If you are looking for a versatile cutting tool, then angle grinder is definitely the tool that you should go for. Also known as disc grinders, angle grinders are commonly used in abrasive cutting, polishing, sanding, and even grinding materials.
When carrying out a project that involves such tasks, you will certainly need the best angle grinder in order to get the best of results. What is best about these tools is that they do not cost that much yet you stand to gain a lot from acquiring and using them.
If you are looking for the best angle grinder, you have come to the right place. In this article, we show you how to find the best angle grinder for your needs and then take you through a review of the best angle grinders in the market today. To compile the article, we have undertaken extensive market-wide research to identify and compare the best products in the market.
Best Angle Grinders Reviews
PROS:
- It has a tool-less wheel guard for easy clamping
- Has a metal housing for a longer lifespan
- Comes with an extra-large paddle switch for comfortable operation
- It also comes with a protective zigzag varnish to protect the armature from debris and dust
CONS:
- Quite expensive
Makita 9557PBX1 angle grinder features a 7.0-amp motor that is powerful enough to provide durable industrial performance. The powerful motor delivers 11,000 RPMs with a soft start for smooth start-ups.
This cut-off angle grinder comes with a wide range of durable features like a labyrinth construction that protects the motor as well as the bearings that protects it from dust and debris, thus making it long-lasting. It also comes fitted with a protective zigzag varnish designed to cover the armature from dust and debris.
What makes this angle grinder unique is that it has an AC/DC switch for use with alternative power sources. This makes the tool powerful and versatile for grinding, cutting, and polishing various construction materials.
The tool also features an easy to use extra-large paddle switch that allows comfortable operation while the lock-on/off ensures a continuous use. We recommend Makita 9557PBX1 for people who work from AC power sources but would readily get a DC power source to use. This is because it can operate on both AC and DC power sources.
PROS:
- Housed in a cast metal gear to enhance durability
- The three-position side handle allows greater and easy control
- Tool-less guard for quick and easy adjustment
- Non-locking paddle switch for increased safety
CONS:
- Poor quality parts
- Compared to other grinders, this device overheats fast
PORTER-CABLE PC60TPAG is an angle grinder that is designed for aggressive performance thanks to its 7-amp powerful motor.
This motor is powerful enough to deliver up to 11,000 RPM that is ideal for use in a harsh job site. It features a 4-1/2-Inch disc size for cutting and grinding.
This makes it ideal for fabricators, welders, masons, contractors, and other tradesmen whose jobs entail metal cutting, grinding, tuck-pointing, as well as polishing.
It is housed in a cast metal gear that helps to dispel heat to ensure it withstands the demands of every day’s worksite. It is fitted with a three-position handle to enhance your comfort while you are using and to make its positioning easy. It also comes with a convenient and comfortable paddle switch that offers extra control by shutting off automatically in case it accidentally drops.
To ensure your safety during use, PORTER-CABLE PC60TPAG comes with a grinding guard as well as a cutting guard. These two guards are tool-less and you can easily adjust them in order to control the spark path while increasing safety and production. Extra accessories such as a grinding wheel, a side handle, a cut-off wheel, and a wrench are included in the package to improve the performance of this grinder.
We highly recommend PORTER-CABLE PC60TPAG due to all its high-end features and an affordable price. We feel that it will come in handy, especially for people who want an all-round angle grinder.
3. 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder 6.0-Amp with 3 Abrasive Wheels (Cutting Wheel, Grinding Wheel, Flap Disc) and Auxiliary Handle, Masterworks MW589 – Best Professional Angle Grinder
PROS:
- The grinder is easy and comfortable to control with three-position handles
- Has a spindle lock for easy and quicker wheel changes
- 12,000 RPMs
- Has a high no-load speed of 12,000 RPMs
- Has a powerful 6.0-amp motor
CONS:
- Comes with a flimsy shaft
If you are looking for a powerful angle grinder for professional cutting, grinding, or polishing of various materials, then Masterworks could possibly be your best choice. This grinder is convenient to operate because it comes with a three-positioned auxiliary handle that not only gives the user an easier time to control it but also to cut materials. Besides the well-positioned handle, the grinder’s spindle lock also provides an easier and faster wheel change.
