Milwaukee or Metabo?

[fflintstone]

I had a Milwaukee 4.5” grinder that must have burned up in the fire. It was similar to this

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000022482/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Back in the fall I had an opportunity to use a Metabo grinder and was very impressed. I am thinking of replacing the Milwaukee with this.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0027IQGPG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thoughts or opinions?

 

[wxm]

I have a 4 1/2 Milwaukee and a 7" Metabo. Like them both, though the Metabo seems be better built (just my personal preference); Milwaukee is too loud (louder than the HF that I bought for $19).

 

[mrobins297aaa]

Metabo makes the best cut-off / grinders

It was the tool we use to say "Metabo, don't leave home without it"

Milwaukee makes the best drill motors and sawsalls.

Hilti makes the best hammer drills

Porta cable makes the best porta band type saws

I'm sure I'll get some arguments.........lol
just my 2 cents after 41 years in the building trades

 

[toolchaser]

+1 on the Metabo. I'll be getting another as soon as my other Makita wears out. Also. the Metabo "slicer" cutoff wheels are awesome and only $1.50 when on sale @ MSC.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

We have 2 4.5" Metabo grinders in the shop, we bought them after briefly owning a Milwaukee 4.5" that sounded like it was going to self destruct.

The Metabo grinder fit well in my hand and seem to be very well made, make sure you get one with a quick change spindle (best feature IMO).

 

[fflintstone]

We have 2 4.5" Metabo grinders in the shop, we bought them after briefly owning a Milwaukee 4.5" that sounded like it was going to self destruct.

The Metabo grinder fit well in my hand and seem to be very well made, make sure you get one with a quick change spindle (best feature IMO).

does the quick change spindle use propritary disks?

 

[low_crew_cab]

I've owned the Milwaukee posted above for about 3 years now. Never had an issue with it and used it almost daily for a solid year. Now i don't do as much fabrication but when i do it's my go-to grinder. I do own a few of the base model Milwaukee's too that i've never had an issue with. I wished i could give you some feedback on the Metabo but i've never personally used one. Only heard good things about them though.

 

[Monte]

Metabo

 

[Weps]

i definitely like the metabo products and would likely chose them over milwaukee unless there was an obvious reason not to.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

does the quick change spindle use propritary disks?

No it does not, you can use any standard disk on it.

 

[ron gray]

Have a Metabo and wouldn't have anything else. Love it.

 

[american lockpicker]

Metabo

This or Bosch.

 

[jxxxoxxxe]

There's an eBay auction for four nonworking metabo 6" grinders I just saw. They're asking $130 I think, plus $30 in shipping...of course it says they probably just need a cord or a switch...I guess there's only one way to find out....

Anyone want to split them?

 

[american lockpicker]

$130 new at Fastenal...

 

[Monte]

 

[fflintstone]

I am going to have to think long and hard on this one, I am about 90% sure the Metabo is made in China. I have a hard time spending $190 for a grinder made in china. I don’t care how dam good it is. My Milwaukee was a USA made model but I think all of them are made in china now, I know the low amp models are.

 

[american lockpicker]

Metabo is made in Germany.

 

[fflintstone]

Metabo is made in Germany.

No, they are "German engineered" the coo info is like any company trying to hide it…. not available.


http://www.metabo.us/Corporate-Structure.3685.0.html

 

[GeorgiaHybrid]

Mine is German made and was bought less than 4 months ago. It is an 8 amp quick change model. If you want me to, I can post a photo of the sticker showing the made in Germany stamp on the tool.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Get a second-hand Metabo.

I googled it and found someone who said:

The only Metabo grinder that is imported (read: Chinese)(to the best of my knowledge) is the W6-115.

The W8-115 on up are all still made in Germany.

But I've got no way to confirm if that's true or false.

 

[JASTECH]

I like German made tools too, if we keep away from China made they should get our drift!

Thanks, JASTECH

 

[rallenc]

AS to COO, in trolling the used and "overstock" storefronts, I have seen within the past few months a line of Metabo that is made in China. That said, these also did not carry the usual premium price tag.

I do not think it's as easy as saying that Metabo is made in Germany or China, need to look at the model and the specs/box.

