Mosh wrote in, asking for some advice as to which is the best corded angle grinder.
I don’t use angle grinders enough for cutting and grinding tasks to be able to answer this with confidence, and so I’d like to pass the question on to you guys.
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Which would you consider to be the best angle grinder?
From everything I’ve seen and heard, this is how I would make my next corded grinder purchasing decision:
My first choice would likely be the Dewalt DWE402, shown above, an 11-amp paddle switch grinder. I would also add on a Dewalt Type 1 guard, for use with cutting wheels. In the box, the grinder comes with a guard suited for use with grinding wheels.
If I had more serious needs, I would look at Metabo, which is well known for their excellent grinders. Metabo specializes in metalworking, and so I find it easy to trust in their technology.
Lastly, I would also consider Bosch, which seems to have poured a lot of effort into anti-vibration features in recent years. Even their auxiliary handles look like they’re easier on the hands.
Buy Now(Dewalt DWE402 via Amazon)
Buy Now(Metabo Grinder via Amazon)
Buy Now(Bosch Grinder via Amazon – this is a new model that just came out)
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But again, I’m not a heavy grinder user. I go through maybe a few cutting wheels a year, maybe a single grinding wheel or two.
For all you metalworkers, welders, concrete workers, fabricators, and other heavy grinder users, which would you say is the best corded angle grinder out there right now?
mizzourob
I’m not a welder, but several friend that are swear by Makita grinders.
Steve Zissou
I rarely use my Makita grinder but I really like it. I sprung for a version with paddle switch. Nice piece of kit.
Marty
I have the Dewalt grinder pictured above and I really like it. I’ve had the best luck with Dewalt as far as tool life, weight and performance. I’ve heard great things about Metabo as well, but never felt the need to try them.
I use my grinders primarily for concrete and the occasional metal grinding, but I guess it depends on the application. Metabo makes some cool narrow head models for getting into tighter spaces.
Nathan
I see alot of dewalt devices, and Milwaukee devices for angle grinders in my areas. Personally I’d get either of those that was cheaper at the time of sale. Side by side they tend to be very similar – which also makes quite a bit of sense.
Mike
All the weld shops I’ve ever worked in swore by Metabo grinders. When I buy a new (not from a swap meet) grinder that’s going to be the one.
fred
This is an interesting question – but perhaps not enough information to make a complete decision.
From the picture, I assume Mosh was asking about a 4-1/2 inch angle grinder and one for general use.
He may also be aware that angle grinders come in smaller (e.g. hobby sized) sixes like the Proxxon 38544 -2 inch grinder that gets mixed reviews- and ones from Arbortech.
There are – larger grinders like the 5 to 6 inch ones often sold for tuck pointing – although I’m not a fan of any of these for this application as they can damage the underlying brick – if not used with extreme care.
Then there are angle grinders in the 7 to 9 inch class – sometimes marketed for metalwork – weld cleanup – or concrete work. Some in this size – are also either designed for or sold as automotive polishers.
We used pneumatic grinders from companies like Dotco and IR in our metalworking and pipe fabrication shop – when I was working. We had some electric grinders – mostly Milwaukee and Fein If I were buying an electric today – I would be comparing these brands to Metabo – based on all the good things I’ve heard.
For general purpose work on jobsites – we had a bit of a mixed bag – Bosch, Dewalt and Makita of different vintages.When one burnt out – we’d buy whatever seemed good at the time. We had a few oddballs like a Makita 5001C – which was more a stone polisher, and a Bosch 1773AK for concrete surfacing. My tile sub – seemed to be forever switching among brands – and the one time I recall talking to one of his crews – I was told that they were all no good – and burnt out quickly – but maybe a combination of tile dust, water, grout and thinset might burnout any tool.
