Crappy Tool Of The Month Club

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High honors this month go to the Black & Decker model 7750 4 1/2" electric grinder.Total run time from box to garbage can:  20min.Final cause of death:  Bad spindle bearing, excessive runout, finally deceased due to excessive bleeding (cracked casting loss of all grease)Price:  $29 TOO MUCHOther symptoms:  Power button that will not stay locked "on".  Vibration so bad that my hands are numb, and I have a terrible headache (ear protection not an issue, full coverage ear protectors)I don't buy high dollar grinders to run a cup brush.  Usually less than $50.  I won't subject my good DeWalts to continuous running.  Expect the cheap ones to last about a year or two.  This little gem made the Hall of Shame with flying colors."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Funny thing: B&D=Dewalt. Although a lot of B&D is lower end.Harbor Freight grinders for 9.99 on sale are the bomb.  Plus, they come with extra brushes if you don't melt down the housing first.  Look for the orange and grey grinders. I think they have a HDuty line now that may be two tone gray.Just bought a 7-9 inch grinder from Agri-Supply Co. with their name on it for 34.95.  IT has a whopping 17.9 amp rating.  It is slow to start but watch out when it starts screaming, you can fall asleep on it and it won't give up.Last edited by lugweld; 11-19-2008 at 06:03 PM.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Lugweld, hate to admit this in public after some previous rantsThe previous grinder was a cheap azz HF 4" grinder.  Lasted thru a lot of jobs. Trailer, 2 feeders, 2 feed bunks, tree grapple, tree bucker, and others "Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:The fine print always kills ya'The four and 4.5 basic grinders are essentially the same save the guard.  Same amps and everything. There is a 34.95 or so 8 amper that they have now with a paddle switch.  Might be worth throwing some more $ HF's way.  Check their site; haven't seen it in stores yet.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:I usually want the lowest amp grinder available for runnin' a cup brush.  The brush seems to do a better job when it doesn't rotate too fast.  Damn thing "flattens" out too much when it runs at full grinder speed.  The lower amp grinders have a hard time gettin' it to run too fast.Plus you don't get all the acupuncture needles everywhere on yer bod from the damn broken wire flyin' everywhere  Tetnus anyone??"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Gee sam I sure hope that you brought the ell cheapo B&D back for your money.As lugweld has said Harborfreight. I have bought two 3/4 hp 4 1/2" grinders from them about 2 years ago. On one the screws came out and the grainder came apart in my hands while it was on ! Can you say electro shock therphy? Replace the two screws (once the feeling returned to my hand). The other grinder hasn't had a problem. And yes they do give you spare electrical brushes.Co-Own CNC shop:Miller :1251 plasma cutter, MaxStar 700 TIG/Stick, & XMT 456 Multiprocess Welder.&  2 Hypertherm HPR260's Plasma CutterSorry I had a bad stroke but now I am back.
Reply:I use the HF stainless steel cup brushes with the twisted dread-lock looking brushes.  The SS lasts longer and the twisted design keeps down the shrapnel.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:thats why i try to buy made in usajust bought a milwaukee 6154-20 grinder 12 amp 4 1/2"real nice i buy all mil. tools Attached Images
Reply:They look to pretty to ever have been used.A butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:Farmer Sam,Why would you want the lock button to work on something that vibrated that bad?????A butterfly without wings, is just an ugly bug
Reply:Just a quick warning about the 4-1/2" Milwaukee Grinder, the grinding wheel nut may be subject to a recall. At least here in Canada. The nut split apart in at least 2 incidents in our mill. We had to switch them.
Reply:Hey, in the middle of grillin burgers.Ed, you know how I feel about buyin' American.  Is the Milwaukee bona fide made in USA?If so, maybe I could handle the extra amps for paint prep work.  Don't need 'em but what the Hell.  I never see 'em sold anywhere.  I like the paddle switch on yours.  Safest way to go, bar none!!  Where can you get them these days?I've kept my two DeWalts for years.  One US made, other made in Mexico.  I just replace the gears every so often.  They last forever."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Oh, and Hey?I'm not quite sure the B&D wasn't over speeding from the get go.  My other grinders have never sounded like that."Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Spending $30 on a grinder is like putting $40 tires on your one ton. Or a $75 wedding band on your lovely brides finger. Or $1 drill bits. You get what you pay for.JTMcC.
Reply:Originally Posted by JTMcCSpending $30 on a grinder is like putting $40 tires on your one ton. Or a $75 wedding band on your lovely brides finger. Or $1 drill bits. You get what you pay for.JTMcC.
Reply:Originally Posted by rocnronJust a quick warning about the 4-1/2" Milwaukee Grinder, the grinding wheel nut may be subject to a recall. At least here in Canada. The nut split apart in at least 2 incidents in our mill. We had to switch them.