Masterworks MW589 is a powerful grinder that comes with a 6.0-amp motor that delivers a maximum speed of 12,000 RPMs. This angle grinder works efficiently with a 4-1/2-inch disc to cut, grind, and sand different materials like metal, ceramic, stone, and even wood.
It features an ergonomically designed rubber-covered handle that not only provides comfortable grips for operators but also reduces the vibrations that occur during an operation significantly.
To enhance your safety while cutting and grinding, the tool comes with a protective guard that deflects sparks and metal chips during operation, thus protecting you from injuries that could result from the chips and sparks. It is also easy to fit and remove the discs.
If you are planning to handle professional grinding and cutting jobs, then we recommend this angle grinder because it comes with a 6.5ft cord, a cutting wheel, a grinding wheel, a spanner wrench, an auxiliary handle, a carbon brush, a user manual, and a 2-year warranty.
These are the kind of features that you will need from a professional angle grinder.
PROS:
- 25HP
- 21,000 RPMs
- Comes with a 0.25HP powerful motor to deliver a no-load speed of 21,000 RPMs
- Has a strong aluminum housing that makes it long-lasting
- Has a durable ball-bearing construction
- The grinder has a front exhaust for a clean working surface
CONS:
- Feels a bit heavy
- A little noisy
If you are looking for an economic and long-lasting angle grinder, then your ideal pick is Ingersoll Rand 301B. Ingersoll Rand 301B is housed in a strong durable aluminum that can put up with the harshest operating conditions in the construction sites.
It features a powerful 0.25HP motor that delivers a no-load speed of 21,000 rpm. Its long-lasting ball-bearing construction improves balance and minimizes vibration to ensure a long lifespan.
The high speed allows you to attain a smooth polish and better grinding and cutting experiences.
This angle grinder is compactly designed and lightweight to ensure easy operation as well as extended access to tightly located spots. Its lightweight characteristic allows you to work with this tool for quite a long period without getting tired.
It comes with different safety features. Notably, its safety lock throttle lever is crucial at preventing accidental start-ups. Moreover, the front exhaust helps you to keep the work surfaces clean. We recommend Ingersoll Rand 301B for people who value durability and fast performance in an angle grinder.
5. Makita XAG03Z-R 18V LXT Cordless Lithium-ion 4-1/2 Inch. Brushless Cut-Off/Angle Grinder (Bare Tool) (Certified Refurbished) – Best Cordless Angle Grinder
PROS:
- Its efficient internal cooling optimizes performance
- Comes with a rubberized soft grip for a comfortable handling
- Has an auto-speed adjust for optimum performance
- Comes with a LED gauge to see the battery charge level
CONS:
- Battery and charger sold separately
If you are a fan of cordless angle grinders, then you might want to own Makita XAG03Z-R. This is the newest among Makita models that offer a cordless solution for metalworking. It comes with an 18V LXT Lithium-ion battery that powers its brushless motor to deliver 8,500 RPMs for faster and efficient grinding experience while attaining smooth surfaces.
This model features an automatic speed change technology that is designed to adjust its speed and torque when cutting or grinding for maximum performance, even under heavy load.
Moreover, its motor is controlled in order to maximize battery energy use. This provides up to 50 percent longer runtime per charge as compared to similar non-brushless grinders.
It features a slide switch with lock-on and a rubberized soft grip handle that allows you to control and minimize tiredness easily, which allows you to work for a prolonged duration. Moreover, it is compactly designed and lightweight, which means that you can use it for a longer time before you start getting tired.
The 3-stage LED gauge allows you to view the charge level so that you know exactly when to have it charged.