Nathan
what exactly would make a metabo better? I’m curious as the few I’ve seen don’t appear in anyway better than a dewalt or milwaukee in that 10+ amp range. again 4 1/2 not larger.
fred
If I were buying today – I’d want to know if the Metabo compared to other brands would:
Last longer – handle dust and debris better
Startup smoother
Fit my hand better
Stay cooler in the hand
Not produce torque reaction when stuck
Allow easy wheel changes
Have a comfortable side handle
Have any special features
Drew M
Yes. 😉
They have the best variable speed electronics since they’ve been making them that way for over a decade now. I often slow mine down for rough sanding wood and aluminum with flappy wheels. Full speed on aluminum generally removes LESS material. Also, being able to slow it down makes the tool a lot more precise and quieter for more “delicate” work.
fred
My personal grinder is a Makita 9565CV – no thought that it is the best – and actually use it more for wood carving than grinding. I bought it when I retired in 2012 – replacing a B&D 4247 bought in the late 1980’s. Having variable speed, a clutch and soft start on the Makita made a world of difference – but my use is not very demanding – and it gets mixed reviews.
Nathan
so yes they make a grinder with a variable speed VC kit on it – like some of their other tools. But they also make 2 non variable speed devices – and one of them with the same RPM speed and size is more or less right in line with this dewalt device shown above. Difference – slide switch vs paddle.
so minus the variable speed pieces (which would be interesting in a 4 1/2 in angle grinder), what would make it better?
feel, grip shape etc – I’ll buy all that for a dollar, but there isn’t anyone around me that happens to carry then to do a side by side on. Now having looked – why don’t the other companies made variable speed devices – I think I’d like that for home use.
John
Where Metabo grinders really standout is thier longevity, I have seen this first hand.
mosh
Hi I’m mosh and thanks for the responses and I’m talking about one for general use not to welding of any other heavy duty work just occasional grinding cutting with a good guard
Jerry
The best? The German made Metabo. They started making a cheaper line in Asia that are probably on par with the DeWalt mentioned. What makes Metabo better? Mostly, they hold up to metal grinding and the grinding dust and filings that fly around. They also have tool free blade and guard changes on some models, and some even have variable speed and soft start. My next new one will be a Metabo from my experiences using them, and their owners can’t seem to say enough good things about them. I have owned a Milwaukee Magnum, which worked very well, and was the most powerful 4 1/2 inch grinder I ever owned. Had the gearbox sieze up way too soon, in my opinion. Before that, I had a Makita, which was almost underpowered. It had enough to do the job, but nothing like the Milwaukee. On the other hand the longevity of the Makita truly Impressed me, but I replaced it with the Milwaukee because of its higher power. When the Milwaukee siezed, I got a DeWalt, not sure on the model but it was the highest amp model DeWalt made at the time. I almost got another Makita but the DW had a higher amp rating and was on sale for $40 less. If they were the same price I would have probably gotten the Makita. So far, though I have been happy with it. Runs smooth with adequate power.
My suggestion since you are not looming for max performance but just a good, reliable usable grinder would be to check out the Makitas. Friends with them say the same thing, works well, runs smooth, and long life, Just could use a bit more power for heavy weld grinding.
If you are looking to save a few bucks, Ryobi makes a decent one for the price, with user friendly features like toolless ghuard adjustment, and on board storage for the spanner wrench you use to change blades.
If you want the cheapest one you can get that works, try the red one from Harbor Freight. Be sure to get the red one, the black one vibrates more, is noisier, and seems to have a shorter life. I can’t recommend that one to anyone.
Also, Metabo disks are top of the line, but any of the name brands are decent enough I would get whichever is on sale when I needed some. The Metabos are probably only worth the extra money if you do a lot of metalwork. The exception would be the Metabo .045 cutting disks. The outlast everything else I tried for fast metal cutting by a noticeable margin. The .045 refers to the thickness of the cutting disk, and with such a thin kerf, it slices through steel lime nothing else. I have never had one break, even if it bound up, which says a lot considering the power my Milwaukee Magnum had.
