Die Grinders- Generic Import all the same?

[kartracer55]

I am looking to get another die grinder in the next few days, however I don't want to spend too much money on it. Long story short, it will be kept in our FSAE shop, for the time being run on unfiltered/unregulated air, and not very secure. $50 max. Not so much worried about theft, mostly just don't want to "abuse" a good grinder with bad air, so to speak.

I was looking at several, and I have been noticing the striking similarities between many of these grinders in the same price range...

Sunex

Harbor Freight

Northern Tool

Chicago Pneumatic

and the grinder seen here...
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00919025000P?mv=rr

All are "ball bearing" and "22,000 rpm" grinders, typically have what looks to be a bronze bushing surrounding the "plunger" under the handle, same rear exhaust, Sticker always seems to be in the same location, and comparing the HF grinder to the Craftsman grinder (both of which are currently in use at the shop, the craftsman being several years older), the cast warning on the bottom of the tools is word for word identical, just slightly larger font on the newer HF grinder.

Whats the deal here? Are they all REALLY the same grinder? I know that the HF grinders arn't perfect, but is the chicago pneumatic THAT much better? I know the CP grinders/cut-off tools that have the polished bodies are top notch, but is this just over priced HF stuff?

Also, I was considering, for $99
http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_12605_00919559000P?keyword=ingersoll+rand+die+grinder+kit

I figured, when you factor in the accessories, it isn't too bad of a deal, but these are the "G" series tools IR commonly sells (or sold) at lowes, prior to the the kobalt air tools really being pushed.

I went to home depot and found one of the USA made die grinders in the back of the pile for $30, but did not like the feel of it in my hand, too short for such a fat body. It's a shame too, because it would have been ideal. I looked at the newer home depot grinders with a 3 year warranty, made in taiwan and thought they were OK, reminded me of the black and red sears grinders. Also looked at the kobalt die grinders for $35, they were all discolored and the sticker was peeling off right out of the packaging.

Any thoughts on what path to take, and also if all the above "generic" grinders really are the same?

Thanks
Jim

 

[TBD]

I always heard the story that they all came down the same line and were tested upon completion. The highest performers got the priciest brand name and so on. No idea if it's true or not.

 

[greenreese]

I have a Companion grinder that looks just like all of those. I bought it at Sears maybe 4 years ago. Cost me all of $7. I bought two and gave one to my friend. Both still work fine.

 

[jimmy p]

i just got those IR grinders for . Made in china but I do like the composite body.

 

[jteck75]

As far as die grinders go,I've had everything from Snap-On (Blue Point),to Harbor Freight,to Dotco. It all depends on how much use it will see,and how much you want to spend. From hearing you describe what you are looking for,just get a couple of HF grinders,for about $20, and you'll be fine. If you ever want to upgrade to a better USA die grinder,get a Dotco,you will notice a difference in the performance,but there is a substantial price increase involved with a Dotco.

 

[35mastr]

Also have your crash helmet on when that front bearing blows on those 10.00 grinders.

Ask me how I know 10 stitches later.

 

[Jononon]

I have a 'Wufu' that is externally absolutely identical to the current CP872. I suppose it's conceivable that the CP is fitted with higher quality internal components, but I doubt it.

Also have your crash helmet on when that front bearing blows on those 10.00 grinders.

Ask me how I know 10 stitches later.

There are times I'm glad that my woodwork teacher used to hit people who were being dangerous over the knuckles with a steel rule.

 

[sberry]

The Husky one at Home Depot for 30$ is a best buy, I think TSC has it under the Farmhand name. Very good and it will outlast 3 of the 20$ ones.

 

[djjsr]

I've got a couple of good ones and a couple of cheap ones. The cheap ones work fine BUT if you feel them start to vibrate a little or make a strange noise, throw them away!!

 

[crashbumper]

I have used a HF unit and an IR unit side by side at work, and there is a big difference.

We use them with carbide burrs and cartridge rolls when porting exhaust manifolds, and the *nice* name brand units don't bog down, and have more torque to dig in with.

At home, I probably couldn't tell the difference since my compressor is a smaller 33 gallon unit.

If you have a good air system, then you will notice a change. Otherwise, they are all limited by the compressor and airflow I think.