Which angle grinder do you like?

[subzero32]

I've narrowed my choice to these two angle grinders. Looking for everyone to weigh in on what they think.

1) https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...-9-0Ah-Battery-Charger-48-59-1890PG/303014218

2) https://www.lowes.com/pd/Bosch-4-1-2-in-10-Amp-Paddle-Switch-Corded-Angle-Grinder/1000014262

 

[930dreamer]

I'd go with a corded unit for a grinder but that"s me. I picked up a Dewalt one.

 

[IndyGarage]

Depends on what you are doing with it. If you need to grind something for a minute or two, the cordless ones are actually pretty nice. If you need to grind for an hour - they don't cut it.

Personally I wouldn't pick either of them. Makita makes much better grinders than Bosch and I personally like the Makita cordless over the Milwaukee, although either would probably work similarly.

The Bosch angle grinders I've had all were a straight cut bevel gear in the gearbox, which is noisy and vibrates compared to the spiral cut bevel that Makita and others use. I don't know if they all are made that way, but the one you link to above, I'm pretty sure is.

 

[bigtiger]

I thought in the grinding world... It was all about makita and Metabo... Then the rest were runnerups.

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[d.mcfarland]

I guess the question is whats the intended purpose for it?

The HF $10 one would grind metal. It might not be a thrilling experience, but many here supposedly beat the snot out of them and they work fine.

I would personally rather have 2 (different wheel on each) than one super expensive one that needs the wheel changed all the time.

 

[subzero32]

Nice thoughts on each one and alternatives. The main driving reason for considering the Milwaukee is I have M18 batteries and might use the larger battery one sometime. I only need one to sharpen mower blades and cut off the occasional piece of metal for a project. Even considering that I would like a quality one I can use for larger projects if they come up. Which Metabo strikes the forums fancy these days?

 

[lakeroadster]

Makita.. sorry that's not on your list. But it should be.

 

[subzero32]

Makita.. sorry that's not on your list. But it should be.

Which one do you like?

 

[RCL]

Really like Fein and Metabo, but have to admit that I have a couple of HF that I have used hard. I replace the goose grease in them with some synthetic and rock on.
I like having multiple grinders with different wheels on them.
Will probably purchase a Milwaukee M18 before long.

 

[dr_clyde]

I thought in the grinding world... It was all about makita and Metabo... Then the rest were runnerups.

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This has been my experience as well. I have 3 metabo angle grinders, a hitachi, bosch and a cheap dewalt. I have used lots of Makita, I just don't own any. Metabo blows them all away.

I've used about every make there is, and Fein is about the only one who competes with Metabo.

Lots of companies make things that spin a grinding disc, but Metabo seems to focus more on the little things. Handle ergonomics, vent locations, spindle clutches, tool-less disc removal, anti-vibration balancing, MOSFET controlled motors so you don't burn them up, stuff like that.

I go to a lot of trade shows for metalworking, and Metabo and Fein have a much larger presence there than pretty much any other power tool company.

I will say you need to buy the German made Metabo, the chinese ones **** as bad as all the rest of the big box store grinders.

 

[Kenskip1]

I recently purchased a Porter Cable PC750AG. 7.5 amps.This one has plenty of power for my needs.I bought this at Lowes.




The second is a 15 watt 9 inch from Sears.They were deleting inventory. For under $80. I had to jump on it. This thing is a man killer.Have to use lots of precaution.

 

[subzero32]

This has been my experience as well. I have 3 metabo angle grinders, a hitachi, bosch and a cheap dewalt. I have used lots of Makita, I just don't own any. Metabo blows them all away.

I've used about every make there is, and Fein is about the only one who competes with Metabo.

Lots of companies make things that spin a grinding disc, but Metabo seems to focus more on the little things. Handle ergonomics, vent locations, spindle clutches, tool-less disc removal, anti-vibration balancing, MOSFET controlled motors so you don't burn them up, stuff like that.

I go to a lot of trade shows for metalworking, and Metabo and Fein have a much larger presence there than pretty much any other power tool company.

I will say you need to buy the German made Metabo, the chinese ones **** as bad as all the rest of the big box store grinders.

I seriously considered a Fein but was not sure how it stacked up against the others. I wonder if some Fein grinders are made in China and others Germany? I freaking love my Fein Multimaster and would like to put another Fein in the stable next to it. Which Metabo would you recommend for basic needs thats made in Germany? Thanks for the great feedback!

 

[dr_clyde]

I seriously considered a Fein but was not sure how it stacked up against the others. I wonder if some Fein grinders are made in China and others Germany? I freaking love my Fein Multimaster and would like to put another Fein in the stable next to it. Which Metabo would you recommend for basic needs thats made in Germany? Thanks for the great feedback!

