Angle grinders are a really useful welding tool and you’ll find in almost every metalworking shop. They’re a handheld tool that uses consumable discs to cut metal, smooth a weld, remove rust and grind grooves in your metal.
When MIG or TIG welding, you’ll need to prepare your metal so that you’re welding on a clean surface and you’ll want to clean up the weld afterward so it looks neat and smooth. An angle grinder is the perfect tool to help you out and will save you hours of manual work!
Some of the main things you need to consider when choosing an angle grinder are if you want it to be corded or cordless, the revolutions per minute (RPM), the type of switch it has to start it, the disc size, does it have fixed speed or variable speed, its price, and does it have tool-less guard adjustment? We’ve written about these in more detail in our buyers guide below.
Contents
- Best Angle Grinders Comparison Chart
- Top 10 Angle Grinders
- 1. DeWalt DWE402 Angle Grinder
- 2. Makita 9557PBX1 Angle Grinder
- 3. Metabo WP9-115 Angle Grinder
- 4. DeWalt DCG413B Angle Grinder
- 5. Makita 9564CV Angle Grinder
- 6. Hitachi G12SR4 Angle Grinder
- 7. Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel Angle Grinder
- 8. Makita XAG04Z Fuel Angle Grinder
- 9. Metabo WEV15-125 Angle Grinder
- 10. Makita GA7021 Angle Grinder
- Uses of an Angle Grinder
- Factors when choosing an Angle Grinder
Best Angle Grinders Comparison Chart
| Grinder | Image | RPM | Power Source | Disc Size | Switch | Weight (lb) | Price | More |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
DeWalt DWE402 Top Pick |  | 11,000 | Corded, 11A | 4 ½“ | Paddle | 6.1 | $ | |
| Makita 9557PBX1 |  | 11,000 | Corded, 7.5A | 4 ½“ | Paddle | 4.5 | $ | |
| Metabo WP9-115 |  | 10,500 | Corded, 8.5A | 4 ½“ | Paddle | 4.6 | $ | |
| DeWalt DCG413B Top Cordless |  | 9000 | Cordless | 4 ½“ | Paddle | 3.75 (no battery) | $$$ | |
| Makita 9564CV |  | 2800-10,500 | Corded, 13A | 4 ½“ | Slide | 5.3 | $$$ | |
| Hitachi G12SR4 |  | 10,000 | Corded, 6.2A | 4 ½“ | Slide | 4 | $ | |
| Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 |  | 8500 | Cordless | 4 ½“ | Paddle | 5.8 | $$ | |
| Makita XAG04Z |  | 8500 | Cordless | 4 ½“ | Slide | 5.6 | $$ | |
| Metabo WEV15-125 |  | 2800-9600 | Corded, 13.5A | 4 ½“ | Slide | 5.5 | $$$ | |
| Makita GA7021 |  | 6600 | Corded, 15A | 7“ | Trigger | 12.2 | $$$ |
Read below to see a list of our favorite angle grinders and the buyers guide to help you understand the differences in angle grinder.
Top 10 Angle Grinders
1. DeWalt DWE402 Angle Grinder
Best all-round
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Brand: DeWalt Model: DWE402 Power Source: Corded, 11A RPM: 11,000 Disc Size: 4 ½ inch Weight: 6.1 pounds Switch: Paddle Tool-less guard adjustment: Yes |
This is a great angle grinder, we have these in the workshop and they’re a great tool to have around the place. It comes with a paddle switch which is my favorite way of stopping and starting a grinder, and it has a one-touch guard which allows for a simple 360 degree rotation of the guard. There’s a quick-change wheel release system that allows you to easily change the wheel without using any tools. For its weight it packs some real power, the RPM is a super fast 11,000 RPM, which is a set speed at 11A output. This grinder’s durable too and is built to stand the test of time with a dust ejection system inside the grinder to eject any dust that gets stuck in it and help prevent any possible damage. This should last you a long time, but DeWalt have a 3 year warranty, just in case something does go wrong. It’s powerful, durable, and available at a great price!
2. Makita 9557PBX1 Angle Grinder
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Brand: Makita Model: 9557PBX1 Power Source: Corded, 7.5A RPM: 11,000 Disc Size: 4 ½ inch Weight: 4.5 pounds Switch: Paddle Tool-less guard adjustment: Yes |
This Makita is another powerful, good value and grinder that delivers 11,000 RPM. This has 7.5AMPs of power so is less than the DeWalt, but is a compact and lightweight model that has a small 2-1/2″ barrel grip to make it easier to manage one handed. It has a paddle switch with slow start up to make starting and stopping grinding as comfortable as possible. It has the tool-less wheel guard adjustment which is a great feature to have and is available at a great price. Makita products are durable and this is built specifically with a seal to protect the motor and armature from dust. It also comes with a nice Aluminum case.