Reply:I have a 4"  makita I bought 15 yrs ago. It's done a ton of grinding plus it took 7,count 'em, 7 layers of paint off my front porch w/ a 3" cup brush. It finally decided it needed a new set of brushes this summer. The little fella sold new for $49.95, so for 15 yrs and a $3.85 pair of brushes, I'd say that's a fair return on investment.   I have a 4 1/2" B&D I rescued from the dump. All it needed was a new cord. It has performed w/o fail now for 5 yrs. I have no idea how old it is. I just don't think they make 'em like that anymore.                         JMHO,                                   MikeOl' Stonebreaker  "Experience is the name everyone gives to their mistakes"Hobart G-213 portableMiller 175 migMiller thunderbolt ac/dc stick Victor O/A setupMakita chop saw
Reply:I have an old 9" Milwaukee which has seen heavy use; once I hardfaced a logsplitter anvil and then spent a day and a half grinding it to a mirror finish. It's  had the brusher replaced at least once. I also have had a Milwaukee 4 1/2"  (I used to know the model numbers for both) and haven't  had any problems with it, even with hard use. I do blow the dust out occasionally, and lubricate them sometimes. I think I saw in a Mlwaukee catalog recently that they make some variable-speed grinders; don't quote me on that though. I suppose the catalog is online.
Reply:The advice is well taken all.  Will find online supplier, and order the Milwaukee tonite.  At least it's a one time OUCH, instead of a slow bleed with the cheap crap.  Thanks"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Coincidentally,Today,  I checked on Milwaukee for a 7 inch grinder for full time duty.  Its made in china.  They all are, Makita, Hitatchi, Dewalt, and some Bosch.  The only one I have found not to be made in China is Metabo.  It is made where sourkrout flows with the beer and the men dress in funny tights, and frankfurt is a town,not a hotdog.The supplier on the Milwaukee said they had been having a lot of problems with them and were only actively stocking the hitatchi and would never again sell DeWalt because most of the new ones were non repairable.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:I can still get gear, and spindle bearing, kits for my old paddle switch style DeWalts.  Hope that doesn't go away.CRAPScrew it, I'm probably gonna wind up using the old DeWalts for everything.I'll double check country of origin on the smaller Milwaukees before I throw up"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:Dewalts hold up better than anything else out in the dirt, sand and mud.Buy the good ones not the cheap homeowner models.My new Dewalts are the same as my several year old Dewalts and they can and are repaired when they need it. 5" 7" & 9" are what we use.Millwaukee's are pretty common on inside work.Our grinders see hard use daily. And the helpers are not kind to them.JTMcC.
Reply:Originally Posted by JTMcCDewalts hold up better than anything else out in the dirt, sand and mud.Buy the good ones not the cheap homeowner models.My new Dewalts are the same as my several year old Dewalts and they can and are repaired when they need it. 5" 7" & 9" are what we use.Millwaukee's are pretty common on inside work.Our grinders see hard use daily. And the helpers are not kind to them.JTMcC.
Reply:Dewalt does have a 10 amp 4.5 grinder.  They sell it at lowes' now and a few other places.  It is the best built 4.5 grinder I have seen with the gear head being bolted together.  It at lowes runs about 130.  Other places, it is 200 plus.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Mine´s have lasted for 2+ years (2 of them) they´re on their second pair of brushes. I´ve used dewalts and they dont seem to be much worth over mine. I can buy 2 B&D and leave one resting and the other on for some heavy duty continous polishing. Of course I´m a hobbyst. I can trash a dewalt, milwakee or B&D in 10 mins. If you apply 1 ton of pressure on them all of them will fail. Same as everything.My Babies: HF Drill pressHF Pipe Bender3   4.5" Black and Decker angle grindersLincoln Electric PROMIG 175that´s it!I have one of the 10 amp DeWalts. I bought it a little over two years ago and gave about  90 bucks for it. It is stout even if it does make funny noises.
Reply:Originally Posted by OldtimerI have one of the 10 amp DeWalts. I bought it a little over two years ago and gave about  90 bucks for it. It is stout even if it does make funny noises.
Reply:Originally Posted by OldtimerI have one of the 10 amp DeWalts. I bought it a little over two years ago and gave about  90 bucks for it. It is stout even if it does make funny noises.
Reply:the 9" grinder and the hammer drill i got about 6 weeks ago and the 1/2" drill over a year now i do take care of my toolsheres my bobcat 225 its a 1996 the 4 1/2" i got monday is variable speedi bought them from Toolup .comlugweld if you like dewalt thy have the 10 amp 4 1/2" for $76.75 and the 13 amp is $105.22 Attached Images
Reply:I had 2 HF grinders, one for at least 2 years and another for about a year. I had a wire wheel on one and a grinder on the other. When I tried to get the wire wheel off of one the housing broke. I tossed it, still have the other. The next grinder I get will be a better grinder like the Dewalt, Millwaukee, or Makita. Can't complain on the HF, it is nice not changing out, the price makes it easy.
