Best 5 Inch Angle Grinder in 2022 (Reviews and Comparison)

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An angle grinder’s versatility allows the operator to use it to grind, polish, clean, cut, sharpen and buff several materials. Swapping out the blade or attachment can change the intended use. From stone to metal, brick, tile, concrete and wood, you can find an attachment to handle most materials.

This article will run down five of the best five inch angle grinders, including their pros and cons. Stay tuned until the very end to see our nomination for best grinder in this class.

COMPARISON CHART

IMAGE PRODUCT

Makita 9565CV 5" SJS High-Power Angle Grinder, Teal

Makita 9565CV 5″
  • Variable speed
  • 13 AMP motor
  • One year warranty
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Angle Grinder, 5-Inch Air Angle Grinder by Autolock, Pneumatic Angle Grinder

Autolock Angle Grinder, 5-Inch
  • Very cheap
  • Powerful, up to 11,000 RPM
  • Lightweight, ergonomic design
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Makita 9005B 5-Inch Angle Grinder

Makita 9005B 5-Inch Angle Grinder
  • Powerful and reliable
  • AC/DC cord for alternate power sources
  • Ball bearing construction extends tool life
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BOSCH GWS13-50VS High-Performance Angle Grinder, 5"

Bosch GWS13-50VS
  • Powerful motor
  • Motor cooling
  • Carbon brushes
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BOSCH 5 In. Angle Grinder with Tuckpointing Guard GWS13-50TG

Bosch 5 In. Angle Grinder with Tuckpointing Guard GWS13-50TG
  • Powerful motor
  • Carbon brushes
  • Motor cooling system
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Makita 9565CV 5" SJS High-Power Angle Grinder, Teal

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Makita 9565CV 5" SJS High-Power Angle Grinder, Teal

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Makita 9565CV 5" SJS High-Power Angle Grinder, Teal

The Makita five inch grinder operates with considerable power given its lightweight, compact design. It has a 13 AMP motor meaning that you can trust this device to consistently deliver the power you need. This grinder gets its power from an eclectic cable, meaning that you need an electrical outlet to use it. However, that also means you can run the Makita for as long as it takes to get the job done.

Other factors also make sure this grinder operates properly. Each unit comes equipped with a larger and improved carbon brush, which enhances and lengthens the life of the tool. Additionally, Super Joint System (SJS) technology prevents gear damage due to accidental wheel binding. The SJS system basically functions as a mechanical clutch system. With a spring-loaded drive shaft, any binding causes the wheel to stop.

WHAT WE LIKE

The SJS system greatly reduced gear tensions, keeping the device functioning in the event of a bind. And should a bind occur, the mechanical nature of the system means you do not need to restart the grinder to keep going.

Other device safety measures include an electrical limiter to prevent burnout and overload. It also has a sealed design around the motor to keep out dust and debris. All of these safety factors mean that you can use the Makita 9565CV for many years. And if it does fail it comes with a one year warranty.

When using the Makita you can switch from five variable speeds with a dia, from 2,800 RPM to 10,500 RPMl. This helps you find and maintain the precise speed the job calls for. Coming in at only 5.2 pounds, the ergonomic design allows you to operate this tool with comfort and ease. It also comes with a soft start feature to keep your start-ups smooth. 

The Makita retails for $169. 

PROS

  • Numerous safety features to lengthen tool life
  • Variable speed
  • 13 AMP motor
  • One year warranty

CONS

  • Corded design means you will need a nearby power source or extension cords
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Angle Grinder, 5-Inch Air Angle Grinder by Autolock, Pneumatic Angle Grinder

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Angle Grinder, 5-Inch Air Angle Grinder by Autolock, Pneumatic Angle Grinder

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Angle Grinder, 5-Inch Air Angle Grinder by Autolock, Pneumatic Angle Grinder

By far, the Autolock delivers the least expensive five inch grinder on our list. Coming in at only $54.99, you can obtain this tool for less than half the cost of most five inch angle grinders. With that low price point comes plenty of power. 

A maximum speed of 11,000 RPM means that you can keep up with a lot of the pricier grinders on the market. However, a power knob means that you get less speed precision than with a dial or switch operated speed control. Put that power to the test on stone, metal, PVC pipe and tile.

WHAT WE LIKE

Intended for professional use, the Airlock is a pneumatic device. That means you will need an air tank to operate this unit. It consumes 65 cubic feet of air per minute, so you will need a larger air tank to keep from running out too quickly. Most customers indicate that they trust the Airlock for small and medium sized jobs, avoiding larger jobs altogether,

A protective cover helps protect the operator from debris during operation. Also assisting user operation is a very lightweight design at only 3.8 pounds. Customers like the handle design, making it easy to operate without causing fatigue.