3. Metabo WP9-115 Angle Grinder
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Brand: Metabo Model: WP9-115 Power Source: Corded, 8.5A RPM: 10,500 Disc Size: 4 ½ inch Weight: 4.6 pounds Switch: Paddle Tool-less guard adjustment: Yes |
Made in Germany, this is built with durability and efficiency in mind. It has a really fast quick disc change system to allow you to change your discs quickly at the press of a button. It has a paddle switch to easily control your power which a dead man function which makes it shut down immediately after taking you hand off it. It’s build with a Metabo longlife motor which is designed to give more power and more cooling and it runs smooth. The WP9-115 also has and automatic safety clutch to help prevent kickback and improve safety. Overall this is a really solidly built grinder that’s been made with care and attention, it has tool-less guard adjustment, too!
4. DeWalt DCG413B Angle Grinder
Best cordless
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Brand: DeWalt Model: DCG413B Power Source: Cordless RPM: 9000 Disc Size: 4 ½ inch Weight: 3.75 pounds (no battery) Switch: Paddle Tool-less guard adjustment: Yes |
If you’re looking for a powerful grinder that you don’t need to plug into a power source, this DeWalt grinder is excellent. It has a brushless design that helps to deliver 57% more run time and means you won’t need to change brushes. You’ll need to purchase a 5 amp hour battery or bigger to go with this as you’ll only get about 15 minutes of time off a 3 amp hour battery at 9000 RPM. The guard has a spring loaded adjustment so you can easily change it and a paddle trigger to easily turn it on and off. Finally, there’s a kickback brake which engages when a pinch or a stall is detected and stops the movement in the wheel. It’s a great cordless angle grinder!
5. Makita 9564CV Angle Grinder
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Brand: Makita Model: 9564CV Power Source: Corded, 13A RPM: 2800-10,500 Disc Size: 4 ½ inch Weight: 5.3 pounds (no battery) Switch: Slide Tool-less guard adjustment: Yes |
The Makita 9564CV is a grinder that’s designed to be powerful and versatile. It has a variable speed with soft start from 2800-10500 RPM which is perfect if you need a range of different disc speeds for different applications such as light polishing and stonework. It has a tool-less guard adjustment but doesn’t have the paddle switch on the handle of the grinder which is a popular feature of angle grinders. Makita grinders are always build with quality and durability in mind and this has Labyrinth seals to protect the mechanisms from getting clogged up with dust. If you want an angle grinder that’s good quality, powerful, and with variable speed control for different applications, this is the one for you.
6. Hitachi G12SR4 Angle Grinder
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Brand: Hitachi Model: G12SR4 Power Source: Corded, 6.2A RPM: 10,000 Disc Size: 4 ½ inch Weight: 4 pounds Switch: Slide Tool-less guard adjustment: Yes |
The G12SR4 is a cheaper, less powerful angle grinder that’s a good value choice for beginners. It has a left mounted slide switch so this is a good alternative if you prefer these to paddle switches and a quick off feature to help with safety. It’s not as powerful as some similar range grinders but 10,000 is still pretty fast. It has a tool-less guard adjustment and it’s compact and lightweight at just 4lbs. Overall this is a good cheap alternative to some of the more powerful corded grinders.
7. Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel Angle Grinder
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Brand: Milwaukee Model: 2780-20 M18 Fuel Power Source: Cordless RPM: 8500 Disc Size: 4 ½ inch Weight: 5.8 pounds Switch: Paddle Tool-less guard adjustment: Yes |
Milwaukee have created a quality cordless angle grinder that is similar to the DeWalt DCG413B. It features a paddle switch design that I like because it provides extra comfort and is easier to use and the like the rubber grip. It’s also easy to make guard adjustments without any tools with the tool-less adjustment. It eats batteries pretty fast so you’ll need at least a 5 amp hour battery. A useful tool to have, similar to the and is a good alternative to a corded grinder, plus it has 5 a year warranty.