Reply:My 9 year old Dewalt 4.5" gets daily use in the fab shop.  And before that I used it with a diamond wheel for stonework when I was a masonry contractor.  I had to put a new set of spindle bearings in it a few years ago and a new power switch, but for the $70 I paid for it, I got my moneys worth for sure!
Reply:Originally Posted by flydrifterI had 2 HF grinders, one for at least 2 years and another for about a year. I had a wire wheel on one and a grinder on the other. When I tried to get the wire wheel off of one the housing broke. I tossed it, still have the other. The next grinder I get will be a better grinder like the Dewalt, Millwaukee, or Makita. Can't complain on the HF, it is nice not changing out, the price makes it easy.
Reply:Well, it was another setback for Wally World, and B&DMy defective grinder was one of hundreds.  The entire shipment is being returned as we speak.  Back to China(probably not....soon to be seen on Ebay as "reconditioned")Lady that works for me, takin' care of Mom, says her daughter (asst. mgr. Wally World) told her that everyone is bringin' 'em back.  Bad Bearings on all of 'em.When are they gonna learn to quit outsourcing this stuff??BTW-  Checked out Milwaukee's web site.  In bold capital letters they talk about 2 production/distribution facilities here in the US, and way down in the paragraph (so's you don't hardly notice it), they mention their worldwide production facilities"Any day above ground is a good day"http://www.farmersamm.com/
Reply:When are they gonna learn to quit outsourcing this stuff??sadly it won't happen. too much profit from cheap labor.
Reply:Very hard to see where stuff is made unless you have the tool in your hand....Miller 140 w A/SHF Flux Core WelderDewalt Chop SawSmith O/A TorchHarley Electra Glide Classic
Reply:If you aspire to perform productive work with your tools, what pray tell are you doing shopping in wallyworld??????There are tools out there, that hold up under hard industrial use. But you won't find them at wally.In fact, unless you want to buy the cheapest possible item, you won't find anything at wally. I haven't been in a wally for many years, I consider it to be "china-junk-r-us".We probably don't have as many "things" as a lot of people, but what we do have is of reasonable quality and not made by slave labor in a communist country.JTMcC.
Reply:I have to agree with mla2ofus!  I also have a Makita 4" grinder that's at least 15 years old.  My two teenage sons and I have used it to cut, grind, polish, sand and sharpen everything from homebuilt go-kart, biodiesel processor stands, welding benches, bakersrack, lawnmower blades, hoes, axes, car parts, etc., etc,.... The only problem I had with the tool was the plastic start button (has a long plastic rod attached that actually pushes the switch).  It finally gave out but I was able to get a replacement from http://www.ereplacementparts.com/ .  I had to call Maktia to for advice in getting the thing apart but they were incredibly helpful.  Works like a champ again!  Best $49.95 I've ever spent!BIG PLUG - http://www.ereplacementparts.com/ - this website is superb!  I like to keep quality old tools and use them.  I've also been able to buy brushes for a Porter-Cable edge planer that is at least 15 years old, side handle for a 20 year old 1/2 milwaukee drill, and drive belt for a 15 year old Black and Decker electric hand planer. For something I couldn't find on their website I called and they were able to find it!  Great service and Great inventory or at least access to almost any part for power tools!
Reply:Yes and that grinder (makita)was made either in Japan or Buford GA.  Now it is from China.I burned a Makita up within about 3 days use, about 10 wheels worth of use.  Made in China.Esab Migmaster 250Lincoln SA 200Lincoln Ranger 8Smith Oxy Fuel setupEverlast PowerPlasma 80Everlast Power iMIG 160Everlast Power iMIG 205 Everlast Power iMIG 140EEverlast PowerARC 300Everlast PowerARC 140STEverlast PowerTIG 255EXT
Reply:Originally Posted by farmersammHigh honors this month go to the Black & Decker model 7750 4 1/2" electric grinder.Total run time from box to garbage can:  20min.Final cause of death:  Bad spindle bearing, excessive runout, finally deceased due to excessive bleeding (cracked casting loss of all grease)Price:  $29 TOO MUCHOther symptoms:  Power button that will not stay locked "on".  Vibration so bad that my hands are numb, and I have a terrible headache (ear protection not an issue, full coverage ear protectors)I don't buy high dollar grinders to run a cup brush.  Usually less than $50.  I won't subject my good DeWalts to continuous running.  Expect the cheap ones to last about a year or two.  This little gem made the Hall of Shame with flying colors.
Reply:Craftsman tapes are on the list, made in the USA(gotta watch the model) Stanley for me from now on.Disclaimer; "I am just an a$$hole welder, don't take it personally ."
