Angle grinders are versatile tools that help grind metal and cut pavers, stucco, and tiles. Some people use them to polish, sand, and sharpen various objects. These devices are often battery-powered, and they have an electrical cord.
You could also find a few pneumatic grinders, which feature a threaded spindle. Understanding how to choose and even use them is vital.
There are many factors that one may consider when looking for a good angle grinder. This equipment can help individuals perform various tasks with ease.
It is important to note that there are different types of this device, and each type varies in terms of the method used to achieve its purpose. Consider these helpful details.
Top 10 Angle Grinders Comparison Table
Picture | Name | Voltage | Maximum Speed | Rating (1-5) |
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1. Makita XAG04Z Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Angle Grinder | 18 Volts | 8,500 RPM | 4.9 |
![]() | 2. DEWALT DCG413B 20V MAX Brushless Cut Off Tool/Grinder | 20 Volts | 9,000 RPM | 4.8 |
![]() | 1. Industrial Air ILA1883054 Air Compressor | 120 Volts | 11,500 RPM | 4.4 |
![]() | 4. Bosch 1974-8D 7-Inch Large Angle Grinder | 120 Volts | 8,500 RPM | 4.2 |
![]() | 5. Makita XAG11Z Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Paddle Switch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder | 18 Volts | 8,500 RPM | 4.7 |
![]() | 6. Metabo - 5" Variable Speed Angle Grinder | 120 Volts | 9,600 RPM | 4.5 |
![]() | 7. DEWALT Flexvolt Advantage Angle Grinder | 20 Volts | 9,000 RPM | 4.8 |
![]() | 8. DEWALT FLEXVOLT Angle Grinder | 60 Volts | 9,000 RPM | 4.8 |
![]() | 9. Metabo - WEV15-125 - 5" Variable Speed Angle Grinder | 120 Volts | 11,000 RPM | 4.3 |
What to Consider When Buying an Angle Grinder
Selecting an excellent angle grinder is a daunting process. It requires you to observe several elements, and carefully so. These factors will help guide you in the selection process, ensuring that you get whatever tool matches your preferences.
Here is what to consider in this process:
Power and Performance
The power of the chosen angle grinder determines how seamless your experience will be. Enhanced power ensures that the grinder cuts and grinds materials seamlessly and fast.
The wattage of the given angle grinder indicates how powerful the item is. Such will also be the best time to check the Amp. A device with improved Amp and wattage assures you of better performance.
Mode of Power
Various angle grinders rely on different power modes. The most common choices are compressed air, petrol, and electrical.
An electrical grinder could be battery-powered or reliant on direct current. That means it can stop whenever the battery drains or the electricity goes off.
However, this option is one of the most convenient, thanks to the multiple electrical power sources available. Besides, battery-powered grinders are more portable, allowing you to use them wherever you are.
You’ll also have to decide between corded and cordless devices. Cordless tools allow you enhanced convenience and flexibility, as you can move with them around.
Size of the Cutting Disc
The cutting disc is also called the wheel or cutting head. It determines the precision and smoothness of your grind. Notably, its size varies from four to nine inches.
Choosing the cutting disc size depends on your preferences and the desired smoothness. For instance, a smaller cutting disc assures you of enhanced smoothness and precision.
On the other hand, you can choose a bigger disc if you do not prioritize precision or smoothness. The most suitable size would be between 4 and 5.5 inches.
Speed
A grinder’s speed is measured in the number of revolutions per minute. This speed varies between 5,000 and 10,000 revolutions per minute.
Usually, a higher number of these revolutions provide you with enhanced effectiveness. A disc rated at 7,500 RPM is an excellent choice for most households, as it assures you of reliability and less time wastage.
Interchangeability
The interchangeability of discs helps improve the angle grinder’s versatility. Suppose you can use different sizes of discs on the same device.
In that case, it becomes a lot easier for you to carry out various tasks easily. Prioritizing this feature helps save many inconveniences in the future.
The Handle
The grinder’s handle is yet another critical element, as it determines your safety. It is best to consider a tool with adjustable handles, as this improves your overall experience. It also ensures that you handle the grinder without too much difficulty.
Price
Everyone tends to prioritize their budgets. Choosing a device within your budget helps avoid various financial constraints in the future. Mainly, prices vary with the brand and quality of the machine.
Reputable brands will likely charge a premium fee but assure you of unrivaled quality. On the other hand, you could consider budget angle grinders from less-known brands. In such instances, be careful with the quality.
Soft Start
Angle grinders tend to recoil when turned on, causing the machine to jump in your hands. In case of severe jerks, it could potentially cause injuries.
