Here’s our take on the best angle grinders in 2022.
As an industrial maintenance engineer, I’ve had to use angle grinders quite a bit. My personal experience tells me that getting the appropriate grinder in the first place is essential to avoid difficulties and make sure you’ll get the job done.
Generally speaking, a good grinder is powerful and portable, has a few other useful features, and is not too expensive. This is the case of our top picks, the Dewalt DCG413B and DWE402.
But, not all of you will be looking for such angle grinders. You might simply be looking for an inexpensive model that will be good enough for occasional use. Or, you might need a very powerful grinder for heavy-duty jobs and don’t mind so much about the price.
Every situation is different. And that’s why, as you’ll see, we designed this review trying to think about the different needs you may have.
Let’s get started.
Best Angle Grinders – Our Picks
- Cordless:
- Top Pick: Dewalt DCG413B 20V Max XR 4-1/2 in.
- Runner-Up: Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT 4-1/2 in. – 5 in.
- Upgrade Pick: Makita XAG20Z 18V LXT 4-1/2 in. – 5 in.
- Best Budget: Porter-Cable PCC761B 20V Max 4-1/2 in.
- Best Heavy-Duty: Dewalt Flexvolt DCG418B 60V Max 4-1/2 in. – 6 in.
- Corded:
- Top Pick: Dewalt DWE402 4-1/2 in. 11A
- Upgrade Pick: Metabo WP 11-125 4-1/2 in. – 5 in. 11A
- Best Budget: Black+Decker BDEG400 4-1/2 in. 6.5A
- Best Heavy-Duty: Metabo WEV 15-125 HT 5 in. 13.5A
Because we want to give you the most actionable information, we’ve divided our review into sections and subsections that will help you pick the angle grinder that matches your needs.
First, what power source do you want for your angle grinder? Are you looking for a cordless or a corded angle grinder?
To check out our cordless angle grinder picks, keep reading.
For corded angle grinders, click here.
In case you need some advice first, check out our tips for choosing an angle grinder.
Best Cordless Angle Grinders
Here is our selection of the best cordless angle grinders. We divided our selection into five subsections designed to anticipate the different needs and budgets you might have.
Top Pick: Dewalt DCG413B 20V Max XR 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder
Motor: Brushless
Disc Size: 4-1/2 in.
Arbor Size: 5/8 in.
Max Speed: 9,000 RPM
Variable Speed: No
Battery System: 20V Max XR
Switch Type: Paddle
Weight: 3.75 lbs
Soft Start: Yes
Electric Brake: Yes
Housing Material: Plastic
Additional Features: Dewalt E-clutch system, Kickback brake
User Manual: Dewalt DCG413B
We have to admit that Dewalt did a really good job with this cordless model.
Its brushless motor and the speed it develops make it quite powerful and very effective in achieving both metal and masonry cutting tasks with ease.
The cool thing about this tool also is that it features the Dewalt E-clutch system, which senses the motion of the tool and reduces the motor torque to a manageable level when necessary. This tool is also equipped with a kickback brake, which is designed to stop the grinder when a pinch, stall, or bind-up occurs during operation. Additional technologies, namely a soft start as well as an electric brake that stops the disc in less than 2 seconds, are also used.
As for portability and ergonomics, it truly deserves a good mark because of its weight, its compact design, and its pretty good vibration control.
This model may not be the most powerful, and it also lacks a few features compared to other grinders. The most obvious one being variable speed. It also eats battery pretty fast. But, in our opinion, it is the one mid-range grinder that gives the best value for the money on the market right now. And, according to these customer reviews, it is also one that seems to be giving satisfaction to many DIYers and contractors.
Runner-Up: Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT 4-1/2 in. – 5 in. Angle Grinder
Motor: Brushless
Disc Size: 4-1/2 in. to 5 in.
Arbor Size: 5/8 in.
Maximum Speed: 8,500 RPM
Variable Speed: No
Battery System: 18V LXT
Switch Type: Sliding switch with lock-on
Weight: 5.6 lbs
Soft Start: Yes
Electric Brake: No
Housing Material: Plastic
Additional Features: Automatic Speed Change, Active Feedback-sensing Technology
User Manual: Makita XAG04Z
The silver medal for best cordless angle grinder goes to the Makita XAG04Z!