Mike
Makita is strong in the grinder department. Their rat-tails are very durable. Bosch and DeWALT are also good choices especially their more expensive models. High end Bosch grinders are actually very good but fairly rare in the USA.
Without hesitation I can strongly recommend Fein grinders. Excellent quality.
Metabo is unquestionable the leader in this category. Consistent innovation, application specific models. Metabo is best because they have great motors-power/durability are top notch. They use good switches and cords. Their internal gears are very durable with excellent lifespans. Their vibration reduction technologies have to be the best in the industry. All of the Metabo grinders made in Germany are superb.
FLEX grinders are top notch as well.
For value, I’d suggest Hitachi. Also I’ve found Bostitch and Stanley FatMax 7 amp kits, with grinding AND cut-off guards included, on sale for $29. They appear to be identical tools functionally(along with Porter-Cable), with only minor cosmetic variances. For less demanding applications/general duty they are more than adequate.
Toolpig
I am a huge Makita and Milwaukee fan but my first choice in mini grinders is Metabo. I have not tried the SJS system on the new Makitas so perhaps that would be my first choice if I had been able to try one.
Chris Butigan
Mid-Range Hitachi without doubt, high end, Metabo (expensive) and Bosch (the upper models are scarce in the US, dont know why)… Also milwaukee claims some very high amp ratings… I never liked dewalt or makita when I have to grind my welds…
Daniel
2nd Hitachi, I have their paddle grinder purchased at Lowe’s for about $60 or $70 and it has been great. They have one with a switch with less amps and grinding wheels that’s fine, but I prefer the higher amps and paddle.
Drew M
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again.
Metabo.
So long as it is variable speed.
That said, I’ve been using a Bosch with variable speed and it is pretty good. Not as good as my Metabo but was roughly half the price.
Personally, I actually like having the Metabo as my go to tool and the Bosch as a second that I can keep a different type of wheel mounted to.
Benoit
No one mentioned Fein yet. I have one and love it.
Ed
I used a Makita grinder for years that just never quit and still runs. However, this past Christmas my wife got me a Fein. The Fein is definitely a step up from the Makita in terms of materials and engineering. Time will tell if it holds up as well as the Makita, but it looks and feels like it will probably be handed down to my kids someday
John Banister
Have you tried any of the 300 Hz Fein grinders? I’ve been curious.
OhioHead
I am a big fan of Matabo grinders & hammer drills……..my grinder & hammer are 15 years old plus!
Why Metabo grinders:
– expoxy coated motors (1st in this space to do)
– easiest tool less blade change (it is sooooo easy to use w/ gloves on)
– easy to move blade guard (1st I assume to make this easy)
– shocked side handle…..after EU changed reg’s 2002 or 2003
Little known factoid here, when Rigid releases there corded power tools in 03, the 4.5″ grinder, hammer drill and 6″ sander were rebranded Metabo products till TTI stepped up their game……..
OhioHead
I also if $$$$$’s are factor purchase refurbished Metabo w/ factory warranty……save 15% to 30% off of retail + warranty!
Scuba Steve
Grinders are such a hard use tool in terms of stress on the bearings, grit getting into the motor, etc…they really can’t be expected to last forever, like say, a bandsaw. It’s hard to justify buying a top of the line one when I’ve had such good results with the cheapies. I have a “Task Force” 4-1/2″that has been to hell and back and will probably never die. Also have a HF blue paddle-switched grinder that has seen heavy metalworking use, and has definitely performed quite well.
But the question simply asks, “What is the BEST grinder”….I’d probably say a Metabo based on their reliability with the Dewalt/Milwaukee models coming in at a close second.
Mike aka Fazzman
Metabo,Bosch and Makita make the best grinders for metal shops.
For occassional use why bother asking,just get any piece of junk.
