If you are looking for the best angle grinder for welding and metal work we have you covered! Metabo is among the most revered grinder companies known to professionals around the world and two of their grinders made the list. DeWalt is also featured for its power and durability. These are just a few that made the list, head down for the full list and a quick guide to help you in your search.
- Guide
- Reviews
- DISC SIZE: Disc size is directly proportional to the motor’s power. If the size is large, that means the motor has more power. There are multiple sizes to pick from, the most common one being 4.5 inches (115mm). But if you are after more precision, a smaller disk size will be a great fit. So a pneumatic grinder should be your best pick.
- POWER: When a grinder has high power, you can apply more pressure on it and this is almost a must when making a bolder cut. Each grinder has their own wattage, voltage and amp ratings. Amp ratings will usually range from 4 to 15. If you intend to use your grinder for household tasks, go for a lower rating.
- BRUSHES: Let’s get a bit technical now. Most power tools use brushes in the motor but what sets an angle grinder apart is the fact it tends to go through the brushes quicker than the other tools. A major reason for this is that grinders usually run for longer times compared to the other tools. The brushes do wear out and sometimes they will act up. So just ensure that your selected grinder can allow for a quick and easy replacement and that the replacements are easily available.
- COMFORT: Well, this pretty much depends on what you intend to use the grinder for but if you have ever spent hours on a grinder, you know how important this can be. Size and weight are two factors you should put in mind here.
If your use is reserved for industrial activities or other large-scale activities then you’ll definitely end up with large-sized and heavy angle grinders. But if your use is limited to household activities, just get yourself a smaller unit. Smaller units are comfortable to use for longer times. - Speed: Speed, in this case, refers to the revolutions the angle grinder’s disc makes per minute. Recommended speeds range from 5000- 10,000. But keep in mind that powerful grinders require a lot of careful handling due to the risk of injury. Generally, higher speed ratings are great if you are after more power.
- SAFETY FEATURES: If you are relatively new to using angle grinders, this is something you should keep in mind first. Just ensure that the grinder is a little bit easy to use and has additional safety features such as shields that can give you protection.
- CORDLESS GRINDERS: Cordless grinders come in smaller sizes. Of course the larger grinders require more power to operate. Cordless grinders are a great option when working in remote spaces but but not in workshops. Remember they use batteries and so if you intend to use them for longer periods then you’ll have to carry a set of extra batteries to keep you going. Check out the Cordless Grinder Buyer’s Guide which is better equipped to address the benefits and needs.
- Metabo long life motor
- Metabo S-Automatic safety clip clutch
- Electronic variable speed dial
- Electronic overload protection
- Electronic soft start
- Dimensions: 12.5 x 2.9 x 12 inches
- Weight: 6.5 pounds
- Tool length: 12 inches
- Wheel diameter: 4-1/2 inches
- Power tool type: corded
- Spindle size: 5/8 – 11 inches
- No-load speed: 11,000 RPM
- 11 Amp AC/DC 11,000 RPM motor
- No lock-on paddle switch lock
- One touch guard
- Quick change wheel release
- Matching wheel flanges
- Dimensions: 15.6×5.9×4.8 inches
- Weight: 6.2 pounds
- Tool length: 12 inches
- Wheel diameter: 4-1/2 inches
- Power tool type: corded
- Spindle size: 5/8 – 11 inches
- No-Load speed: 11,000 RPM
- Metabo long life motor
- Metabo S-Automatic safety slip clutch
- Dead-man paddle switch
- Metabo quick system
- Dimensions: 11.4 x 2.9 x 12 inches
- Weight: 5.3 pounds
- Tool length: 12 inches
- Wheel diameter: 4-1/2 inches
- Power tool type: corded
- Spindle size: 5/8 – 11 inches
- No-load speed: 10,500 RPM
- 7.5 Amp motor
- Labyrinth construction
- Extra large paddle switch
- Aluminum case
- Dimensions: 5.8 x 15 x 10 inches
- Weight: 11.9 pounds
- Wheel diameter: 4-1/2 inches
- Power tool type: corded
- Spindle size: 5/8 – 11 inches
- No-load speed: 11,000 RPM
- 7 Amp motor
- 3 position side handle
- Tool free guard
- Metal gear case
- Affordability
- Dimensions: 14,2 x 4,8 x 5.6 inches
- Weight: 6 pounds
- Wheel diameter: 4-1/2 inches
- Power tool type: corded
- Spindle size: 5/8 – 11 inches
- No-load speed: 11,000 RPM
No welder should be without an angle grinder. Aside from a welding machine, of the many tools used by a welder, this is one that is the probably most important and often used. Yes, it’s a relatively small tool but the power and versatility that’s been packed into it really give a welder a tool that will be used throughout a welding project from beginning to end.