My favorite Metabo is a 6" with a paddle switch. The motor is like 12.5 amps. Spins maybe 9000 rpm, has a clutch that slips when a cutoff wheel jams, an anti-vibe wheel balancer, soft start, and a few other features. It was kind of spendy, but I use a grinder a LOT, so it was worth the money. Now they have a spindle brake, which adds some cost. I think I paid like, $250 for mine, but now they are more. I think I've used it for about 8 years now, of almost daily use.

This is the closest thing they sell to my old faithful. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WJOXSOA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

You need to decide if you want pro grade gear, or occasional use gear, because there is a huge cost difference. I own and operate a metal fab and machine shop. My needs are going to be different than a guy working in his garage.

I use 6" cutoff discs. That's a whole nother world in grinders in terms of RPM, torque and motor amperage. If you only want 4.5" disc capacity, a good grinder can be had for under $150

This is much cheaper, and more suitable for a home shop.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WJOWTKE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Monte]

I seriously considered a Fein but was not sure how it stacked up against the others. I wonder if some Fein grinders are made in China and others Germany? I freaking love my Fein Multimaster and would like to put another Fein in the stable next to it. Which Metabo would you recommend for basic needs thats made in Germany? Thanks for the great feedback!

ALL Fein angle grinders except the WSG 7-115/WSG 7-115 PT are made in Germany. The entry level grinders are made in China by an South Korean professional power tool manufacturer. (Keyang)

 

[Wamsutta]

I prefer a 4-1/2'' grinder with a left side lock-on slide switch that I can easily activate with my thumb. I don't know why people always choose grinders with paddle switches. When I'm grinding, I just want to hold the grinder, not constantly squeeze it to keep it running.

 

[ar2stp48]

First choice is Makita

I have Milwaukee, Dewalt, Makita (2), and Craftsman. Have a different grinder, cutter, or wheel on each---a lot easier than taking time to swap when busy.

 

[IndyGarage]

Nice thoughts on each one and alternatives. The main driving reason for considering the Milwaukee is I have M18 batteries and might use the larger battery one sometime. I only need one to sharpen mower blades and cut off the occasional piece of metal for a project. Even considering that I would like a quality one I can use for larger projects if they come up. Which Metabo strikes the forums fancy these days?

If you just need one to sharpen blades and occasional cutoff, buy the Milwaukee and be happy. The only real problem with the battery ones is they only go 5-10 minutes on a charge. That's plenty for small jobs.

If you needed a longer run time, buy a cheap HF, or better yet that Porter Cable shown above is a really good grinder - buy one of them and keep a different wheel on each grinder. It's good to have more than one.

I have about 15 grinders of many brands Makita, Dewault, Milwaukee, Hitachi, Bosch, PC, HF, no Fein.

Of the ones I've had Makita and Metabo are my favorites - you can get a lower end Makita for $60-70, and they are pretty good. The Metabos start $120 and go up from there. They are really good, and have a few unique features that make them a little more useful.

 

[crewchief888]

i have the milwaukee fuel in my service truck for quick jobs, and an air powered for more intensive work.

in the garage i'm all electric, 2 HF orange grinders, a dewalt and a hitachi.

of the corded grinders, i preference is the hitachi.

 

[Patrick73RS]

This has been my experience as well. I have 3 metabo angle grinders, a hitachi, bosch and a cheap dewalt. I have used lots of Makita, I just don't own any. Metabo blows them all away.

I've used about every make there is, and Fein is about the only one who competes with Metabo.

Lots of companies make things that spin a grinding disc, but Metabo seems to focus more on the little things. Handle ergonomics, vent locations, spindle clutches, tool-less disc removal, anti-vibration balancing, MOSFET controlled motors so you don't burn them up, stuff like that.

I go to a lot of trade shows for metalworking, and Metabo and Fein have a much larger presence there than pretty much any other power tool company.

I will say you need to buy the German made Metabo, the chinese ones **** as bad as all the rest of the big box store grinders.

We weld pipelines for a living and we are pumping out hundreds of joints a day. We use Metabo with great success. The others we have tried didn’t last. For a home guy in his garage any of the big names should work fine. If it were me I’d buy the Metabo and call it done

 

[itstippy]

Everyone should have an old small tool box kit with a $15 Harbor Freight 4 1/2" angle grinder, a couple grinding discs, a couple cutting discs, a masonry cutting disc, a wheel brush, a knotted cup brush, a straight cup brush, and the stamped steel wrench-like objects that come with the grinder-like tool. This is the go-to kit when you need to score bricks to break to size, grind rust off trailer frames, remove paint from cement steps, or any other job that produces clouds of abrasive dust and debris.

The Harbor Freight grinder is loud, vibrates like crazy, makes a howling screeching sound, gets hot, and is a miserable tool to use. It's for miserable jobs. I've put mine through Hell. It's the red-headed stepchild of my grinder fleet. I used it for two days straight with a knotted wire cup grinding rust off a dozen Lyman bins that some fool stored outside and used to start tobacco plants in. I made clouds of red rust dust that looked like I was setting off military smoke screen bombs. That little $15 grinder was as determined as I was to finish the job.