Just like the Dewalt DCG413B, its brushless motor and its speed capacity of 8,500 RPM allow this grinder to deliver good power, which is well managed at start-up thanks to a soft start feature.
The Automatic Speed Change and Active Feedback-sensing technology that you’ll find described within our upgrade pick review right below add interesting features to this grinder.
Without a doubt, the Makita XAG04Z can tackle many tasks and will give satisfaction to many DIYers. This is confirmed in these customer reviews, by the way. But unfortunately, as it has no electric brake and doesn’t provide more battery time and portability than the Dewalt DCG413B, it won’t be the one lifting the trophy.
Upgrade Pick: Makita XAG20Z 18V LXT 4-1/2 in. – 5 in. Angle Grinder
Motor: Brushless
Disc Size: 4-1/2 in. to 5 in.
Arbor Size: 5/8 in.
Maximum Speed: 8,500 RPM
Variable Speed: Yes – 3,000-8,500 RPM
Battery System: 18V LXT
Switch Type: Paddle
Weight: 5.7 lbs
Soft Start: Yes
Electric Brake: Yes
Housing Material: Metal
Additional Features: Automatic Speed Change, Active Feedback-sensing Technology
User Manual: Makita XAG20Z
If you’re looking for an angle grinder that has a few more features than our top pick from Dewalt, then this model from Makita really deserves your attention.
First, this grinder uses variable speed technology that allows you to match the speed to the application. A control dial lets you set the speed from 3,000 to 8,500 RPM.
The brushless motor delivers good power, which allows the grinder to perform some hard tasks. And much like the Dewalt model, this motor is electronically controlled through the Automatic Speed Change technology for optimizing battery energy use for up to 50% longer run-time per charge and for adjusting speed and torque during operation for better performance.
The XAG20Z doesn’t lack safety features either. It is equipped with a soft start. It has an electric brake, which stops the disc within 2 seconds. And lastly, it also uses the Active Feedback-sensing Technology, which is designed to turn the motor off if the rotation of the disc is suddenly forced to a stop.
Although longer and heavier than the Dewalt grinder, this tool is well balanced and its ergonomics are well thought out. So much so that it feels pretty comfortable to use for long periods of time.
The qualities of this grinder are numerous and very satisfying. It definitely is a very good choice if you’re looking for a tool with good power and better features. Of course, you’ll have to be willing to spend a little more money on it. But, we’re pretty sure that, just like these customers, you won’t regret it.
Best Budget: Porter-Cable PCC761B 20V Max 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder
Motor: Brushed
Disc Size: 4-1/2 in.
Arbor Size: 5/8 in.
Maximum Speed: 8,500 RPM
Variable Speed: No
Battery System: 20V Max
Switch Type: Trigger
Weight: 5.3 lbs
Soft Start: No
Electric Brake: No
Housing Material: Cast metal gear housing
Additional Features: Tool-free guard
User Manual: Porter Cable PCC761B
If you’re on a budget, then Porter-Cable may well have what you need. With their PCC761B, they’ve put together a powerful cordless angle grinder that goes right to the point.
The power developed by its brushed motor is quite impressive, given the price range this grinder falls in. To be honest, we weren’t even expecting this type of high-performance motor for such a low price. And that’s the case for other customers too!
In addition to that high power, this grinder comes with a free-tool guard, thus facilitating guard adjustments, It also has a cast metal gear housing. This helps dissipate heat during extended use.
The PCC761B is not the lightest among low-range cordless angle grinders. But, thanks to its well-thought ergonomic design, it is actually a well-balanced tool that offers pretty good comfort of use.
The Porter-Cable PCC761B is exactly the type of affordable angle grinder that will please occasional DIYers who are essentially looking for power and portability and who don’t mind not getting many additional features.
Best Heavy-Duty: Dewalt Flexvolt DCG418B 60V Max 4-1/2 in. – 6 in. Angle Grinder
Motor: Brushless – 13A equivalent
Disc Size: 4-1/2 in. to 6 in.
