Even though many people overlook it, there is probably no tool more versatile and essential for a workshop than the humble angle grinder. Regardless of your level of experience, a good angle grinder can help with just about any project you’re working on . Whether you need cutting, grinding, stripping, polishing or finishing, the angle grinder should be your go-to tool.
As you can expect, a tool this important is available in many sizes and styles. It’s hard to know which ones are worth the time to look at. Thankfully, we’ve made it easy for you. Below are our picks for five of the best angle grinders on the market today, along with our recommendation for which one we think you need to add to your toolbox.
COMPARISON CHART
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
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DEWALT Angle Grinder Tool Kit
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Makita GA7021 7″
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Makita GA7031Y 7″
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Bosch 1974-8 7
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Hitachi G18ST 7-Inch
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Specification
| Weight: | 19 pounds |
| Max RPM: | 8,500 rpm |
| Amps: | 13 |
| Power Source: | corded electric |
| Included: | tool, attachments, case |
This heavy-duty angle grinder from Dewalt is no joking matter. Strong, heavy and powerful, this tool can handle any job you throw at it.
Although this is a standard 7-inch angle grinder, you’re going to feel like you have a whole lot more tool to work with as this cuts and grinds through even the toughest of metals. It’s strong, powerful motor delivers blazingly-fast speeds that can make short work of whatever project you have in mind. In addition, it has a few nice bells and whistles to sweeten the deal even further.
WHAT WE LIKE
Easily Adjustable
As you work, the angle of your approach can change. Dewalt recognized this and provided an easy-to-adjust spark guard to help protect you from your work. In addition, the spindle lock button makes it simple and quick to switch out attachments as you need to move from one application to another.
Easy to Maintain
An angle grinder needs to last, and Dewalt makes sure this one will. It comes with external brush caps so it’s easy to clean, and the sealed bearings help avoid any corrosion or wearing of the motor.
Comes With More Than You Need
This kit not only contains a powerful angle grinder, it also has everything you need to start working, right out of the box. Included in this kit are the angle grinder, 5 different grinding wheels, a wrench, a backing flange, a clamp nut, an adjustable guard, and the carrying bag.
PROS
- Powerful 13-amp, 3 hp motor drives a powerful tool
- Comes with multiple attachments for multiple jobs
- Easy to clean and adjust to your specific needs
CONS
- Has a tendency to heat up quicker than you would expect
- The accompanying tool bag is not of the best quality, according to some reviews
Specification
| Weight: | 10.4 pounds |
| Max RPM: | 6,600 rpm |
| Amps: | 15 |
| Power Source: | corded electric |
| Included: | One grinding wheel, a “tool-less” wheel guard, an adjustable side handle, an inner flange, a lock-nut and wrench |
Another strong entry in this list is the Makita GA7021. While probably not as well known as Dewalt, Makita has quietly garnered a reputation for building high-quality, reliable tools. This angle grinder is no exception. At first glance it might not seem quite as heavy-duty as the Dewalt, but don’t let that fool you.
WHAT WE LIKE
Built For Comfort
One thing the Makita does well is make itself inviting and easy to use. With an angle grinder, you’re looking at a lot of speed and motion, which can be difficult and uncomfortable to control. The GA7021 has a rubberized soft grip handle that can be adjusted into multiple positions, giving you the ability to work comfortably without putting a strain on your hands or arms. Even more, the wheel guard can be quickly adjusted without the need for tools.
Easy and Powerful
Simply put, the GA7021 cuts through anything you need it to. It’s fast, powerful motor lets you tackle any material or surface for whatever application you need.
PROS
- Comes with everything you need to get started
- Lightweight and powerful
- Easy to hold, easy to use, easy to adjust
- Dust-resistant varnish makes cleaning a breeze
CONS
- Customer service for Makita is not always great
- Only comes with one wheel
Specification
| Weight: | 13.5 pounds |
| Max RPM: | 8,500 rpm |
| Amps: | 15 |
| Power Source: | corded electric |
| Included: | Inner flange, a wire mesh intake cover, a lock nut wrench, a 7″ tool-Less wheel guard, a lock nut |
Another solid entry by Makita, the GA7031 is essentially the GA7021, but up one notch. This is the GA7021’s bigger, more powerful cousin. Because of that, you can expect the same great quality and features, all in a slightly sturdier, more powerful package
WHAT WE LIKE
Powerful Performance
Like we said before, this is basically the more powerful version of the GA7021. With 15 amps and a whopping 8,500 rpm speed, this grinder will tear through just about anything you want it to. It has all the same conveniences, including soft, adjustable grips for comfort and a simple-to-use , tool-less guard adjuster to help keep you, your hands and your work space all safe. If you like the GA7021, then it’s safe to say you’ll like this one just as much, if not more.