Makita XAG03Z-R is recommendable for individuals who like cordless angle grinders, especially when grinding or polishing tight corners, and don’t want disturbances from the attached power cord.
PROS:
- 7.5-amp
- Has a powerful 7.5-amp motor for heavy-duty grinding and cutting
- Comes with a heavy metal gear house for durability
- Has a rubberized handle for vibration reduction
- It has a tool-free guard for easy and faster adjustments
CONS:
- A bit too heavy for a handheld tool
SKIL 9296-01 is generally designed for people who want a powerful angle grinder to handle heavy demanding grinding and cutting projects. This grinder offers more power than same-sized grinders available on the market.
This angle grinder comes with a powerful 7.5Amp motor that delivers up to 11,000 RPMs without a load.
With the powerful motor and its higher rpm, you can be sure to tackle heavier and more demanding grinding and cutting projects in the construction sites.
The grinder is housed in a heavy-duty metal gear for added ruggedness and longevity.
Keeping safety in mind, SKIL 9296-01 comes with a non-locking paddle switch that automatically switches off whenever released or accidentally dropped.
Other safety features include a 3-position vibration-reducing handle that also allows the user to control the grinder safely and comfortably. The tool-free guard adjust ensures a quick and easy replacement of the grinder wheel.
If you want more power to grind and cut through tough materials quickly and easily, we recommend SKIL 9296-01 as the right angle grinder for you to buy.
PROS:
- Has a side-handle to enhance comfort and control
- Has a powerful 12.0-amp motor for increased power output
- Comes with an electronic limiter to stop the motor and reduce accidental motor overload
- It’s Super Joint System prevents gear damage
CONS:
- Too powerful for small projects
- Very expensive
If you are looking for a powerful angle grinder to handle your professional industrial cutting, grinding, and sanding projects, Makita 9564CV is what you should consider for an angle grinder.
This angle grinder comes with a massive 12.0-amp motor for increased output power that allows you to tackle super heavy metal at the construction sites. Moreover, it features a variable speed control dial that allows the user to match the speed to the material being worked on.
As such, if you are working on heavy-duty materials, you can adjust the speed accordingly. Similarly, you can adjust the speed not to damage the material if you are handling light materials.
It features a Super Joint System technology that helps in preventing gear damage that is caused by accidental wheel binding. It comes fitted with a soft start feature for smooth start-ups and a slide switch with a lock-on setting for continuous use.
To enhance the user’s safety, this angle grinder features Labyrinth construction seals that protect the motor and the bearings from debris and dust for durability. The electronic speed control feature maintains constant speed under load for optimum performance. Moreover, the tool-free wheel guard adjustment offers an easy and fast clamping option.
With a powerful 12.0-amp motor, Makita 9564CV is recommended for those planning to cut and grind heavy-duty industrial materials stress-free.
PROS:
- It is a powerful lightweight grinder
- Has a side handle that reduces vibration
- Allows you to change the wheel quickly without using any tool
- Has an automatic safety slip clutch for enhanced safety
CONS:
- Does not work with direct current
- A bit too heavy for a hand-held tool
Metabo WEP15-150 comes fitted with a Metabo LongLife 13.5-amp motor that provides up to 50 percent more torque for quick and efficient material removal. It is designed for heavy-duty cutting and grinding in industrial applications. The powerful motor delivers 9,600 RPMs for efficient grinding performance.
The motor is designed to maximize airflow to facilitate a cool operation and to extend its use even under harsh environments.
It features a non-locking paddle switch that enhances safety while the anti-vibration side handle minimizes vibrations to improve comfort.
The tool-free quick-change wheel system enables a fast wheel change for a quicker changeover from cutting to grinding. Most importantly, this grinder features a Semi-Automatic Safety Slip Clutch that boosts safety by preventing kick back in case the disc jams.
Some people like grinding or cutting through materials with powerful motors vibrating under their arms.
If you are that kind of person, we recommend Makita 9557PBX1 because it not only gives you a powerful motor but also comes with excellent safety features.