Arbor Size: 5/8 in.
Maximum Speed: 9,000 RPM
Variable Speed: No
Battery System: 20V/60V Flexvolt
Switch Type: Trigger
Weight: 4.7 lbs
Soft Start: No
Electric Brake: Yes
Housing Material: Plastic
Additional Features: Dewalt E-clutch system, Kickback brake
User Manual: Dewalt DCG418B
In our opinion, the best angle grinder for heavy-duty jobs, the one that’s going to be the most helpful in tackling the hardest tasks, such as cutting through concrete or other masonry material, is the Dewalt Flexvolt DCG418B.
This cordless beast comes with a brushless motor that, on a corded grinder, would be equivalent to a 13A motor. If you know a little bit about corded grinders amperage, you’ll understand how outstanding this number is for a cordless grinder and what that means in terms of power. And in addition to its great power, it also has a surprisingly long battery life, thanks to the Flexvolt Battery System. This battery system is not only designed for providing exceptional power and runtime. It also allows for switching between 200+ tools across the Dewalt 20V Max and 60V Max systems. This is especially interesting if you already own some of those tools or if you’re planning on buying some.
Just like our top pick, namely the DCG413B, the DCG418B grinder uses the E-clutch system, which regulates torque, a kickback brake, which stops the grinder in the event of a pinch, a stall, or a bind-up, and an electric brake that can stop a standard grinding disc in 1.5 seconds. Unlike its little brother, however, it has no soft start feature.
Surprisingly enough, this grinder is only 4.7 lbs. This is quite amazing, given its size and the power it delivers.
One thing’s for sure, this Dewalt angle grinder has power, as is confirmed by these customer reviews. And that’s mainly what we were looking for our best cordless angle grinder pick for heavy-duty tasks. Although we would’ve loved a few more features, such as a soft start, this grinder is definitely worth considering, given its value and price.
Best Corded Angle Grinders
Now, here is our selection of the best corded angle grinders. We divided our picks into different sections that match different needs and different budgets.
Top Pick: Dewalt DWE402 4-1/2 in. 11A Angle Grinder
Motor: 11A
Disc Size: 4-1/2 in.
Arbor Size: 5/8 in.
Maximum Speed: 11,000 RPM
Variable Speed: No
Switch Type: Paddle
Weight: 4.6 lbs
Soft Start: No
Electric Brake: No
Housing Material: Plastic
Additional Features: Dewalt One-Touch Guard, Auto-off brushes
User Manual: Dewalt DWE402
For our corded angle grinder top pick, we wanted a grinder that is at the same time handy, comfortable to use, powerful, and that will suit most projects, even hard ones.
And the model of grinder that stood out was none other than the Dewalt DWE402.
This grinder is quite popular among DIYers and contractors alike and is well known for its ability to handle heavy-duty tasks. This is mainly due to its powerful 11A motor that has a capacity of 11,000 RPM and to the robustness of its gears.
In addition to that brutal power, the DWE402 features Auto-off brushes, which automatically turn the tool off to avoid damage to the grinder when brushes need to be replaced.
As for ergonomics, we’d give it an average mark only. We really liked the weight and compactness of this grinder very much, plus the One-touch Guard, which allows for easy 360° rotation of the guard. But, on the other hand, we also have to say that the lack of vibration control is not as enjoyable.
If you don’t mind the cord and you’re looking for an affordable powerful grinder that’s going to do the job, then the Dewalt DWE402 is very likely to be the grinder you need. If you want more feedback on this tool, you can check out these customer reviews.
Upgrade Pick: Metabo WP 11-125 Quick 4-1/2 in. – 5 in. 11A Angle Grinder
Motor: 11A
Disc Size: 4-1/2 in. – 5 in.
Arbor Size: 5/8 in.
Maximum Speed: 11,000 RPM
Variable Speed: No
Switch Type: Paddle
Weight: 5.1 lbs
Soft Start: No
Electric Brake: No
Housing Material: Polyamide
Additional Features: Metabo LongLife motor, S-automatic mechanical safety clutch, M-Quick System, Auto-stop carbon brushes
User Manual: Metabo WP 11-125 Quick
The previous grinder is a quality grinder but might not yet be good enough for some people. If you need a grinder with the same type of reliability and a few more features, take a look at the Metabo WP 11-125 Quick.
