Today's angle grinder thread

[Outlander]

Office guy with tools, I have two 4 or 4-1/2 angle grinders. A 20+ year old Bosch (lost the thin wrench) and a 3 year old Skil (which I think just busted the locking mechanism). One has a cut off wheel, the other a wire brush.

Use is 2-3 times per month for cleaning of rust from trailers etc. Nothing major, they don't run for more than a few minutes a couple of times per month.

I have come to the conclusion, unlike the other power tools I have that can survive a nuclear apocalypse (I have some of my dad's tools purchased in the 70's & 80's), angle grinders are truly disposable.

So, rather than disappoint myself tossing out expensive grinders, maybe I'll go cheaper and assume a 2 year lifespan!

I read all the angle grinder threads for the last couple of years....too much information to help. I'll buy something and report back how you were all right and I was wrong

 

[sberry]

BD from Walmart, for a hobby guy,, post back in 10 years, 30$ and even on sale .

 

[dledinger]

I have a few Hitachis so I can run different consumables without swapping during a job. I’ve ran them too hard at times, but they seem no worse for wear.

 

[welder4956]

My corded Dewalt has held up well for 6+ years. It replaced an old Craftsman that I had for 20+ years. I just bought a 20V cordless Dewalt that performs well. I'll give you an update when that changes.

 

[dr_clyde]

I’ve been very happy with the DeWalt paddle switch grinder I bought for quick deburr and sanding apps. It was only $50? Maybe? I dunno. It’s been a few years.

My daily driver grinders are Metabo, but they are spendy if all you want is occasional use.

 

[Radio Flyer]

This was my situation....

I would just borrow one from work when needed, or bring stuff to work with me.

Last month I had a project that would have required me to bring one home all week.

I decided to just buy my own.

Got a Dewalt from Amazon. Other than price, one of the features that I was looking for was the ability to rotate the guard without having to use tools.

Like any new tool, I find myself using it more than I thought because its close by.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

A long winded response. I used angle grinders at work and home.

At work I had a 5" 10amp Makita, this is the industrial standard, it'll do the work of a 7" without wearing out the millwright.

When the Makita switch packed it in, the company supplied a German made 4 1/2 Walter. Powerful at 10amps, with a slip clutch.

When the company was shutting down, I didn't want to burn out the now non replaceable Walter Zip-Cutting all the machines free, so I bought a $29 Hitachi. It survived !!

For home, my wife gave me a B&D Industrial (DeWalt now) paddle switch 4 1/2". For the little use it got, the switch didn't last. It now has the yellow assend of a DeWalt. The paddle switch is both nice and a bit dangerous.

It took me a while to get around to fixing the B&D, so I bought a German made Porter Cable 5" recon rat tail. It was just after Porter Cable got taken over. Not bad.

Of these the $29 Hitachi gets the most use. It's the lightest. I wouldn't bother with an angle grinder with a plastic gearcase. Don't be misled by high amperage ratings , it just means they are using thinner wires in the windings, as such burn out easier. An experience we had with the new Walters at work and my son with a Makita 4 1/2".

 

[PugetDude]

I've been trying to assassinate my Orange HF 4-1/2" Grinder for 15 years and have failed. I've cut brick, block, concrete, tile, steel, wood, and plastic with it. I've run it until it's too hot to hold with gloves. It lived under my welding table for years, collecting slag, sparks, and debris. I've never changed the oil in the gearcase. There is half a roll of electrical tape on the cord. This thing is like the cockroach that crawls out from under the refrigerator after the nuclear holocaust.

I also own 4-1/2 grinders from Bosch, DeWalt, Porter Cable, and Craftsman, but the little HF grinder is what I inevitably grab for dirty, dusty jobs.
My favorite is the Bosch Slim design- Very easy to use one-handed and has a locking paddle switch. Use it a lot to clean up my crappy welds.

