angle grinder 4.5 - 5 inch

[atsimas]

Lets face it. we buy 4.5 inch because its cheaper but use 5 ich disks without safeguard. This is wrong on many levels.
Let's talk about angle grinders.
Well I've read about bosch dewalt, hitachi, makita, metabo, and so on, so now, presumably, we all know which company produces the best equipment. But I want to go a little more into depth, than that.
Say I'm an occassional user. The worst category, I do not know my needs.
I 'm about to buy my first and only angle grinder, due to space, and value.
I choose 5 inch because its nimble, and its supplies are cheap.
And I presumably choose a company, lets say,
Makita. http://goo.gl/pxcdsC
Though the things they sell, apply to almost every company
So I browse through their website, and it is all full gibberish. I choose to compare 4 things as instructed, and their values do not mach up! So how am I suppose to choose based on the reading ''artificial wheel'' when that value is not present through all of its models?
So google. I see that 840 watt 1.5kilos 9558nb http://goo.gl/jnd1A4
is very popular thorough germany, with many reviews. http://goo.gl/9W1jNT
But I live in Hellas (Greeece) and I've learnt that popular, is not always right. So I consider the other options.
I see that all the others have increased power 1100 and 1400 watt.
Where would I need this power?
Also, increased weight. 2.5 - 2.7 kilos.
What do I gain for the increased weight?
Some have Smooth start.
Invaluable, if you ask me.
Constant speed control?
isn't this standard?
variable speed.
Where does this apply?
Mechanical brake?
what is that?
Large type swich trigger.
Has anyone used this configuration? is there any plus versus standard models?
Thank you

 

[egdede]

ONe big difference is paddle switched vs slider switch. The paddle switch operates in a dead-man =manner, while a slider will allow the grinder to keep running. I prefer p[adlle switch grinders. Once, when a slider switch grinder hung up and jerked out of my hand it proceeded to grind through my leather boot. A paddle switch grinder would have stopped running when I let go.

 

[My Old Tools]

I have a Makita 4" and a Bosch 4.5". They both work fine. Makita is older, smaller, and easier to handle, locking slide switch which I prefer. It hasn't had a guard since I've had it. The Bosch is new, paddle switch that you have to hold, guard that is any position, fatter and less comfotable to use.

 

[rlitman]

A paddle switch grinder would have stopped running when I let go.

Paddle switch grinders don't stop instantaneously. They'll keep running plenty long enough to slice you to bits, and offer no additional safety in that manner.

IMNSHO, paddle switches on angle grinders (without a matching brake, which I've never seen in a grinder) reduce safety, because they limit the ways that you can hold the grinder, which encourages poor grip at various positions. I'll NEVER have one in my shop.
As for a kill switch on a grinder, if you must have one, look at the Fein Tip-Start. At least with that system, you can hold the grinder from any position, and just need to keep a finger on one of the four pads. I've got one, it's nice, I guess, but I don't generally favor it over a regular slide switch.

 

[ZRX61]

Downside to paddle switches is you have to be careful how you pick them up. I've picked one of mine up twice & accidentally hit the switch....both times resulted in me buzzing my left arm with the ******* thing....

 

[purplezr2]

I prefer trigger switches over either paddle or slider.

 

[nadogail]

I have three Harbor Freight angle grinders, bought them for $9.99 (more or less) on sale.

With three, I don't have to switch from Grinding Wheels to Flap Disks and to Cut Off Disks.
I also have an Industrial Dewalt with a wire cup brush.

Because I am a hobbyist, I do not rely on my grinders for income. So if one fails, I am out only $10, and grab another one.
Three weeks ago, my helper and I burnt up two grinders. I had a sale flyer and bought 2 replacements. With their 2 year full replacement warranty, we were out the door for around $40. I intend to work those grinders like rented mules, and get them replaced a time or two.

I have found the kit of assorted wheels and disks HF sells work and last long enough for my needs.