Metabo is known for making strong and highly reliable angle grinders. And this one is no exception to the rule.
Its 11A motor can rotate up to 11,000 RPM. That’s all the power and speed you need to tackle most projects. This Metabo LongLife motor is patented with dust protection and offers more overload and torque than previous Metabo motors. Also, just like the Dewalt DWE402, the Auto-stop carbon brushes shut the motor off when brushes need to be replaced.
Additional features include the Metabo S-automatic mechanical safety clutch. This is a safety feature that reduces kickback significantly in case of sudden disc jams. Another one is the M-Quick system, which allows for switching between discs quickly. Lastly, the gear housing can be rotated 90°. This is a pretty interesting feature that we didn’t expect but which is actually quite useful in some situations or to make it work for left-handed users.
The Metabo WP 11-125 Quick is a real upgrade compared to the Dewalt DWE402. It has additional safety features, a cool housing rotation feature, a powerful motor, and good ergonomics. The price differential is there, of course, but it’s far from being huge. See these customer reviews for more hints on the quality of this grinder.
Best Budget: Black+Decker BDEG400 4-1/2 in. 6.5A Angle Grinder
Motor: 6A
Disc Size: 4-1/2 in.
Arbor Size: 5/8 in.
Maximum Speed: 10,000 RPM
Variable Speed: No
Switch Type: Slide switch
Weight: 4.5 lbs
Soft Start: No
Electric Brake: No
Housing Material: Plastic
Additional Features: /
User Manual: Black+Decker BDEG400
If what you need is a cheap angle grinder that will handle most of your occasional light-duty DIY projects, the Black+Decker BDEG400 might be perfect for you.
With its 10,000 RPM and its 6A motor, it will allow you to perform many small jobs such as light metal cutting and grinding or wood sanding. But, don’t expect to use it much for harder tasks, or at least not too long. Its small motor won’t handle it.
The grinder offers good portability thanks to its weight and its narrow body. The three-position handle can be pretty helpful in some situations and adds to the ergonomics of this tool by providing some comfort.
The Black+Decker BDEG400 grinder is great for short-time cutting sessions or for having a bit of metal-grinding fun before a Sunday barbecue. But, if you’ll likely have to perform heavier tasks in the future, however, I’d advise you not to go for this one and to rather look for something a bit more powerful. Read the customer reviews.
Best Heavy-Duty: Metabo WEV 15-125 HT 5 in. 13.5A Angle Grinder
Motor: 13.5A
Disc Size: 5 in.
Arbor Size: 5/8 in.
Maximum Speed: 9,600 RPM
Variable Speed: Yes – 2,800-9600 RPM
Switch Type: Slide switch
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Soft Start: Yes
Electric Brake: No
Housing Material: Polyamide, die-cast aluminum
Additional Feature: Metabo LongLife motor, S-automatic mechanical safety clutch, Auto-stop carbon brushes
User Manual: Metabo WEV 15-125 HT
Now, what if I tell you raw power, variable speed, and affordable price? Sounds good?
These three terms will surely be appealing to DIYers and contractors who are actively looking for a heavy-duty angle grinder that won’t cost them too much money.
Good news! We came across one that matches these needs very well. It’s the Metabo WEV 15-125 HT.
As far as power, this grinder is a monster. With its 13.5A LongLife motor, it chews everything that stands in its way. Thankfully, a soft start feature helps tame this beast at start-up. And thanks to its Auto-stop carbon brushes, you don’t have to worry about potential motor damage caused by worn-out brushes, as this feature will automatically turn the motor off.
The grinder uses an electronic variable speed technology. Thanks to its control dial, you can adjust the grinder’s speed from 2,800 to 9,600 RPM and thus use the speed that best suits the application material.
One additional feature is a safety feature, the Metabo S-automatic mechanical safety clutch. This feature helps reduce kickback significantly when the disc jams.