Reply:Originally Posted by paweldorCould have been an "out of balance" grinding wheel.  However,  I had one of my DeWalt 4 1/2" grinders  go out on me on a job where I had 2 helpers and myself grinding.  Went to the local hardware store, bought one of them B&D models.  It too, lasted  only about 20 minutes.I have had great luck with the DeWalt grinders with the paddle switch under the armature housing.  First thing I do is remove the safety flip lever on the paddle so I don't need two hands, and one leg to turn the thing on.  I know, I know, safety first.  But those latches are a BIG PITA.As an added thought.  I used to buy all my grinding wheel from Graingers.  American brand name stuff.  Then, the company started importing them. Now, I go to eBay and buy boxes of 20-25.  If I'm going to get chinese junk (actually, some hold up pretty good), I'm going to pay less for them.  Once in awhile I get one in a box that out of balance, but with a little grinding, it goes away.  Last 50 I bought were Iron Mike brand.  Not bad at all for the price.
Reply:I know I'm a few days late to this discussion, but as far as power tools made in the USA, have you checked Porter Cable? I've got one of their sanders and a 1/2" drill that I bought just a couple of years ago, and they were made in the US, in Tennessee I think.
Reply:I have three Porter Cable angle grinders that I've bought over the years. One is at least 15 years old. I beat the snot out of them. Lower them to the ground by the cord, use them as hammers to move something into alignment and generaly ride them hard and put them away wet and dirty! And they just keep on working. I have dozens of PC tools. Drills, routers, power hand planers and they are all 110% tools. But I rarely see PC tools around any longer. Are they still in business?Roy BDartmouth, Mahttp://www.rvbprecision.comMM 185 MIGDiversion 165Purox W200 O/AGrizzly 9957 MillGrizzly 4030 Metal Band SawGrizzly 1050 Knife Belt SanderJet 1236 Metal LatheCM 14" Metal Band SawTP Blast Cabinet
Reply:Just checked eBay.  There's a DeWalt 4 1/2" angle grinder, Model D28402 (the 10 amp model like we have Sam), new, bidding is only up to $51.  Goes off auction in about 6 hours.I agree with lots of other posters,  hard to find ANY tools not made in China these days.
Reply:Originally Posted by ed macthats why i try to buy made in usajust bought a milwaukee 6154-20 grinder 12 amp 4 1/2"real nice i buy all mil. tools
Reply:Sam, you can get a two grinder set of Bosch 4 1/2" grinders at the Depot for $99. I have six of them now and really like them. Small body so you can hold on good with one hand.
Reply:Originally Posted by rbertalottoI have three Porter Cable angle grinders that I've bought over the years. One is at least 15 years old. I beat the snot out of them. Lower them to the ground by the cord, use them as hammers to move something into alignment and generaly ride them hard and put them away wet and dirty! And they just keep on working. I have dozens of PC tools. Drills, routers, power hand planers and they are all 110% tools. But I rarely see PC tools around any longer. Are they still in business?
Reply:FYIDelta/Porter Cable is owned by Dewalt / Black and DeckerThis happend about 3 years ago
Reply:At the Depot earlier tonight...picked up and looked at the label on every single angle grinder on display...ALL made in China (Bosch, Milwaukee, Makita, Ryobi, DeWalt, Ridgid), except for one DeWalt that was made in Mexico.  Looked under the rack and that same model is made in China now...the display model was an older one.  I've been taking these threads on outsourcing with a grain of salt, but I guess you guys have been right.  I just feel sad now. -IanMulti-brand O/A setupCasting furnace in the works!
Reply:I somehow got the job of repairing all of the tools at work and I have to say stay away from the 12 amp 4.5 inch Milwaukees.  I love Milwaukee, but I can't keep up with the repairs on these grinders.  Most of the failures are catastrophic.  They all go through a set of brushes about once every 2 months, but most don't make it through the first set of brushes.  The trouble is, the 12 amp motor in such a small package overheats.  They will short out the windings in the stator which leads to a multitude of failures.  The shorted windings cause rapid wear of brushes, loss of power, consumption of switches, and even bearing failures.  I keep trying to talk the company into the 8.5 amp Milwaukees, they don't generate as much heat and last much longer.  They still have enough power that you can't dog them down.As for made in USA, the only Milwaukee tools made in USA nowadays are the old style 5.5 amp grinders, the old style Magnum drills, and the large grinders.  None of their current or high powered stuff is made in USA.  Most of the Milwaukee stuff that comes across my workbench is made in Mexico, not China, which is slight upgrade.  The Sawzalls and Port-a-Bands are extremely reliable (only broken one of those), I believe they are still USA made.Last edited by 76GMC1500; 02-11-2009 at 02:16 AM.