 

[atsimas]

Ok we've covered switches. What about the rest?
Nadogail, have you operated more expensive grinders, as to share its differences?
Any other notes?
For me when the tool fails, as I have not many duplicates, is a major failure, and though the stores are close, the time waisted is of such importance. Plus, mock me if you should. But the mojo, it isn't there anymore.
Plus a little story. My father has and has had many and cheap screwdrivers and sockets,
where the ones that fit, most of the time, miss. (have broken etc)
I have but a few.They are more expensive, but they are lighter than the 3 sets he carries, and they fit everytime
Same issues with the other tools.
On that note, cheap angle grinders are fat, and do not fit in my hands, as they are small. That makes it a safety issue.
But angle grinders is the subject here!

 

[steel 35]

To much power can be a bad thing in a hand held grinder

 

[bdbecker]

When I was a teenager buying my first guitar, I asked the salesman what the difference was between a $200 guitar and a $2000 guitar. His response was "When you get good enough, you'll know the difference." That has always stuck with me.

When it comes to buying your first grinder, I say buy a cheap one, especially if you don't know what your needs are or what features you want. While using that cheap grinder, you will soon realize that you like or dislike about it and will know what to look for in your next purchase.

Basically, what I am saying is don't get caught up with trying to find the "perfect" grinder. Just buy a grinder and start using it. You'll figure it out.

Edit...
I agree, certain things you should buy once and buy right. Screwdrivers are a perfect example of this - there is no replacement for a quality screwdriver. However, I think with something like an angle grinder, you are just going to have to get one and start using it to figure out what you really want/need.

 

[whitetrash1]

I just got this one.
http://m.homedepot.com/p/Ryobi-6-5-Amp-Angle-Grinder-Green-AG4531G/205558214

It's not a big heavy duty one but for the jobs I will use it for its great. And the turning handle is awesome for trying to work in confined spaces or with odd angles.

 

[Rex_A_Lott]

The problem with most grinders that get burnt up is the operator. They were meant to be a light weight touch up type tool. A lot of people are using them to grind off their buggered up welds (from their 110v MIG that they also dont know how to use ), when the job really calls for the big 7 inch grinder.
I agree with the just get one and use it camp, you will be more informed the next time as to what features you like.
Good Luck!

 

[rlitman]

Downside to paddle switches is you have to be careful how you pick them up. I've picked one of mine up twice & accidentally hit the switch....both times resulted in me buzzing my left arm with the ******* thing....

Yeah, that too.

I prefer trigger switches over either paddle or slider.

You see these a lot in polishers, and machines with bigger wheels. My 5" and smaller grinders, I like to hold in funny positions that this makes impossible.

 

[atsimas]

bdbecker, The profesional tools of today are the amateur tools of the past.
So, from the answers, all that matters, is the switch?

 

[zkling]

Yes, common sense is advised when using power tools.

 

[nadogail]

I agree with the following. "The problem with most grinders that get burnt up is the operator."

I have used premium quality grinders, I own a professional quality Dewalt.

I also have a helper who is Strong, Eager, and although very intelligent, not yet well educated.

I am aware of the loses involved when a tool fails on a job; I lost half a day once because we lost a Makita chuck key and found a replacement only after going to three stores.

My Dewalt grinder with the paddle switch weighs more than the HF cheap tool, and the paddle switch is more convenient than the slide switch.

After doing a rudimentary Cost / Benefit analysis I chose to pay the minuscule price ($10) for the cheap grinder rather than 14 times more for a Metabo.

As an aside, my screwdrivers and measuring tapes have Fat Max on their packaging.

 

[Bogdan M.]