 

[dagofast]

My first 4½" was a corded Milwaukee about 25 years ago. Paid a lot for it. Still got it, still runs. My second 4 ½" grinder was a little blue Harbor Freight one that I bought 10 years later for $12. when I was on an out of town job and needed the Milwaukee that was back at the shop. Still got that one too, still runs. I bought a 3rd and my second HF grinder, a gray one, about a year ago for a measly $9.99 simply because I'm lazy and wanted to be able to pick up and use a grinder without changing wheels. So now I have one with a hard grinding wheel, one with a cut-off wheel and one with a flapper wheel, all hanging next to each other on the nicest grinder rack in the world that I got from ZT Fab.

 

[Slednut]

Have had a Craftsman for years, I helped my daughter and SIL with a kitchen tile job so they bought me this variable speed slow start Makita. This thing is sweet. The variable speed is controlled by a roller switch at the rear of the grinder.

 

[Outlander]

I grabbed this while I was buying bolts & nuts today

https://www.boschtools.com/ca/en/boschtools-ocs/small-angle-grinders-with-slide-switch-1375a-27696-p/

I installed a cutoff wheel, now search for some metal to cut

 

[metaldad]

for lite occasional use, buy a cheapie.
i forget how many i have.
3 or 4 metabo 6''. + a couple or more dead ones. i run them hard, the electronics **** the bed, and generally are not available.
a metabo 4 1/2
2 low profile metabos
2 or 3 bosch 4 1/2
a milwaukee 4 1/2
b&d 4 1/2 that kicks ***!
i think theres a dewalt somewheres

 

[American Locomotive]

The biggest problem I have with cheap angle grinders isn't power or durability. It's NVH - noise, vibration, harshness.

Cheap grinders beat the operator up, especially with large discs or wire wheels. They physically vibrate more due to poor machining. They don't isolate the vibrations well from the main body of the grinder. The gears are ground poorly and make a lot more noise (and vibration) and so on.

High end grinders like Makita, Bosch, Metabo, etc... are noticeably quieter to use, and absorb far more of the vibrations. They also tend to generate less vibration to begin with due to better machining.

 

[jumbojak]

The biggest problem I have with cheap angle grinders isn't power or durability. It's NVH - noise, vibration, harshness.

Cheap grinders beat the operator up, especially with large discs or wire wheels. They physically vibrate more due to poor machining. They don't isolate the vibrations well from the main body of the grinder. The gears are ground poorly and make a lot more noise (and vibration) and so on.

High end grinders like Makita, Bosch, Metabo, etc... are noticeably quieter to use, and absorb far more of the vibrations. They also tend to generate less vibration to begin with due to better machining.

This is my experience as well. A HF grinder will get the job done but... If you run it for a while you wind up with old man hands. Stick out like claws from arthritis.

 

[dledinger]

I’ve used a few HF grinders helping friends...they always sound like a bucket of bolts.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

You made a good choice. When I bought my little Hitachi ,KMS had both Hitachi and the Bosch for the same price. I chose bright green, but I've seen more Bosch abused as much as I did to the poor little Hitachi.

 

[thool]

When I hear about these things failing early, I guess I have to consider myself lucky. I have a Dewalt with the paddle switch (DW402 I believe) and it is indestructible. I believe they cheaped out on the gearbox after this model. Aside from bogging on some heavy cutting, it has never let me down. It is truly one of my top 10 tools.

 

[toolchaser]

I have Metabo (4), Makita (1), Milwaukee (1), Skil (1) angle grinders. They get fairly heavy use, but because I keep different wheels on each some see more time than others. The only one I ever smoked was an old Makita with the metric spindle.

 

[GTO]

I've been trying to assassinate my Orange HF 4-1/2" Grinder for 15 years and have failed. I've cut brick, block, concrete, tile, steel, wood, and plastic with it. I've run it until it's too hot to hold with gloves. It lived under my welding table for years, collecting slag, sparks, and debris. I've never changed the oil in the gearcase. There is half a roll of electrical tape on the cord. This thing is like the cockroach that crawls out from under the refrigerator after the nuclear holocaust.

