Best 4 1/2" angle grinders?

admin

I'm using a DeWalt I bought from Home Depot for $59. I'm thinking of getting at least one more for a wire wheel or cut off disc. Not sure if I should buy the same one or not. Haven't had any problems with this one, though.
Reply:Can't go wrong with any of the heavier duty ones.Just a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:I dislike dewalt tools in general. No real reason, but I just do.My work truck has a dewalt grinder that has been horribly abused by me for 2 years.I've repacked the gears several times with high temp grease, but it still heats up to near blister inducing temperatures after a few moments of use.Still works like a champ though.My new one, also dewalt, is working quite well still.
Reply:Metabo 6" Once I tried one, I never went back to a 4 1/2"I still keep one around for specific stuff, but the guard comes off my new Metabo in a snap so if I need a smaller wheel for a special task, I just put one on the Metabo. It has a powerful soft start, clutched motor. 13A. Real nice for moderate to heavy grinding and totally rocks with a cutoff wheel. I have two other Metabo 6" grinders too, but one is about on its last legs so I gotta tear it apart and fix it with parts I have from another dead grinder.I do have a smaller DeWalt I use specifically for a sander. It was like $65 bux IIRC. Great little grinder but it eats brushes fast. No complaints with their stuff in general tho. I have their 20V cordless stuff and it kicks a$$.IMHO of courseLast edited by 7A749; 12-27-2015 at 03:48 PM.Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:The DeWalt D28402 model is hands down, the best bang for your buck. I'm not sure if that's the one you got, as $59 sounds a little cheap. Usually they're closer to $80-$100. I've had them all, DeWalt, Metabo, Fein, Harbor Freight, Milwaukee, Bosch, and I'm sure several others that I've forgotten. If you're using if for home hobby use, pretty much all of them will work fine. Some are smoother, and quieter than others. The HF ones are loud and clanky, but they're cheap! I bought a Fein grinder because everyone raves about them, but I hate it. It's awkward to hold, loud, and just feels cheap. The Metabo's are my absolute favorite. You can really press in with them when using a flap wheel, or wire brush with minimal loss in power, and they last! Very well made, but very expensive, relatively speaking.John 3:16(2) Miller Pheonix 456(2) Millermertic 252Dynasty 210DXHobart 210MVPDoringer D350 SA Cold SawScotchman 350LT Cold SawWebb 10x50 MillWebb 15x40 LatheGeka Bendicrop Ironworker
Reply:I plan on getting a new grinder also. Something with more power then my 10$ HF grinder that has served me very well for over a year, only thing it needs everyonce and a while is tightening the bolts on it. I'm a tig welder so I don't need anything too special.
Reply:I've been beating on an alloy nose Dewalt at work for a few years. It's a good unit but I dislike the trigger mechanism.  My personal Makita is a 20 year old 4" unit that I love. I've beat the snot out of it and it just runs.  My LWS has Metabo and I will check them out. I do need 1 or 2 more for different applications.  But I definitely will be looking at another Makita.
Reply:METABO , end of story. I have my first one that is over 30 years old. The newest ones are around 5 and made in GERMANY. I have Dewalts too, but like the newer Metabo's better.
Reply:I also prefer locking switch models as well.Just what I like.Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Originally Posted by EcondronThe DeWalt D28402 model is hands down, the best bang for your buck. I'm not sure if that's the one you got, as $59 sounds a little cheap. Usually they're closer to $80-$100. I've had them all, DeWalt, Metabo, Fein, Harbor Freight, Milwaukee, Bosch, and I'm sure several others that I've forgotten. If you're using if for home hobby use, pretty much all of them will work fine. Some are smoother, and quieter than others. The HF ones are loud and clanky, but they're cheap! I bought a Fein grinder because everyone raves about them, but I hate it. It's awkward to hold, loud, and just feels cheap. The Metabo's are my absolute favorite. You can really press in with them when using a flap wheel, or wire brush with minimal loss in power, and they last! Very well made, but very expensive, relatively speaking.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749I also prefer locking switch models as well.Just what I like.
