Smallest cordless angle grinder?

[GirlnAgarage]

Good after guys, it's time for me to purchase a cordless 4.5" angle grinder. I'm hoping yall can point me to some reasonable options as you hit the nail on the head with the grease gun recommendation.

I'm currently using an older model corded 4.5" Sears Craftsman angle grinder and it does well. It's a little heavy, uses a paddle switch and I have to take breaks to give my one-handed grip a rest. But it has plenty of power and gets work done. But, I need to get it out into the field where outlets don't go. I almost exclusively use flap discs, I don't use a cutting disc and I rarely if never use a grinding disc. What are my best options?

Project is cleaning up pipe fence to prep for paint...the perfect summertime job.

Here's some wants:
- a narrower grip, if that's possible, since I'm using it one-handed.
- no switch preference, although experiences are welcome
- prefer to stay Dewalt 20V or Milwalkee M18 or M12 as those are the platforms I have. I do have the big batteries with Dewalt only
- not opposed to a cheap throw away, if it dies doing the project, I'm ok with it, if it can make it to the end.
- work in a very sandy environment

Ok, let me know what you think. Thanks.

 

[Beerhippie]

I recently added an M18 2686-20 to my quiver. About as small as you'd want--enough room for a two-handed grip if needed, but small handle and paddle switch--6" circumference at the wide part of the paddle. A 5AH battery is about 75% of the weight.

I'm comfortable holding it one-handed with my smallish hands.

 

[Sumboodie]

2881-20 is what I run. Have a few.

 

[Galvonzo]

Project is cleaning up pipe fence to prep for paint...the perfect summertime job.

Sounds like a good job for A dewalt DCG413b with the big batteries you already got. It's a paddle switch, but well balanced and easier to hold one handed if you hold it closer to the battery end as it tapers down.

 

[WWheeler]

I'm way happy with my Dewalt cordless grinders. I've got a 20V 4-1/2" DCG412 and a 60V Flex 6" DCG418 which is a beast. I've never used another to compare them to though.

Other factors than just size you may want to consider.

 

[RMERR]

I don't have a Dewalt or Milwaukee, so can't comment on those (I'm on team blue here). Whichever brand you go with, I'd cast a vote for the on/off thumb switch vs paddle though. Activate the thumb switch and you can hold it firmly or loosely with one or two hands, at any weird angle or position you need. I'm sure opinions vary on this, just my two cents.

 

[Beerhippie]

I don't have a Dewalt or Milwaukee, so can't comment on those (I'm on team blue here). Whichever brand you go with, I'd cast a vote for the on/off thumb switch vs paddle though. Activate the thumb switch and you can hold it firmly or loosely with one or two hands, at any weird angle or position you need. I'm sure opinions vary on this, just my two cents.

My corded Makita AG has a slide switch. My benchtop has scars from plugging it in with the switch on. My cordless M18 has the paddle and I've never accidentally started it. But then, it also doesn't plug in.

 

[Wamsutta]

Bosch or Metabo HPT.

 

[drmarkr]

Small? Do you have one of these yet? Not that everyone doesn't need a good 4.5 (I have M18 and works great), but since you mentioned small, thought I'd throw this up.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

I appreciate the suggestions so far, thank you, I'll look each up.

Small? Do you have one of these yet? Not that everyone doesn't need a good 4.5 (I have M18 and works great), but since you mentioned small, thought I'd throw this up.

I do in fact have one of those. Picked it up not long after it debuted. I've tackled a lot of projects with it and will get another when this one ka-puts.

 

[GirlnAgarage]

Updating the thread that I ended up getting a Dewalt 416 as a gift for my birthday. I used it today prepping pipes for the fence. First impressions:

- the grinder is well balanced, as in comfortable, with a battery
- used standard 20v 4ah batteries as that's what I have. The run time is adequate. I'm finding my wrist needs a rest about the time it's time to stick the battery on the charger. But with two batteries, I just swap one while the other charges.
- the grinder is easy to handle. It feels as though it has less torque than my Craftsman cordless and when it starts going it sounds a little girly. But less torque is coming in as a plus as it is feeling less fatiguing on my wrist hanging on to it while I work. There's still plenty of juice to grind.
- paddle switch is easy to activate and with a longer paddle, it allows me to adjust my grip and still maintain pressure the on switch.
- cordless vs corded - I enjoyed not having to fight and drag the cord as I moved along the material. When I first got started it felt like I was forgetting something
- installing the first new flap disc was easy, no issue getting the center nut snugged down. The allen wrench was much easier to manipulate the arbor nut than that old school flat hex wrench.

So far so good. I have more pipe to prep, as I'm about halfway through. I did notice that with continuous use the grinder head gets pretty hot. It is also 100* outside when working too.

I appreciate yalls help.