I also own 4-1/2 grinders from Bosch, DeWalt, Porter Cable, and Craftsman, but the little HF grinder is what I inevitably grab for dirty, dusty jobs.
My favorite is the Bosch Slim design- Very easy to use one-handed and has a locking paddle switch. Use it a lot to clean up my crappy welds.

Me too,I've had an orange for almost 15 years and cannot kill it either.
I replaced the brushes about a year ago,now it really won't die.
I found a Bosch 10amp model for $65 on Amazon,just in case.Still have it new in box,never fired it up.

 

[Rattle]

The biggest problem I have with cheap angle grinders isn't power or durability. It's NVH - noise, vibration, harshness.

Cheap grinders beat the operator up, especially with large discs or wire wheels. They physically vibrate more due to poor machining. They don't isolate the vibrations well from the main body of the grinder. The gears are ground poorly and make a lot more noise (and vibration) and so on.

High end grinders like Makita, Bosch, Metabo, etc... are noticeably quieter to use, and absorb far more of the vibrations. They also tend to generate less vibration to begin with due to better machining.

This is spot on. All depends on how often you are running a grinder. Occasional use personally I think I guy is better off with 3 cheapies rather than one good quaility one. Now if your going to be using it for hours or more on a regular basis definitely a quaility tool could be justified. I really liked the walthers and makita I have used at work just can't justify for the occasional home use at this point.

 

[Parrothead]

BD from Walmart, for a hobby guy,, post back in 10 years, 30$ and even on sale .

Yep, they’re better than most cheap grinders. Occasionally you can catch them for $20-$25.

 

[GTO]

This is spot on. All depends on how often you are running a grinder. Occasional use personally I think I guy is better off with 3 cheapies rather than one good quaility one. Now if your going to be using it for hours or more on a regular basis definitely a quaility tool could be justified. I really liked the walthers and makita I have used at work just can't justify for the occasional home use at this point.

Yes,you are probably right,when I finally fire up the Bosch,I will say to myself,damn should have started using this one years ago.....

 

[Fluelikesymptoms]

I have a corded milwaukee and it's been good to me so far. I haven't had it for 25+ years though.... yet.

 

[engineer2]

My corded Craftsman 4.5" has held up for 30+ years. High speed and plenty of power.
I bought a 18V cordless Makita 5" with variable speed and a paddle switch. I like it so far, but haven't used it extensively. It runs at a slower speed than the 120 VAC Craftsman, so it is easier to control.

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

Grinders are pretty tough. I use grinders almost every day. I keep 3 on my welding truck, one for a cut off wheel, one has a wire wheel and the 3rd has a grinding wheel. Saves me from having to constantly change wheels. I have 2 porter cable and one dewalt 4.5”, I have probably ran over 1000 cut off wheels thru the dewalt and its still alive. I havent had to buy one in probably 5 years. Around rhe shop we have a couple harbor freight junkers that we mistreat on a daily basis with no issues either. The only way ive ever broken a grinder was from dropping it off a ladder.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

eventually i have to upgrade from HF grinder. but i rarely use it, so i will wait till it dies.

but like someone mentioned, when it's running like sound ball bearing with missing balls. lol

 

[PugetDude]

eventually i have to upgrade from HF grinder. but i rarely use it, so i will wait till it dies.

but like someone mentioned, when it's running like sound ball bearing with missing balls. lol

My HF grinder sounds exactly like my garbage disposal when it started puking out ball bearings. But, unlike the disposal, it still works.

 

[sberry]

Yep, they’re better than most cheap grinders. Occasionally you can catch them for $20-$25.

Better than most cheap and better than a lot that cost a lot more.

 

[Outlander]

So, after confirming the wheel lock pin was broken on the Skil (found pieces in the greasy gearbox) and checking online to see if I could replace it (which I can't) I took the alternative GJ route: stuck something the hole, made sure it did not spew out grease and put it back into the collection!

Looks like this BTW

I'll continue to use it until it dies a death and goes out in a flame of glory!

Also, I contacted Bosch as they sell replacement wrenches but normal sources don't ship to Canada. This should put my original grinder back to full service!

I'll need a grinder drawer soone

 

[sberry]

I have one of those, havnt used it a lot to see how long it lasts. its ok.