Chris
I have a metabo grinder and it is by far the best girder I’ve used and i have used many dewalt and milwaukee grinders. You can feel the difference as soon as you pick it up. The tooless blade and gaurd change is awesome I’ve used it on concrete and metal grinding runs very smooth and cool compared to other grinders ive used
Logan
Grinders in an industrial environment are disposable. At home, it’s rare if ever that you’d replace brushes. Shops have drawers full of them, and replace grinders often. The longest lasting so far is the DWE402.
They’re cheaper than the rest, have US assembly and high amperage. I had a 6.5A Makita and got the DWE402 and haven’t used my Makita since. Milwaukees are overpriced China. Saw a Fein grinder up close and was not impressed.
The best big boy is a Makita GA7911. 15 amp, Japanese made, and on startup it has so much power it almost yanks itself from your hand. See those more than the rest on drill rigs. Beasts. Closest thing to a Wildcat you can get.
T
Metabo. I have two. One is approx 25ish years old, bare bones, heavy use with only bearing chatter for the last three or four years. The other is larger/newer and has lasers and RFID with bluetooths, keyless entry, direct injectionz and whatnot, still excellent but I wouldnt use it as a hammer like I do the old one. Never had a bad experience with any other brand really, but I hold grudges and retain loyalty to deserving objects of affection, so Metabo it is.
Bruce
I have absolutely no complaints about my Makita. It grinds hard, the latching switch on top means I can re-position my hands while grinding. It’s survived all kinds of abuse and I’ll replace it with another Makita when this one dies. You can spend more, you can spend less, but I’ve yet to use another grinder that made me want to trade in my Makita.
cody
Got a.Makita bought used from home depot rental and have had 10 years or more. Paid 42.00 used with case. Still using it. I don’t think it will ever.die.
Bill K
I have three grinders and love my Bosch grinder that I picked up at my weld supply store, Airgas. Best I’ve used.
Pete
I have the same dewalt you posted in the top, the 11amp paddle switch dewalt. Its been a good grinder, no real complaints.
Honestly i would buy whatever if you have a service center near you. I have a dewalt and milwaukee service center 2-3 blocks from my shop. When i needed new brushes for the dewalt it was $11 for new brushes and it still keeps ticking!
I wouldnt hesitate to buy a milwaukee either because i have the service center so close. If a metabo, bosch, fein, etc had a service center close is consider any of those too lol.
OnTheWeb
I have the Metabo for going in 10 years now. I’ve beaten the snot out of it cutting concrete and my neighbor immediately ground the knurling off the quick change nut.
It’s been a beast and pulls hard under load and we’ve done many things with it that probably required a bigger grinder, but it always came through in the end.
It’s still going strong today. Probably paid about $90 back in the day.
Micko
just a word of warning on the Metabo Grinders, the company was recently purchased by Hitachi, hopefully they will just keep the two brands and the Metabo name and quality but who knows these days. As per many of the original messages the German built Metabo are the way to go not the cheaper Chinese built models, ok for occasional job but you wont get the same lifespan. i’m in Australia and we don’t really use a 4-1/2 inch more a 5 and in this size Metabo have the biggest motor in the market (1700W) which can’t be stopped, I’ve tried at a recent training session and it powers through anything.
stan
i have a dewalt, which has been abused to the point i should be brought up on charges for said abuse. my friends have borrowed it numerous times and i just knew that their ham fists would be the end of it; didn’t happen though. i’ve spun on literally hundreds of different purpose wheeels on it during it’s time with me (not because i don’t know how to properly use a grinder either). i’m not a big fan of most corded dewalt tools, (i do not care for the bigger dewalt grinder) but this one is a beast. it’s like a mini Black and Decker Wildcat, which is my favorite grinder of all time. i have not used a Metabo, so I don’t know a thing about them, and the Makita seems to be a good piece the few times i’ve used one. which is better, i don’t know, but for sure, the dewalt is durable if nothing else. note : it wasn’t new when i got it.
Greg
Fein or Metabo.
Edward Frattarelli
Any updates on this article? Looking for a new corded grinder, my dewalt burned out the other day and my ryobi cordless is only good for light stuff. Thanks.