Airlock offers 24 hour customer support on their website. While it does not come with an explicit warranty, the company indicates that they will perform a return or an exchange. For its price, the Autolock is worth it so long as you also have the necessary air tanks.

PROS

  • Very cheap
  • Powerful, up to 11,000 RPM
  • Lightweight, ergonomic design

CONS

  • Air powered
  • Not many safety features
  • Not suited for larger jobs
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Makita 9005B 5-Inch Angle Grinder

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Makita 9005B 5-Inch Angle Grinder

Another Makita, this angle grinder retains many of the benefits of its younger brother, the 9565CV. However, it retails for $10 cheaper at $159. 

It comes with a few added benefits when it comes to adjusting for the job or user comfort. The accessory slot uses a spindle lock for easy accessory swapping. You can also remove the side handle and place it on either side, making it easier for left-hander users to operate.

WHAT WE LIKE

In terms of power, this Makita generates 9 AMPs of power from its motor. While good for its time, being more than five years old means that newer grinders can generate more power. However, with age comes a good deal of used products available online, so you can find a used model for significantly cheaper. Just be sure you buy from a trusted source.

It weighs 6.6 pounds making the 9005B the heaviest grinder on our list. Electric powered, this corded grinder requires a constant power supply to operate. 

Overall, the 9005B is an older grinder that excelled at the time of its release. However, the market has since caught up, leaving this angle grinder behind. If you want a reliable grinder, this is definitely a good option, but it still retails for a higher price. Try to find a used model of this grinder, or else purchase a newer grinder for a similar price with updated features.

PROS

  • Powerful and reliable
  • AC/DC cord for alternate power sources
  • Ball bearing construction extends tool life

CONS

  • Outdated for its price point
  • Heaviest angle grinder on our list
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BOSCH GWS13-50VS High-Performance Angle Grinder, 5"

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BOSCH GWS13-50VS High-Performance Angle Grinder, 5"

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BOSCH GWS13-50VS High-Performance Angle Grinder, 5"

Bosch delivers a modern and angle grinder with the GWS13-50VS. Another corded grinder, the motor delivers 13 AMPS of power. You can increase the speed from 2,800 RPM all the way up to 11,500 RPM using this grinder’s variable speed setting. With that much power, you can handle stone, concrete, tile, metal and plastic projects.

However, some customers report issues receiving a steady speed from this device. While in use, users report that the speed varies when you apply any pressure to the material you intend to use it on. This makes it difficult to maintain precise cuts, since the speed can vary so easily. This factor makes the Bosch GWS13-50VS a better choice for those with more experience using grinders.

WHAT WE LIKE

Bosch uses carbon brushes on this grinder to extend their life. This grinder also comes equipped with a direct motor cooling system to protect the device during operation

Retailing at $139, you can often find this grinder for a decent discount from several online stores. However, that reasonable price comes with a few sacrifices. In addition to a poor speed control, the Bosch misses several top notch safety features. Some users report a problem where debris clogs around the power switch, making it difficult to turn off. 

Those with more experience handling angle grinders will love the value this device offers. The less-experienced should seek a slightly safer option.

PROS

  • Powerful motor
  • Motor cooling
  • Carbon brushes

CONS

  • Lacks safety features
  • Corded
  • Speed variation lacks precision
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BOSCH 5 In. Angle Grinder with Tuckpointing Guard GWS13-50TG

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BOSCH 5 In. Angle Grinder with Tuckpointing Guard GWS13-50TG

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BOSCH 5 In. Angle Grinder with Tuckpointing Guard GWS13-50TG

This Bosch grinder was designed with the working man in mind. It features a tuck-pointing safety dust guard which complies with the OSHA silica dust regulation. The dust guard essentially redirects debris from the target material away from the operator.

WHAT WE LIKE

The 13 AMP motor allows the grinder to produce up to 11,500 RPM. This means you can cut through anything you would expect a grinder to handle, including metal, stone, wood and plastic.

Because of the professional aim of this grinder and the added tuck-pointing guard, it retails between $210 and $220. This makes it the most expensive grinder on our list. Like its less professional Bosch counterpart, this grinder also features direct motor cooling. This means you can use this grinder for longer durations without overheating. It also features the more durable carbon brushes, which extend their lifetime.

PROS

  • OSHA compliant tuck-pointing dust guard
  • Powerful motor
  • Carbon brushes
  • Motor cooling system

CONS

  • Most expensive option on our list
  • More accessible to professionals than amateurs

And the Winner is…

Overall, the Makita 9565CV 5″ delivers the best overall value and earns our recommendation. Its advanced safety features make it ideal for new and experienced users alike. It delivers all the power you would need for most grinding projects handled by a five-inch grinder.

It comes in a little pricier than some of the other options, but the Makita delivers on performance and safety. And if it does fail, you can count on the one-year warranty to make things right. 

Other Recommendations:

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