Angle Grinders

Key specs:

• 11 Amp AC/DC motor
• 11,000 RPM no-load speed
• 4-1/2 in. (115mm) wheel diameter
• 120V corded
• Paddle switch with safety lock-off
• 3 Year Limited Warranty

Pros:

• Best Heavy-Duty pick in Bob Vila testing; cut through angle iron faster than any other grinder tested
• 11,000 RPM with 11-amp motor provides pro-grade cutting and welding capability
• Speed-boosting button on handle base for tough cuts
• One-Touch guard rotates 360 degrees with single action
• Quick-Change wheel release allows tool-free wheel removal

Cons:

• Not much vibration control per Bob Vila testing
• Handle comfort rated 3/5 by Bob Vila testers
• Corded design limits mobility; cord can be tripping hazard
• Fixed speed (not variable)

Key specs:

• 10 Amp motor
• 11,000 RPM no-load speed
• 4-1/2 in. wheel diameter
• X-LOCK mount system
• 120V corded
• 4.6 lb weight

Pros:

• X-LOCK wheel change up to 5X faster than conventional mounts
• Tool-free disc swap without spanner wrench or flange nuts
• Narrow grip zone for extended comfort and control
• Epoxy-coated field windings and direct-motor cooling for longer life
• Spiral bevel gears for smooth power transmission

Cons:

• Compatible only with Bosch X-LOCK discs (more expensive than standard)
• 10-amp motor slightly less powerful than DeWalt DWE402's 11-amp
• No variable speed control
• Lock-on paddle switch may not be preferred over simple paddle

Key specs:

• 9000 RPM max speed
• 5.3 lbs weight (bare)
• 4-1/2 in. max wheel diameter
• 5/8 in. arbor
• 13.5 in. length
• 18V battery powered (tool only)

Pros:

• Tool-free guard adjustments
• Electric brake stops wheel quickly
• Slim rubber overmolded grip
• Tool-free flange nut with folding tab
• Lifetime Service Agreement

Cons:

• Not for heavy-duty applications
• No cut-off wheel shroud included
• Can be slowed down with heavy pressure

Key specs:

• 18V EC Brushless motor
• 9,000 RPM no-load speed
• 4-1/2 in. wheel diameter
• 4.25 lbs (bare tool)
• 5/8 in. arbor size
• Connected-ready via GCY30-4 Bluetooth module

Pros:

• Excellent build quality with optimized Core18V battery performance
• Drop Control and Kickback Control safety features
• Brushless motor delivers 110% more runtime with Core18V vs 4.0Ah
• Soft-start and restart protection for safer operation
• Two-position vibration-control auxiliary handle

Cons:

• Side switch instead of paddle switch
• Handle diameter could be smaller for comfort
• No middle auxiliary handle position
• No quick-lock flange for tool-free disc changes
• No electric brake to stop wheel quickly

Key specs:

• 18 V LXT brushless
• Wheel 4-1/2 in / 5 in
• 8,500 RPM no load
• Spindle 5/8 in-11
• Weight 5.6 lb with battery

Pros:

• Slide switch with lock-on
• AFT turns the motor off if the wheel stalls
• Soft start reduces start-up reaction
• Brushless motor, up to 50% longer run time per charge (Makita claim)

Cons:

• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately
• No lock-off switch

Key specs:

• Wheel 4-1/2 in
• Motor 6 A, 720 W, 120 V
• Speed 11,000 RPM

Pros:

• Slim body with small gear housing
• Machined bevel gears
• Includes grinding wheel, guard, side handle and lock nut

Cons:

• Corded only
• Lower-powered than 7.5 A models such as the 9557PB

Key specs:

• M18 FUEL brushless
• Wheel 4-1/2 in / 5 in
• 8,500 RPM
• Spindle 5/8 in-11
• Warranty 5 years

Pros:

• Fast braking and kickback protection with electronic clutch
• Tool-free guard adjustment
• Retailer calls it one of the better cordless grinders for heavy users

Cons:

• Paddle switch without lock-on
• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately

Key specs:

