I've got a Fein on clearance and really like it, but usually grab my Bosch. The cheap $20-$40 grinders I've used all seem to function ok, but they're so rough feeling to me. Vibrate so much more just feel "rough" is the only way to describe it.
Best 4.5" angle grinder under $100
- Thread starter sevensandeights
- Start date
TailGunner3000
Well-known member
I highly recommend Dewalt. I purchased one for the sole purpose of finishing a project that required a lot of cutting of concrete landscape block in a confined space. The cheaper grinder I bought first failed a few cuts in. Not only did the Dewalt finish the project, it's still going strong 8 years later, having been used relatively heavily on all manner of projects since.
American Locomotive
Well-known member
Has anyone tried the new DeWalt Brushless Corded grinders? They look pretty interesting.
If you really want to upgrade you need to look at features and not ultimate price.
What IS a upgrade compared to your 20yr grinder:
_ Variable speed - good for wire cups and high detail work
_ Safety features like, clutch/binding power drop, auto sensing plug (accidently leaving switch on and plugging in), thermal overload
_ Cordless- for the obvious reasons
If any of those interest you then think about upping the budget to some of the models mentioned. Otherwise, just stick with your old grinder or cheapest solution.
IMO best grinders to consider
- Hitachi HTP Metabo (yah, I know)- G12VE - super skinny, variable speed, safety features, my favorite
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYC6O3P/?tag=atomicindus08-20
- Bosch GWS13-50VSP - variable speed, made in Germany, found at HD, paddle if youre into that?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-1...nder-with-Paddle-Switch-GWS13-50VSP/206694626
- Most German made Metabos
Cordless- Milwaukee M18 (FUEL only models)
All of which cost north of $100
What IS a upgrade compared to your 20yr grinder:
_ Variable speed - good for wire cups and high detail work
_ Safety features like, clutch/binding power drop, auto sensing plug (accidently leaving switch on and plugging in), thermal overload
_ Cordless- for the obvious reasons
If any of those interest you then think about upping the budget to some of the models mentioned. Otherwise, just stick with your old grinder or cheapest solution.
IMO best grinders to consider
- Hitachi HTP Metabo (yah, I know)- G12VE - super skinny, variable speed, safety features, my favorite
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01MYC6O3P/?tag=atomicindus08-20
- Bosch GWS13-50VSP - variable speed, made in Germany, found at HD, paddle if youre into that?
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Bosch-1...nder-with-Paddle-Switch-GWS13-50VSP/206694626
- Most German made Metabos
Cordless- Milwaukee M18 (FUEL only models)
All of which cost north of $100
Robbie B
Well-known member
We did have porter cable rat tail grinders at work that held up great. Finally wore them slap the heck out and my cheapskate boss went out and bought 2 of the new crapsman grinders from Lowe’s. They are huge in the hand, the switch is easy to accidentally bump, they get really hot really fast, like burning hot. I hate them. Don’t get those. See if she can find you a rat tail style grinder preferably a Porter Cable. They’re a game changer.
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Rabid Badger
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Sorry man, but Porter Cable is a zombie brand for SBD's bottom of the barrel. Their 1/2 corded impact is a rebrand of the exact same one HF sells under the Bauer brand, although they do charge less.
Avoid Porter Cable like the plague.
ZRX61
Well-known member
I have two Dewalts with the paddle switch. They work just fine, but apparently the operator can be an idiot at times. Several times I've picked one up & accidentally hit the switch as I did so. Unexpected torque reaction twists the grinder in my hand....So far the only damage is lightly buzzing my other arm with a flap wheel or sanding disc.
Would I buy more of them? Sure, but I'd prefer the regular switch.
Would I buy more of them? Sure, but I'd prefer the regular switch.
Todd.Brock
Well-known member
Bosch 10 amp model from Lowe’s is I think 99 and super nice. It has a paddle switch which you may not like. I worked the hell out of it with a diamond stone grinding some concrete areas flat. Dust collection is awesome if you need it.
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2001ZR2
Well-known member
I have been happy with my Dewalt 402 corded grinder. It has done everything I've asked but I bought it for removing rusted hardware during a suspension rebuild. It performed flawlessly but I am considering a cordless one for lighter work.
Up till mid 80's Porter Cable was INDUSTRIAL grade, likely he is referring to one of those. (30-40yrs on some grinders, not bad)
Agreed about the newer stuff.
Hitachi was the first to come out with a Brushless CORDED grinder.
See my post above, Hitachi G12VE, its hands down my favorite, even over my Metabo and FEIN.
Farmall450
Well-known member
Porter Cable is above the referenced Black & Decker line. Also, we have (4) of them in the shop, and they all do great. Only one is mine (personally), and it has the rock on it, probably the hardest of loads.
lastgoodusername
Well-known member
Hitachi, now Metabo from Amazon. Tell her to buy 2 plus all the flap wheels and cutoff wheels you need for less than a bill.
Robbie B
Well-known member
Our grinders held up great. Almost everything we do is 304/316 stainless 1/8 or thicker for a lot of it. They did it no problem.
