5 Best Angle Grinder Picks: The Ultimate Guide to Finding the Right Tool

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Are you looking for the perfect angle grinder to add to your set of power tools? You could be a professional welder or metal worker or maybe someone with a knack for more intensive DIY projects around the house. An angle grinder is a versatile handheld tool that can perform many of the functions you need when working with metal, wood, and concrete. In this full review of the 5 top five best angle grinders, you can see our top picks and some essential information to consider before finalizing your decision.

Top 5 Angle Grinders

There are so many brands that offer angle grinders for a wide range of uses. We looked at some of the best options and came up with a list of the very best ones. These are the best overall performance, the best for variable speed, and the best budget option. Learn more about each of these below, and discover why they made the list.

10
Makita 9557PBX1 4-1-2inch Paddle Switch Cut-Off-Angle Grinder

Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2″ Paddle Switch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder Best Seller

The Makita 9557PBX1 angle grinder is a powerful high-performance tool-only option to consider. If you are looking for a tool for home DIY projects then this is a great value product.
9.5
Bosch GWS13-50VS High-Performance Angle Grinder

Bosch GWS13-50VS 5″ Angle Grinder Best for Variable Speed

We picked this angle grinder from Bosch as the best choice as far as variable speed. It is a corded option with many great features. Depending on the speed of your application, you can set the speed of the tool from 2,800 rpm to 11,500 rpm. This angle grinder features a 13 amp motor, a 2-position vibration control, and direct motor-cooling for applications requiring higher loads.
9.5
Makita XAG04Z

Makita XAG04Z Best Overall Performance

Out of all of the great grinders, we looked at, the Makita XAG04Z stood out for its high performance and efficiency. This cordless angle grinder product has some of the best technology you are going to see in a power tool. It is optimized and programmed for advanced user protection, motor cooling, and battery usage. This advanced product also automatically adjusts its speed as required by the project you are doing.
9
Bosch 1375A

Bosch 1375A Values for Money

Angle grinders can vary greatly as far as price. For the best budget option power tool in this category, we chose the Bosch 1375A. This angle grinder has a lot going for its despite its very affordable price point. It is a small angle grinder, weighing just 3.75 pounds. The powerful 6.0 amp motor provides 11,000 rpm. This power tool is very easy to handle and can be used by many professionals like metal workers who use grinders daily.
8.5
DeWalt DWE402

DeWalt DWE402 Best Choice

The DeWalt DWE402 is another excellent angle grinder when you are making your considerations. It is a gold standard tool with great performance for a variety of purposes.

Best Angle Grinders: Full Review

You’ve seen our top three picks. In this section, we offer a full review of each of these products together with two others we want to highlight. These five angle grinders are very diverse, and the list includes corded and cordless options. They are also available in a range of price points.

Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2″ Paddle Switch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder

Best Seller
Makita 9557PBX1 is a great option. You might have to work in different locations with various power source options. With the power switch, you can switch between different power sources
10Expert Score
Extra large paddle switch for comfortable operation

The Makita 9557PBX1 angle grinder is a powerful high-performance tool-only option to consider. If you are looking for a tool for home DIY projects then this is a great value product.

Powerful
9.5
compact
9
Pros
  • Compact and lightweight design at only 4.5 pounds
  • Durable
  • Labyrinth construction to seal and protect the motor and bearings
  • Protective zig-zag varnish seals
  • Compatible with many accessories
Cons
  • Does not have variable speeds
  • Not the easiest to use for a complete beginner

The Makita 9557PBX1 angle grinder is a powerful high-performance tool-only option to consider. If you are looking for a tool for home DIY projects then this is a great value product.

Quick Facts

Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2" Paddle Switch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder
  • This compact angle grinder has high output power, with a 7.5 amp motor.
  • The kit comes with the Makita angle grinder, an aluminum case, a diamond wheel, 4 4 1/2 grinding wheels, and a 4 1/2inches general-purpose Turbo Rim diamond blade, cut-off, and wheel guards.
  • You can get continuous operation with this tool, thanks to the lock on/off feature.
  • You can use the AC/DC switch for alternative power sources.
  • This angle grinder delivers 11,000 RPM.
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Special Tips

If you are looking for a compact angle grinder that is durable and powerful, then the Makita 9557PBX1 is a great option. You might have to work in different locations with various power source options. With the power switch, you can switch between different power sources.

Bosch GWS13-50VS 5″ Angle Grinder

Best Overall
The carbon brushes are more durable than previous Bosch models. With its wide speed range, users can explore ways to use it in many more applications compared to the competitor products.
9.5Expert Score
Variable-speed setting

If you are looking for an angle grinder that is suitable for a range of professional and home applications, then the Bosch GWS13-50VS is a good choice.

