Top 7 Best Angle Grinders (Corded + Cordless) of 2022 | Reviews & Top Picks

If you are researching a tool that can handle sanding and cutting needs, you may have come face to face with angle grinders.

Angle grinders are handheld power tools used for grinding, cutting, and polishing of material as well. The tool is also known as a side grinder or disc cutter.

Most people have the opinion that it should only be used by professionals because of the safety risks involved with it, be it construction work or some simple home improvement project. But that is not the case at all; the best angle grinder will be safe and will have all necessary safety features.

Keeping in mind its versatility to tackle almost every task, this is an essential tool to have in your tools arsenal.

Wielding the best angle grinder means you are in control of an exceptionally versatile power tool, to which you can direct to tackle a broad range of landscaping projects. If the price is your concern, then let me assure you that buying one will not even make a small dent in the pocket.

It is a small, compact, and lightweight power tool that is very easy to pack up and transport from one place to another. Besides, you can choose from corded and cordless options.

Choosing the correct one will enable you to take care of any task that involves a rotating wheel and that too, with extreme ease. There are so many options available out there, and they all have some differences between them in terms of quality, performance, price, ergonomics, etc.

To make a clear and better decision, read on through our top picks of angle grinders for the year.

Best Angle Grinder

1. DEWALT DCG413B 20V Brushless Cordless Angle Grinder

If you happen to be in touch with a few blacksmiths or welders, then it is most likely that you will find this angle grinder, which is the best seller on Amazon, in their tools arsenal. Why? Because it offers unmatched performance and safety features.

Dewalt is a well-known power tool manufacturer. The products they make are reliable, safe, and have a longer life span.

Let’s see what makes this angle grinder so unique, starting with its fierce motor. You expect any tool to have as little maintenance as possible; the motor featured in this tool is a brushless motor with minimal maintenance, so no worries about periodic maintenance needs. It can run with the max speed of 9000 RPM on no-load.

The power to this motor is supplied from the 20V MAX XR 5.0Ah Li-ion battery, which, combined with the motor, offers a 57% longer runtime.

Other than that, this angle grinder is compatible with the 4.5-inch wheel size, and this size is the most common, which is easily available in a hardware store.

No tool is a good choice, no matter how good the performance parameters are unless it has proper safety features for the user. I’m glad to mention that DeWalt tools are extremely user friendly and come with adequate safety features.

This grinding tool comes with the brake safety features; as soon as the paddle switch is released, the brake is engaged, bringing the wheel to a standstill in just 2 seconds. Besides that, it also features a kick brake system, which activates when stalling or binding occurs, and it brings the machine to stop.

Moreover, to prevent accidental startup, the tool also has a two-stage trigger system. To start the tool, you will need to activate the small trigger first, and then only the pressure paddle can be used to rotate the wheel.

The construction of the tool is strong, impact-resistant, and sturdy thanks to its PA66 30% glass fiber plastic body.

Overall, this is a strong tool to have in your collection, and it can easily tackle any kind of cutting and grinding needs. To sweeten the deal, DeWalt offers a 3-year solid manufacturer warranty.

2. PORTER-CABLE PCC761B 20V Cordless Angle Grinder Tool

This tool from the porter cable is a fantastic angle grinder, which has been built to perform.

This tool is uniquely designed with a high performing motor that runs at a speed of 8,500 revolutions per minute. Besides the power, the motor is really quiet and produces minimum vibrations.

The tool is powered by a Li-ion battery, which supports a 20V MAX system platform. The platform is known for high performance and ease of use. Despite the performance, it comes with a reasonable price point.

If we now talk about the construction, then the Porter cable’s angle grinder has a robust and sturdy cast metal gear housing, which on the long hours, prevents the tool from overheating by simply dissipating more heat.

Easy control over the machine in different positions is possible; the front handle can be set at 3 different positions. Plus, the contoured and molded rear handle gives you comfort and control when the grinder is in use.

For fast, free, and effective wheel change, the spindle locking system plays a crucial role, and it makes the machine easy and quick to move around. The lock makes it easy to replace the damaged blades with the new ones. Moreover, the wheel diameter is 4.5”.