• Wheel 4-1/2 in
• 6 A motor, 12,000 RPM
• Weight 4.8 lb
• 3-position handle
• Warranty 3 years limited

Pros:

• Tool-free guard
• Spindle lock for quick wheel changes
• Praised for ease of use and power on Lowe's page

Cons:

• Overheating, smoking and early failure reported under heavy use (Lowe's reviewers)
• Sliding switch, corded only

Key specs:

• 20 V MAX brushless
• Wheel 4-1/2 in (4-5 in acceptance)
• Up to 9,000 RPM no load, 850 MWO
• Up to 56 cuts of 1/2 in rebar (DCB205 battery)
• Weight 3.55 lb bare

Pros:

• Performance comparable to many corded grinders (ShopSavvy roundup)
• Kickback brake and E-Clutch
• Type B guard plus clip-on cutting guard

Cons:

• Wheel wrench not included and the supplied hex key does not fit (ShopSavvy roundup)
• Battery lasts only several minutes under steady use (ShopSavvy roundup)
• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately

Key specs:

• Wheel 7 in
• Motor 15 A, 120 V
• Speed 6,600 RPM
• 3-position side handle

Pros:

• Rear trigger switch with lock-on
• Tool-less wheel guard
• Labyrinth construction seals internal parts

Cons:

• Heavy; a retailer review calls it 'very heavy'
• Corded only

Key specs:

• 18 V ONE+
• Wheel 4-1/2 in, 5/8 in arbor
• Up to 9,000 RPM
• 3-position auxiliary handle
• Warranty 3 years

Pros:

• Tool-free adjustable guard
• On-board wrench storage
• Low price for a cordless grinder

Cons:

• One buyer burned through several grinding wheels
• Another buyer reports heavy battery drain when pushed hard
• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately

Key specs:

• Wheel 4-1/2 in
• Motor 6 A
• Size 12.5 x 5.2 x 4.6 in
• Weight 4.5 lb
• Warranty 2 years limited

Pros:

• Metal gear case
• 3-position side handle
• One-touch release switch
• Solid budget pick for DIY and light use (review roundup)

Cons:

• Vibration on longer sessions (ShopSavvy summary)
• Stiff power switch (ShopSavvy summary)
• Guard turns about 270° only
• Fixed speed around 10,000 RPM, no variable control

Key specs:

• Wheel 4-1/2 in
• 20 V MAX, brushless
• Up to 9,000 RPM no load, 850 MWO
• Up to 56 cuts of 1/2 in rebar (with DCB205 battery)
• Warranty 3 years limited

Pros:

• Brushless motor, no brush changes
• Slide switch for continuous operation
• Kickback brake and E-Clutch
• Tool-free guard change

Cons:

• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately
• Slide switch rather than paddle (DCG408B is the paddle version)

Key specs:

• Wheel 7 in
• 4 HP maximum motor, 8,500 RPM
• 120 V, AC/DC
• Warranty 3 years limited

Pros:

• Overload protection at high speed
• Low-profile gearcase for tight areas
• Automatic brush shutoff
• Brush window for quick brush changes

Cons:

• About 12 lb weight (retailer listings)
• 2-position side handle only
• Corded only

Key specs:

• Wheel 5 in
• Motor 10.5 A
• Speed 11,000 RPM
• Weight 5.9 lb
• Spindle 5/8-11

Pros:

• SJS clutch protects motor and gears when the wheel binds
• Electric brake
• AC/DC switch
• Tool-less wheel guard

Cons:

• Slide switch without lock-on (Acme Tools spec)
• Corded only

Key specs:

• V20 cordless, brushed motor
• Wheel 4-1/2 in
• 8,500 RPM
• Weight about 6.2 lb
• Warranty 3 years limited

Pros:

• Cast metal gear housing dissipates heat
• Tool-free guard position
• 3-position handle

Cons:

• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately
• Brushed motor
• Heavier than brushless 20 V grinders at about 6.2 lb

Key specs:

• M18 FUEL
• Wheel 4-1/2 in / 5 in
• 5 speed settings, 3,500-8,500 RPM
• RAPIDSTOP brake stops most wheels in under 2 s
• Paddle switch without lock-on

Pros:

• Variable speed in five steps
• RAPIDSTOP brake
• Tool-free guard adjustment
• Includes T27 guard, T1 clip-on guard, side handle and wrench

Cons:

• Paddle switch with no lock-on
• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately

Key specs:

• 20 V MAX XR brushless
• Wheel 3 in
• 20,000 RPM no load
• 550 MWO with DCB203 battery
• Warranty 3 years limited

Pros:

• Forward and reverse operation
• Integrated LED work light
• Tool-free depth adjustment and guard
• Removable dust shroud with AirLock connection

Cons:

• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately
• Dust extractor sold separately
• 3 in wheel only

Key specs:

• M12 FUEL
• Wheel 3 in
• 20,000 RPM
• Weight about 1.52 lb
• Warranty 5 years

Pros:

• Reversible blade rotation
• Tool-free guard and shoe with vacuum adapter
• Easy blade changes (Walmart reviewer)
• Strong battery power (Walmart reviewer)

Cons:

• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately
• 3 in wheel only

Key specs:

• M12 FUEL brushless
• Collet 1/4 in
• Motor output 0.3 HP
• Speed 0-24,500 RPM (retailer listings)
• Weight about 1.2 lb
• Warranty 5 years

Pros:

• 4-mode RPM control with variable-speed trigger
• Optimum performance with 2 in accessories
• Light, about 1.2 lb

Cons:

• Die grinder with 1/4 in collet, not a 4-1/2 in angle grinder
• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately
• Retailers list the model as discontinued

Key specs:

• M18 FUEL brushless
• Wheel 4-1/2 in to 6 in
• Speed 0-8,500 RPM (retailer spec sheet; another listing says 9,000)
• Weight 4.5 lb, length 12.45 in
• Brakes accessories in under 3 s

Pros:

• Power of a 13 A corded grinder per Milwaukee
• FIXTEC nut: tool-free accessory changes
• Tool-free guard adjustment
• Electric brake

Cons:

• Paddle switch without lock-on
• Bare tool, battery and charger sold separately
• Retailers list 2980-20 as replaced by the 3670-20

Key specs:

• 4-1/2 inch diameter
• 7/8 inch arbor with 5/8 inch bushing
• Diamond grit rim
• Up to 100x longer cutting life vs bonded discs
• 3 pack
• Vacuum brazed diamond abrasive

Pros:

• Up to 100X longer cutting life compared to standard bonded cut-off discs
• Suitable for dry and wet cutting of tile, porcelain, glass, ceramic, marble, stone, metal
• Advanced vacuum brazing provides even diamond distribution for precision cutting
• Multi-pore design reduces noise, dust, and heat during operation
• Solid steel wheel body reduces breakage risk - safer than bonded discs

Cons:

• Some users report chipping on harder materials like granite
• Not as fast cutting as segmented diamond blades on thick tile
• Amazon listing price ($16.99) significantly lower than official site ($29.99) suggesting possible variant difference
• Limited independent testing available
• Some users report noise levels higher than expected despite multi-pore design

Key specs:

• 7.5 Amp motor
• 11,000 no-load RPM
• 4-1/2 in. wheel diameter
• 4.2 lb weight
• 120V

Pros:

• Powerful 7.5 Amp motor
• Ergonomic slim-grip design
• Service Minder brushes for maintenance
• Burst-protection guard for safety

Cons:

• Thumb switch can be dangerous if dropped
• No variable speed
• Not compatible with cutting discs per manual

Key specs:

• 20V MAX battery
• 3 in. x 3/8 in. disc
• 19,000 RPM
• 2.4 lbs weight
• 3 yr warranty

Pros:

• Lightweight at 2.4 lbs for one-handed operation
• Lock-on switch for extended use
• Spindle lock for easy disc changes
• Includes battery, charger, 3 cutting discs, and 1 grinding disc
• 3-year limited warranty

Cons:

• No dust collection system
• Concrete cutting not recommended due to silica dust concerns
• Small 3-inch disc limits cutting depth

Key specs:

• 4-1/2 inch diameter
• 60 grit (coarse)
• Type 29 conical design
• 7/8 inch arbor (no HUB)
• Max RPM 13300
• 10 pack

Pros:

• Premium zirconium grain blend provides up to 10X faster material removal vs standard bonded grinding wheels
• Type 29 conical design allows efficient material removal and surface blending
• Flap design offers flexibility with cushioned grinding effect
• Suitable for metal, stainless steel, wood, rust removal, deburring, and polishing
• Meets ANSI and EU European Standards

Cons:

• No product-specific reviews found on independent review sites
• Limited detailed customer feedback on this exact flap disc model
• No HUB design may not be compatible with all angle grinder guards

Key specs:

• Motor: 12 A AC brushless, 1500 W max output
• No-load speed: up to 8,500 RPM
• Speed settings: 6
• Weight: 3.75 lb without guard
• Grip diameter: 2.2 in
• Wheel size: 4-1/2 in

Pros:

• Brushless motor with 1500 W output
• Six speed settings allow control for different wheels
• Slim 2.2 in grip
• Tool-less wheel guard adjustment

Cons:

• Corded only, needs an outlet or extension cord
• Max no-load speed of 8,500 RPM is lower than the 11,000 to 12,000 RPM of many 4-1/2 in corded grinders
• Priced well above basic brushed 4-1/2 in grinders

Key specs:

• Motor: 6.2 A, 980 W max output
• No-load speed: 10,000 RPM
• Weight: 4.0 lb
• Length: 10-5/32 in
• Wheel size: 4-1/2 in
• Included: 5 abrasive wheels and carrying case

Pros:

• Comes with five wheels and a carrying case
• Left-mounted slide switch with quick-off feature
• Removable side handle for right or left hand use
• Low-profile gear case for tight spaces

Cons:

• Lower power than 7.5 to 12 A corded grinders
• No variable speed
• Brushed motor requires brush maintenance over time

Key specs:

• Motor: 7.5 A AC/DC
• No-load speed: 12,000 RPM
• Weight: 3.9 lb
• Wheel size: 4-1/2 in (115 mm)
• Spindle thread: 5/8-11
• Max output: 850 W

Pros:

• Light at 3.9 lb
• One-Touch guard adjusts without tools
• Tool-free quick-change wheel release
• Lock-on paddle switch

Cons:

• No kickback brake or electric brake
• Corded only
• Brushed motor

Key specs:

• Motor: 9 A AC/DC brushed
• No-load speed: 12,000 RPM
• Wheel size: 4-1/2 in
• Spindle thread: 5/8-11
• Switch: paddle

Pros:

• Overload protection
• One-Touch guard rotates 360 degrees
• Tool-free quick-change wheel release
• Slim low-profile gear case for tight spaces

Cons:

• Brushed motor
• Corded only
• No variable speed

Key specs:

• Voltage: 18 V ONE+
• Max speed: 9,200 RPM
• Wheel size: 4-1/2 in
• Motor: brushless
• Cutting speed: up to 30 percent faster than brushed models

Pros:

• Brushless HP motor
• Tool-free guard and wheel changes
• Large paddle switch
• 3-position side handle

Cons:

• Sold tool only, battery and charger bought separately
• Max speed of 9,200 RPM is below most corded grinders

Key specs:

• Voltage: 18 V MultiVolt, tool body only
• Motor: brushless, 750 W max output
• No-load speed: 8,000 RPM
• Auto-mode speed: 5,500 RPM
• Weight: 5.1 lb
• Grip diameter: 2.2 in

Pros:

• Slim 2.2 in grip
• Auto-mode lowers RPM when unloaded
• Quick braking and kickback protection
• Accepts 18 V or 18V/36V MultiVolt batteries

Cons:

• Tool body only, battery and charger bought separately
• 8,000 RPM max is lower than many corded grinders
• Heavier at 5.1 lb without battery than corded 4-1/2 in models