angle grinder

[jayemm]

The Harbor Freight 4-1/2" Bauer grinder was about $30 but could be had for less with coupon and it looked to be decently constructed for a low cost grinder.

 

[billconner]

I zeroed in on the $30 Bauer but none in stock. I don't usually think of Walmart but good suggestion. There's a Metabo (I'm sure the lesser Metabo) at Lowes where with discount $45 but includes case and blades - and I like an identifiable case rather than another metal file box.

Thanks jayemm!

 

[GaryM909]

How many more projects do you think a septuagenarian is good for?

Projects keep you young and off the couch. lol. I will 65 in August

 

[jives]

I cannot imagine that a cordless would take the constant running of an angle grinder. I bought a "cheap" P-C about 20 years ago and it has lasted way beyond me. It has gotten smokin' hot and never hiccuped. Of course, I don't know if the P-Cs are the same now as 20 years ago.

 

[dnschmidt]

Forgetting the question being asked I've seen more old school RAT TAIL Makita grinders in fab shops and any other type. This is the one I'm talking about: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004YOGZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They appear to last forever.

 

[toplessHO]

one thing I see that brings up a con is the switch and operating with heavy gloves.
my new metabo isnt very friendly with this,the new Kobalt 24v I just got is somewhat friendly
and the B&D with paddle switch and no nanny switch is the best.

 

[GaryM909]

Forgetting the question being asked I've seen more old school RAT TAIL Makita grinders in fab shops and any other type. This is the one I'm talking about: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00004YOGZ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

They appear to last forever.

I have 4 of those in my garage. One I bought over 40 years ago that was made in Canada. About 10 years ago I was working on a big project in northern Alberta. The company brought in a bunch of Filipino pipefitters because they were short of manpower. The Filipinos were buying those Makita grinders here in Canada and shipping them back to their home. They said the ones they got over in the Philippines were garbage compared to the ones here even though they are all made in China.

 

[speed bump]

If you only want to buy one grinder I would spend the $160-200 on a 10-14a 5-6 inch Metabo, Makita or DeWalt (Personally I also like one that is variable speed). You will get all of the convenient features of a better tool such as vibration damping, tool less changes, easy to adjust guards, and all the power you could want.

If you don't want to spend that then something in the $40-60 range in a color you like will probably be fine for home use. To me anything in this range tends to **** as a grinder but they do fine with a cutting wheel, sanding disc, or wire wheel.

 

[billconner]

I really looked at all the options for cutting rebar and blocks: purchase special tools, rentals, etc. Maybe smartest is a diamond blade on my circular saw but angle grinder seemed as good and protected saw shoe. I could do same for the block cuts - circular saw with abrasive blade - but it does beat up shoe. And I do no metal work otherwise as well, so not really a future need.

 

[Lucid Moments]

People recommending professional tools for someone that specifically said it is for "a couple of projects" and also said "A lifetime everyday tool I'd definitely not required" crack me up. I get liking good tools. I like good tools too. I would love to have a really good Metabo angle grinder. But I don't need an angle grinder often so I have a couple of the yellow ones that have done everything I need for less than a single Metabo. Much less some of the specialist tools one person suggested.

To the original question. I have never used one of Harbor Freights corded grinders. I have one of their cordless grinders that I took in trade for some stuff that was in my way anyway. It is pretty gutless but has never failed to do what I needed done as long as you know what you have and don't lean on it. I expect their corded grinders will do what you need to do just fine.

 

[speed bump]

I really looked at all the options for cutting rebar and blocks: purchase special tools, rentals, etc. Maybe smartest is a diamond blade on my circular saw but angle grinder seemed as good and protected saw shoe. I could do same for the block cuts - circular saw with abrasive blade - but it does beat up shoe. And I do no metal work otherwise as well, so not really a future need.

Unless you do a lot of rebar an angle grinder is great. We have a metal cutting circular saw at work and while it's great for stuff like grating and expanded metal the only thing we ever use for rebar is an angle grinder or a torch. The same is true for our contractors, every once in a while you will get a big job where you have a couple of guys doing rebar work (think semi load of rebar) and they have all the tools but typically it's an angle grinder or torch.

 

[toplessHO]

found these
overkill 1
and overkill 2
after all this is Garage Journal

Rebar bender cutter - general for sale - by owner

I have a Jet brand Rebar cutters/benders and a new replacement jaws for it 200.00 my price is firm, its mounted on 2x12 for stability and handle has been extended for ease of use please call me for...

tampa.craigslist.org

USED Bar Shears | 4500 PSI | Vale Brand | Located in Arizona -...