This angle grinder is capable of tackling any light to heavy-duty tasks, and besides, it is available at half the price of its competitors. Despite the low price, it offers quality and performance. The warranty offered on this tool is 3-years limited warranty from the company.

3. Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT Lithium-Ion Cordless Angle Grinder

This cordless angle grinder from Makita can demonstrate the power on par with some of the corded models.

The tool uses an 18V LXT Li-ion battery to power the Brushless motor, which gives a 50% more runtime, better performance, and a long lifetime. The motor can run at a maximum speed of 8,500 RPM.

The battery protection system is top-notch; that is Makita’s star protection technology. It protects the battery from overheat, overload, and over-discharge.

For a user to have an idea about when to charge or change the battery, it has a 3 stage LED gauge. Note that this Makita angle grinder uses the 5-inch wheel instead of the conventional 4.5-inch wheel for better cutting performance in larger projects.

That being said, the tool features electronic circuitries that control the motor parameters for better optimization of the battery usage. This is done to reduce the power in low load applications and increase it when the power needed is more, thus improving the runtime on a single charge.

Besides that, it also comes with a speed sensing mechanism, which is helpful if the blade suddenly stops. If the wheel stops rotating, then it will, in turn, shut off the motor.

The unit is constructed from durable and hard materials, which will ensure protection and a longer lifespan of the tool. Plus, good ergonomics is the main highlight here. The handle is coated with the rubberized material to give a better grip and to have solid control over the tool.

This design will ensure stability and consistent work without exhaustion or fatigue during extended use.

It is needless to say that the front handle is rotatable. You can set it on the left or right, and this is especially helpful if the person is left-handed.

Makita XAG04Z is efficient and powerful, moreover suitable for all kinds of work. It is a decent tool having some really good features. It is enough to meet your expectations for any needs ranging from polishing to cutting hard materials.

4. DEWALT DWE402 11-Amp Corded Angle Grinder Tool

The second product on our list of best angle grinders is also from DeWalt, but this is a corded product.

To make this tool work, it features a next-generation powerful 11 AMP motor with a maximum no-load speed of 11,000 RPM, enough to tackle any heavy-duty tasks. It has the best power to weight ratio.

The main highlight of the tool would be its unique dust ejection system, and due to this, you will get a few more year’s work from it. It improves the tool’s durability by removing the dust and debris, which causes damage to the tool.

It’s a corded tool, so no brushless DC motor here, instead it features a brushed motor and the brushes are thicker and better compared to its previous model. Also, for extra transmission life, it features a large-sized spiral bevel gear.

Moving on, this tool features a one-touch guard that enables a 360-degree rotation without the use of a wrench. Besides, the tool comes with the top-mounted spindle lock button for extra protection, optimizing the cutting depth by wheels.

The wheel this tool can accommodate is 4.5-inch, and it can also be changed quickly without any hassle because there is no need for any tool to change the wheel as it provides tool-free wheel removal.

The new side handles design makes this tool comfortable to handle and control. Apart from that, the small surface of the tool makes it simpler to get a grip on it while on the job sites.

If we talk about the safety features, then there is an auto-off brush shut down, which will stop the tool when the brushes are worn out and needs replacement. Also, to prevent the accidental startup of the tool, there is a safety switch that needs to start first then only the paddle switch will work.

The powerful motor, safety features, and convenience of use make it a solid choice for any cutting, sharpening, or grinding tasks. Plus, the DeWalt offers 3 years of warranty and one year of free service on this tool.

5. BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 6-Amp Angle Grinder Tool

Let’s start it off with a strong 6-amp motor with the grinding wheel of the most common size (4.5-inch) and easy availability from an organization that is more than a century old.

At the first look, it takes you by surprise with its sleek and slender design. But don’t make the mistake of underestimating its power based on its design because it is quite capable of delivering much torque with a no-load speed of 10,000 RPM.