I like quality tools. I earn my living by using them, so any tool I buy is considered an investment in my business.
A good angle grinder has some nice touches which you can all categorize by attention to detail: soft start (which is very nice especially when you are a beginner), variable speed, anti-vibration handle and so on.
But the most important thing is to really respect the tool and understand the major damage it can inflict if you don't pay enough attention or you fail to concentrate.
Eye protection is another important thing.
Experience is a real advantage, but it also makes you too sure about one self and that can mean a lost finger or a deep cut.

 

[matt_i]

Metabo. Awesome. Also own Craftsman and Milwaukee which are good in their own right.

 

[T_R]

I have the dewalt one. It's about 20 years old now. It's just starting to give me trouble. Sometimes it won't start.

I think when it dies I am going to get the Harnor Freight one. For what they get for them, I could break a few of them and still be ahead.

 

[nadogail]

Bogdan M. Wrote "I like quality tools. I earn my living by using them, so any tool I buy is considered an investment in my business."

I am basically a Hobby User. I occasionally buy "disposable" things, because I may not have the budget for premium quality goods.

Cash flow can often dictate how much I am willing invest in capital assets.

 

[atsimas]

After considering all, I resulted in a makita 5040c. It is in the heavy side, but it fits my little hands well and given the amateur of my position, its safety features will definitelly suit me. Noting it has speed control, all the more so. I hope it will serve me well.

 

[crewchief888]

Bogdan M. Wrote "I like quality tools. I earn my living by using them, so any tool I buy is considered an investment in my business."

I am basically a Hobby User. I occasionally buy "disposable" things, because I may not have the budget for premium quality goods.

Cash flow can often dictate how much I am willing invest in capital assets.

cash flow always dictates how much i'll spend...

i'm a heavy eq mechanic by trade, lets just say i have a considerable amount of money ******* in those tools, thats how i make my living.
for my garage/home use tools, i know what i can spend less money on, and still be satisfied with my purchase.
many times, a tool that i didnt spend a lot of money on, and thought will probably be "disposable" in a short time, has held up to some serious abuse for far longer than i expected it to.

i tend to do a lot of thinking before investing my hard earned cash on something my job doesnt depend on.
all my purchases are cash, no financing/credit, or credit cards.

 

[Playwme]

I've got a whole bunch of the cheap $20 Chinese grinders in 4inch. They do the job, and as said you can have all the different discs on them and not have to swap and change. I've never blown one up.
I've also got one nice 5 inch Makita that I use almost exclusively with the thin cutoff discs. It's got a little bit more grunt, less kick on startup, and a nicer feel, all of which help with getting a neater faster cut. When it comes to grinding or wire wheels, the cheap 4 inches do the job just fine.

 

[sberry]

For 30$ can get a lot better grinder.

 

[A**holes Garage]

4.5" works for me for small projects.
I started out with 3 Dewalts for several years, then transitioned to Metabos. I like the power of the Metabo's but they are heavier and a bit bulkier than the Dewalt.

 

[rayra]

The problem with most grinders that get burnt up is the operator. They were meant to be a light weight touch up type tool. A lot of people are using them to grind off their buggered up welds (from their 110v MIG that they also dont know how to use ), when the job really calls for the big 7 inch grinder.
I agree with the just get one and use it camp, you will be more informed the next time as to what features you like.
Good Luck!

same with dremel tools. They don't have an inkling that light pressure and higher rotation speed generally works much better than bearing down and burning up both the tool, the disc / bearings AND the item you are working on.

 

[zoomzoomjeff]

I have both some cheap grinders with cutoff wheels and grinding discs, along with a more expensive grinder with sanding discs and wire cup brushes.

The expensive, higher quality tools do vibrate a lot less than the really cheap ones. The crappy ones vibrate so bad, even with no wheels attached, it feels like you can only work for a few minutes.

 

[TMcCay]

I prefer the trigger to the paddle. Probably from my days as a welders helper when I would spend most of the day on the other end a 7" B&D. Now I own 1 Porter Cable b/c of the trigger switch and just this January picked up 2 Makitas at HD for $65. They have the slide switch which is my second choice. Just depends what I'm using one for on which one I pick up.

