If you’re in need of a tool to cut easily through materials, then an angle grinder can definitely be a great option to add to your tools. These grinders are able to make quick cuts, grind, sand or polish as well as plenty of other things. Of course, you need the best angle grinder in order to get the best possible features and results. Luckily for you, we’ve already found the best options to get you started.
Best Angle Grinders
Black & Decker BDEG400 Angle Grinder
The Black & Decker Angle Grinder features a 4 ½” wheel that is enough to cut through most materials quickly and easily. It uses a 6 amp motor, which can provide enough power without affecting your electric bills too much. Not only that but it has a metal case to extend its life and durability. The side handle can lock in three different positions, which means you can find something that’s comfortable for you and the project that you’re working on.
It also has a spindle lock that allows you to change out accessories even more quickly. A 2-year manufacturer’s warranty lets you know that the company stands behind this tool and it operates at 10,000 RPM, which is enough to take care of almost any kind of project. You can use it for sharpening, removing rust, preparing surfaces and grinding with a range of different materials.
Things we like:
- 10,000 RPM
- 2-year warranty
- Spindle lock for easy accessory changing
- Three handle positions
- Simple to operate out of the box
- 6 amp motor
Things we don’t like:
- Disk wrench included is not ideal
- Does not include cutting wheel
Bosch 11255VSR Angle Grinder
This Bosch Angle Grinder actually comes with two tools in one. You’ll get a rotary hammer to go along with your 4 ½” grinder. That means you’re getting a little bit more for your money and more capabilities overall. The 4 ½” grinder is large enough to take care of most projects with no problem, especially with the 7.5 amp motor.
There’s a reinforced wheel guard that protects you from debris as you’re working you have a multi-function selector to take care of only the task that you need to complete. The handle adjusts to two different positions for left- or right-handed individuals or projects that need specific access.
The slim grip design for the grinder and the hammer are great because they ensure you can hold on comfortably for an extended period until your project is complete. The directed air flow also makes sure that hot air doesn’t blow into the tool itself.
Things we like:
- Comes with rotary hammer
- 7.5 amp motor
- 4 ½” grinder
- Two handle positions
- 1-year warranty
- Lightweight
Things we don’t like:
- A lot of vibration
- Can be a little small for some projects
Makita 9557PBX1 Angle Grinder
This Makita Angle Grinder is the same 4 ½” that we’ve talked about with our other options, which provides a good cutting surface. It also has a 7.5 amp motor, which provides enough power that you can get through just about any type of material with ease. It has a small diameter barrel grip, which makes it easier for you to hold during more extended projects and has a labyrinth construction that protects all of the important parts from dust and debris during use.
The lock on/off feature makes it safer to leave out and keeps it running continuously. There’s also an AC/DC converter switch to make it more versatile. The paddle switch is longer than average, which makes it easier to use and there’s a hard-sided case included with the system so you can easily take it anywhere you want without having to worry about safety.
Things we like:
- Hard-sided case for transportation
- AC/DC switch
- 7.5 amp motor
- Small diameter grip
- 2-sided handle
Things we don’t like:
- Zinc coating over the case can rust
- Can take time to adjust and assemble
Dewalt DWE402 Angle Grinder
The Dewalt Grinder is also 4 ½” and uses a high power, 11 amp motor to get everything you need done. This uses AC/DC power, which means you can take it with you anywhere and not have to worry about a power convertor while you’re at it. It also includes a one-touch guard, which increases the safety of the unit itself. The handle can be positioned in one of two different places, to make sure it works for right and left-handed users as well as working on any project or area you need it in.
There’s also a dust ejection system that will get rid of dust and debris while you’re working to keep the grinder itself running better. A quick-change wheel release means you don’t need to have tools in order to swap out the wheel that you already have for a different one. There’s a safety lock to avoid unintended start-up.
Things we like:
- Safety lock
- 2-position handle
- Lightweight
- 3-year warranty
- Quick change wheel release
- One-touch guard
Things we don’t like:
- Does not lock on
- Can be somewhat large
Porter-Cable PC60TPAG Angle Grinder
The Porter-Cable Grinder is 4 ½” to provide a perfectly sized cutting surface. It also has a 7 amp motor that provides enough power for just about any project you’re working on. This gets it up to 11,000 RPM (also providing plenty of power and versatility). The cast metal around the outside increases the durability of the unit and means that it’s going to stand up to more intense abuse than other tools.