 

[fflintstone]

Get a second-hand Metabo.
I googled it and found someone who said:
The only Metabo grinder that is imported (read: Chinese)(to the best of my knowledge) is the W6-115.
The W8-115 on up are all still made in Germany.
But I've got no way to confirm if that's true or false.

well this makes me feel better. I dont want to spend $190 on a 14 amp grinder that is made in china.

my guess is they are starting china production with the 6 amp models.
unfortunatly they may do more if if becomes profitable.

 

[Monte]

ALL Metabo angle grinders are MADE in GERMANY

EXCEPT these models
http://www.metabo.us/fileadmin/metabo/_countries/us__com_/pdf/neuheiten/NEW__Small_Grinders.pdf

and their predecessor
http://www.kull-und-kull.de/bilder/werkzeug/metabo-winkel2.jpg

They´re easily identifiable because they look completely different than the german made ones.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Thank you, sir!

 

[fflintstone]

I was in Airgas yesterday buying welding gloves and they had 2 Metabos and both were German made.
I just have to find the best price on the one I want now.

 

[rock mafia]

I have 2 of the cheap(er) 6 amp china metabo grinders. They have been beat on for 3 years. One the switch won't stay on anymore unless you hold it, but otherwise works great. I've had them so hot I could not hold them, and had them starting to make funny smells several times (death smell for most electric tools). No other grinder has lasted me half that long. I don't think you can buy an angle grinder under $100 that is not mabe in china.

Also. the Metabo "slicer" cutoff wheels are awesome and only $1.50 when on sale @ MSC.

I buy them here.

http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com/servlet/the-3/Cut-dsh-off-cutoff-wheels-stainless/Detail

These rock as well.

http://www.lehighvalleyabrasives.com/servlet/the-Flap-Discs-cln-Zirconia-Jumbo/Categories

 

[c.schulz]

okay Im sold on the Metabo grinds. Now who sells them at low prices? And one simple Q? Are all Metabo grinders paddle switch and are some lockable and non lockable?


Chris

 

[Just_George]

Metabo makes paddle switch grinders which, I believe, do not lock. They also make grinders with a top-mounted locking thumb switch. My recollection is that most of their grinders are available in either configuration.

Edit to add: The quick-change function is a cheap upgrade and well worth it!

 

[c.schulz]

Thanks George. Are the paddle switchs comfortable enough to use in multiple hand positions.


Chris

 

[thebeekeeper1]

All things considered I prefer Milwaukee, simply because they are "good 'nuff" and MUCH more ubiquitous. Be warned I am "just some guy" and not a professional though.

 

[bobcatdan]

I'm very happy with my two Metabo products, a made in Germany 4.5" angle grinder and a made in the USA sawzall style saw. I was vey surpise to see the Made in the USA on the Metabo.

 

[acer66]

I just replaced my burned up Milwaukee grinder with a german made Metabo.

 

[64Trvlr]

I've got 6 Milwaukee grinders and am happy with them so my vote is for Milwaukee.

 

[fflintstone]

I ended up picking up 1 Milwaukee and 5 Metabo’s grinders all at fleas or pawn shop. I like being able to not have to change disks.

 

[Jack Olsen]

Great minds think alike.

I've got seven Metabos, now. All purchased second-hand and all of them run like a champ.

 

[Just_George]

Wish I could tell you Chris, but my Metabos are all of the thumb switch type. Haven't used one with a paddle switch, but I know that one guy on one of the welding forums said he wouldn't buy anything but a paddle switch, figuring they were safer.

Thanks George. Are the paddle switchs comfortable enough to use in multiple hand positions.


Chris

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Metabo/Milwaukee... IMO between those brands it boils down to what you can get easiest or cheapest and have best customer service from. I've used both...My dad has a couple Metabo grinders and they are bulletproof, I've got a Milwaukee which I've run so hard I couldnt touch the gearbox on it without burning myself...Louder then heck, yup...but grinding isnt a "silent process' anyways by virtue of rubbing abrasives on steel at high rates of speed..LOL. So while my Milwaukee does free-air run louder then my Metabo, when actually using them I dont notice a difference.
That being said, I use Metabo abrasives almost exclusively...

 

[c.schulz]

Awesome feedback guys thanks

Chris

 

[Monte]