Angle Grinder Reviews: How to choose the best angle grinder
The best angle grinder is a must have tool for the shed, the garage and the workshop. No matter what type of work you do, or what kind of projects you do, or even for home renovations and odd jobs, there is a need for the best angle grinder. The best angle grinder is the best way to solve those awkward problems like when a bolt gets stuck, or when you find a star picket that just won’t budge, or you need to replace some plumbing.
When to use an angle grinder
Don’t try to do it manually! Much better to use an angle grinder for all of those cutting, grinding, smoothing, blending and even paint stripping tasks. Trying to do manual tasks just takes too long, and why should you end up sore and tired, when the best angle grinder can do the job in next to no time! When you have the best angle grinder near to hand, you can even use it for blade and tool sharpening to keep all of your other tools in tip top shape!
What type of angle grinder is best?
Here at air compressor journal, we always prefer to use air powered tools wherever possible, but in the case of angle grinders, there are gas powered angle grinders and electric powered angle grinders on the market also. The best angle grinder comes in different sizes to accommodate different sized cutting discs, which range from the smaller 3 inch discs, all the way up to the very powerful 12 inch discs.
What is the best angle grinder for you?
The best angle grinder is a decision that depends on your requirements and how often you intend to use an angle grinder. The main decision will be driven around the cost of the unit, and generally this comes down to the size and reliability. If you need the versatility of using large cuttings or sanding discs up to 12 inches in diameter, then you will need a large angle grinder.
Do you need a small or large angle grinder?
Small angle grinders can be fitted with 4.5 inch discs, but can still handle a majority of the same tasks as a larger angle grinder. You can buy different types of discs for different types of jobs, such as for general purpose use, metal abrasion tasks, metal cut-off, ceramic cutting, and even diamond blades for very sharp and accurate cutting tasks. But generally speaking, the best angle grinder can handle all of these different tasks simply by changing the type of angle grinder disc.
Safety aspects of the best angle grinder
Even the best angle grinder can be a risky and dangerous piece of equipment. You should always consider the safety aspects of using an angle grinder, and this includes the use of personal protective equipment at all times. There is a risk that the high speed disc may fail and shatter into pieces, or that material from the work piece may be ejected at high speed. Either way, using an angle grinder places the operator at risk of harm, which may be reduced but never eliminated. Therefor you may wish to choose safety aspects of an angle grinder such as anti-debris protection systems, safety switches, overload protection, and adjustable guards.
The best angle grinder – air powered versus electric angle grinder?
When choosing the best angle grinder, you need to know which are the best manufacturers, in terms of reputation, quality and reliability. There are the renowned and trustworthy tool making brands such as Makita, DeWalt, Hitachi and Bosch. But there are others worthy of discussion when it comes to the best angle grinder, and we haven’t forgotten the manufacturers of air tools, such as Porter Cable, Ingersoll Rand and Industrial Air, who make some of the most powerful air tools on the market.
Best angle grinder reviews:
1. PORTER-CABLE PC60TAG – Best Angle Grinder
We start off with a good all round performer and definitely one of choices for best angle grinder, the Porter Cable PC60TAG. The Porter Cable angle grinder is an electric powered 6 amp motor, with an operating speed of 11000 revolutions per minute (rpm). The most impressive feature of the Porter Cable PC60TAG angle grinder is the durability. This angle grinder is tough enough to handle all sorts of rough jobs, in all sorts of dirty and messy environments.
Porter Cable – Best Angle Grinder
The Porter Cable angle grinder comes with a very affordable price tag, which represents great value for money when you consider that this angle grinder is built to last. While not the highest power or fastest cutting speed, the Porter Cable angle grinder is a versatile tool that can be fitted with a wide range of grinding discs. Made for 4.5 inch discs, the Porter Cable angle grinder can be fitted with abrasive discs, cutting discs, as well as different material discs, such as metal cutting, ceramic cutting, and diamond abrasive discs for sharpening other tools and blades.