8. Makita XAG04Z Fuel Angle Grinder
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Brand: Makita Model: XAG04Z Power Source: Cordless RPM: 8500 Disc Size: 4 ½ inch Weight: 5.6 pounds Switch: Slide Tool-less guard adjustment: Yes |
This is another powerful cordless angle grinder with a quality build. It’s powered by Makita’s brushless motor which increases the run time by approximately 50% and means you don’t need to replace brushes. If has a slide switch on top of the handle with lock on so if you don’t like paddle switches this is the perfect alternative to the Dewalt DCG413B or Milwaukee 2780-20. There are wire mesh intake covers to help prevent and debris from damaging the motor. It’s powerful for a cordless grinder and reaches 8500 RPM and allows soft start up. With an 8500 RPM you’ll be better with a 5 amp hour battery to get good usage from it. Overall this is a really good quality cordless angle grinders.
9. Metabo WEV15-125 Angle Grinder
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Brand: Metabo Model: WEV15-125 HT Power Source: Corded, 13.5A RPM: 2800-9600 Disc Size: 4 ½ inch Weight: 5.5 pounds Switch: Slide Tool-less guard adjustment: Yes |
Another piece of quality German engineering, Variable speed allows for low speed applications and the corded power supply allows for extended, powerful use. Metabo grinders are excellent quality and it has a number of good features to help extend its usage including an increased overload capacity to protect from overheating, electronic soft start for smooth startup and the Metabo LongLife motor. This is a perfect grinder if you want a top quality grinder for a range of applications that’s corded.
10. Makita GA7021 Angle Grinder
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Brand: Makita Model: GA7021 Power Source: Corded, 15A RPM: 6600 Disc Size: 7 inch Weight: 12.2 pounds Switch: Trigger Tool-less guard adjustment: Yes |
The final angle grinder we’ve included in our top 10 is a more industrial angle grinder that’s a lot heavier and handles 7 inch discs. This grinder is a different beast than the previous ones that are listed and you won’t be grinding one handed with this. There’s a trigger switch which makes it easy to operate and the side handle is adjustable in three positions to improve comfort and conveneice. It has a quality build with spiral bevel gears to give smooth rotations and varnish to protect the mechanisms from dust damage. If you’re looking for a 7 inch grinder this is our favorite.
Uses of an Angle Grinder
The main uses of an angle grinder in welding are to clean the metal before welding, to cut the metal and to clean the metal after welding.
Cleaning the Metal before Welding
If your base metal has impurities on the surface such as paint, rust, grease or dirt, this should be cleaned up before welding to help prevent weak welds. If you don’t remove these then they could disrupt the weld or contaminate the weld and cause weld defects such as porosity. Any grease should be removed with a solvent and wiped dry. Running over the metal with an angle grinder to remove any tough impurities is a great way to prepare the metal to help you get the strongest welds possible.
Cleaning the Weld
Depending on which welding process you’re using, you could could leave slag behind on the weld which can look quite messy. A chipping hammer, wire brush and sand paper are OK to clean up your metal, however an angle grinder is a much faster and efficient way of cleaning it. When cleaning the metal, hold the grinding disc flat on its face on the base metal to ensure you don’t cut into the metal and make it as smooth and flat as possible. Just remember not to do it for too long and grind away all the clean metal.
Cutting Metal
If you use a cutting disc with your angle grinder this can be a quick and convenient way of cutting thin metal. These will be thinner than grinding discs and you’ll need the appropriate cutting disc. These won’t be as clean as something like an a plasma cutter but it still does the job and is probably the cheapest way to do it.
Factors when choosing an Angle Grinder
Below are some of the main factors to consider when choosing your angle grinder and the criteria we used to choose our list of the best angle grinders. Factors such as cordless or corded, rpm, price and durability are all things to consider.
Corded or Cordless
Cordless machines are handy to carry with you and their portability makes them a convenient tool to have. The main downside is that they won’t achieve the same power output as a corded grinder without burning down the batteries. It’s really important to consider your battery when choosing a cordless grinder as most won’t last very long on a 3 amp hour battery. Cordless angle grinders tend to be heavier as well, due to the weight of the battery pack. We recommend that you keep a spare battery as well in case you run out of power. You have to weigh up how important the portability aspect is to your field of work vs the need for constant power. It is nice as well to not have an extra wire in the way when you’re working but this is down to your personal preference.
RPM
The rotations per minute (RPM) shows the speed that the disc spins and the force it generates when being used. The max RPM of a disc mustn’t be lower than it says on your grinder. If the grinder has a higher RPM than the disc then it could make the disc shred and fall apart.