 

[mbshop]

I bought some cheap hitachi years ago. Dont use it much but it sounds ok. Every tool or piece of machinnery i buy, specialy harbor freight, after the initial use, i will take apart and look for anything odd. Then regrease them and then they work better. China seems to have **** grease and they save money by putting very little in.craftsman drill press ? All apart. Hand electric saw ? All apart. On and on. Just my quirk.

 

[prone2xl]

My corded Dewalt has held up well for 6+ years. It replaced an old Craftsman that I had for 20+ years. I just bought a 20V cordless Dewalt that performs well. I'll give you an update when that changes.

Hey welder. I'm from around the birmingham area too. Never had a grinder but wanting to get into some metal working soon. Did you go with the brushless XR version or the brushed version? I want to pull the trigger on one but kinda like the switch on the non brushless version vs the paddle switch on the brushless. Then again I keep hearing I should be looking at variable speed option grinders ?

 

[GaryM909]

Also, I contacted Bosch as they sell replacement wrenches but normal sources don't ship to Canada. This should put my original grinder back to full service!



Just find an open end wrench thats the right size and grind it down to a thickness that works




Sent from my iPhone using Garage Journal

 

[Outlander]

Just find an open end wrench thats the right size and grind it down to a thickness that works

That was my next option if the $2.99 replacement did not come through.

 

[Zebu Fellenz]

I have an assortment of Fein & Metabo grinders. The Fein I purchased new a few years ago and the Metabo grinders are likely +20 years old. They all just work & work.

The newer Fein grinders are also noticeability nicer in smoothness & power than the DeWalt, Milwaukee, Hitachi and other grinders I've had previously.

 

[CR888]

I bought some cheap hitachi years ago. Dont use it much but it sounds ok. Every tool or piece of machinnery i buy, specialy harbor freight, after the initial use, i will take apart and look for anything odd. Then regrease them and then they work better. China seems to have **** grease and they save money by putting very little in.craftsman drill press ? All apart. Hand electric saw ? All apart. On and on. Just my quirk.

Just be a little careful to not over do the grease on an angle grinder, much better to have too little than too much. Once the grease warms up, in that little confined area it lubricates everything more than enough with the speed they run, to much can ruin your high speed tool.

 

[barnumflight]

My two main grinders are a milwaukee grinder I picked up used at a garage sale for 3.00 about 20 years ago. Has never let me down. Picked up a Craftsman professional angle grinder at sears (remember that store?) before they went out of biz around here. That thing is a hoss and eats metal.

 

[cherrybomb]

Have had a Craftsman for years, I helped my daughter and SIL with a kitchen tile job so they bought me this variable speed slow start Makita. This thing is sweet. The variable speed is controlled by a roller switch at the rear of the grinder.

I also have a variable speed Makita grinder,model #9564 cv.I am extremely pleased with it.It is quiet,no marbles thru the disposal sound.You can work it hard,doesn't get warm.Low vibration,doesn't hurt your hands.But I really like to adjust the speed,to get a sweet spot,that the tool likes to operate at,and the operator feels safe.I have a carberendum stone,for grinding sidewalks,cracks that the manufacturer has a speed limit on it.Thats a big part of safety,IMO.A exploding stone,wouldn't be safe.

 

[Outlander]

Side note, Bosch customer service got back to me with Canadian suppliers for repairs and online purchase option for the wrench. I bought 2 for under $5, although shipping made me think I was buying from Rock Auto

 

[Farmall450]

BD from Walmart, for a hobby guy,, post back in 10 years, 30$ and even on sale .

I'm still beating the **** out of a $9 HF I got when I was still in High School...it's ingested an ungodly amount of rust dust wire wheeling rims. 10/10 will buy another for that job when it dies.


For reference, I run a 5" Fein on the slicer and a PC for the rock...although the DeWalt and now, also, Ryobi cordless (for $40 might have to get one for each wheel) are taking over the lion's share, especially for quick jobs. Now, if I'm welding all day (or wire wheeling) corded is king.