Reliable speed
9.5
Overload Capabilities
9
Pros
  • Variable speed settings
  • Powerful motor
  • 2-position vibration control for increased control and comfort
  • Advanced product safety
Cons
  • Some users complain about sawdust getting into the power switch.
  • Speed control might be an issue.

The Bosch GWS13-50VS is one of the best angle grinders if you are looking for high-performance and variable speeds.

Quick Facts

Bosch GWS13-50VS High-Performance Angle Grinder
  • This is a corded grinder with variable-speed settings ranging from 2,800 rpm to 11,500 rpm.
  • The carbon brushes are more durable than previous Bosch models.
  • It has a plastic polymer construction.
  • For higher overload capabilities, there is direct motor cooling.
  • This machine weighs 5.3 pounds.
  • The kit comes with a backing flange, grinding guard, vibration control side handle, spanner wrench, and lock nut.
  • There is a large spindle lock for a more convenient disc change.
  • The user safety features include restart protection and an integrated acceleration sensor to reduce tool recoil.

Special Tips

If you are looking for an angle grinder that is suitable for a range of professional and home applications, then the Bosch GWS13-50VS is a good choice. With its wide speed range, users can explore ways to use it in many more applications compared to competitor products.

Makita XAG04Z

Best Tool
If you prefer cordless angle grinders, then the Makita XAG04Z is, without doubt, one of the best tools. We rated it as the best overall performance angle grinder, and you can find out why below.
9.5Expert Score
Automatic speed change

Makita XAG04Z is, without doubt, one of the best tools. We rated it as the best overall performance angle grinder

Performance
9.5
Efficient
9
Pros
  • Automatic speed change technology
  • Optimized battery energy usage to run for 50% longer per charge
  • Active feedback sensing technology for user protection
Cons
  • The battery is required but is sold separately.

If you prefer cordless angle grinders, then the Makita XAG04Z is, without doubt, one of the best tools. We rated it as the best overall performance angle grinder, and you can find out why below.

Quick Facts

Makita XAG04Z
  • The Makita XAG04Z is a cordless angle grinder that is powered by lithium-ion batteries.
  • The product weighs 4.8 pounds.
  • This angle grinder features a BL brushless motor for cooler and more efficient operation.
  • You can get the optimum performance, thanks to the automatic speed change feature.
  • The spindle thread is a 5/8 inch 11 UNC.
  • This product can be used for grinding, cutting, and sanding.
  • When you purchase this particular angle grinder, the following components are included: a 5″ cut-off wheel (ultra-thin), a lock nut wrench, a 5″ cut-off wheel guard, a grinding wheel, and a 5″ tool-less wheel guard.

Special Tips

You can do a lot with this intuitive tool we named the best angle grinder. To get the most usage per charge, you should try using 5.0 or higher rated batteries instead of 3.0 batteries.

Bosch 1375A

Values for Money
With this top manufacturer and the established reputation, you can hardly go wrong. One of the best things about this power tool is that you don’t have to keep track of its maintenance times. The system gives you a trigger when it is time to do it.
9Expert Score
Very versatile tool

The Bosch 1375A angle grinder was our best budget pick. Although it’s one of the smallest angle grinders on the list, it has great reviews.

Compact
9.5
Durable
9
Pros
  • Compact and lightweight, weighing only 3.75 pounds
  • Ideal for regular professional use
  • Can be used with a range of popular accessories
  • High comfort with the 2-position side handle and ergonomic top handle design
Cons
  • The product does not come with a carry case.
  • This angle grinder produces a little more noise than the counterparts.

The Bosch 1375A angle grinder was our best budget pick. Although it’s one of the smallest angle grinders on the list, it has great reviews. It is undoubtedly one of the best angle grinders for professionals to use.

Quick Facts

Bosch 1375A
  • The Bosch 1375A angle grinder has a 6.0 amp motor that can produce 11,000 rpm.
  • It is a very versatile tool that can be used in a range of applications including metal fabrication, concrete restoration, pipe fitting, cutting, and grinding.
  • This angle grinder is electric-powered, with a voltage of 127 Volts, a wattage of 680 watts, and 0.91 horsepower.
  • The motor has a very small field diameter for ease of use.
  • Included with the kit are the following components: 2x 4-1/2-inch grinders, 2 x grinding wheel guards, 2 outer round-nut flanges, 2 inner clamping flanges, 2 spanner wrenches, 2 auxiliary handles, and 2 x 4-1/2-inch abrasive grinding wheels.
  • This device features the Bosch’s Service Minder Brush System to stop the power tool when preventative maintenance is needed.
  • There is an epoxy coat on this angle grinder to protect it from abrasive debris, and thus make it more durable
Bosch 1375A

Special Tips

For one of the smaller power tools in this category, this tool has excellent performance and an impressive ergonomic body design. With this top manufacturer and the established reputation, you can hardly go wrong. One of the best things about this power tool is that you don’t have to keep track of its maintenance times. The system gives you a trigger when it is time to do it.