Variable speed or fixed speed
Some angle grinders enable you to change the speed of the RPM. If you’re using an angle grinder for a range of applications and will be using a lot of polishing on more sensitive material, the a variable speed is perfect to help match the RPM to your application. Personally, I don’t think most welders need a variable speed and you’ll be good with just a fast fixed speed, but it’s all about personal preference and the range of applications you’re using.
Power/Amperage
Higher amperage means more power and more ability to grind fast. Entry level hobbyists may look at grinders around 6-7 amps, but 10 amps is pretty standard in the industry. Larger discs and higher amperage will be more suitable to industrial projects like thick pipe welding. If you’re buying a cordless grinder then you’ll want a 5A/hour battery to last longer as 3A/hour batteries can get eaten up pretty quickly.
Adjustable guard
Having an easily adjustable guard is one of my favorite features of an angle grinder. It makes it a lot easier to change positions and saves you a lot of hassle.
Durability
If you’re using an angle grinder regularly then you’re going to be putting the mechanisms under a lot of pressure. Cheap angle grinders won’t stand up to heavy work and you’ll save more money in the long run by investing in a durable one. The top rated brands are so popular because they’ve stood the test of time and last longer than cheaper models. Grinders that are designed help protect the motor from dust and debris will help them to last longer.
Type of Disc
There are 4 main different types of disc you can buy for your angle grinder, each serving a different purpose. These are cutting discs, grinding discs, wire discs and flap discs.
Cutting Disc
Cutting discs are the thinnest disc you can buy that are used to cut metal. Generally these will be flat sided, not dished in the middle like grinding discs. You can buy cutting discs from about 3mm and under, but I prefer to buy the thinnest ones I can to get a nice clean cut. Never use the flat side of a cutting disc to grind metal as this can cause the disc to shred and could cause damage.
Grinding Disc
Grinding discs are normally 5 mm thick or thicker. These are good for smoothing out rough metal and clearing slag. A grinding disc is good for beveling and cleaning up edges and will allow you to shape the metal.
Flap Disc
Flap discs are coated in sandpaper so have a smoother material and don’t use as much force as a grinding disc. These are good if you’re looking to create a smoother finish. The larger the grit number on the flap disc, the finer the grit is and the shinier the finish is.
Wire Brush Discs
These are another useful way of polishing down your metal without causing much alteration to your base metal. This is a good way to get rid of rust or slag. Watch out for bits of wire flying off.
Disc Size
Most popular angle grinders use a 4 ½ inch diameter disc. These are popular because they’re easy to maneuver, lightweight, fit into smaller spaces and are big enough to work on pretty much any normal workshop welding project. Some grinders will have discs up to 7-9 inches which give much more surface area, but generally you won’t need these unless you’re working on big industrial projects.
Changing the Disc
It only takes a few minutes to replace your angle grinder disc. Make sure the power is disconnected if it’s a corded grinder and make sure the battery is disconnected if it’s cordless. You should be able to easily remove the bolt that holds your disc in place with a spanner that’s provided with the grinder. Different grinders will have different ways to change the dics, some are easier than others but it will be simple to do and there will be instructions with the grinder. Some of our top rated ones enable you to change discs with the press of a button. I actually like having a few grinders lying around with different discs and settings, but maybe that’s just me being lazy!
Type of switch
Grinders have different types of switches that start and stop the disc spinning. Paddle switches or flaps underneath let you turn it on with your finger which I prefer. Some models you’ll need to start it with your thumb which I don’t find as comfortable and an on off switch can be more dangerous. The last thing you want is an angle grinder thrown out of your hands and spinning round while you try and turn it off. Slide up switches can be a bit awkward when wearing gloves.
Size
Grinders with a small diameter body are easier to hold in one hand which can be useful. Also, smaller dimensions may allow you to weld in tighter spaces.
Safety
Make sure you wear goggles or other adequate eye or face protect when using an angle grinder and wear gloves to protect your hands. The guard on the disc will offer limited protection, but you only have one set of eyes and something could easily fling up and blind you, don’t take the risk! Wear a leather apron and don’t have any flammables nearby that could be lit by grinding sparks. If you buy cheap discs these are more likely to break up and could cause harm. Finally, position the grinder so that any debris is directed downward and read all the safety instructions supplied in the user manual before using your angle grinder.
Price
The price is obviously an important consideration when choosing your angle grinder. Cheap grinders don’t last that long and won’t withstand regular use. If you buy a cheap one, be prepared to treat it as a consumable. If your budget is over $100 you should be able to buy a good high-end model and there are plenty of mid-range angle grinders available around the $75 mark. The warranty is another important thing to consider, most top brands have good warranty periods to help protect your investment.
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