In addition to all that, this angle grinder offers pretty good portability and comfort of use. The only downside is the slide switch, to which we’d have preferred a paddle or a trigger. This switch is on the left side of the grinder, which is convenient for right-handed users only. Fortunately, the gear housing can be unscrewed and rotated in 90° steps, thus also allowing for left-handed operation.
The WEV 15-125 HT is truly a great tool for heavy-duty jobs. We can confidently say that it has the best value at this price range considering its features and especially the crazy power it delivers. For further confirmation of our opinion on this grinder, you may want to go check out these customer reviews.
Choosing the Best Angle Grinder – Factors to Consider
To find the best angle grinder, the one you need, you have to pay attention to its features. Understanding how those features translate in practice and assessing your needs will help you sort between all available angle grinder models and ultimately select the one that’s made for you.
So, to make sure that you’ll get the best out of your angle grinder and that it will best match your needs, consider the following points.
Power Source – Corded or Cordless?
As for most power tools, you’ll have the choice between corded and cordless models for your angle grinder. Pneumatic angle grinders also exist. But as they are mostly used in professional auto shops and not by the average DIYer or contractor, we don’t include them in our decision-making process.
- Corded angle grinders typically generate constant power because they are directly connected to an electrical outlet. Such tools benefit the user by providing more power than cordless models while never running out of juice. The downside is that it forces the user to remain within reach of the outlet. Of course, you may use an extension cord to extend that range, but keep in mind that this also creates a tripping hazard that you’ll have to watch out for.
- Cordless angle grinders usually lack power compared to corded ones. But, as they are not connected to an outlet, they are very versatile tools that you can carry around without restriction, which is great. Choosing the right type of battery for your angle grinder is crucial, as it is that which basically conditions how much time you’ll be able to work with the grinder. Note also that your battery also conditions the amount of power it will deliver, to some extent.
After reading this, which of these pros will be more beneficial to you? And so, would you rather buy a corded or a cordless angle grinder?
Motor – Brushed or Brushless?
When you’re looking for the best angle grinder, you have a choice between two types of motor, brushed motor or brushless motor. Note that this is mostly, though not only, applicable to cordless grinders.
Unlike in brushed motors, there is no friction within brushless motors. This results in brushless motors wearing out more slowly and losing less power and speed than brushed motors.
But, they are also more expensive.
Durability or price? That’s the big question. What will you choose?
If you want to read more about this, check out our article about the differences between brushed and brushless tools.
Disc Size
Angle grinders come in different sizes. This is the next point we suggest you think about.
- The most widely used angle grinders are those coming with a 4-½ in. or 5 in. disc. Used by the vast majority of DIYers and contractors, those angle grinders are the most popular. This is due to their compact design and lightweight, which makes them easy to manoeuver while being powerful enough to handle most common tasks.
Most of the angle grinders we picked for this review fall within this size range. - Larger angle grinders, coming with 6 to 9 in. discs, are more powerful and are almost always corded. A larger disc means a larger design and a larger motor. These tools are therefore much heavier and more difficult to manoeuver than smaller models. They are mostly used by professionals for cutting thick pieces of metal, concrete, or similar heavy-duty tasks. So, except if you need to tackle large projects, you probably won’t need this type of angle grinder.
What size do you want your future angle grinder to be?
Speed
Next in the decision process is the angle grinder speed, measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Angle grinder speed ranges from 5,000 RPM for the weakest models to 12,000 RPM for the strongest. The higher the RPM of the angle grinder, the easier and quicker it will cut through the material, obviously.
Smaller angle grinder speeds generally range from 5,000 to 11,000 RPM.
By contrast, larger angle grinders usually have lower maximum speeds, between 5,000 and 8,000 RPM.
Keep in mind that these maximum speed ratings are achieved when the angle grinder is not loaded. This means that when the tool is actually cutting or grinding, the maximum speed will lower significantly.
Another thing to note here regarding speed is that some angle grinders come with variable speed controls. This is an interesting feature as it allows the user to fine-tune the speed at which the disc spins to his needs.
Safety note: Angle grinder discs become hotter as speed increases. And the hotter it gets, the more vulnerable to rupture it is. All discs have a maximum speed that they can support that is either marked directly on the disc or that you’ll find in the discs’ specifications. You should never run a disc at a higher speed than what’s specified by the manufacturer, as the disc would then be likely to heat up, shatter, and cause injury.