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DeWalt DWE402

Best Choice
The angle grinder reviews for this product are impressive. This heavy-duty angle grinder is one of the best power tools to use on concrete. It is fairly easy to use when you want to work on concrete surfaces, cut through sidewalks, or grind down concrete floors.
8.5Expert Score
Best power to weight/size ratio

The DeWalt DWE402 is another excellent angle grinder when you are making your considerations. It is a gold standard tool with great performance for a variety of purposes.

Imported
9.5
Dust Ejection
9
Pros
  • Excellent power to weight/size ratio
  • Protective dust ejection system
  • Quick change wheel release for tool-free wheel removal
Cons
  • Does not come with a carrying case

The DeWalt DWE402 is another excellent angle grinder when you are making your considerations. It is a gold standard tool with great performance for a variety of purposes.

Quick Facts

DeWalt DWE402
  • This angle grinder has an 11 Amp AC/ DC 11,000 rpm motor.
  • The dust ejection system prevents dust and debris from entering the metal grinder.
  • It has a plastic and metal construction.
  • The over-size brushes have a useful life twice as long as those in the previous DeWalt angle grinder model.
  • The product weighs 6.2 pounds.
  • This angle grinder tool is corded-electric and has a voltage of 120 Volts, a power of 1,400 watts, and 1.80 horsepower.
  • This angle grinder includes a paddle switch.
  • You can get a 360-degree rotation of the guar with the One-Touch Guard.
  • There is a long transmission life, thanks to the large spiral bevel gear.

Special Tips

The angle grinder reviews for this product are impressive. This heavy-duty angle grinder is one of the best power tools to use on concrete. It is fairly easy to use when you want to work on concrete surfaces, cut through sidewalks, or grind down concrete floors.

Buyer’s Guide

Buying a grinder to use in the house or a professional setting or workshop requires a bit of research. There are a lot of details to consider, and each model seems to offer something unique. In this short buyer’s guide, you can find out more about the benefits of owning and using a grinder, how to pick the best one, and some important safety information. Also, look at our FAQ section for answers to a few of the most common ones.

Advantages of Using a Grinder

There seem to be so many power tools to choose from for your home and professional jobs. How do you know which ones you need and what are the advantages of having a grinder? We get asked these and other similar questions all the time. Let’s start with a bit of background information on this particular tool and then look at some of the typical applications.

Angle grinders are celebrated by metal workers, fabricators, welders, and other professionals because of their versatility. here is a lot you can do with this small tool. An angle grinder is a powerful tool that runs by either electric motors or compressed air. There is a geared head that is run at right angles by the motor. On this gear head, there is a mounted abrasive disc. In some cases, there is a thin cut-off disc. These discs are used until they are worn out, after which, they must be replaced. Angle grinders have a side handle to allow people to operate them with two hands. they also have an adjustable guard.

As far as the purposes for an angle grinder, they are numerous. You can use the tool for a variety of jobs including the following:

  • Cutting a range of materials like tile, stucco, pavers, wood
  • Grinding materials like metal, especially steel
  • Sanding
  • Polishing
  • Sharpening blades
  • Removing and loosening paint and rust

There are several advantages of using an angle grinder. With one handheld tool, you can perform a range of tasks. You can use a grinder on a range of materials including metal like steel, wood, concrete, and pavement. It depends on the model of the particular tool.

Angle grinders can be used in a professional engineering site and home setting. Learn more about how to pick the right tool for your particular case.

What You Should Look for in an Angle Grinder

As mentioned already, angle grinders are very versatile tools. They range in features and applications.

Here are some of the considerations you should make when looking for your next power tool:

  1. Speed variation- Different work applications require different speeds. For one task, 10,000 rpm might be ideal, while for another, this might be too fast. If you intend to use your power tool for multiple purposes, it is better to look for a variable speed power tool.
  2. Power source- Some options only work with an AC power source. If you might need to use the tool in a place with a DC power output, then you need to think about this. Several choices have an AC/ DC switch to give you options.
  3. Corded or cordless- WHile most angle grinders are corded-electric, cordless angle grinders give you more options. These are battery-powered and you can use them in locations without a power supply and where a power cord is not going to prevent you from getting into tight spaces.
  4. Applications- Do you want to use this tool for cutting, grinding, polishing, or sharpening? What materials are you most likely to be working with? It is better to find the right tool for the kind of job you intend to do.
  5. Safety feature options- Grinders are fast-moving power tools, and several uses require the fastest speeds available. You need to examine what safety measures are in place with each of the products you consider.
  6. Ergonomic design- An important component of the safety of any product is the design. It’s a good idea to look at what features the angle grinder has to make it easier to use and easier to handle.
  7. Accessory compatibility- If you hope to use your machine with many attachments such as sanding discs
  8. Durability- Along with the design considerations, you have to look at whether the power tool is built to last and the overall quality. Among the features that help to prolong useful lifespan include a dust buildup removal system, epoxy coating, and other protective features on or around the construction of the motor. You do not want to pay a high cost for something that is not going to last long.
  9. Carrying case- While a carrying case is something you can always find separately, it is a nice add-on if it comes with your purchase.
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User Safety Information