A soft start technology helps reduce the motor’s power output at first, slowly increasing as the grinder picks up speed. It would be best to prioritize this technology when choosing your device.
Hand Guard
A handguard covers part of the disc, protecting your hands from flying debris and sparks. It also protects surfaces when using it in relatively tight places.
This handguard could be movable or fixed, depending on the brand. You will be the one to choose whatever suits you best. However, fixed handguards are more robust and will barely come off.
Dust Protection
This element is vital for anyone using the angle grinder for an extended period. An excellent angle grinder must have dust protection features, including dust seals and dust ejection systems, that help minimize clogging.
This feature also enhances the device’s longevity. It would be best to buy an angle grinder with built-in dust protection and an ejection system.
Top 3 Best Angle Grinder Reviews
As mentioned above, choosing angle grinders can be a strenuous process. However, you can skip all that trouble by considering one of the following top choices.
1. Makita XAG04Z Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless Angle Grinder

Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 8.4 x 13.3 x 5.5 inches
- Weight: 4.8 pounds
- Voltage: 18 Volts
- Maximum Speed: 8,500 RPM
- Power Source: Battery
The Makita Lithium-Ion angle grinder is an intuitive brushless and cordless angle grinder. Its automatic speed change technology helps adjust its speed and torque, assuring you of unrivaled performance.
The Makita grinder has Active Feedback-Sensing technology, which automatically turns off the motor once the wheels stop. It also boasts an incredible BL brushless technology, which eliminates carbon brushes.
This technology ensures that the device lasts for much longer and even performs optimally. Its brushless motor effectively utilizes energy, assuring you of better torque and RPM.
Its impressive design makes it a suitable choice for most people. It weighs about 5.6 pounds, which improves its portability. The Makita variable speed grinder is also versatile, allowing you to use it on pipes, concrete, and tiles.
2. DEWALT DCG413B 20V MAX Brushless Cut Off Tool/Grinder

Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 12.2 x 4.7 x 6 inches
- Weight: 3.75 pounds
- Voltage: 20 Volts
- Maximum Speed: 9,000 RPM
- Power Source: Battery
The DeWalt DCG413B 20V MAX Brushless Cut Off Tool/Grinder boasts incredible efficiency levels. It is a battery-powered device that comes with a 3.0 Ah compact battery and charger.
This battery uses lithium-ion technology, providing you with extensive battery usage. Besides, it has no memory, meaning you do not have to worry about self-discharge and downtime issues.
This Dewalt cordless angle grinder has a brushless motor that helps improve its performance. Its engine delivers up to over 57% optimal performance compared to brushed motors. Its 20V battery provides you with up to 9,000 RPMs, which is enough to assure you of unmatched reliability and precision.
Its lightweight design is all you could ever want. It weighs no more than 3.75 pounds, which is light enough for you to carry around. This handheld grinder boasts a dust ejection system too. This system helps improve the device’s longevity by keeping dust particles out.
3. Bosch GWS13-50VSP Angle Grinder

Technical Specifications:
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 2.75 x 2.75 inches
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Voltage: 120 Volts
- Maximum Speed: 11,500 RPM
- Power Source: Corded-electric
If you are looking for a variable speed angle grinder, the Bosch GWS13-50VSP Angle Grinder would be the ultimate choice. This speed variation helps improve the level of versatility, meaning you can use it on almost any surface.
It comes with a relatively powerful motor, producing between 2,800 and 11,500 RPM. You’ll be free to adjust the speed, depending on the surface you are working on.
Since it operates on a 13 amperage level, you are confident of enhanced performance for an extended period. This brushless motor assures you of unrivaled longevity and reliability.
Its direct motor-cooling ability makes it suitable for higher overload capabilities. It also comes with a two-position vibration control handle. This element helps improve ergonomics and comfort when handling it.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Does an Angle Grinder Operate?
Angle grinders rely on compressed air or electric motors to operate. They come with a motor that drives a geared head at specific angles. These angles could range between 20 and 90 degrees.
As this small disk or wheel turns, it polishes, cuts, or grinds the surface. The discs could be of different sizes, allowing you to choose whatever works for you best.
What Tasks Can I Use an Angle Grinder For?
You can use angle grinders in different ways. Mostly, you will rely on it to grind surfaces, whether it is tiled or ceramic. These devices come in handy in cutting, polishing, smoothing, and cleaning different surfaces.
Sometimes, people use them for sharpening and drilling tools too. Their diversity and versatility allow you to use them for different reasons.
What is the Correct Grinding Angle?