Reply:Another vote for Metabo...Rich
Reply:I had a red makita a looong time ago. It was a good little grinder. I've owned rat tail trigger operated grinders and besides as a wire wheel grinder, they can keep them. Paddle switch grinders are about as desirable to me as post grunge millennial hard rock like nickelback an shine down I did use the new Fein rat tail at Fabtech and was very impressed with it. Wouldn't mind adding one to my Arsenal one day Last edited by 7A749; 12-27-2015 at 05:22 PM.Expert Garage Hack....https://www.facebook.com/steven.webber.948
Reply:Heya, the cheep HF ones have a place, I have had one craftsman all gray 4 1/2 maybe 16 or 18 years old and have since 2004 had 8 or 9 HF ones.  After a few hours of nonstop grinding and wire wheel use, the HF one is too hot to pick up without gloves esp the angle drive, would stuff it in the snow between sessions to cool it off, it was loud and low powered. I have recently added a Ryobi, got it used-free cause the blade lock broke and Ryobi said a 4 year old grinder is completely out of support.  The craftsman is the coolest running and the Ryobi is hotter but still, gloves not a requirement.   Ryobi and Dewalt both seem to run smooth, get a trigger set up you can live with with gloves and and for days of nonstop use on end.. But having several spreads out the wear and is much faster for tool changing.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7a749i also prefer locking switch models as well.Just what i like.
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749I had a red makita a looong time ago. It was a good little grinder. I've owned rat tail trigger operated grinders and besides as a wire wheel grinder, they can keep them. Paddle switch grinders are about as desirable to me as post grunge millennial hard rock like nickelback an shine down I did use the new Fein rat tail at Fabtech and was very impressed with it. Wouldn't mind adding one to my Arsenal one day
Reply:Originally Posted by wornoutoldwelderI ain't talking about the D28402's, but instead the DWE402N.....I been getting them in 3 packs off Amazon for something like 80-90 bucks each with 5 packs of thick free grinding wheels...Hell, now that you mentioned it, I'll go order another 3.
Reply:Originally Posted by M J DAs painful as it is, I would take nickleback over a paddle switch. Lol
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749Yeah, they did have a couple good songs
Reply:You really can't go wrong with any of the popular brands as long as you get the higher amp rated ones. If you intend on heavy use go with metabo and dewalt as a second choice.
Reply:I bought one of the cheap metabo grinders.For the price it's as good as it gets.http://www.amazon.com/Metabo-820-125...metabo+grinderJust a couple welders, big hammers, grinders, and torches.Work will free you.Men in dirty jeans built this country, while men in clean suits have destroyed it. Trump/Carson 2016-2024
Reply:Well,I have a 13 amp DeWalt that I like well.But if I were in the market for another, I'd get an 11 amp Milwaukee, which is 5.4 pounds, paddle switch, no lock-on, no electronic clutch. And the reason would be that its performance would undoubtedly match that of the Dewalt, but would be easier to wield in one hand at those times I might wish to hold a work piece in the other hand for some quick touch up.They're about $100, new.http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-6147...4F2BJP6TA8KVZ6
Reply:They're about $100, new.http://www.amazon.com/Milwaukee-6147...4F2BJP6TA8KVZ6We have one of those at work that I used for about an hour.  THAT WAS THE WORST TRIGGER IN THE WORLD. The trigger resesses into the handle, when your hand gets tired you have to press harder and harder to keep it on.  With thick gloves it's harder as well.IMO it's horrible.
Reply:Gee,That's interesting to know. But have you actually tried all the "TRIGGERS IN THE WORLD"? Ha, ha, ha...Otherwise, do you think it has anything to do with a safety mechanism, which I'll usually remove anyway?