 

[purplezr2]

Yeah, that too.



You see these a lot in polishers, and machines with bigger wheels. My 5" and smaller grinders, I like to hold in funny positions that this makes impossible.

Never had an issue with grinding in any directions.

I ran air and electric buffers for three years polishing semi wheels so maybe that is why it does not bother me.

 

[bwringer]

One dimension I haven't seen mentioned is noise -- in my experience both cheap and expensive angle grinders are gawdawful loud. I'd be very interested in a quieter machine.

 

[gmwelder86]

In the arsenal of grinders in the box at home in got everything from pro line Dewalt, Milwaukee, makita, home Depot special Dewalt and a harbor frieght. Ranging in size from 9-4 inch. All have their place, the hf has only the power for a mediocre wire wheel job. So far my favorite has been the 6 inch dewalt. But I've got 2 4.5 inch dewalt that I've used simular models at work and we were rating between 3 cutting seized 1-1/4 stainless bolts off of a 24 inch flange. They would get to hot to work while wear welding gloves. Hang them in front of a big fan from their cord and grab the next one. They all still work to this day. If that's not a test I don't know what is..

 

[gmwelder86]

One dimension I haven't seen mentioned is noise -- in my experience both cheap and expensive angle grinders are gawdawful loud. I'd be very interested in a quieter machine.

It's a grinder wear ear plugs, it's like asking for a machine gun not to be loud.

 

[speed bump]

It depends on the job:

For day to day simple stuff I buy 5 amp or so grinders I find cheap.

For cleaning up welds I break out the 12A-14A 5" grinder.

 

[rlitman]

It's a grinder wear ear plugs, it's like asking for a machine gun not to be loud.

Pretty much. Better grinders have quieter gears, but once the wheel makes contact, it's going to get loud.

 

[AMCguy]

Get a 5 inch. You will not regret it. You can always use a 4.5 inch disc in it, but you can't use a 5 inch disc in a 4.5 inch.

You can't go wrong with Makita.

I have one with a grinding disc, one with a sanding disc, one with a cutoff disc and one with a metal prep disc.

 

[jgorm]

I have a couple dewalt grinders, and an 18v grinder. The 18v is bad ***! It doesn't have the balls that the corded ones have, but it's portable. I keep a flap disk on it and it's great for cleaning metal before welding and putting rough edges on things like shovels.

 

[justanengineer]

For small work I've got 4.5" Milwaukees and use 4.5" discs. Having had many discs explode and seeing a few impale people I dont work without guards anymore. Personally, I like paddle switches and havent had issues running them, but admittedly Ive worked as a weldor and done my share of raw casting deburring so I've learned to use them better than most. I also like Milwaukees bc IMHO theyve always made the best handheld power tool motors. I've never burned up one of their grinders that I can recall, but theyre not overly expensive either (~$75 for my latest Chinese made one) so I'm not out much if I do.

 

[TonkaJoe]

I've always used Masterccraft 4.5" grinders.. You can't go wrong with a lifetime warranty, although I'm sure other brands have the same incentives as well. Not to mention that when they're on sale for 25$ it's hard to walk by and not take notice. I've broke one in the last number of years ( bearings went) and the second has been performing without issue. They come with the slider switch which as others have said there is no safety shut off.. once its locked in the "ON" position its off to the races unless the power is disrupted. I'd personally much prefer a setup with a trigger style switch.. it's 10x more safe.

 

[sberry]

I have been doing this all my life, never had or seen a disk explode.

 

[A**holes Garage]

My nephew bought a HF 4.5" for a small project. Piece of **** fell apart after a few hours of use. And yes, I've seen cut a cut off disc explode. Get one of those thin, flimsy HF disc packs. Get the disc in a slight bind while cutting, it'll fly apart.

HF 4.5" angle grinders and discs are junk and potentially dangerous.