The grinding angle often varies with the surface or material. Typically, you need to use the flat part of the wheel on surfaces.
The right angle would be between 20 and 30 degrees, depending on what you want to achieve. You could also use a back-and-forth motion during this time, ensuring that you do not compromise the angle.
How Many Amps Do I Use in an Angle Grinder?
There is no one-dimensional answer to this. However, most mid-range angle grinders come with five to six amps. Large devices can reach 14 amps.
As long as the angle grinder does not exceed 15 amps, there is no reason to worry. However, the bigger it is, the better the performance you get in the long run.
Can A Grinder Be Used as a Sander?
An angle grinder is an excellent sander. It is a suitable choice whenever you want to sand a lot of surface wood away.
These devices can sand and polish your surface, assuring you of incredible results. As long as you hold them at the right angle, attaining impressive results will be relatively easy.
Can An Angle Grinder Cut Steel?
Yes. An angle grinder can cut through steel, thanks to its abrasive metal-cutting disc. This disc works well with any metal, including bolts, angle iron, sheet metals, and rebar.
However, it would be best to be cautious of the disc thickness you choose. Experts suggest that your disc has to be between 1 mm and 1.6 mm thick.
What Thickness of Steel Can an Angle Grinder Cut Through?
An angle grinder can cut through almost any size of steel. It all depends on the thickness of its metal-cutting disc. For instance, you require a thickness of between 1 mm and 1.6 mm to cut through mild steel and stainless steel.
Suppose the steel is not so thick. It would be best to use a 0.8 mm or 1.00 mm thick disc. It will always be best to start cutting the steel with medium thickness, then adjust accordingly.
How Do You Cut Straight Lines With an Angle Grinder?
Perfection often varies with individuals and how you use your device. There is no best way to achieve a straight line with an angle grinder. That is because it mostly depends on how much you practice it.
However, you can use a ruler to mark or highlight straight points. Ensure that the points are clear enough for you to see and follow with the grinder. Once you perfect this, you can try doing it without the marks.
Are Angle Grinder Sparks Dangerous?
The sparks produced by angle grinders can be dangerous. When produced in large amounts, these sparks can readily cause a fire.
Once they land on a flammable product, they could start a small fire, slowly expanding. These sparks can also damage attire, meaning that one should not be in their way. It would be best to protect the sparks from flying around.
Can a Grinder Be Used as a Sander?
Chances are that you already have a power tool in your garage that can be used as a sander: an angle grinder. While these tools are used for grinding, and not necessarily sanding, they can be used to sand surfaces just fine.
If you’re in need of removing wood from large surfaces, you’ll find an angle grinder that can speed up the job for you.
Can an Angle Grinder Cut Wood?
Angle grinders can be utilized in order to complete a variety of cutting tasks. Woodcutters would benefit from purchasing an angle grinder as it is inexpensive as well as multi-purpose.
The angle grinder comes with different gripping systems. Some versions have a square quick-change system which is very useful when you are working on various kinds of materials.
Can an Angle Grinder Cut Steel?
Yes. But before you rush out to buy an angle grinder and start cutting steel beams, there are a few things you should know.
To be clear, we’re not talking about cutting a 2×4 or even a 2-inch thick piece of steel – that wouldn’t be too hard with a high-speed angle grinder. We’re talking about cutting metal beams in construction projects or tough materials like rebar and thick wire.
How Thick of a Steel Can Angle Grinder Cut?
The thickness of a disc will determine what jobs the disc is suited for. For example, using a 1.6mm disc on aluminum may result in the disc wearing out faster if not used properly.
It is also important to consider material strength and how thick your metal is before choosing which cutting disc to use.
The 2.5mm and 3mm discs can be used on mild steel. However, when creating holes that are more than 0.8mm wide, it is recommended you step down to a 2mm disc or lower.
Are Angle Grinder Discs Interchangeable?
If you’re in the market for an angle grinder it is good to know if angle grinder discs are interchangeable.
If you’re thinking about replacing an angle grinder disc because your current one has become damaged, then it is important to replace it with a new disc of the same type.
When Should I Replace My Angle Grinder Disc?
A good visual identifier is to look at the center hole of the grinder plate. On a new disc, it is a perfect circle. Over time the center hole becomes oval.
The faster the wearing of a disc, the more oval the center hole becomes due to heat and material checking. When the center hole becomes too oval to fit on your grinder plate correctly, it’s time to replace it.
Conclusion
Understanding how to choose an excellent angle grinder saves you from various inconveniences. Selecting a machine that provides you with value for your money becomes more effortless with the correct information.
Thankfully, the insights and options provided above will cushion you against too much hassle.