USED VALE BAR SHEARS WEBSITE>> https://www.repurposedmaterialsinc.com/equipment/vale-bar-shear/ QUESTIONS?? CALL US @ 877-282-USED (8733) PRICE: $4,000 backSTORY: This Rod/Bar shear also known...

tampa.craigslist.org

 

[JRC3]

There's a Metabo (I'm sure the lesser Metabo) at Lowes where with discount $45 but includes case and blades - and I like an identifiable case rather than another metal file box.

Thanks jayemm!

When I look it says 39.98 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Metabo-HPT...liding-Switch-Corded-Angle-Grinder/1001107544 Even at $45 this would be, and was my choice...But I didn't even get a case or the extra wheels, but did get it on sale at Menards for 30-something.

And here it is on the big A for $39 and even delivered next day. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L21GNHL/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Add a Protection Plan:
4-Year Protection for $6.99
3-Year Protection for $4.99

For $46 get a good grinder with a 4 year warranty. Or go to HF and spend $30 and get a turd with a ****** 90 day warranty. LOL And still no extra wheels or case. This is a no-brainer. ha!

There's also a used/open box on Amazon there for $30.

 

[billconner]

$39 less 10% here also. At least one diamond blade for rebar. That's my plan.

 

[tyyost]

I really looked at all the options for cutting rebar and blocks: purchase special tools, rentals, etc. Maybe smartest is a diamond blade on my circular saw but angle grinder seemed as good and protected saw shoe. I could do same for the block cuts - circular saw with abrasive blade - but it does beat up shoe. And I do no metal work otherwise as well, so not really a future need.

You could always buy a Walmart, HF, or used circular saw you can beat up. I have a used Skil worm drive I use for this work and rough framing.

 

[dchawk81]

When I look it says 39.98 https://www.lowes.com/pd/Metabo-HPT...liding-Switch-Corded-Angle-Grinder/1001107544 Even at $45 this would be, and was my choice...But I didn't even get a case or the extra wheels, but did get it on sale at Menards for 30-something.

And here it is on the big A for $39 and even delivered next day. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07L21GNHL/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Add a Protection Plan:
4-Year Protection for $6.99
3-Year Protection for $4.99

For $46 get a good grinder with a 4 year warranty. Or go to HF and spend $30 and get a turd with a ****** 90 day warranty. LOL And still no extra wheels or case. This is a no-brainer. ha!

There's also a used/open box on Amazon there for $30.

That's the one I have and Lowe's is where I bought it.

Apparently it's a POS that shouldn't exist according to a couple folks on here, because they bought a battery one and it was a POS that shouldn't exist. Therefore all HPT Metabo is evil.

 

[rooster59]

you get a 1-year warranty with the HPT-Metabo (Hitachi) corded grinder. Drive it like you stole it, park it like it's rented, what's the point of money if you ain't gonna spend it.

 

[Sumboodie]

I cannot imagine that a cordless would take the constant running of an angle grinder. I bought a "cheap" P-C about 20 years ago and it has lasted way beyond me. It has gotten smokin' hot and never hiccuped. Of course, I don't know if the P-Cs are the same now as 20 years ago.

The M18 one I have lasts quite a while. It's certainly not going to last like a 10 amp 120v grinder can, but for light and medium duty work, I grab it instead of reeling out an extension cord.

 

[billconner]

The M18 one I have lasts quite a while. It's certainly not going to last like a 10 amp 120v grinder can, but for light and medium duty work, I grab it instead of reeling out an extension cord.

Is cutting a bunch of rebar - say 100 cuts of no. 4 - or some block webs "light and medium duty work"? Sincere question, I've never used a angle grinder. Pure wood butcher and have generally taken the few metal pieces to a shop (since school 40+ years ago).

 

[Sumboodie]

Is cutting a bunch of rebar - say 100 cuts of no. 4 - or some block webs "light and medium duty work"? Sincere question, I've never used a angle grinder. Pure wood butcher and have generally taken the few metal pieces to a shop (since school 40+ years ago).

With the larger battery, it would handle that fine. Really the only limit to how long it will run is batteries, but they last quite a while. I've brought several batteries and a charger out on a few projects and ended up not even needing the extras.

The RPMs are a bit slower than a regular 120v grinder, but not to the point of it being a joke, like the old battery grinders from 10+ years ago.

The Dewalt version is good as well. Just go with whatever flavor of tool you are already setup with.

 

[infinite97]

I’m quite happy with my Metabo, but it doesn’t get used often, only for big prolonged jobs.

My m18 Milwaukee fuel gets the every day light duty work.

 

[DRider]

I have a top of the line Makita corded one and it works great. Very seldom use these, so don't need a cordless.

 

[billconner]

The Metabo is so so. Poor switch design, other wise it did the job at under $40 plus another $50 for good blades for the purpose - 1 for rebar and one for blocks.

 

[Cris B]

Three corded Makita’s here the eldest is 20 years old and still going strong. I’d buy another from them.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Bill, I meant to chime in on this thread last month but never got the chance.