What we like about the Porter Cable angle grinder:
The Porter Cable PC60TAG angle grinder comes with safety features such as safety guard, and spindle lock to prevent accidental harm. The Porter Cable angle grinder is a good combination of power and speed, which allows this tool to be utilized for a wide range of tasks. We recommend this tool as a great option as the best angle grinder for your tool box!
Click here to see the price of the Porter Cable PC60TAG angle grinder at Amazon.
2. Ingersoll Rand 301B Air Angle Die Grinder
Here at air compressor journal, we just love finding and using the best air tools for all our building projects, home renovations, and odd jobs in the garage. The Ingersoll Rand 301B Air Angle Die Grinder is an air powered angle grinder which stands out head and shoulders above some of the similar electric powered angle grinders on the market. With the supreme kinetic energy provided by compressed air, the Ingersoll Rand angle grinder can spin up to a very impressive 21000 rpm.
Ingersoll Rand – Best Angle Die Grinder
This may come as a surprise from this small and lightweight angle grinder, but it is certainly one of the most powerful angle grinders. This is because the Ingersoll Rand 301B Angle Grinder does not have an on board motor, either electric or gas powered. The benefit of air powered tools is that the use of compressed air means that the power tool converts the energy within the air directly into rotating energy without the overhead of the electric motor. What you do get with the Ingersoll Rand 301B Air Angle Die Grinder is a solid and lightweight aluminum casing, and high quality rotational bearings, such as vibration free gears, and well balanced, high speed ball bearings.
What we like about the Ingersoll Rand Angle Grinder
We recommend the Ingersoll Rand air angle grinder for anyone who needs a powerful and long lasting air power tool. It comes with a safety lock switch, which prevents accidental start up and a handy safety guard to reduce risk of flying debris. If you have an air compressor at home or in your shed or workshop, then this is the best angle grinder for you!
Check out the price of the Ingersoll Rand 301B Air Angle Die Grinder at Amazon.
3. Makita 9557PB Angle Grinder with Paddle Switch
If you don’t have ready access to a supply of compressed air, then you might be interested in this high powered angle grinder by Makita – the Makita 9557PB Angle Grinder. The Makita 9557PB is a mid sized angle grinder capable of delivering a steady, but not overpowered 10000 rpm from a 7.5 amp electric motor.
Makita – Best Angle Grinder
The benefit of choosing this best angle grinder is that it represents a whole new design methodology. This model Makita angle grinder has been designed and manufactured with ergonomic features such as a convenient paddle switch, and a barrel shaped hand grip that is easy and comfortable to use. Now you can use an angle grinder that fits easily into the palm of your hand, with a side handle and the trigger and paddle control levers located for convenient operations.
What we like about the Makita angle grinder
Not only is the Makita Angle Grinder easy to handle, it is also safe to use. This fresh new design features cutting wheel safety guard, side flange, and spindle lock. It us suitable for use with a wide variety of cutting discs including metal and mixed use abrasion discs, as well as grinding wheel for those smoothing , blending and blade sharpening jobs.
Check out the price of the Makita 9557PB Angle Grinder at Amazon.
4. Hitachi G12SR4 Angle Grinder
The Hitachi G12SR4 Angle Grinder is a great addition to any handyman’s tools as it comes in a neat and compact package that will last for a long time. Smaller than some of the other options for best angle grinder, the Hitachi unit has a smaller 6 amp motor, but still delivers enough power for most of the jobs around the home or garage. With less raw power comes less speed and less wear and tear, so what it lacks in power, the Hitachi angle grinder makes up for in longevity.
Best Angle Grinder – Hitachi
For the typical odd jobs around the home and for projects in the shed, the Hitachi G12SR4 is more than capable of providing the grinding and cutting power that you need to get the job done fast. The Hitachi angle grinder is smaller and easier to store away, because it doesn’t take up too much space when not being used. It is also easier to handle due to the smaller hand grip, and the no fumble control levers mean you don’t have to search around for the power switch.
