Best 4-1/2" Angle Grinder <$100?

[UNC151]

Post 'em if you have them...

 

[skyactiv]

Get one with a paddle switch. I have a Porter Cable with such a switch. It is underpowered. I wish I got this at Lowe’s instead for $90 Dewalt model DWE402W

 

[IndyIan]

The $40 ones? I still haven't killed my cheap canadian tire mastercraft one in 15 years... Its cut tires up, patio slabs and actually done some metal grinding... Removing the previous quick attach system off a few tractor buckets was fun. Its getting louder now but its always been an ear protection tool. I can see how a variable speed one would be nice though but they probably aren't cheap.

 

[RooflessVW]

I have a Cryobi that just takes abuse. It cuts, it gets dropped, has been thrown, etc.

I think it's hard to mess up an electric motor with a 90° gearbox.

 

[Dennywires]

https://www.harborfreight.com/corde...-grinder-69645.html?_br_psugg_q=angle+grinder

works like a charm.

 

[UNC151]

Get one with a paddle switch. I have a Porter Cable with such a switch. It is underpowered. I wish I got this at Lowe’s instead for $90 Dewalt model DWE402W

I am looking at that one as a possibility (Dewalt). It has an 11amp motor on it and the reviews seem to be pretty good.

 

[Astro14]

I’ve had a Dewalt for decades. Same size/power as that one, but an older model number.

Can’t kill it. It’s cut through foot-thick stone (long story) using a diamond blade, and done all manner of grinding and sanding.

 

[JC1]

https://www.harborfreight.com/corde...-grinder-69645.html?_br_psugg_q=angle+grinder

works like a charm.

This one works as well. I picked one up for $9.99 with a coupon a few years ago. I also have a DeWalt 20v cordless one as well, but I hardly use it want it to last I guess.

If you buy some cheap HF ones then you can have multiple grinders and cutters with different blades and don't need to waste time removing and swapping blades to do multiple tasks.

 

[UNC151]

This one works as well. I picked one up for $9.99 with a coupon a few years ago. I also have a DeWalt 20v cordless one as well, but I hardly use it want it to last I guess.

If you buy some cheap HF ones then you can have multiple grinders and cutters with different blades and don't need to waste time removing and swapping blades to do multiple tasks.

^^^ this appealed to me as well. There are some WEN grinders that are less than $30 that meet that criteria. I would it to be at least 7 amps though as less than that heats up and/or bogs down when grinding for extended times.

https://smile.amazon.com/WEN-94475-...words=wen+angle+grinder&qid=1620234111&sr=8-1

 

[JHZR2]

I have a fein, honestly don’t know what it cost me, but it was in that ballpark. Have ground concrete and cut all sorts of other stuff.

I do think a variable speed unit is preferable to a fixed like my fein, fwiw...

 

[spasm3]

Post 'em if you have them...

Do you already have a battery tool system like drills, saws, etc?

A battery grinder is handy for lighter weight stuff like mowerblade sharpening. For heavy steel and stone, corded.

 

[UNC151]

Do you already have a battery tool system like drills, saws, etc?

A battery grinder is handy for lighter weight stuff like mowerblade sharpening. For heavy steel and stone, corded.

I do have some battery powered tools--impact wrenches. I flipped from battery to corded for everything else simply due to the volume of work I was performing and I am never away from a 120v outlet.

 

[UNC151]

Thoughts on these two?

Dewalt ($76) - https://www.ebay.com/itm/DEWALT-DWE...-NO-LOCK-NEW-/401832803036?_mwBanner=1&_rdt=1

Hercules ($75) - https://www.harborfreight.com/corde...sional-paddle-switch-angle-grinder-56459.html

 

[RyanY]

I have a 7 amp corded Milwaukee (about $65 @ Home Depot) that has more than enough power for all my needs. My only complaint is no variable speed.

When I bought it the 18-20V cordless systems were in their infancy, but I would go cordless these days.

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwauk...with-Sliding-Lock-On-Switch-6130-33/202101584

 

[Trav]

For the money this one.

https://www.hilti.com/c/CLS_POWER_T...NGLE_GRINDERS__7124/r7918547?itemCode=3578886

Dewalt, Bosch, Makita and others have some decent stuff also.

 

[tom slick]

Do you want “best quality” or “best value” I would put a approx $100 metabo or fein at one end and $15 harbor freight at the other. I own/ use both ends and they get the job done. The Metabo is significantly nicer to use ergonomically and power wise, the HF cheapy has enough power to sharpen tools and mild grinding duties around the house.
the welders at my work often start with the cheap two pack from dewalt for $80, after a year they are buying the $89 each better models.

 

[Lyman]

I have a Makita I have been using for the last 13 years

 

[UNC151]

I landed on this one for heavy or extending grinding. Ordered on Saturday and received it today for $82.27 to the door. It is nice to grip and is far more powerful than the 4.5AMP Skil it is replacing and runs really smooth with no vibration. I may pick up a second one for sanding disks and cut-off disks.

DeWALT DWE402N @ ebay

I bought this one for wire brushing and lawn mower blade sharpening for $30.29 to the door.

Wen 94475 @ Amazon

 

[zrxkawboy]

I think most of the major brands would serve you well...just look at the features that are most important to you. Personally, I’ve had a Bosch for nearly 10 years that has worked well.

 

[bchannell]

$39 harbor freight, I mean they go round and the disc does the work, not much you can improve on here. I’ve had mine several years and not a single problem.