I bought a HF 4.5 grinder specifically to cut concrete block. I put a diamond blade on it, Still have it but it does alright. It's currently $9.99 with their coupon. SKU 58089.

After cutting plenty of block, I decided to get a 7" HF grinder to get the block webs easier. Still not a high dollar unit and older purplish colored unit.

If you're cutting block, hands down, i would not want to run that nasty dust through a good grinder. Buy a cheaper HF unit, put a diamond blade on it and just blow it out with the air hose after each day of use.

 

[billconner]

I did get a diamond blade. I don't have many block cuts too make - luckily - just the corners of two bond beam courses.

 

[corn chip]

The Metabo is so so. Poor switch design, other wise it did the job at under $40 plus another $50 for good blades for the purpose - 1 for rebar and one for blocks.

you had the chinese metabo. fyi its not even a metabo. im sure it was **** as you say

 

[billconner]

It worked fine, just wonky switch. Just about two and a half stars out of 5. No regrets.

 

[IndyGarage]

I have about 15 grinders from various brands.

The Porter Cable shown below is cheap and a very tough grinder. They are a little noisy, but I have a couple I've used hard for 10 years and they are going strong. I would not recommend HF grinders - the ones I've had don't hold up to hard use. I do not like DeWalt or Bosch grinders. DeWalts run real hot and some of their switches are junk, and Bosch have straight bevel gears and are noisy.

The best is Metabo (not Metabo HTC - which stands for Hitachi tool corp). Very near Metabo is Makita. As long as you buy at least their mid range model, you will love it.

I cannot imagine that a cordless would take the constant running of an angle grinder. I bought a "cheap" P-C about 20 years ago and it has lasted way beyond me. It has gotten smokin' hot and never hiccuped. Of course, I don't know if the P-Cs are the same now as 20 years ago.

 

[Rabid Badger]

skip to where he takes them apart and you can see why HF is $20 and metabo germany is over $100.

Sorry, but that guy can't even read simple component specs. The Makita switch is only rated for 4A at 125VAC but 8A at 250VAC? That isn't how things work.

 

[F-22]

A couple months ago I got myself a cheap aliexpress Makita clone. I'm actually surprised with how good it held up. I took it apart when I got it and it had no grease in the head for whatever reason, but it's all on roller bearings and it uses a brushless motor. I have a few genuine makita tools and got the fake one cause I could use the same batteries. It's not powerful, but more than good enough for cutting stuff. For grinding, a corded one is way better anyway.

 

[NUTTSGT]

It worked fine, just wonky switch. Just about two and a half stars out of 5. No regrets.

Did I miss you already bought one?

I was going to say coupon ends today, don't over think this one cutting block.... cheap and disposable.

 

[billconner]

Thanks nuttsgt, but I bought the Metabo HPT.

 

[mike93lx]

110% portabands are a better option than a grinder too.

My issue is cutting with a grinder is ****, you can't do things too accurately, you need three hands (two for grinder, one to hold the work), they throw sparks everywhere, and the risk of binding and disks shattering are way too high.

You must need practice with a grinder. Two hands to operate one? Lol

 

[redwrench60]

Before pulling the trigger on a new grinder, check a couple local large pawn shops if you have any good ones. Around here used grinders of all brands bring between $20-$50 no matter what brand. I cherry pick the best ones when I see them and try not to give more than $30. You could get lucky that day and get a nice lightly used top quality grinder for a deal.

Edit: I see the OP bought a grinder but if you ever want to add another.

 

[Al Borland]

DeWalt DCG418 if you're buying just one. Consider it a lifetime purchase.

Clearly you haven't bought any DeWalt lately. Recent production is not much better than Harbor Fright.
(Or, you are expecting the DeWalt to kill you?)

 

[Outlander]

I have no brand opinions, just my minor personal experience. Don't tell MRS Outlander but my ex gave me the Bosh I have nearly 30 years ago. I have a cheap, Skil (or something) with a wire brush just so I don't have to swap. Lazy, but for the 5 times a year I use them I'm fine making them disposable.

I've enjoyed learning about different brands on this thread, may actually influence my next purchase, although the Bosch works for me. Kind of sounds like my ex, maybe that's why it feels "familiar".

 

[Paco Pena]

Never buy cheap consumables. When that 99 cent grinding disc lets go at 10,000 rpm things get exciting fast. Especially if you were running it without the guard.

Paco

 

[Outlander]

This just flashed by....too soon?

 

[ItsNemo]

Clearly you haven't bought any DeWalt lately. Recent production is not much better than Harbor Fright.
(Or, you are expecting the DeWalt to kill you?)

LoL no it hasn't...what personal story do you have to back up such a ridiculous claim?