Power – Voltage/Amperage
The power delivered by an angle grinder depends on voltage (volts/V) and amperage or current (amps/A) (1, 2, 3). The higher the voltage and/or amperage, the more powerful your angle grinder will be.
- Corded angle grinders are connected to an electrical outlet, which has a fixed voltage. So, to assess the power of a corded angle grinder, you need to check its amperage, which ranges from 5 to 15A. A 6 to 8A model might be enough if you’re looking for an entry-level grinder. With a 10-11A grinder, you can get a much more powerful tool that won’t be too expensive while still being quite compact. The largest models, 7 to 9 in. grinders, will require larger electrical output, usually around 15A.
- With cordless angle grinders, you can act upon both voltage and amperage.
How? Well, a cordless angle grinder uses a battery as its power source.
A specific model of grinder comes with a specific battery voltage, ranging from 7.5V to 36V. So, when choosing a cordless angle grinder, you’re also choosing a battery voltage. Note that most models use 18 or 20V batteries, which are the voltages that allow for making up good quality and affordable tools.
What’s more, a battery comes in different amperages that you can choose from, expressed in amperes per hour (Ah). It is usually said that a larger battery only affects operating time by increasing it significantly. In practice, there is more to it, however. Without going into the technicalities of it, it is now known that the larger the battery, the more power you’ll get from your grinder.
So, to raise the power potential of your cordless angle grinder, all you have to do is purchase a battery with a higher amperage per hour.
Ergonomics
It’s important to make sure that the angle grinder you buy is handy and comfortable to use. The following points will help you assert whether a grinder is going to match your needs regarding ergonomics.
Hand Guard – Fixed or Moveable?
Angle grinders always come with a guard that covers half of the disc. This safety measure is crucial as it protects the user from receiving sparks and debris produced by the cutting or grinding process. When looking for an angle grinder, you’ll have to choose between two types of guard, namely, fixed guard or moveable guard.
Moveable guards are usually more popular because they allow the user to position it as he wishes. This is particularly useful for switching from right-handed to left-handed use or simply for making small adjustments.
Safety note: Unlike fixed guards, a moveable guard might fall off the grinder if it’s not well-tightened. You should therefore check its tightening regularly.
Switch Type
When shopping around for an angle grinder, you’ll also have to pick between one of the four following types of switch. Note that some of these switches have a lock-on feature, meaning that the grinder stays on without you continuously needing to press the switch.
- Toggle switch: basic on/off switch, usually at the rear of the grinder.
- Slide switch: basic on/off switch, generally on the grinder’s side.
- Paddle switch: usually a variable switch underneath the grinder.
- Trigger switch: usually a variable switch, underneath the grinder.
Weight
Pay attention to the weight of the angle grinder before buying it, especially if you’re planning on using it for hours or very often. Too much use of a heavy angle grinder can cause fatigue and pain, especially in your arms, shoulders, and back. It will also be more difficult to control than a lighter model.
Vibration Control
Another important point to watch for is vibration control. Just like weight, the amount of vibration produced by a specific grinder is an important factor to consider, especially for prolonged uses. Reading customer reviews will generally give you solid hints regarding a grinder’s ability to control vibration.
Soft Start
Being a powerful tool, an angle grinder might recoil quite a bit at startup. And if the user starts to loosen his grip because of fatigue, let’s say, this could result in him losing hold of the grinder. That could be very dangerous and result in serious injury.
That’s why some angle grinders use soft-start technology to combat the recoil that might be produced when starting off the tool. This feature increases safety and also reduces jolts otherwise felt in the arms and wrists.
Brake
Angle grinders generate very high speeds. When you release the trigger on a basic angle grinder, the disc usually only stops after 10 to 30 seconds. But nowadays, more and more grinders come with an electronic or mechanical brake feature. Its purpose is to stop the disc much faster. This greatly reduces the chances of injury and allows the user to work faster as he doesn’t need to wait long for the disc to come to a complete stop.