Grinders may be useful in performing functions such as grinding and cutting, but they do come with a word of caution. Because they operate at very high speeds, they must be handled with the utmost care and only by people who know how to use them properly.

Besides the high speed, another thing to watch out for is the large discs, which when these are oversize and unguarded can burst and fragment. When the machine jams, a dangerous kickback can also happen. The best feature to prevent this is a kickback brake.

There are many more safety features that are needed for a corded or cordless grinder. This ensures that the user is safe. Some other examples include a safety lock, automatic shut-off, and cooling features, and more.

FAQs

There are lots of questions about finding the right machine and what the preferred brands are. Here is a short sample to help you make the best selection from the large selection of devices available.

Can you use an angle grinder on wood?

Yes, with the right attachments, you can perform many tasks on a wood surface. These include wood carving, cutting, and sanding.

What is the difference between a grinder and an angle grinder?

A die grinder is used for precision work, while an angle grinder is mainly used for cutting and grinding. The main differences, however, are in the size, design, and power of the device.

Why is an angle grinder called by this name?

Another name for an angle grinder is a disc grinder. The reason for the name is that the geared head is driven by the motor at a right angle to the surface being worked on.

Can you sharpen lawn mower blades with an angle grinder?

Yes, using an angle grinder is one of the best ways to sharpen your lawnmower blades cheaply and quickly. Care must be taken, however, because of the nature of this task.

Is an angle grinder dangerous?

The devices are fast and effective in the tasks they perform, but with the fast motor and disc rotation, they can also be quite dangerous. For these reasons, it is important to only use these tools if you know how to. You must also adhere to all of the manufacturer’s safety instructions.

Do I need a variable speed angle grinder?

It all depends on how you are planning to use the device. If you only wish to use it for limited types of work, then a single speed may be sufficient. To get more out of your machine, however, it is ideal to have a variable speed angle grinder. With the better machines, the speed can even adjust automatically depending on how you are using the tool.

Are battery-powered choices any good?

A battery-powered cordless grinder is a great choice if you are looking for a portable grinder with more convenience. If you can find a long-lasting battery option, then these tools are as good as their counterparts.

Conclusion

There is a lot to look out for when you want a quality angle grinder. You have to consider the design, applications, speeds, and satefy settings, for example. In our recommendations, we ranked the Makita XAG04Z as the Best Overall Performance, the Bosch GWS13-50VS as the Best for Variable Speed, and the Bosch 1375A as the Best Budget product in this category. We also looked at two other great products—the DeWalt DWE402 and the Makita 9557PBX1. You can learn more about each of these products and decide which one is ultimately the best for your desired usage.

Why trust Handyman.Guide?

s written by Itamar Ben-Dor, who has 25 years of experience in renovations, carpentry, locks, creation, landscaping, painting, furniture construction, and furniture renovation, works with concrete, plumbing, door repair, and more.

Itamar Ben-Dor has been in the home improvement business for over 25 years. Itamar Ben-Dor is a jack of all trades. He's worked in the renovation field for years, doing everything from locksmithing to carpentry. He's a small repairs specialist. But his true passion lies in furniture construction and renovation - he loves seeing old pieces come back to life with some new woodwork or a fresh coat of paint.

He has taken courses on many topics in these fields at professional colleges in Israel. Over the years, Itamar has also become quite skilled in gardening, carpentry, and renovations. He's worked on projects of all sizes, from massive renovations to small repairs. No job is too big or too small for him!


Disclosure: handyman.guide participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Itamar Ben Dor
Itamar Ben Dor

My father is a practical engineer, and as a hobby he was also involved in construction, renovations, carpentry and woodwork at home; So there was always tools, saws, drills and more at home. Already I was a little kid Dad and I would renovate the house. Once we built a shed for garden tools, once we did flooring for the garden, once we renovated the bathroom and that’s the way it is. Long before there was an internet, directories and plans. We would build things, kitchen cabinets, install electrical appliances, do flooring, pour concrete and more ... I in this blog want to pass on to you the experience I have gained over the last 20 plus-minus years since I was a child to this day and give you information about the best tools, project plans, guides and more.

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