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An angle grinder is a unique power tool that’s used to cut, finish, and polish a variety of materials, such as metal and tile. To help you find a model that’s right for your DIY projects, the This Old House Reviews Team researched the best angle grinders on Amazon. Here are our top recommendations.
Top 4 Angle Grinders
- Best Battery-Powered Grinder: DEWALT 20-Volt MAX Brushless Grinder
- Best Case: Makita 4.5-Inch Angle Grinder
- Most Lightweight: Bosch 4.5-Inch Angle Grinder
- Best Accessories: Metabo HPT Angle Grinder
Best Battery-Powered Grinder: DEWALT 20-Volt MAX Brushless Grinder
This battery-powered grinder contains a brushless motor that adjusts its power output based on the job, maintaining tool efficiency and battery life. It’s a part of DEWALT’s PERFORM & PROTECT line of tools, ensuring steady control and low vibration without sacrificing performance.
Key Features
- Cordless design
- 20 volts
- 4.5-inch grinder
- 3.75 pounds
- Three-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that the DEWALT 20-Volt MAX Brushless Grinder was powerful, portable, ergonomic, and dependable. On the other hand, dissatisfied customers said that the grinder’s battery needed frequent recharges.
Best Case: Makita 4.5-Inch Angle Grinder
This angle grinder is powered by a 7.5-amp motor. It has a small-diameter barrel grip for added control and comfort. Plus, it comes with a hard aluminum case that protects the tools and its accessories. The case can be transported with the included carrying handle or a strap that’s attached to the side loops.
Key Features
- Corded design
- 7.5 amps
- 4.5-inch grinder
- 4.5 pounds
- One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that this grinder worked well for small and medium projects. Several also expressed appreciation for the included organizational case. Those who were disappointed with their purchase said that the motor overheated frequently and that the order sometimes arrived with missing parts.
Most Lightweight: Bosch 4.5-Inch Angle Grinder
This corded angle grinder weighs 3.75 pounds, making it easy for homeowners to handle while they cut metal, tile, concrete, and other materials. A variety of professionals, including metal workers, vehicle fabricators, and plumbers, can also benefit from this compact, ergonomically designed grinder.
Key Features
- Corded design
- Six amps
- 4.5-inch grinder
- 3.08 pounds
- One-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that the Bosch 4.5-Inch Angle Grinder was versatile, dependable, lightweight, and reasonably priced. Reviewers who left negative reviews said that this product couldn’t handle heavy-duty projects. Some customers also received incomplete orders.
Best Accessories: Metabo HPT Angle Grinder
This 6.2-amp angle grinder comes with a spanner wrench, wheel guard, hard case, and five grinding wheels to help you complete a variety of DIY projects. Your purchase also includes a removable, forward-canted side handle for improved control and ease of use for both right- and left-handed users.
Key Features
- Corded design
- 6.2 amps
- 4.5-inch grinder
- Four pounds
- Five-year warranty
What Customers Are Saying
Satisfied customers said that this grinder was powerful and dependable. They also liked that it didn’t have issues with overheating. Though there weren’t many low-rated reviews, a few customers expressed issues with weak power output.
Buyer’s Guide
Before purchasing an angle grinder, it’s important to consider how its design and specifications impact its user experience and performance. Here are four factors to think about as you’re combing through your options.
Power Source
Angle grinders are available in corded and cordless models. Corded angle grinders are high-powered tools that can be used over a long period. Despite their efficiency, a corded angle grinder’s mobility is limited to the length of its power or extension cord.
Cordless angle grinders aren’t restrained by power cords, as they’re powered by high-efficiency batteries instead. While battery-powered grinders are convenient, they’re typically more expensive and less powerful than their corded counterparts.
Disc Size
Most angle grinders are distinguished by their compatible disc size, with most models accepting 4.5-inch discs. A 4.5-inch angle grinder is powerful enough to handle most DIY projects. However, consider an angle grinder with a larger disc if you need to cut thicker materials.
Speed
An angle grinder’s speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). A higher-RPM model can cut through material quicker than a lower-RPM model. Most angle grinders offer between 8,000 and 10,000 RPM, though some efficient models run at over 11,000 RPM. Typically, cordless angle grinders run at lower speeds than corded models.
Additional Features
Many angle grinders have additional features that make them safer or easier to use. For example, the Metabo HPT Store Angle Grinder has an easy-to-use power switch for safe starts and an attachable side handle for more control.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are angle grinders used for?
Angle grinders are versatile power tools that can be used for a variety of tasks, such as cutting tile, removing grout, and polishing metal.
Can I cut concrete with my angle grinder?
Yes. You can cut concrete with an angle grinder that has an appropriate concrete blade. Most concrete projects call for segmented diamond blades.
Should I wear gloves when I’m using my angle grinder?
Yes. Wearing gloves protects your hands from the blade and flying sparks. Also wear eye and ear protection.
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This Old House has empowered homeowners for more than four decades with top-notch home improvement content in the form of television programs, print media, and digital content on its website and social media platforms. The This Old House Reviews Team focuses on creating in-depth product and service review content to help inform your purchasing decision for just about any item or resource that you might need for your home. The This Old House Reviews Team has written over 1,000 reviews on products in the home space, from cordless drills to kitchen trash cans, lawn mowers, and dining room decorations.
We recommend products in each review using an intensive research process, spending hours combing through the best available models on Amazon. For a product to make our list of top picks, it must hold a solid sales record on Amazon, have consistently positive customer reviews, and offer unique features, among other factors. After narrowing down our list of recommendations, we conduct additional research and sometimes in-person testing to ensure that the products meet our standards. Once we conclude the research phase, we craft a well-rounded, user-friendly article that includes our recommended products and additional information to help homeowners like you make the right purchase.
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