Is this Ryobi $170 angle grinder better than this Ryobi $80 angle grinder?

[809]

I need a cordless angle grinder because of power logistics.

This PBLAG01B is $170: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ry...-1-2-inch-angle-grinder-tool-only-/1001599487

This PCL445B is $80: https://www.homedepot.ca/product/ry...-1-2-inch-angle-grinder-tool-only-/1001692013

I'll be selling my corded Milwaukee angle grinder to fund this purchase.

I'm not drowning in money to default to the more expensive, new, brushless option, but I know I loose money every time I get the cheaper tool and sell it years later to get the expensive, more better one.

In this case, do you think that the $90 extra is worth what I'll be getting for the more expensive grinder?

PS: I've already poured enough money into the Ryobi One+ power system that it doesn't make sense to get a cordless grinder from another maker.

 

[readhead]

I have both and the the more expensive one is better but not $90 better. The less expensive one will go through batteries faster.

 

[tarbellb]

Brushless in high demand (read grinder) is a huge advantage in power and battery life

that being said, two questions

do you want to save on the grinder and buy bigger batteries, not a bad trade off as you can use them for other tools

do you like paddle or trigger switch

 

[Rinspeed]

I think $170 is a lot for any Ryobi myself.

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[guitarbutt]

I have the cheaper one and I see no point in spending more for the expensive one. It works really well. Since you already have batteries, it's not like you drain one in minutes then have to wait hours to charge it. Just swap it out. I would buy it again

 

[Packard V8]

I think $170 is a lot for any Ryobi myself.

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Maybe Ryobi is trying to move upmarket, but the years of box-store-loss-leader quality has damaged the credibility forever for me.

jack vines

 

[Rinspeed]

I'll be selling my corded Milwaukee angle grinder to fund this purchase.

I would keep the Milwaukee myself.

 

[809]

I would keep the Milwaukee myself.

Financial constraints.

 

[readhead]

You all ready own it.

 

[readhead]

I can understand wanting to go cordless. I have two Ryobi and one Milwaukee and five corded ones that I hardly ever use anymore. When I had my fab shop the main thing that killed grinders was kicking the cord and it hitting the floor.

 

[nadogail]

I can understand wanting to go cordless. I have two Ryobi and one Milwaukee and five corded ones that I hardly ever use anymore. When I had my fab shop the main thing that killed grinders was kicking the cord and it hitting the floor.

The main thing killing your grinders seems to be Operator Error.

When the operator feels the pinch of replacing tools they destroyed through their error; they become more careful.

 

[809]

You all ready own it.

It simply is a big hassle to bring power to where I need it. Imagine doing maintenance in an underground parking where none of the outlets are available for use to residents.

 

[desertdog256]

I see that you are in Canada. Does HD have the promo combos in Canada? At the USA stores you can get the brushless grinder with three batteries, a charger, and carrying case for US$199 while supplies last. Seems like a better value, even though it’s a little more $$.

I have the non-brushless grinder and it’s “ok”, I guess.

 

[dnschmidt]

If you're spending $170 Milwaukee, Dewalt or Makita are the better options. $170 for a Ryobi seems nuts to me.

 

[readhead]

He already is invested in the battery platform. And for all the anti Ryobi folks you need to take another look.
About three years ago my son gave me a set of Ryobi tools to keep at our shed lot for maintenance work. I quickly realized that it wasn’t that bad. I have been a Milwaukee guy for years and have a lot of their stuff but I am catching up on Ryobi. Value for money can’t be beat and everything I have has performed well.

 

[809]

I see that you are in Canada. Does HD have the promo combos in Canada? At the USA stores you can get the brushless grinder with three batteries, a charger, and carrying case for US$199 while supplies last. Seems like a better value, even though it’s a little more $$.

I have the non-brushless grinder and it’s “ok”, I guess.

They have promos but I think they're not as frequent as in the US.

 

[Aaron_W]

He already is invested in the battery platform. And for all the anti Ryobi folks you need to take another look.
About three years ago my son gave me a set of Ryobi tools to keep at our shed lot for maintenance work. I quickly realized that it wasn’t that bad. I have been a Milwaukee guy for years and have a lot of their stuff but I am catching up on Ryobi. Value for money can’t be beat and everything I have has performed well.

Agree I looked down on Ryobi for years. My wife bought a cordless hedge trimmer, and once we had the batteries the camel had its nose under the tent. Ryobi is now my preferred casual use brand for cordless. I'm sure they can't match Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita for quality, but they are solid tools at good prices for a tool you just use now and then.

I've got Makita for my higher end cordless brand and I still rely heavily on corded tools for high energy consumption tools like saws and grinders. With cords I can pick and choose the best brand for the tool, not have to consider my battery infrastructure.

 

[nbpt100]

I have the Brushless Ryobi angle grinder and I have no complaints. If you can buy it on a special from HD it is even better. The power tool reconditioning houses often have them. Like Direct tool Outlet. I have never bought reconditioned but many here have and they say good things. Although, if HD has a special it may be priced competitively to a reconditioned tool, so look around. I have observed Ryobi putting out some better quality products over the past couple of years. It appears they are stepping up their game. With that said I would not say all of their offerings are well made. They have a lot out there. I own and have used some of their Brushless products and they are pretty good. I have had thier 600 ft-lb Impact and it works great. I have used it on about 12 projects in the 18 months I have owned it and it has preformed very well. My only complaint is its size. Althought, at the time the competitors were about the same size in that catagory. Now they are coming out more compact sizes which is a big plus for automotive work.

For the Homeowner or handy man that needs a power tool for moderate use I would not hesitate to suggest their brushless stuff. You still need to use discretion. Some of their tools look and feel cheap. Most of thier stuff is fine for light use. They have not changed their battery configuration in decades so that always is a plus. I have been given some old Blue colored Ryobi tools that I hold on to as back ups and they will work with my current batteries. It is nice to be on only one battery platform. That is a benefit that can go far.