It also comes with a 3-position handle, so you can get it directly where you need or use it whether you’re left- or right-handed. When it comes to the guard you can adjust it easily without needing any tools. This lightweight system comes with a grinding wheel and cut-off wheel so you can get started on your first project right out of the box. The trigger safety keeps you from turning the unit on by accident but still makes it easy to do when you want.
Things we like:
- Trigger safety lock
- 7 amp motor
- Adjustable guard with no tools needed
- 3-position handle
- Cuts through solid metals
- Metal outer case
Things we don’t like:
- The side handle is thin
- Head does not rotate
Features to Consider
With any new tool, you want to make sure you’re getting the best of the best. With an angle grinder that’s no different. So you want to take a look at each of these features to see which ones are going to work out best for you. We’ve found the features that are going to affect your abilities the most and that are going to make sure you’re always choosing the best of the best. Whether it’s the size or power of the unit or anything else, you want to take a look to get what you need.
Size
There are several different sizes of angle grinders that go from 4 inches up to 9 inches in general. You may find something that is a little smaller or a little larger but these are typically specialty. You’ll generally want something in this range in order to fulfill your purposes. 4-inch grinders are the least expensive and tend to work well for most purposes. 5-inch grinders tend to be good for cutting through tubing a little easier than your 4-inch. Finally, 9-inch is generally good for heavier materials like steel and concrete.
Power
You need a system that has enough power to get you through anything you’re going to need to cut. Most systems have between 500 watts and 2500 watts, though you can find some that are a little higher or a little lower. This can translate to amps of 4 to 15, so take a look at just what you’re going to need to do and then make sure that you get a system that has the power to get it done for you. Some projects are going to require more from you (and your tools) after all.
Speed
There are a number of different speed options that actually have a pretty wide range. For example, low-level angle grinders may have only 5,000 revolutions per minute while more powerful ones may offer 10,000 revolutions per minute. The higher the number of revolutions per minute the more you’re going to be able to do with the system at one time. It’s going to have more power and capabilities, which is good for those who expect more out of their tool.
Wheels
You will likely get at least one wheel with your grinder, but you want to make sure you can get many more. You never know what you’ll need your grinder to do in the future and if you don’t have the capability to get different wheels you’ll find yourself needing a totally new grinder. Look for the compatible wheels and brushes and more before you decide on any specific grinder. That way you’re going to have more versatility out of the system, even if you need to buy more accessories.
Shield
An eye shield should be included in the system that you select. This covers the wheel itself and makes sure that your eyes are protected when you’re grinding anything. Without the shield, it’s entirely possible that whatever you’re grinding could break off and you would be left with debris flying towards your eyes. The shield should always be used whenever you are grinding any type of material. It will help you get the job done as well because it will allow you to watch what you’re doing without having to worry about your own safety at the same time.
Handle
Finally, having a handle that can move around is another great feature. These handles may lock on one side and the other only or may have several different positions. No matter how they attach, having more than one spot they can stop, makes for better features for anyone who is left-handed or right-handed to use the unit without having to worry about comfort. You want to make sure you get an ergonomic handle as well, that will let you hold it for a longer period of time without having to worry about overall comfort.
Wrap Up
If you’re looking for the best option out of all of these we think it’s the Black & Decker option. It provides you with a 6 amp motor, which is enough for most uses, and also gets up to 10,000 RPM, which will cut through most anything. It has a 2-year warranty, which means you know the company stands behind it and the spindle lock means that it’s easier to swap out the different accessories that you need in order to use it properly.
Overall, it’s definitely going to give you the power that you’re looking for without being too big or bulky for most users. On the other hand, if you want something with even more power the Dewalt version actually has an 11 amp motor, which will give you a bit more to work with. Other options also include 7 amp motors, so it’s entirely up to you if you want something that has a little bit more to give.
All of these come with shields and other safety features that make them work great, but depending on just what you’re looking for you may want a different option than either of these. On the other hand, if you want any of the other options you can check above to find the links and purchase those as well. No matter what, you’ll get a great tool.