Technically speaking, it’s just a combination of a barrel handle containing the motor, a spinning arbor, a wheel guard and a supportive side handle. It easily stands out as the king of metalworking. The welding trade is what this tool was initially designed for and this included cleaning the metal before welds, getting rid of weld slag, and excessive weld build up.
The limits to its use have since been overtaken by improvements in grinding and cutting wheels. Just attach a different wheel and you could do a lot more than cutting including cleaning dirt and rust, cutting hard metals such as rods and bolts, cutting tiles, and even sharpening tools.
Well, you may have already noticed the wide selection of angle grinders available out there. Honestly, it’s easy to be overwhelmed when searching for a model that could suit your needs. I did all the hard work for you and narrow your search to only the best angle grinders for welders.
Of course, we all have our unique needs and what’s great to note is that our selection of the best angle grinders for welding has been tested and found to meet the needs of many if not surpass them.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing an Angle Grinder for Welding
Before you jump on the search for the right grinder, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind. You are sure to run into different models and makes, and telling them apart requires that you have details of what distinguishes the performance between them.
Remember, not all inexpensive models are right for you but you don’t always need the highly-priced models. So here’s the information that will help you know what’s right for your needs.
So here goes our selection of the best grinder for welding. Whether you want the best cheap angle grinder, the best metal grinder or whatever other types of a grinder, our list has you covered.
The Best Angle Grinders for Welders – Top 5 Reviews
Now that you have a good idea of what to look for in an angle grinder you should be able to select the angle grinder to suit your needs and any welding or metalwork projects.
METABO WEV15 -125 HT GRINDER REVIEW
The best way to identify a quality product is in the handling, end product, and service it provides. The Metabo WEV15-125 HT ticks all these boxes. From performing tasks like surface grinding and polishing to grinding with sandpaper, you can expect any application which uses this grinder to deliver to every expectation.
Professional and amateur consumers alike express their satisfaction with some having used their Metabo WEV15-125 HT for years with no complaints or downtime.
Top Features
Performance
Considered the holy grail of grinders the Metabo WEV15-125 HT comes fitted with gear reduction and adjustable speed features to allow optimized yet friendly working of material. The Metabo long life motor has 50% more torque and 20% higher overload capacity for increased longevity and quicker removal of material.
What’s more, this grinder allows you to customize its speed depending on what material you are working on. You are also protected by the Metabo S-automatic torque limiting clutch which allows for very little kickback owing to disc jams.
For additional protection, the grinder comes fitted with the electronic overload protection soft start and restart. The Metabo WEV15-125 HT always delivers high-end performance because the auto-stop carbon brushes protect the motor for optimum results.
Specifications
Bottom line
Overall, the Metabo WEV15-125 HT is the best inspiration for a DIY session (of course all safety precautions observed). With customizable speeds, this grinder can deliver even when the load is considerable. From speed to power and functionality it stands as the best 4.5 angle grinder for welding.
DEWALT DWE402 ANGLE GRINDER REVIEW
The Dewalt DWE402 has been well received by consumers with many hailing it as the best Dewalt grinder on the market. According to the Dewalt fan base, it packs a serious punch when it comes to power and is a comfortable fit in the hand.
A favorite feature cited by users is the large Allen wrench for loosening and tightening the wheel nut which means you don’t have to perform manual switches.
Top Features
Performance
The 11 Amp AC/DC with speed of 11,000 rpm motor is designed to provide faster removal of material, give optimum power and more overload protection. The dust injection system ejects debris and dust that enter the grinder through the vents.
To further optimize the performance, the grinder comes fitted with the one-touch guard which allows it a 360-degree rotation action on the guard. It is an easy affair to protect oneself and the grinder from accidental start up with the no lock-on paddle switch lock.