Reply:I'm in the Metabo camp, but I've been tempted to try out Fein's new unit. It's made in Germany, and on sale for $65:http://waltertool.com/specials/fein-...wsg-7-115.html-ChrisOriginally Posted by C. LivingstoneGee,That's interesting to know. But have you actually tried all the "TRIGGERS IN THE WORLD"? Ha, ha, ha...Otherwise, do you think it has anything to do with a safety mechanism, which I'll usually remove anyway?
Reply:Originally Posted by M J DYou really can't go wrong with any of the popular brands as long as you get the higher amp rated ones. If you intend on heavy use go with metabo and dewalt as a second choice.
Reply:Ordered 2 of these this morning. http://www.amazon.com/DEWALT-DWE402-...dp_ob_title_hiI have an older 402 and it has always worked great.Miller 211Hypertherm PM 451961 Lincoln Idealarc 250HTP 221  True Wisdom only comes from Pain.
Reply:Originally Posted by MinnesotaDaveI tend to agree - I believe both my dewalt grinders are the 13 amp models and I'd still like a little more power.
Reply:Those paddle switches are very fatiguing with gloves on. Especially grinding in awkward positions when you have to rotate your hand like it's on a swivel.. I'd never buy a paddle for myself. That being said, I'm looking real hard at this guy...http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00TQEUVUA?psc=1
Reply:Originally Posted by 7A749I also prefer locking switch models as well.Just what I like.
Reply:Ahhhhhh.....some side switch love! Eff that yellow thing..lolhttp://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00005...998AV9DZEE0HMM
Reply:Yeah,I think I know the kind. I've used a Makita that had those long depression switches, which I didn't like somehow. And maybe I'm just remembering a Milwaukee with a paddle switch that I liked well from about 20 years ago.Otherwise, this thread has got me taking a closer look at some lighter, more slender units. And I'm thinking that the thumb slide switch is the better mechanism for a one-handed grip, even though I generally prefer the paddle switch and a handle for my second hand.So, for a light, slender, lessor-powered quality grinder, I'm likin' the looks of this Makita, at 4 lbs, 6 amps, and around $65 delivered, with no extortion paid to the State cult.http://www.amazon.com/Makita-GA4530-...+angle+grinder Originally Posted by dieselssWell almost all the triggers....BahahahaNo nothing to do with the safety, just the way the triggers designed. I actually commented to the boss that it hurt my hand and I said I'd never use it again.  To me, it seemed like you had to squeeze so tight to keep it on that it just fatigued the heck outta my hand
Reply:Originally Posted by C. LivingstoneYeah,I think I know the kind. I've used a Makita that had those long depression switches, which I didn't like somehow. And maybe I'm just remembering a Milwaukee with a paddle switch that I liked well from about 20 years ago.Otherwise, this thread has got me taking a closer look at some lighter, more slender units. And I'm thinking that the thumb slide switch is the better mechanism for a one-handed grip, even though I generally prefer the paddle switch and a handle for my second hand.So, for a light, slender, lessor-powered quality grinder, I'm likin' the looks of this Makita, at 4 lbs, 6 amps, and around $65 delivered, with no extortion paid to the State cult.http://www.amazon.com/Makita-GA4530-...+angle+grinder
Reply:Here's my favorite, Makita 9005B.  Bought my first one over 20 years ago. Still running strong. Their is also a 25.00 discount from price at check out (112.00). http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...ilpage_o03_s00Last edited by TRENT; 12-27-2015 at 08:02 PM.
Reply:Yeah,I saw that twin-pack on Amazon too. Looks like another lightweight winner. And like Shovelon mentions as well, I'm thinking a lessor grinder is worth having to finese the finishing work. I mean, I usually grind, flap-disc, then orbital sand to get a nice brushed metal finish on stainless stuff or even before painting.But, there's undoubtedly a fine proverbial line between the sensible justification for another grinder and an excessive-compulsive tendency. Ha, ha, ha... Originally Posted by Mcm308I was looking at these for slenderness...and I got no problems with Bosch tools. And they got a twin pack for like 88 bucks. Sounds like a killer deal.http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003DQ...CZJDRB6W0&th=0
Reply:I find myself reaching for my makita with the side switch. I've had the side switch get me when a wire brush cough the cord, hAve to be careful.  Also have a paddle switcheck dewalt and  couple 7 inch dewalts the big on and a smaller one, which is what I use most time for grinding with a stone, just get a better finish with the bigger wheel.Last edited by Phil Snyder; 12-27-2015 at 08:28 PM.