What we like about the Hitachi Angle Grinder
The Hitachi G12SR4 Angle Grinder is safe and easy to use, because it is lighter and more compact than other angle grinders on the market. It comes with a simple to operate spindle lock. This handy feature makes the angle grinder easy to handle and makes tool changes, or disc replacements a very simple task. It comes with a one year warranty and 30 day satisfaction guarantee.
Check out the price of the Hitachi G12SR4 Angle Grinder at Amazon.
5. DEWALT DWE402 Paddle Switch Angle Grinder
DeWalt is always a trusted name in the power tool industry. The DeWalt DWE402 Angle Grinder is a powerful addition to any tool kit. With an 11 amp electric motor and an operational speed of 11000 rpm. This model is certainly at the top of the list best angle grinder reviews. No matter that it is not the most powerful machine on the market. The DeWalt angle grinder has more than enough grunt to get the job done.
Best Angle Grinder – DeWalt
As we have come to expect from DeWalt power tools. There are some additional features that you just don’t get from the other models. For example, disc changes could not be made more simple than with this tool free quick change disc release system. This means you can change out the disc even when the tool is hot. And simply carry on working with minimal disruption. The DeWalt DWE402 also comes with a built in dust removal system. This prevents the tool from ingesting dust and debris and ensures the motor stays clean and long lasting.
What we like about the DeWalt angle grinder
The DeWalt DWE402 angle grinder is safe and easy to use, with a combined paddle switch and safety lock switch which are easy to select and deselect at the flip of a switch. The debris guard is fully adjustable in 360 degrees, which maximizes the safety of the operator in all different angles and awkward configurations.
Click here to see the price on the DeWalt DWE402 angle grinder with Paddle Switch.
6. Makita GA7021 7 inch Angle Grinder
The Makita GA7021 Angle Grinder comes with features that put it high on our list of best angle grinder reviews. Firstly, we are confident that this angle grinder has heaps of power for any application. It can handle any job you need to do, with a powerful 15 amp electric motor. This model Makita angle grinder comes with variable speed control. This means it is versatile enough to use on both high speed and reduced speed applications. Weighing in at just over 10 pounds, the Makita angle grinder offers more features than initially meets the eye.
Best 7 inch Angle Grinder – Makita GA7021
It also offers a superb soft start feature. Which means there is less risk of the machine jolting out of your grip for those sudden lurches during start up. It also comes with a completely sealed motor housing. This ensures that the internal parts of the angle grinder do not clog with dust or debris. As well as protecting the electric motor, the angle grinder gear system is also protected from the elements. This ensures the long term running of the tool with smooth and vibration free operation.
What we like about the Makita 7 inch angle grinder
Without a doubt, the best part of the Makita 7 inch angle grinder is the variable speed control. This means you have control of the cutting disc according to the nature of the job you need to do. That, together with the soft start up function means that this tool is guaranteed to last longer. Therefore you can rely on the Makita angle grinder to provide steady service for many years.
Check out all the details of the Makita GA7021 7 inch angle grinder here at Amazon.
7. Bosch GWS13-50VSP High Performance Angle Grinder
It is no surprise that the Bosch GWS13-50VSP Angle Grinder is also on the list of best angle grinder reviews. As the name suggests, the Bosch angle grinder is a slim and powerful tool with a 7.5 amp electric motor. This beast is sure to impress with a wide range of applications from grinding, and cutting. It is also handy for abrasion and blending, as well as sharpening tools and blades.
Best Slim Angle Grinder – Bosch GWS13-50VSP
The defining features of the Bosch GWS13-50VSP angle grinder are the ergonomic grips and handles. Plus the reinforced safety guard and the easy to use selector control buttons. It has a lock on switch that can be selected if desired. But is not so easy to press that it can be accidentally triggered at all times. These features reinforce the message that Bosch have designed this angle grinder to be light and easy to use. Which means you can operate it or long periods without becoming fatigued.
