Metabo HPT G12SR4: problems, parts and running costs

Checked: 2026-10-12

Summary

This is a budget 4-1/2 in corded angle grinder: 6.2 A input, 980 W maximum output and 10,000 RPM no-load, in a kit that includes a guard, side handle, spanner wrench, five wheels and a molded case [1][4]. Running costs are the abrasive wheels, which the kit supplies five of [1]. It is a good first grinder below about $50, but 6.2 A is the smallest motor in Metabo HPT’s slide-switch lineup [4].

Common problems and fixes

Not for sustained heavy work — 6.2 A is the smallest motor in the slide-switch lineup, which runs from 5.1 A to 12 A brushless models at $169 and $179; the motor is brushed, not brushless, and a review-synthesis page describes it as not a heavy-duty continuous-use industrial grinder [4][9].
Spindle thread listings disagree — Shell Lumber lists an M14 x 2 spindle while Acme Tools and Travers Tool list 5/8"-11; forum owners confirm the US tool takes standard 5/8"-11 wheels [3][2][5]. This can derail an accessory purchase.
Amperage listings disagree — Acme Tools’ structured field reads 5.2 A while its own title says 6.2 A; the manufacturer spec is 6.2 A [8][1].
980 W is maximum output, not continuous power — at 120 V, 6.2 A is about 744 W of input, and 10,000 RPM is no-load speed; no loaded-speed measurement exists for this model [7].

Parts and consumables

Wheel guard (338848) — included and separately available with a manufacturer part number [1].
Side handle (302142) — included and separately available with a manufacturer part number [1].
Spanner wrench (938332Z) — included and separately available with a manufacturer part number [1].
Molded case (339264) — included and separately available; a 2026 roundup singles it out as an advantage over name-brand grinders that omit one [6].

Yearly running cost

Not enough data. The only recurring cost reported is replacement abrasive wheels, and the sources give no yearly figure [1].

When it is a good buy

Below about $50: hard to fault for a first grinder; Pro Tool Reviews listed it at $39 in January 2023 and called it the most budget-friendly grinder on its list, and an indexed Walmart listing showed $49 [4][7].
$75 to $80: the value case weakens; Shell Lumber lists it at $74.25 and Guys Lumber at $77.99, within $17 to $20 of a DEWALT DWE4011 and a Milwaukee 6130-33 at $94.99 each [3][10].
Named alternatives: the DEWALT DWE4011 and Milwaukee 6130-33 at $94.99 each are the better choice when you reach those prices [10]; Metabo HPT’s own 10.5 A G12SA4 was listed at $69 at Pro Tool Reviews’ 2023 check, so it is the better choice if you want more amps for less money [4].