Angle grinder opinions

[Coach James]

Hey everyone,

Any opinions on the Dewalt 840 7" angle grinder?

Other recommendations for a 7"?

Thanks
Coach

 

[redwrench60]

I have an older version of that Dewalt grinder. Mines 7” 15 amp 6000 RPM. It was well used when I bought it. It’s a stout torque monster and only gets busted out when I really gotta move some metal. This thread will fill with people telling you to buy a 4-1/2” grinder but if you’re looking at a 7”er you likely have heavy work to do. You might even consider a 9” unit. I got my 7” cheap or I’d have gotten a 9”.

 

[Coach James]

Thanks redwrench. I have several 4.5 inch grinders ranging from HF to Bosch and Makita, but no Dewalts.

I also noticed most of the 7 inch cutting wheels I found online had a 7/8 arbor, but this Dewalt and some other brands I looked at all had 5/8 arbors.

Coach

 

[u2slow]

I'm eyeing up the $130 Dewalt 7" on amazon.

https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B0002SRK6M/?tag=atomicindus04-20

Note the rpm of the tool and discs you want to spin on them. I have a stout 5" grinder, but I fear the 8000rpm-rated 'things' I want spin might let go at 11,000rpm.

 

[MJD1]

I would go with a 6" over a 7". Much more manageable due to weight and a smaller overall profile. With the higher rpm it will remove metal as fast as a 7" will. Only downside to a 6" is some of the more specialty wheels( such as aluminum grinding) aren't as available. For cutting applications the 6" is much faster and with the slimmer head profile will cut as deep.

 

[IndyGarage]

That Dewalt 840 looks OK. The biggest thing with a larger grinder is the ergonomics - they can wear you out fast if they aren't easy to hold onto.

I have a couple of DeWalts and they run OK. Not as good as Makita or Metabo, but better than some.

The D28499X 7/9 inch is a beast, but it's really too heavy and powerful to use very much. It can wear my arms out in 30 seconds.

I also have a DWE402 paddle 4 1/2 which I hate, hate, hate. The position of the paddle switch is such that you cannot hold onto it well at all - In my opinion, that design is dangerous. I've also nearly burned it up using it hard, so I don't think it's built all that well. It's literally the last grinder of my 15 or so that I will pick up...

 

[h~moto]

A safety clutch is a “must have” for me.

 

[Dave455]

No experience of the DeWalt I’m afraid, but I’ve used the Makita 7 inch. (GA7021?). I thought it was pretty decent.

I quite like the 7 inch. Here in the U.K. the 7 inch have been in and out of favour over the years, but they seem to be getting popular again. I think they’re good for electrical work. Big enough, without being cumbersome.

 

[Coach James]

No experience of the DeWalt I’m afraid, but I’ve used the Makita 7 inch. (GA7021?). I thought it was pretty decent.

I quite like the 7 inch. Here in the U.K. the 7 inch have been in and out of favour over the years, but they seem to be getting popular again. I think they’re good for electrical work. Big enough, without being cumbersome.

What model cutting wheel have you used with that Makita? Does it use a flat or depressed center cutting wheel?

Thanks
Coach

 

[Dave455]

What model cutting wheel have you used with that Makita? Does it use a flat or depressed center cutting wheel?

Thanks
Coach

I THINK, it was a flat centre I used, but it was a tool I only picked up to chase a couple of walls while helping out a friend doing an electrical job, so I didn’t pay a huge amount of attention. I don’t do a huge amount of masonry cutting myself.

Decent tool though, I liked it, and liked the size. A lot of folks would use a 9 inch grinder for the same job, but they can become a bit unwieldy. The 7 inch was big enough, but handier than the 9 inch.

I own a 9 inch, but seldom use it

 

[Coach James]

Thanks for the replies. I went with the Makita GA7021. Ordered a pack of cutting wheels as well.

Coach

 

[ZRX61]

I also have a DWE402 paddle 4 1/2 which I hate, hate, hate. The position of the paddle switch is such that you cannot hold onto it well at all - In my opinion, that design is dangerous. I've also nearly burned it up using it hard, so I don't think it's built all that well. It's literally the last grinder of my 15 or so that I will pick up...

I have two of those damn things. I've lost count of how many times I've picked one up & accidentally turned it on. Twice I lightly buzzed my other arm with the disc. They must be a lawsuit waiting to happen.

 

[Coach James]

Another question. Why would someone use the wheels and discs that thread onto the spindle instead of the ones held on by the nut?

Coach

 

[strutaeng]

I've got that Makita and like it a lot. I've only used it for grinding, however. It still has the grinding wheel it came with. It's really heavy, so it only gets used for material hogging. The weight actually helps you for grinding. I've actually used it more for concrete cutting or hardi board cutting than metal grinding. DIY projects.

I've been using my DeWalt 6" almost exclusively now for cutting. I only used to use the regular 4.5", but use them less now, mostly for light grinding. Just bought a new 5" Bosch on OfferUp for cheap. I'm expecting that will replace the 4.5" chores.

 

[Ign]

Another question. Why would someone use the wheels and discs that thread onto the spindle instead of the ones held on by the nut?

Coach

Fewer parts to lose and arguably easier change over I guess

I will say on 4.5" I've actually come to NOT trust the threaded grinding discs. I had a batch that was NOT perfectly square to the abrasive face and that'll make a grinder skip and stutter like a *****. Sandwiching a disc between the backing nut and threaded nut is your best bet to run true.

IIRC my bad experience was with Dewalt wheels, so it's not like it was HF or other no-name ChiCom (shrug)

 

[Ign]

Thanks for the replies. I went with the Makita GA7021. Ordered a pack of cutting wheels as well.

Coach

I've got the same one also, and as mentioned the damn thing is heavy. I only drag it out when I really have to.

I also got a Fein 5" and found some kick *** 5" grinding wheels on Amazon...it's amazing how much a smooth grinder coupled with that extra 1/2" of surface speed makes a HUGE difference.

I got by for awhile with the HF 7" grinder....in this case the lower quality equalled less weight (the Makita is built like a tank) and that was kinda nice LOL. I never did kill the HF, just decided I didn't trust it and I think I got the Makita new recon (ie recon but NIB) for $75

But the best solution is avoid jobs that require a 7" grinder - I'm getting too old for that ****!

 

[thefoobag]

I have a 7" rigid a buddy gave me, had it repaired at HD for free and it kicks ***. tons of power and rotating handle for cutting. I use it professionally welding and cutting on heavy equipment and it handles everything flawlessly. If you can swing the money though id go with a 6" metabo quick release. I use that more than my 7" because its so smooth but the rigid is nice for control in open areas.