That being said, the tool comes with the spindle lock system making the wheel changing process easier. The accessory change became as simple as never before, and you can do this with a simple press of a button. Most angle grinders are difficult to repair due to the lack of this feature.

One exceptional feature of this tool is the strategic placement of the shutoff switch. With this one-touch release switch, you can shut the grinder off easily. It is a convenient and rapid process, making the work easier.

A good grinder is one that is very easy to handle, and this tool has a manageable shape, size, and weight. With its narrow body design, it is easy to operate and use, it also provides a comfortable grip.

Moreover, the three-position side handle makes it extra comfortable and gives added control over a variety of tasks. You won’t even feel the fatigue that comes with the long hours of use, and the handle is that comfortable.

This angle grinder features a metal gear case protecting it from the outer damaging factors, and it also increases the durability of the tool, making it a long-lasting tool.

These all are the traits of a very good angle grinder, and BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 is, without a doubt, an excellent angle grinder. It offers good performance and enough torque, and it is suitable to tackle a wide range of DIY tasks with ease. Other than that, it also comes with 2 years of the limited manufacturer’s warranty.

6. Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2-inch Angle Grinder

Let me present you with another tool from Makita; Makita 9557PBX1 is a strong and reliable tool. With the compact design and its safety features, this is the best choice for anyone who is looking for a medium to heavy-duty angle grinder.

To tackle any tasks, this tool features a 7.5 A motor, which can deliver the maximum speed of 11,000 RPM on no-load. With access to this power and speed, you can tackle a variety of challenging tasks and materials. To make the wheel changing an easy process, it has a spindle lock mechanism, and to prevent accidental startup, it comes with a latch.

It also has an AC/DC power switch, which indicates that you can use it with an alternative power source as well.
If we go over the design considerations, then the body protects the internal components from dust and debris, which increases the tool’s durability and lifespan considerably. To have control over the tool, it has a large paddle switch, and if you want to work for long periods, then to spare you from fatigue, it also has a lock for continuous working.

The most noticeable thing about this angle grinder is that it comes with numerous quality features, like a labyrinth construction, a zigzag varnish seal, and closely-spaced thick coil wires, a metal gear housing, and above all, the ball bearing design.

In addition, it comes with multiple 4.5-inch grinding wheels, diamond wheels, and it also comes with a carrying case. With this included, it is going to be the best angle grinder for the bucks.

The feature-packed design and 4.5 pounds of weight will let you work for long hours and that too, without getting tired, and it also makes transportation of the tool easy.

This tool is built to last, and with its powerful motor, it can tackle any job. This will be a good choice if you are looking for simple DIY tasks or difficult job-site work. And it also comes with a one year warranty from the manufacturer.

7. Metabo HPT G12SR4 6.2-Amp Angle Grinder Kit

Another well-known brand for the quality, performance, and reasonable pricing of their power tools in the market is Metabo, and Metabo HPT G12SR4 is no different; it offers a solid deal.

Any purchase of this kit will be accompanied by a carrying case, a wrench, a removable side handle, and 5 different kinds of grinding wheels, which makes it a bang for the buck. The grinding wheels size is 4.5-inch, so you can easily get different wheels of this size in any hardware tool shop.

To have a fast and efficient changing of accessories and wheels, the spindle lock system is really useful. It makes the work hassle-free.

That being mentioned, it features a slide switch, which is really great for a quick shut off of the tool, and if you need to keep the tool running for a longer period, then it also works as a lock-on switch. For most of the angle grinders, it might be difficult to work in tight spaces, but not for this tool as it features a low profile gear case, for that matter.

The tool features a powerful 6.2-Amp motor capable of delivering a maximum of 10,000 RPM on no-load. With this power and speed rating, you can easily take care of any task around the house, and the motor max outs at 980 watts.

With that said, it also comes along with a side handle to get better control over the tool. The handle is really functional and useful for left-handed users. It won’t be a good tool if it isn’t lightweight, comfortable, and easy to handle, and believe me, it is all of that. The tool weighs just 4-pounds, which is not going to give you fatigue over longer use.

The lightweight is also good for maneuverability over the tool.