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Ton ton
Well-known member
Thanks, rabid badger.
Nineeightyone
Well-known member
My best friend uses a Dewalt sans the paddle switch, he claims it wasn't worth the cost difference. Personally for occasional use I've found the blue chicago electric "professional" grinder to be adequate for my needs, though I also picked up a clearance Bauer model to try out.
Not saying it's the best grinder to ever grace the garage of man, but for $30 it's been a great investment.
Not saying it's the best grinder to ever grace the garage of man, but for $30 it's been a great investment.
sberry
Banned
That 30$ one is probably pretty good. There is a limit to how low you can go. I actually like a paddle, the cheaper ones didn't feature it, I got used to a slider. I use one a quite a bit, usually several times a day. Its lots of little zings though, only rarely really lay on it.
The ones I been using have decent power, way plenty for a hobby type and enough to do brush hog blades.
The ones I been using have decent power, way plenty for a hobby type and enough to do brush hog blades.
Parrothead
Well-known member
The PC is similar looking to the Bauer but they’re not the same. I did a lot of research before buying the Porter Cable. The Porter Cable IS the exact same as the Craftsman however. The PC is a very good corded impact wrench, especially for the price
Just a note on my preferences. I hate paddle switches. With as much grinding as we do, it's too tiresome. I do use them with wire wheels though as they have a tendency to grab. Also I hate flap wheels. We use 5" resin fiber and scotch brite discs for sanding and blending. Much easier to keep the surface flat.
Brandon_oma#692
Well-known member
I have 2 cheap 4.3 amp, 1 harbor freight and 1 from menards. I was looking for something more powerful and bought this one https://www.harborfreight.com/Corded-4-12-in-8-Amp-Heavy-Duty-Trigger-Grip-Angle-Grinder-with-Tool-Free-Guard-64742.html it is 8 amp and I used a 10% off coupon so it was $35.99 +tax. I picked up several in the store and liked the handle on this one the best. It is significantly better than the 4.3 amp ones I have.
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IndyGarage
Well-known member
That is true about Porter Cable cordless tools, but not true of some of them.
The Porter Cable grinder is cheap and very very good. It's not a Metabo, but it costs 1/3 of what a Metabo costs.
Many mention Bosch - I do not like Bosch Grinders - They have straight cut gears and run rough.
DO NOT BUY THE DEWALT DWE402 PADDLE GRINDER - the paddle is too far toward the middle of the grinder and it makes the grinder hard to hold onto and dangerous! I also don't really care for the durability of the Dewalt's I've had, but for the most part they are pretty average. If you buy a paddle grinder get one with the switch near the cord.
Best lower price grinders are mad by Makita in my mind. They run strong, smooth and last a long time.
Best overall is Metabo.
Rabid Badger
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All three are the same design. If you look at the features that would require engineering to change rather than just new molds (like fastener locations and motor housing length) they are identical.
Those cap screws holding the gearbox on look pretty similar, too.
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sberry
Banned
I like 402, its the old BD Industrial 2750. I will agree they didn't hold up and were easy to instant overheat from overload. I quit buying them. I also didn't like Bosch , no big deal, just didn't, maybe it was the gears? The PC and similar are all the same, probably 90% of the worlds cheap grinders built on 2 chassis,,, not including that ultra 10$HF job. They are not the same.
sberry
Banned
There might be a better one than what I use but finally kind of settled on it. I found a new one the other day in my old service truck where I had it ratholed as a spare. Badger hit it with the engineering change, all this not worth it to save a nicklel.
OP
sevensandeights
Well-known member
Missed Christmas but since my birthday is in January I asked for the same thing. Went with the Bosch GWS10-45P. Got it for $75 shipped on eBay. Couldn't find the Metabo for less than $95. I'll report back after I use it.
seber
Well-known member
I've gone through about half a dozen over the years. For me the Metabo is a cut above. Tooless change, slow start, overload clutch, smooth running, paddle switch, and above all I can't break them.
So, if a Bauer and a Porter Cable product are exactly the same, and if the pricing is within $3-5 bucks, you will get a three year warranty from PC vs 90 days from HF. If you are also inclined to buy the extended warranty from HF for $5.99, the PC is actually cheaper.
I bought a PC Tigershark recip saw as it had the 3 year warranty and I knew several cars were getting cut up. The three year warranty is about done, but the car cutting is done too. Win-win.
Menards Masterforce product comes with a 2 year warranty vs HF's 90 days. They are always within $2 for the same amps/specifications.
Like many here on the GJ, I am now only going to HF occasionally for sundries and a free flashlight, years ago I bought a lot of stuff from them.
I bought a PC Tigershark recip saw as it had the 3 year warranty and I knew several cars were getting cut up. The three year warranty is about done, but the car cutting is done too. Win-win.
Menards Masterforce product comes with a 2 year warranty vs HF's 90 days. They are always within $2 for the same amps/specifications.
Like many here on the GJ, I am now only going to HF occasionally for sundries and a free flashlight, years ago I bought a lot of stuff from them.