsman]

Have a Milwaukee 2880-20 Fuel grinder. Does just fine with grinding wheel on it for my need.

I have a few 5ah batteries and that is what I use. Decent battery life.
When I need more corded stuff comes out.

 

[BukitCase]

"(I have both Dewalt and Milwaukee platforms)"

Finn, so do I - I'm pretty sure my main "******* in a bunch" attitude was just that I'd already spent a couple thou on battery tools, and AFTER I'd retired I wuz gonna be lucky if I could keep using 'em WITHOUT having to "buy 'em all over again"...

my shop got broken into about a year before I retired in 2012 - ended up replacing just over $6K in tools; I ran a rotating maintenance crew in a rare metals plant (11 guys including me) for the last 10 years or so, noticed that the millwrights/welders/pipe fitters had a harder time destroying the DeWalt 18 volt stuff than others but Electricians preferred the Milwaukee stuff. After I found out why, the decision was easy; get BOTH.

The DeWalt clutches had several numbers, but only 3 settings - hard, REALLY hard, and SNAP. Great for drilling steel on site, NOT so good for driving screws in wood.

The Milwaukee clutches on lightest setting could ALMOST be used to drive #6 screws in balsa wood, and every click was an actual CHANGE.

I know my stuff is old tech; guess what, so am I But I don't believe there's only ONE way to do ANY particular task, I have probably 10 DeWalt battery tools and 6 or 7 Milwaukee, but I also have corded versions of those and more, plus somewhere between 15-20 different AIR tools, a portable compressor, a REAL 5 horse 80 gallon one and generators from 2KW up to 8KW - my place is 10 acres so different jobs need different degrees of portability. Most of the time there's more than one way to do any job.

I even think pig-headedness can be a useful tool; as long as you use it to persevere til you're happy with a job. If, however, you use it to AVOID trying something new, then I hope you enjoy pain - 'cause there's a good chance you'll get pretty familiar with it... Steve

Oh, and Lucid - I think you're making the best choice for YOUR situation - I only have ONE battery grinder, it's an 18 volt DeWalt - usually has a thin cutoff disk on it, besides the usual light duty I found it works MUCH better/faster for cutting field fencing than any pliers, or any OTHER "quickie" job that's more than 50 feet from power - all my other grinders (over a dozen) are corded, from 4-1/2" up to a 9" Hitachi. (When I'm into a project, I don't wanna take time to change tools so I just change grinders)

 

[Rinspeed]

That seems like a dumb reply. Cordless tools has helped me be more productive and jobs easier. A few weeks ago I needed to cut some 2" square tubing out in a field. I suppose I could have brought a hack saw and wasted an hour. Instead I used my cordless grinder and 1 minute of my time.


Cordless tools can't replace all tools but when you don't have an electrical outlet or an air hose nearby, they can be the perfect tool for the job.

Cordless tools are very convenient and the newer ones are powerful as well. That doesn't change my opinion though.

 

[pbon]

As others have written, Brushless with an 8 to 12AH battery from a quality brand will do pretty good and be convenient. At best, they will come close to equaling corded for 15 minutes, so you have to accept the limitations. If you use grinders for extended periods of time and are near outlets when you do so, use corded. I am just a DIYer who does some property maintenance and automotive work and have both corded and cordless and usually take the cordless.

 

[acer66]

Battery tools almost always **** compared to corded tools, I don't understand the laziness with so many people thinking a battery tool is all that great. We've certainly reached the age of the girlyman when a cord or air hose is such a burden on you getting something fixed.

For me it is not laziness but safety and productivity.
You can move around much more free, no hoses or cable to pay attention to.
For my first bigger drywall job I got a corded drywall gun needless to say I got a cordless the next day.

No offense I just always have to chuckle when I hear girly man, lost your man card etc. comments in this context because the guys who worked in whatever profession you (royal you) are working in a generation or so ago would say the same thing about you (royal you again) cordless or not.

Is cordless the silver bullet or has no draw backs?
Of course not but like others have pointed out they have their place for some people.

Could also be that I am just an old fart and my reaction time is no match for the cord I overlooked and stumble over anymore to avoid a face plant.

 

[engineer2]

Battery tools almost always **** compared to corded tools,

What brand and model numbers have you tried? If you know some models ****, others may want to avoid them as well.

 

[dr_clyde]

I have several cordless tools that are outstanding in quality, but even as great as they are, will never replace the unlimited electricity coming from a corded connection.

Grinders are very power hungry. Even the best of the best will have a noticeable difference in torque and power compared to corded.

That said, we have both, and rarely do the corded grinders come out anymore. I'm using Metabo 18V 6" cordless. Actual Metabo, not the HPT **** sold at the box store. We use them hard, and they've held up amazing. They're powerful, have good battery life and are just way more user friendly than dragging a cord everywhere. We're using 8Ah batteries, and we have about 10 batteries, some always on the charger.

The downside? Cost. These grinders are $250 for the bare tool. The batteries are another $100/ea or more.

I only get out corded grinders now if we have a large amount of cutting to do or a ton of metal to remove. Obviously if I had lots of pipe roots to grind or just dozens of feet of cutoff wheel work a corded grinder is still king. But the sheer convivence of cordless outweighs the detractions. ULTRA portable, super convenient in a lift, a service van, or just if you have a limited amount of power. I've popped many customer breakers with a grinder.

There's also no way a cheap HF grinder is in the same league, so its not a very fair comparison. CHEAP cordless grinders ****. GOOD ones are a very useful tool.

 

[Handyandy23]

Battery tools almost always **** compared to corded tools, I don't understand the laziness with so many people thinking a battery tool is all that great. We've certainly reached the age of the girlyman when a cord or air hose is such a burden on you getting something fixed.

Heck yeah, saving time, being more efficient, and being way more portable is for the women folk! I like wasting time and being tethered to my shop wall like a real man!!