And at last, the grip of the tool is smaller to reduce tiredness, and the new labyrinth design gives better durability from the dust and debris. If you are on a tight budget then this is going to be the best choice overall the tools that come at this price point. Plus, it also comes with a 5-years of warranty, so you won’t have to worry about durability.

What Is an Angle Grinder and Where Are They Used?

A simple tool that is used for cutting, polishing, and grinding purposes is an Angle grinder. It is a handheld tool used in workshops, construction sites, and for auto repair as well.

The angle grinder features a gear head where an abrasive disc is attached, and beside it has a rotatable handle to have better control over the tool. The angle grinder is sometimes also referred to as a side or disc grinder. This is so because the cutting wheels or discs are mounted at a perpendicular angle to the shaft.

Like every other power tool, angle grinders are also available in different sizes and with varying power options.
The angle grinders can be powered with three power sources; a petrol engine, compressed air, or an electric motor.

The angle grinders are an extremely versatile tool, and you can use them to get a variety of things done. To use it for different tasks, you just need a proper disc for the job, and there are a plethora of discs in the market for almost every problem means its versatility has no end. The most common use of an angle grinder is removing excess material from a piece; however, it is not the only one.

You can use the angle grinder to grind, polish, clean, remove, sand, sharpen, cut, etc. All these functions can be performed on different materials like wood, PVC, plastics, glass, ceramic, and bolts.

Safety Considerations When Using an Angle Grinder

The angle grinder is a very simple tool to use, but if you don’t have proper knowledge on how to operate it, it can turn out to be an extremely dangerous tool.

So to be on the safe side, thoroughly go over the manufacturer’s instructions and, if you don’t have any prior experience with the tool, make sure the professional guides you and makes you familiar with the appropriate steps.

Some of the risks involved with the use of an angle grinder are a grinder can produce sparks, the user can lose the grip, and a disc can burst out, etc. To protect yourself from these happenings, make sure you follow the safety principles fully.

While working with the angle grinder either at home or the job site, wear proper protective equipment to be safe from any accidents.

To protect your eyes from the sparks, wear safety goggles, and invest in a good one. A full-face visor is also a very good option for additional protection in case of a disk or blade bursts out.

Not only while working with an angle grinder, but when working with all power tools, ear protection is a must as it will save you from many hearing problems.

You should also invest in a dust mask. It protects you from dust particles due to cutting of a material in the air and from the fumes too.

Gloves are a must while working with any power tool. It gives you immediate protection from the sparks and small fragments that were thrown out by the disk. It also provides protection against minor cuts or abrasion. The gloves should be of a proper fit for the hand, not baggy, so you can have a proper grip on the tool.

If you are working with heavy items, invest in decent steel toe cap boots to protect your toes if the heavy item drops when cut up.

The aprons will protect your clothes from the sparks. Be attentive to the sparks, which may fall into your pockets, and make-sure materials are made from natural fibers.

Best Angle Grinder Buying Guide

Motor

The motor is the heart of any grinding tool, and the power rating of it ranges from 6A to even more than 15-amp for extreme cases; 15-amp is the maximum current that a domestic outlet can supply. The higher the ampere rating of the grinder, the more aggressive the grinder will be.

The motor and the disc’s size, which is used in grinders, are most often correlated, but not always. The general rule of thumb is, the larger the disc, the more power it will need.

Nonetheless, working on particularly hard materials will always require a certain amount of torque from the small grinders. Hence, it would be best if you considered using the grinder with high motor power, besides considering the size of discs or wheels.

Power Type

Like most of the power tools these days, you have two options to choose from, it can be either corded or cordless angle grinder. Both of them have some advantages and some drawbacks over each other.

For example, if you choose to go with the corded tool, then you will get a steady stream of power, but with it, the tool won’t be portable. Whereas, if you choose the battery-powered model, you get the freedom of wandering around with your tool with you, but the batteries don’t give runtime longer than an hour, so there is that.

It is a choice to be made based on the type of projects you are going to work on.

