Reading all the comments about Metabo and Metabo HPT is interesting from the perspective of someone outside the U.S.
I'm really not so sure there was an intentional bait and switch tactic - The story I heard was they intended to rebrand as HiKoki in the U.S. just the same as the rest of the world. But there was such strong objection from the focus groups that at the last minute that they abandoned it and went with Metabo HPT. Everywhere else they are certainly marketed as two clearly different brands aimed at different sectors - although some of the design innovations have started to trickle across.
It is also worth noting that Metabo has an "economy" line of Chinese made grinders, and actually quite a few of their tools are now made in China. Only their top end grinders are still made in Germany.
I do like Metabo grinders a lot, most of mine are Metabo, they just run smoother and the guards well thought out too.
However the HiKoki/Metabo HPT ones are certainly not POS. My G13SE2 is an excellent grinder, made in Malaysia.
The G23MR is one of the few grinders you can still buy with an metal motor housing, and was made in Ireland until quite recently.
Vibration is a serious consideration in the commercial world, so Metabo are king in this respect - but I'd not write of other brands, especially for a couple of limited projects such as the OP's request. I bought a really cheap generic grinder in a clearance sale for the equivalent of $10 over a decade ago. It's been given hell, spent most of its days running a wire wheel, gone through three sets of brushes and only recently died. I only expected to get one or two jobs out of it. Money well spent! To the OP for his situation, I'd say just buy a cheap one and treat it as disposable.
5” Rat tail paddle is my preferred weapon of choice.
