What to Search for in an Angle Grinder

Energy Supply

As with many energy instruments, you’ll have two primary decisions in the case of angle grinders: corded and cordless. There are additionally pneumatic angle grinders, however they’re principally utilized in skilled auto retailers, not by the typical DIYer.

Corded angle grinders require you to stay inside attain of {an electrical} outlet, however in return, you acquire extra energy and no fears of operating out of energy earlier than you end your job. Cordless angle grinders are very versatile, significantly when working in tight quarters, however there’s an opportunity the battery will run down earlier than you’re completed. You’ll be able to resolve that drawback, nevertheless, by having two batteries so one will be in use whereas the opposite is charging.

Thomas Hawkins, handyman, grasp electrician, and proprietor of Electrician Apprentice HQ, expands additional, advising, “The corded versus cordless debate relies upon upon the mission. If working in a good space the place you do not want numerous energy however want versatility, go cordless. However in case you’re not restricted in your actions and particularly want further energy, go corded. All of it boils right down to what you are making an attempt to perform.”

Disc Dimension

The angle grinders most favored by the DIY set are smaller instruments that take 4-1/2-inch or sometimes 5-inch discs. These angle grinders aren’t exceptionally heavy and are sufficiently small—most are round 12 inches lengthy—to get into small areas, and but massive sufficient to have the ability to deal with commonest grinding, sanding, or sharpening duties across the residence, yard, or storage. You’ll discover a variety of each corded and cordless angle grinders on this measurement vary.

Angle grinders that take 7-inch or 9-inch discs are extra highly effective, but in addition heavier and never as simple to maneuver in tight areas. Virtually all of those instruments are corded. Whereas some DIYers might need want of those massive angle grinders, significantly in the event that they do numerous auto restore or main reworking initiatives, extra generally professionals who want the utmost in measurement and energy select these instruments to be used in slicing by way of concrete, metal, or comparable very exhausting supplies.

Velocity

The velocity of an angle grinder’s spinning disc is measure in rotations per minute (rpm). Be aware that the speeds said by producers are usually the utmost velocity achieved by the instrument when it’s not “loaded,” i.e., actively in use grinding or sanding. Bear in mind additionally that the quicker the velocity, the warmer the disc turns into. By no means run a disc at the next velocity than that disc’s said most, because the disc might shatter, doubtlessly inflicting extreme harm.

Smaller angle grinders usually have most rotations within the 5,000- to 11,000-rpm vary, and plenty of have variable velocity controls so you possibly can tailor the velocity to your wants. Bigger angle grinders often have decrease most speeds, usually within the 5,000- to eight,000-rpm vary.

Why Belief The Spruce?

This text is edited and up to date by Michelle Ullman, the instrument skilled for The Spruce. She has in depth expertise not solely in writing about all issues associated to the house, but in addition in finishing up numerous DIY initiatives, together with landscaping, portray, flooring, wallpapering, furnishings makeovers, and easy repairs.

For this roundup, she thought-about dozens of angle grinders, making an allowance for options, energy, value, and model repute, in addition to opinions from each skilled and DIY patrons, and recommendation from Thomas Hawkins, handyman, grasp electrician, and proprietor of Electrician Apprentice HQ.