PROS
- Comes with everything you need to get started
- Heavy duty and powerful
- Easy to hold, easy to use, easy to adjust
- Dust-resistant zig-zag varnish makes cleaning a breeze
CONS
- Customer service for Makitacan be frustrating
- Only comes with one standard grinding wheel
Specification
| Weight: | 11.4 pounds |
| Max RPM: | 8,500 rpm |
| Amps: | 15 |
| Power Source: | corded electric |
| Included: | N/A |
You can’t go wrong with Bosch, and this 7-inch grinder shows that. Once again, we have a very powerful grinding tool that really cuts through a variety of materials with quick and easy precision. Thisgrinder is every bit as powerful as the GA7031 – but weighs significantly less. You can thank German engineering for that. It also has some other great features.
WHAT WE LIKE
German Innovation
Let’s face it: many of the angle grinders here sport similar features. They boast a comfortable grip or adjustable components. Bosch takes those ideas a step further. It’s patented vibration control helps to reduce movement and vibration up to 50% more than comparable models by other manufacturers, making this the most comfortable grinder on this list.
In addition, the included “dead man’s switch” helps ensure your safety, as the grinder will shut off if dropped or not held correctly. This can help prevent a multitude of accidents. Furthermore, the Bosch 1974-8 even helps to take care of itself, with special service minder brushes that will turn the grinder off when maintenance is required, providing an even longer life for this tool.
PROS
- Powerful and Reliable
- Dead man’s switch for safety
- Service Minder brushes shut off tool when it’s time for maintenance
- Patented vibration control technology makes this tool comfortable to use
CONS
- Automatic maintenance shutdown can be inconvenient when a project is time-sensitive
Specification
| Weight: | 10.4 pounds |
| Max RPM: | 6,600 rpm |
| Amps: | 15 |
| Power Source: | corded electric |
| Included: | One grinding wheel, a “tool-less” wheel guard, an adjustable side handle, an inner flange, a lock-nut and wrench |
The final entry in this list is from Hitachi, another trusted brand. This angle grinder is an extremely powerful tool in its own right, and worth considering.
WHAT WE LIKE
Built for Power
The Hitachi G18ST is another powerful entry in this list, packing an impressive 8,500 rpm speed that can cut, grind, and strip anything you ask it to. It comes standard with many of the features we’ve seen already – adjustable rubber grips for comfort (although this one can be switched from side to side depending on whether you’re working left- or right-handed), wheel and spark guards to help keep you and your material safe and a spindle lock for easy wheel changes.
PROS
- Powerful 15-amp motor delivers 8,500 rpm maximum speed
- Adjustable grip can move to either side depending on your preference
CONS
- Discontinued from some stores means it might be hard to get service, should a problem arise
Buyer’s Guide
When purchasing an angle grinder, there are a few factors to consider. First, how powerful is it, and will that work for the job you have in mind? The angle grinders we’ve featured here are known for their overall performance, but still, some grinders work better than others, and it’s important to know you’re getting the right one for your job.
Second, how easy is it to use? You should be able to adjust the grip, the guards, and the wheels to your liking. Does the manufacturer make it easy to do this, or is it a series of steps that can really slow you down?
Finally, how easy is it to maintain? The grinders featured here all try to keep dust out of their systems, but nothing is ever 100% foolproof. When there’s a problem, how easy is it to detect and fix it? Can you clean it easily?
Conclusion
When putting all of this together, there are some grinders that rise higher than others, but for us, the best choice on this list is the Dewalt Angle Grinder Kiot. Not only is it powerful, easy to use, and easy to maintain, but with the entire kit at your disposal, you’re definitely getting more for your hard-earned money. Enjoy the grinder, and get to work!