Benefits of having Angle Grinder
The best angle grinder might appear too advanced as compared to your normal grinder, but you will find out that it can be very helpful. You can use it to handle a number of tasks such as sharpening mower blades, shears, and axes efficiently while at home. If you intend to remove an old mortar, using a hammer and chisel will not only be time-consuming but also tiring. However, as many reviewers will tell you, the best angle grinder will help you do the job faster and easily, especially when you have attached a diamond tuck-pointing disc.
You can also use the grinder to keep the perfect shape of your working garden tools, building tool, and other tools. Most DIYers agree that it is hard to remove caked-on cement or rust from shovels and other building tools. With a wire disc attached to your angle grinder, however, you can remove all these with ease.
Moreover, if you are planning to speed up your tiling jobs, you can use your best angle grinder with a dry-cut diamond disc to cut through ceramic or stone tile faster and with ease.
What types of Angle Grinder are there?
On the market, you are likely to get three types of angle grinders: electric, gas-powered, and compressed air powered angle grinders.
Electric angle grinders
Electric angle grinders are the most common type. They are powered by either plugging them into wall sockets, using batteries or through a transformer for professional and building projects. This type of grinders is great for light to medium tasks, which means that it can be ideal for DIY applications.
Gas-powered grinders
The gas-powered type is most suited to heavy construction projects. This is because gas-powered grinders are large and powerful as compared to the other types. As such, they can easily cut through blocks, steel, and building bricks.
This type of grinders, however, does not come cheaply. They are also a bit complicated to handle.
Compressed air angle grinders
The third type is the compressed air angle grinder that is commonly used in auto shops. This type is powered by compressed air just like the gas-powered grinder.
This grinder is the most expensive among the three and is designed to be used by professionals.
Things to Look for Before Buying Angle Grinder – Buyer’s Guide
If you want to buy the best angle grinder, you first have to know what makes the best angle grinder. Without much talk, let’s see what to consider in order to get the best angle grinder available on the market.
Disc Size
The disc size is the main factor that determines the size of material that a particular angle grinder is going to cut. As such, you have to keep in mind the kind of materials you are going to use your grinder on. Usually, angle grinders come with disc sizes from 4½ inches to 9 inches.
If you are buying an angle grinder to fix home based simple things, it is recommendable that you choose a standard disc size of 4½ inches. With this disc size, you can be sure to handle most DIY tasks around your home such as cutting and grinding.
Size of Angle Grinder
If you are shopping for an angle grinder to polish or grind surfaces that are difficult to reach, then a small-sized angle will be your best pick. Small sized angle grinders are usually light and easy to handle. Moreover, small angle grinders are the best when it comes to sharpening blades as well as clearing rust and paints from metal surfaces.
Large-sized angle grinders, on the other hand, are ideal if you are planning to work mostly on metal. This is because you will need an angle grinder of more than 9 inches to cut through heavy steel pipes.
Power Sources
Just like power tools, angle grinders also need something to power them. In most cases, the common source of power used by angle grinders is the electric motor. Power is drawn from the mains of around 230V or 110V in case you use a transformer. Apart from the mains, some angle grinders run on 18V Li-ion rechargeable batteries.
Angle grinders that are powered using gasoline have large petrol tanks, which make them huge. They are also too powerful for simple home projects.
Another type of power source is compressed air. Angle grinders that are powered using compressed air are usually meant for professionals and are usually bigger and powerful as compared to electricity-powered grinders. Before you settle on an angle grinder, therefore, you need to think about the kind of power source that you will be comfortable using or that is readily available.
Amp Rating
This might be the most decisive factor when it comes to choosing your best angle grinder. Basically, a grinder’s amp rating indicates the power of its motor. As such, the higher the amp rating the more powerful the motor is.