What we like about the Bosch GWS13-50VSP angle grinder
The most outstanding feature of the Bosch GWS13-50VSP angle grinder is the directed air flow capability. The worst part of using an angle grinder is the ejection of hot dust and debris from the grinding wheel. The Bosch angle grinder, can eject the debris away from critical areas thanks to the directed air flow feature. A definite thumbs up in our opinion! This is one of the reasons the Bosch angle grinder ranks high on our list of best angle grinder reviews!
Click here to see the price on the Bosch GWS13-50VSP angle grinder at Amazon.
8. DEWALT D28115 Heavy Duty Angle Grinder with Trigger Grip
Before we wrap up our angle grinder reviews, we thought it might be relevant to have a closer look at the top end of the range of best angle grinders, with the Dewalt D28115 heavy duty angle grinder. Complete with an incredible 13 amp electric motor, the DeWalt D28115 is a high performance tool which operates at a top speed of 9000 rpm, and sufficient power to cut and grind material in a very short time!
Best Heavy Duty Angle Grinder – DeWalt
The focus of the design of this tool is to ensure that the angle grinder can handle tough jobs. It is suitable for the roughest and toughest of physical environments, without having to worry about it getting bogged down. It is designed to handle dirt, dust and debris which is what we come to expect from an angle grinder. But rather than allow itself to get clogged, this innovative design by DeWalt actually ejects debris from the internals of the machine before any detriment to power output. The dust extraction system, combined with the debris ejection system operate in tandem to keep the DeWalt D28115 angle grinder working to the peak of its efficiency.
What we like about the DeWalt D28115 heavy duty angle grinder
The best part about the dust and debris ejection system is that DeWalt offer a money back guarantee. If the manufacturer is happy to back their own claims in this regard. Then that is good enough for us also! That is why we have ranked the DeWalt 28115 so high on our list of best angle grinder reviews!
Click here to see where to buy the Dewalt D28115 heavy duty angle grinder at Amazon.
Conclusion – what is the best angle grinder?
So the hard part is always choosing which is the best angle grinder. The best angle grinder can be a handyman’s best friend. And we know that sometimes the only way to get out of a problem is to go to the ever trusted angle grinder. For example, we have used an angle grinder to cut off poles that were stuck in the ground. For cutting ceramic tiles with a diamond disc. I have used it for metal pipe cutting, for smoothing and finishing all sorts of materials. Also for grinding off rough edges and the list goes on.
If you can’t be without the best angle grinder for jobs around your place. Then here is a summary of the best angle grinder reviews.
We have looked at the best air powered angle grinder in the Ingersoll Rand 301B Air Angle Die Grinder. In sheer terms of speed and power, it is always hard to go past the best air powered angle grinder. This unit probably is the best performer on our list of best angle grinder reviews. But we understand that not everyone has access to an air compressor at home or in the garage.
Best angle grinder reviews
In terms of the electric angle grinders on our list, it comes down to price and features. For the price, the Porter Cable PC60TAG Angle Grinder offers the most performance for the lowest price. The Porter Cable Angle Grinder is going to be hard to beat.
In terms of all out power, the DeWalt D28115 Heavy Duty Angle Grinder is a serious contender. It is the biggest and most powerful angle grinder. Do you need to do a lot of heavy duty jobs or work in a dirty or dusty environment? Then the DeWalt D28115 Heavy Duty Angle Grinder is the one for you.
Apart from that, we just can’t split the 2 offerings from Makita. There is the excellent Makita 9557PB with all the latest design features that make it a must have angle grinder. And then there is the Makita GA7021 7 inch Angle Grinder with the versatility of variable speed control. And that huge 7 inch cutting disc! This means that the Makita is the best angle grinder for the majority of tasks that you will ever need to tackle!
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