Reply:Unless I have to use an electric grinder, I use all pneumatic grinders.  From 2" single-handed for small-area grinding, up to a 7" air grinder depending on how bad the weld ended up .  The 7" air grinder was bought on ebay for $40, and looks identical to the $500+ "name brand" 7" grinders.  Never heats up, and even with an undersized 3/8" air hose, it can still do some damage if need be.  With 100gal and 7HP on tap for compressed air, I have yet to need more capacity. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Originally Posted by OscarUnless I have to use an electric grinder, I use all pneumatic grinders.  From 2" single-handed for small-area grinding, up to a 7" air grinder depending on how bad the weld ended up .  The 7" air grinder was bought on ebay for $40, and looks identical to the $500+ "name brand" 7" grinders.  Never heats up, and even with an undersized 3/8" air hose, it can still do some damage if need be.  With 100gal and 7HP on tap for compressed air, I have yet to need more capacity.
Reply:Dewalt 28402 is good enough for 4 1/2".
Reply:all my tools are supplied by the company. metabo, bosch and lately dewalt. all are good grinders. imvhoi.u.o.e. # 15queens, ny and sunny fla
Reply:Originally Posted by PipelinerDewalt 28402 is good enough for 4 1/2".
Reply:I'm not familiar with the 402 but they look very similar to the 28402. I have a whole gaggle of the 28402 so I'll just keep buying them until I can't. I'm afraid to bring a newer model home; the current version might think something's up and let the magic smoke out.
Reply:looks like the new one has a little more balls and you don't need the tool to remove the grinding wheel.Miller 211Hypertherm PM 451961 Lincoln Idealarc 250HTP 221  True Wisdom only comes from Pain.
Reply:Also just as important is the grinding wheel, IMO.  Once I was introduced to 3M CubitronII wheels, it's all I use.  Serious metal removal that will make it seem like your grinder grew an extra pair. 1st on WeldingWeb to have a scrolling sig! HTP Invertig 400HTP Invertig 221HTP ProPulse 300HTP ProPulse 200 x2HTP ProPulse 220MTSHTP Inverarc 200TLP HTP Microcut 875SC
Reply:Originally Posted by Mcm308I was looking at these for slenderness...and I got no problems with Bosch tools. And they got a twin pack for like 88 bucks. Sounds like a killer deal.http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B003DQ...CZJDRB6W0&th=0
Reply:Originally Posted by Mr. SmithI looked at that deal last week, and buried in the reviews was a comment noting that the machines delivered were not made in Germany. Perhaps that's why they're cheap.
Reply:I wouldn't say it's the best, but I'm using a blue Harbor Freight 4½" grinder that I got shortly before starting school. I picked it because it's got a paddle switch instead of a thumb switch- I've had to deal with runaway thumb switch grinders, and it isn't fun. I'm mentioning it because I saw it outlive several other students' more expensive grinders, particularly this one Makita.Don't get a red HF one, though. They're junk. Originally Posted by OscarAlso just as important is the grinding wheel, IMO.  Once I was introduced to 3M CubitronII wheels, it's all I use.  Serious metal removal that will make it seem like your grinder grew an extra pair.
Reply:Anyone use Hitachi grinders?
Reply:Love Metabo  Grinders but won't work on a DC generator welder so I use DeWalts which are AC/DC ( universal wrap) on my pipe rig ......in the shop and other weld rig ( Trailblazer 350 D Pro) I use Metabo's , Bosh and DeWalts........