In the market, you will find out that angle grinders are categorized based on their amp rating. The amp rating of angle grinders ranges from 4 to 15. For basic DIY tasks, however, you don’t have to worry about a grinder’s amp rating because any angle grinder is likely to work just fine. If you are looking for the best angle grinder for cutting larger metal pieces, however, you will need a more powerful motor. As such, pick a higher amp rated grinder for the best result. However, be ready to pay more for that.
Disc Types
Usually, you can use small and large angle grinders for the same kind of components. You only need to use the right kind of discs, which means that you must identify the disc that goes into the best angle grinder. The type of disc you will use will depend on the kind of projects you will be carrying out.
If you are planning to cut hard material, then the diamond cutting discs ought to be your choice. With this disc, you can comfortably cut hard materials such as marble, slate, asphalt, and granite. When buying diamond discs, ensure that you read the label in order to be comfortable with what you buy. This is because some discs require to be maintained under a wet condition for better cutting.
Just like the name suggests, Abrasive discs are best known for sanding. Typically, abrasive discs are amalgamated pieces of sandpapers and they are used for sanding only.
If you are looking forward to grinding, we recommend that you find grinding discs. The grinding discs can grind either metal or stone. If you want to grind other materials other than these, then you can choose universal grinding discs.
There are also polishing pads that are solely used when dealing with paintwork or finer surfaces. By using polishing pads, you can be sure to achieve an excellent polish without ruining your material.
Warranty
Even if your best angle grinder affordable, you should avoid it like a plague if it does not come with a warranty. Purchasing an angle grinder is a big investment, especially if you choose one of the powerful models. This means that you should insist on a warranty even if you have found the best grinder in terms of performance and longevity.
Price
The price of an angle grinder will be determined mostly by its motor power as well as its size. If you intend to use the grinder to handle simple home-based projects, then you could settle for a small angle grinder that is reasonably priced. If you will be carrying out heavy construction projects, however, you might need to spend more money. Above all, you should strive to find a reasonably priced angle grinder that suits your needs.
Safety features
When buying an angle grinder, never forget to look at the safety features that it comes with. In most cases, the best angle grinder comes with safety features such as a tool-less and easy-to-position wheel guard and a safety slip clutch.
Since angle grinders are powered tools, they can cause scratches and other injuries if used inappropriately. However, this can be avoided if you follow the following safety tips.
- Be sure to wear gloves as well as a face shield
- Ensure that the angle grinder attachment is proper and appropriate for the task you intend to undertake and the materials used.
- Never use worn out or spoilt attachments
- Ensure to inspect your cutting disc before using for any cracks or tear.
- Make sure that the angle grinder and its attachments are in proper working conditions prior to use
- Ensure the electrical connections are properly done before operating
- It is highly recommendable to purchase and use an angle grinder with safety features such as a braking system as well as a kickback safety clutch system.
Regular maintenance Tips
Below are some helpful regular maintenance tips that will ensure your angle grinder lasts for a long.
- Frequently wipe off dust and debris that may have accumulated around the switch button
- Check the gearbox occasionally for signs of metal or dust accumulation and clean it
- Once you are done using your tool, make sure to clean it with a damp piece of cloth with more attention to the external casing
- Use an air compressor to blow off dust particles that may be clogging in the cooling fan
Conclusion
If you still don’t know the best angle grinder to choose, you could pick PORTER-CABLE PC60TPAG 7-Amp 4-1/2-inch Angle Grinder/Cut Off Tool. It comes with a 7.0-amp motor that is just fine for most applications. It also delivers up to 11,000 rpms, a speed that is good enough for excellent material removal. It is also lightweight, implying that you won’t tire easily even after using the device for a long time. Overall, this angle grinder will offer you the best cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing, and tuck-pointing performance.
Most of the above-reviewed angle grinders will perform the many applications of an angle grinder. As you will realize or probably already knows, an angle grinder is the most powerful and versatile tool that you can ever have. We are confident that this post will help you find a device that suits your needs. Make sure to subscribe to our blog to benefit from some of our future reviews on either related products or technologies that will be availed soon.
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