Durability
One other important factor to consider is the angle grinder’s durability.
This factor is not so easy to assess beforehand. But when searching for information, you might learn about some brands or models that have been proven to be stronger than others. Once again, you can also look at the customer reviews to try to find more hints. You’ll probably come across reviews from people saying that they’ve been using such and such grinder for a long time without encountering any problems. Such reviews might be pretty good and accurate signs of the grinder’s durability.
Price
Finally, let’s talk about angle grinder prices.
Most angle grinders range from about $25 to $650, with some models costing as much as $1000.
The cost of an angle grinder depends on all the factors we’ve mentioned above. The higher the number of these factors a grinder has and the better these criteria, the more expensive the grinder. Simple as that.
The good news is that you can find decent grinders for relatively low prices. Broadly speaking, if your budget is under $100, you can find a quite good corded grinder or a good-enough entry-level cordless grinder. With an over $100 budget, though, you’ll definitely get your hands on a strong corded grinder or a good cordless grinder.
Note that when buying a cordless angle grinder, you often need to buy your battery separately. This is an additional cost.
FAQs
Here are some of the most common questions people usually have about angle grinders. We did our best to answer them so you can get the additional info you need!
What is an Angle Grinder?
An angle grinder, also known as a side grinder, is a handheld power tool that is used for cutting, grinding, or polishing. Which of these tasks you’ll perform depends on the type of disc that you attach to the spindle (4). As for the spindle, it may be driven by an electric motor or by a pneumatic motor. Pneumatic angle grinders, however, are mostly used by specific industry professionals, unlike electric models that are widespread among DIYers and contractors.
What are Angle Grinders Used for?
Angle grinders may be used for a variety of tasks. The most common include:
- Cutting, especially metal, but also tile, concrete, stone, and other masonry material.
- Grinding: for instance, cleaning metal before welding and smoothing out a weld after welding.
- Sanding.
- Polishing.
- Sharpening metal.
- Removing rust from tools.
How to Use an Angle Grinder?
First of all, make sure to wear eye, hearing protection, and work gloves before using an angle grinder. There are a few hazards from the use of an angle grinder. Be aware of them and always protect yourself!
Attach the disc that is appropriate to the job you want to perform. Hold the angle grinder with both hands, one on the grinder and the other on the handle. Start the grinder by hitting the power switch or by pulling the trigger/paddle. Hold the grinder firmly and slowly move the grinder toward the workpiece and make the cut/grind. When you’re done, switch off the grinder and unplug the cord or remove the battery if your job is finished.
What Types of Discs Do Angle Grinders Use?
A significant number of discs might be used with angle grinders. Here are the most widely used:
- Cut-off discs, which are used to cut metal. Basically, the thinner the cut-off disc is, the easier it will cut through metal. But note that a thinner disc is also more likely to break.
- Grinding discs, which are used for grinding metal or stone. There are many different grits available from which you can choose depending on the kind of grinding you want to make.
- Diamond discs, which are used for cutting masonry or stone. Those discs exist because you won’t be able to cut through such hard materials with a standard cut-off disc.
- Flap discs, which are used for sanding. Those discs are made of multiple layers of overlapping abrasive sheets, called flaps.
- Wire discs, which are used for polishing hard metal. Those are made of clusters of bristles. These bristles may be slender and straight, or they could be thick and twisted.
How to Change the Disc on My Angle Grinder?
When you want to replace your angle grinder disc, first unplug the grinder or remove the battery if it’s a cordless model.
Then, loosen and remove the nut that’s holding the disc in place. Some grinders allow you to block the spindle with the press of a button. Use the factory spanner, or sometimes the Allen key, included with the grinder.
To finish up, replace the disc and tighten the nut using the appropriate tool.
Our Verdict
Once again, assessing the specific needs you may have and making them match with one of our picks is what we advise here.
But, if what you need is the best among the good quality grinders, then our two top picks might be the way If you’re looking for a good overall grinder, and if your budget is not too low, we’d strongly advise you to select one of our top picks.
As a reminder, our cordless angle grinder top pick is the Dewalt DCG413B. And, in our opinion, the best corded angle grinder is the Dewalt DWE402.