 

[WWheeler]

I keep several HF's mid-range (~$20 sale) corded angle grinders ready to go. One with a grinding disc, one with a wire wheel, one with a cutoff and another with a cutoff mounted in a Klutch angle grinder holder (mini cutoff).

I don't use an angle grinder a whole lot, but when I do I don't like to have to mess with changing out discs any more than I have to. The HF models have gotten it done and have lasted years.

Very recently I got a Dewalt 20V grinder. I got a deal (free) on several 20'x6'x6' shipping racks made out of 1" & 1-1/2" sq steel tube as long as I agreed to get it out of there right away. Naturally it was all nowhere near electricity, so ran down and bought the 20V right then. It's definitely not as powerful as corded but one 5Ah batt got them all cut up so it would all fit on my trailer. I suppose if all i have is a bolt or two to cut off it will be my go-to, but for anything more corded is the way to go.

 

[Wamsutta]

A 4-1/2 inch grinding disc gets too small real quick when grinding large flat surfaces. It's hard to get a level grind with a small disc. It would be alright if they stayed at 4-1/2 inches, but they don't. For that reason, a 5 inch is better with the 6 inch being ideal for most stuff. My next grinder will be a 6 inch with the lock-on slide switch on the left side. Brand will be either a Bosch, Makita, or Metabo. And I'm going to try to get one with a soft start and constant speed circuitry.

 

[johndeereman]

I have a Milwaukee fuel cordless on my truck for quick work, and Dewalt's live in the gangbox's at work. Also i have 4 corded dewalt's in my home shop they get abused and have not had any issues.

 

[cutt]

Latest Dewalt for me.

 

[Stick Figure]

I don't know why people always choose grinders with paddle switches. When I'm grinding, I just want to hold the grinder, not constantly squeeze it to keep it running.

Safety. If you've ever had a cut off wheel in one and had it break, that grinder can rip out of your hands really quick. With a paddle when it does power is gone. I had a switch style version bounce around the work bench before taking a swipe at the inside of my upper leg once. I bandaged up, changed my pants, and went and bought a Makita with the paddle switch. Years later it's still my go to. Although I've found over those years that 90% of the things we use an angle grinder for can be done easier and safer on other tools.

 

[619DioFan]

Safety. If you've ever had a cut off wheel in one and had it break, that grinder can rip out of your hands really quick. With a paddle when it does power is gone. I had a switch style version bounce around the work bench before taking a swipe at the inside of my upper leg once. I bandaged up, changed my pants, and went and bought a Makita with the paddle switch. Years later it's still my go to. Although I've found over those years that 90% of the things we use an angle grinder for can be done easier and safer on other tools.

And I thought I was the only one that this could have happened to. grinder ( switch style ) had a cutting disc on it . after it hit the inside of my upper right leg ( very close to my " man parts " it hit the shop floor ( disc side down of course ) and proceeded to spin out of control through the shop before I could grab the cord and unplug it. have 4 grinders with different type discs. currently replacing all with paddle lever style.

 

[Alaniho]

And I thought I was the only one that this could have happened to. grinder ( switch style ) had a cutting disc on it . after it hit the inside of my upper right leg ( very close to my " man parts " it hit the shop floor ( disc side down of course ) and proceeded to spin out of control through the shop before I could grab the cord and unplug it. have 4 grinders with different type discs. currently replacing all with paddle lever style.

I guess there is a good reason manufacturers call the paddle switch 'dead man's switch'.

Also I noticed in nearly all YouTube vids from the US that angle grinders are used with no guards, is that really the norm in the USA, as it is a big no no this side of the pond.??

 

[driftpin]

Like many here, I have a variety of machines. Different wheel sizes, different manufacturers, different switches, different power requirements. I am not a shop-owner, just a hobbyist.

From a safety standpoint, I will say I agree the paddle is the safest. I'm retired, and a couple of times I've had a item of clothing get grabbed by a wire wheel, and having to frantically pull-out of the duplex outlet or the extension cord the plug isn't as-quick as releasing the appliance for an immediate shut-off. I will say that each time it's happened, it's been my fault that I let the grinder get too-close to my shirt or pants. The paddle switch gives you that measure of safety where the power discontinues as the motor tries its best to climb towards your face or the family jewels. The paddle switch helped me to reach retirement, without 'retiring' me!

I have two big 120 V Milwaukee two-handle 9" grinders. I have a Dewalt, an orange Harbor Freight, a grey Harbor Freight, and a couple of Milwaukees, all 4 or 4.5" 120 V grinders, and a Craftsman C3 19.2 V cordless. I have different wheels on them so I don't waste time switching them out. Each has a place.

