Cordless Angle Grinders

[nealric]

I'm looking for a cordless angle grinder for mostly light duty work- things like sharpening lawnmower blades, cutting off bolts, and sundry automotove tasks. Since I have both Milwaukee and Ryobi 18v battery systems, I've pretty much narrowed it down to those two. I generally use Ryobi where the basics suffice or Milwaukee doesn't have an option (string trimmer, dust buster, portable tire inflator), and Milwaukee where quality matters (drill, impact wrench).

So the options are as follows:

1) Ryobi cordless grinder: $40

2) Milwaukee M18 non-fuel grinder: $80 at CPO Milwaukee

3) Milwaukee M18 fuel grinder: $150 at CPO Milwaukee

Is the fuel overkill for my needs? Is it that much better than the non-fuel? Would the Ryobi come up short if I wanted to use it to do something like cut through an exhaust pipe? This is a once every few months tool, not a regular use item.

 

[Ign]

For your description I'd go #2, although I've never used #1.

I have #3 and was just using it this morning. God I still hate the new paddle switch grrrr....otherwise power is adequate but not mind-blowing, and not corded-like.

 

[03protege]

Ryobi angle grinder has some pretty decent reviews on HD.com

Which platform do you the most high amp batteries for? I think for many grinding jobs that is what it will inevitably boil down to.

 

[rlitman]

My understanding is that the advantage to the Fuel is mostly in runtime.
But I need to ask, are you absolutely sure you want cordless? This is one of those tools where corded really is just better still.

 

[Ign]

My understanding is that the advantage to the Fuel is mostly in runtime.
But I need to ask, are you absolutely sure you want cordless? This is one of those tools where corded really is just better still.

Not for convenience. I'm trimming welded wire fencing on an 8x10 jig. I can run all around it and not fight a cord. Cordless has its place, and oftentimes you wind up w more attention to detail 'cause its just so damn easy to grab the tool and go where ever for a quick touch-up you might otherwise forego.

 

[nealric]

My understanding is that the advantage to the Fuel is mostly in runtime.
But I need to ask, are you absolutely sure you want cordless? This is one of those tools where corded really is just better still.

To be honest, I've found that I just hate dealing with cords. So much easier to grab a battery and go as opposed to having to unwind the extension cord. The cord also presents a tripping hazard.

 

[nealric]

Ryobi angle grinder has some pretty decent reviews on HD.com

Which platform do you the most high amp batteries for? I think for many grinding jobs that is what it will inevitably boil down to.

I have one compact and one high amp for each. Doubt I will do jobs that require more than 5 min or so of run time.

 

[mobiledynamics]

I have tons of corded.

Recently did a bunch of wrought iron work with my Fuel Grinder.
I rotated about 8 4AH batteries each day.....

BUT, I held the angle grinder in all different angles, upside down, etc and was VERY productive in such, as I did not have to worry about a cord hitting it, getting in the way, etc.

I don't see myself using the Metabo unless I really need to be corded ever again..

 

[cat06]

go with the fuel, grinders even on light work use up the batteries. for the extra 60 dollars you should get greater run time.

 

[dnschmidt]

This isn't even a close call. The Fuel by miles particularly if you're using it with cut off discs. Get the sequential charger and about 4 4A-H batteries and you'll be good to go all day long.

 

[WhiffySpark]

I have tons of corded.

Recently did a bunch of wrought iron work with my Fuel Grinder.
I rotated about 8 4AH batteries each day.....

BUT, I held the angle grinder in all different angles, upside down, etc and was VERY productive in such, as I did not have to worry about a cord hitting it, getting in the way, etc.

I don't see myself using the Metabo unless I really need to be corded ever again..

If you want a cordless metabo check out snapon

 

[mobiledynamics]

I don't think 4 batteries will be good all day long, even with charging...

Batteries won't charge until they cool
And in my experience with the grinders, they run down to a point where the thermal protect kicks in.

You generally don't want to charge batteries when they are hot. Regardless, even it u took it off the grinder and attempted a charge, it would not do it (I tried). Cooldown of battery, etc. I would say minimum, 6-7 batteries to be production if looking to use a grinder for at least 3-4 hrs straight...IMO

This isn't even a close call. The Fuel by miles particularly if you're using it with cut off discs. Get the sequential charger and about 4 4A-H batteries and you'll be good to go all day long.

 

[dnschmidt]

Cut off discs are fairly light duty. If you're using it to grind down welds that's another story but I have a fuel grinder that I use as a cut off tool and it seldom gets hot. I have the on-off switched version instead of the paddle which I don't like.

 

[smiffy]

If its an occasional use tool would it not be more important to choose a battery platform that you want other tools from to get the batteries more use
otherwise you tisk either wanting to use it and it being flat or wanting to use it and the battery being screwed completely from lack of use

As for a recommendation we have a 5.0ah battery hitachi at work and its awesome barely notice and bogging down like with the ryobi the batterys last alot longer and its more ballanced
its as comfortable to use as a cordless which i dont find the ryobi is

 

[jeff_gates]

I have a bunch of DeWalt cordless already, I use the grinder all the time.

--Jeff

 

[stage20]

i have an old 18v dewalt cordless and if you are grinding, it EATS batteries. cut off wheels it will last ok, but it robs more power than my sawsall. i try to use my lithium batteries with it whenever i can. really helps runtime.

 

[padronanniversary]

I have had all that you have listed and so far the fuel m18 has been great. by far a step up from the non fuel version

my collection of cordless grinders just keep growing can't wait to pick up the 5.0 Milwaukee battery next

 

[mv213]

I have the Ryobi. I've used it three or four times for very light duty cutting, like cutting hardware cloth, and once I cut a padlock off our gate because the lock cylinder froze.

It works great for the money. I don't think it's something you could earn your living with but you shouldn't expect that for $40.

One note about the Ryobi stuff, the new 4AH (72w/hr) batteries transform many of these tools. I have the green drill with the LED by the battery. With the old 48w/hr batteries, I thought the tool was gutless. With the new battery, it has tons of power. I used it building my shed to drive about 5 pounds of 3" and 4" deck screws (not pre-drilled) for framing. I suspect the new batteries support a higher discharge rate and thus give the tool more power.

 

[hoston23]

I have both the milwaukee fuel grinder and the not fuel grinder. the non fuel grinder overheats faster. for the money i would buy the fuel again over the non fuel if i ever get were i need another. (3 cordless grinders, 2 small corded, 1 air grinder, and 1 large)