Speed

The performance of any angle grinder is dictated by its speed. The speed ranges from 5,000 to 10,000 RPM for the best angle grinders.

If you want to complete the project faster, higher speeds can help with that. But the problem with the higher speed is that you won’t have as much control as you would have had at lower speeds.

If you’re a beginner, choose the one with the low speeds, it will let you have better control over the tool. In comparison, experienced users can go for high-speed models.

Disc Size

The disc size ranges between 4 and 12 inches, while the typically available sizes of the discs are 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, and 9 inches.

While choosing the angle grinder, you will need to keep in mind the type of work you are going to do in the near future, and based on that consideration, choose the size of your disc. Small sizes are suitable for detailed work, while the larger discs can do the work in a short span of time.

To handle many projects in woodworking or home improvement, the small size of the disc will be sufficient, but those who deal with larger workpieces or surfaces on a daily basis should go for large disc sizes. When buying a disc, ensure that it is compatible with the arbor size as well as with the maximum RPM of your angle grinder. If not so, there are high chances of disc breaking and resulting in some serious injuries.

Spindle Size

The spindle size or arbor size indicates which type of disc or wheels are compatible with the particular model because the spindle is the shaft of the tool on which the discs and wheels are mounted.

A common standard size of this tool in the US is 5/8”-11, which means the diameter is 5/8 inches with 11 threads per inch. There are smaller ones also available, which are used by small angle grinders. When buying equipment from the less known brands, make sure they come with the size of the standard spindle.

Dust Sealing

The generation of dust while using an angle grinder is almost impossible to avoid. That dust and debris settle down all over the tool’s surface. You may want a tool that has a sealed body and a seal, especially around the switches, to stop the dust from getting inside. If the dust gets inside the tool, it is going to create issues like clogging and the overheating of a motor, which will drastically reduce the lifespan of the tool.

So make sure the tool you buy has a sealed body, especially around the switches.

FAQs

Q. What should you ensure before using the angle grinder?

With the angle grinders, the risk of getting injured increases, especially due to their high-speed rotating blade. To avoid these accidents from happening, a few things need to be ensured before you can start with your job.

Check if there is any damage to the tool or any safety issues before commencing the work. Ensure that the handle and guard both are in the correct position and secured properly. Also, check the condition of the power cord; it increases the risk of getting electrocuted.

Q. Why are angle grinders dangerous?

Sometimes the angle grinders can get pretty dangerous. The high-speed operation and oversized disc wheel can increase the potential of a disc bursting. A fragment of this disc may fly outwards and injure the operator or anyone near the tool. Another dangerous phenomenon is while cutting; angle grinders can kickback when it gets stuck in the material.

Q. What angle should you use an angle grinder at when grinding a flat surface?

This is the tool to grind the surfaces but the angle and proper handling of the tool matter. To grind the surfaces, a flat part of the wheel is used. Position the tool so that it makes a 20 to 30-degree angle with the surface, while the blade guard stays at the back towards you. Use a smooth back and forth motion to guide the flap-disc over the material.

Q. Can a grinder be used as a sander?

Yes, it can be used. Not only used, but it is also the most cost-effective and efficient way to do so when you need to remove or sand a lot of surface of wood away. You can turn your angle grinder into a sander and can remove thick surfaces of the area without much hassle.

While it does the job pretty well, it also costs you far less than a sanding disc or sandpaper would do.

Q. Can you use a 4-inch blade on a 4.5-inch angle grinder?

No, you can’t use a 4-inch blade on a 4.5-inch angle grinder. The reason being their different arbor size. Most of the 4-inch angle grinders come with the 3/8 or a 1/2 arbor hole, while most 4.5” and the bigger discs have a 7/8 arbor hole. It’s not always the case, but for the vast majority of the time, this will be the situation.

Q. What type of abrasive wheel is suitable for handheld grinding machines?

An abrasive wheel has abrasive particles bonded together with the help of various materials, and the abrasive wheel can be a wheel, cup, or cone as well. There are two main types of agents used for the bonding, which is organic or inorganic. For portable and handheld grinding machines, organic bonded wheels should be used.

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