From reading about the Metabo and the Fein tools, maybe some-day, but for now, I'll make-do w/my present eclectic mix.

 

[DerekV]

I have a 4.5" 10amp Dewalt and it's small, light, and powerful. I've had it for 7 years now and I've given it quite a workout, still works great. The only thing I don't like, I mean really don't like, is that it's not very smooth. My hands go numb using it and lots of grinding really irritates my carpal tunnel (I know, boohoo). I've tried several different brands and types of wheels/disks and...it's definitely the grinder. A buddy of mine runs an onsite welding business and I used his Metabo once - I'm sold. Totally worth the premium IMHO. Not for everyone, but it is for me!

 

[Rickster]

I have two Ryobi One 18v angle grinders. They're great. I keep one with a cut-off disc and the other with a grinding disc.

 

[PR1Gneon]

If cordless DeWalt FlexVolt or the Milwaukee M18 9" thats coming.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N920A using Tapatalk

 

[dnschmidt]

From a guy that has about 30 angle grinders most of which are Metabo, Milwaukee or Makita this recommendation is going to sound like heresy. The rat tail Ryobi that the Home Depot sells for like $35 is a great deal. Here's why, when used with a cut off disc you can rotate the handle perpendicular to the wheel. Also it has a boss in the gear case the enables you to screw the handle into it making the tool the IDEAL cut off tool as you've got a great grip on the tool and your grip is aligned with your hand position. For a homeowner that's not an industrial user this is an amazing value with features unobtainable from the major brands.

 

[jimreed2160]

I used an angle grinder to cut steel for years. My fleet consisted of a B&D and a DeWalt. Because of the way I held it for cutting, the switch placement on the DeWalt was a real pain and consequently that tool has very few hours. The inexpensive B&D, however, was my go to tool because the switch was further out and easier to hold for long cuts. It screams like a banshee but still works great.

So my advice is to go to the store and handle a few of them to see what you like. One big difference among grinders is the switch and switch placement can be a big deal.

 

[subzero32]

After much swaying from you guys I bought this Metabo

Metabo WP9-115 Quick 8.5 Amp 10,500 rpm Angle Grinder with Non-locking Paddle Switch, 4 1/2" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00WJOWTKE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[d.mcfarland]

Nice! That looks like a solid choice. And not Chinese made!

 

[Roberts210]

4-1/2" corded Milwaukee here. I used it for a year and a half cutting up a lot of steel angle-iron daily, and also for rebar. Dropped it once and it made VERY strange noises after I dropped it. I pulled the head apart and tried to re-align the gears and did a pretty good job of it. Some fuckhead Mex gardener stold my toolbox that had screwdrivers and the wrench to loosen the locking flange, so I've been changing discs with a vise-grip for a year. Meanwhile my brother gave me a Bosch, but I haven't put it to use yet.

 

[SuperCat]

Hey, subzero32, that Metabo looks like a great choice! I can't believe you bought a German made Metabo for less than a $100, what a deal. Give that grinder a workout and report back, tell us what you like and don't like. Can't wait to hear what you think about that one.

 

[PugetDude]

I spent most of the day today running 4.5" angle grinders grinding rust off the steel reinforcing structure for my 32 Roadster- the guy I bought it from (in pieces) left the fiberglass body and steel structure out in the rain for a couple of years....
I used a new Bosch Slim grinder with a wire wheel, an older B&D with a scotchbrite pad and an ancient orange $15 HF with a flap disc. (Trigger on the PC grinder is broken (again...)
The Bosch is a great grinder- runs smooth, has a lock-on trigger, and is small enough to be used one-handed. It's the easiest of the three for extended periods. The B&D has plenty of power, but it's heavy. The HF is noisy, vibrates the most but is impossible to kill. I've been trying for almost twenty years...

 

[Robinson1]

I've got several grinders but the one that has impressed me most is a 5 year old Dewalt that has been fed a steady diet of concrete and tile dust. It's never complained once. In that time period I've burnt up a pair of Milwaukee running cut off and flap discs. I do WAY more tile work than I do metal work!

I have a pair of harbor freight grinders in my wood shop. One wears a grinding disc and the other a backer pad with sanding disc. I use the grinding disc about 3 times a year. I might use the sanding disc once a month, just depends on projects. Had them for years. Knew I wouldn't use them much so I went cheap and it's worked out great.

Have a Dewalt 20v that I use alot remodeling and building decks for clipping off nails and screws. Never tried it with a grinding disc but it's pretty handy for small quick cuts.

 

[anndel]

I was going to pick up the Milwaukee M18 Fuel but opted for the Metabo WP9-115 Quick 8.5 Amp 10,500 rpm Angle Grinder with Non-locking Paddle Switch, 4 1/2" which is $104 from Amazon.