With the Dewalt DEW402, you are guaranteed continued great operations as the grinder allows the use of common accessories opening itself up to easy and affordable maintenance.
Specifications
Bottom line
The Dewalt DEW402 has a proven track record of dependability and delivery. It is a clear favorite as one of the best corded hand grinder available on the market.
METABO WP9-115 ANGLE GRINDER REVIEW
Following hot on the heels of the Metabo WEV15 -125 HT, the WP9 -115 is just as strong a contender in the arena of grinders. With the parent company’s (Metabo) presence in the UK, US, Australia and many other countries worldwide, the brand has become synonymous with churning out quality grinders that are very popular with consumers.
Having over 60 years of experience in impact drills, it is only expected that the company’s offering of Metabo WP9 is touted as one of the best 4 1 2 angle grinder available. This grinder was engineered with top of the range grinding, de-burring, and cutting in mind.
Top Features
Performance
The Metabo WP9 115 comes with some of the lowest fatigue experienced on grinders today. It has a new Metabo marathon motor which provides 50% more torque. This means you can remove more material, quicker.
It also has a 20% higher overload capacity giving it a longer life expectancy. At the touch of a button, you can have a tool-free disc change courtesy of the Metabo Quick system. The Metabo WP9 115 has a great ergonomic design that has integrated the non-slip paddle switch with dead man feature to increase safety.
For further safety, Metabo S-automatic safety clutch provides the lowest possible kick back when disc jams occur. The ergonomic design also allows comfortable left-handed operations when rotated to a 90-degree position.
Specifications
Bottom line
Metabo WP9 stays true to the quality associated with the brand by both industry experts and end consumers. Users have called the angled grinder the tool that matches your attention to detail with power and precision.
MAKITA 9557PBX1 ANGLE GRINDER REVIEW
Small, powerful, and encased in an aluminum shell, the Makita 9557PBX1 is the perfect grinder due to its grinder angle. It can handle any job you that needs a thrust of power.
Top Features
Performance
The labyrinth zigzag construction and varnish both work in tandem to provide protection for the motor and bearings from dust by sealing them. This allows the 7.5 Amp motor to unleash the power and work at optimum.
The Makita 9557PBX1 is a compact grinder that touts a small diameter barrel grip giving it even more comfort when handling it. Speaking of comfort, the manufacturers ensured a larger paddle switch so that user can easily maneuver the grinder despite its small size.
Its lock-on/off feature allows continuous operation for a smooth and seamless job. In addition to that, it’s also the perfect choice for conserving heat and energy as it uses thicker coil wires which are wound more closely.
Specifications
Bottom line
For such a compactly designed welding grinder the Makita 9557PBX1 is the recipient of raving customer reviews. Consumers, mostly on Amazon, have registered immense satisfaction with its ability to weld the seams together seamlessly giving a professional finish to their projects.
However, the durability has been a point of dissatisfaction for other users who expected more considering its features. Bear in mind the workload also matters.
PORTER CABLE PP60TPAG ANGLE GRINDER REVIEW
This is the most affordable angle grinder to have on a job site for any professional. It is lightweight yet compact and powerful. It has that ideal functionality of a portable grinder that delivers no matter what the job or the application.
Top Features
Performance
Not only is the 7.0 Amp motor a powerhouse when it comes to accomplishing the work, but the 11,000 RPM also allows the porter-cable PC60TPAG to remove material at a high speed as well. The result is efficiency and precision in the job undertaken.
The 3 position handle and tool-free guard allow the grinder to be easily controlled in multiple positions while accessing the guard adjustments faster and easier. The grinder is well protected by the metallic gear case for increased durability and long service of the tool.
However, should you accidentally drop it, the non-locking paddle switch automatically shuts off the grinder.
Specifications
Bottom line
This compact 4.5-inch angle grinder is a must-have for anyone serious about having the best 4.5-inch angle grinder for a professional job and is also one of the best in its class. Widely considered by consumers as an investment it has been cited in professional cutting jobs like slicing through a 1/4 cold rolled mild steel.
Praised for its affordability and ease of use as well as of maneuverability, the portable cable PC60TPAG is a favorite among consumers.
Now that you have the information you need to pick an angle grinder, drop us a comment and let us know what grinder you chose!
