If you spend time cutting off stuck bolts with a hacksaw, sanding wood or metal, or scraping rust off iron, you can do the same jobs faster and with less effort using an angle grinder. These electric tools can grind down lumps on metal and wood, strip old paint, and cut through rusty locks, tiles, and concrete in a few seconds. They even work on soft materials like PVC or wood. A 4.5-inch grinder is ample for most home and shop applications, but here are some other features you might want your tool to have.
There are three ways to power an angle grinder. The advantage of a plug-in angle grinder is it remains powered for as long as you need it. Cordless units are handy for workspaces far from power outlets though they are often heavier than corded because of the battery weight. Pneumatic grinders require an air compressor but are generally lightweight and powerful.
Advances in technology have made brushless motors the most efficient way to power handheld angle grinders. A brushless motor doesn’t draw nearly as much power as a traditional brushed motor, which makes a big difference when you’re working for extended periods. Because brushless motors handle an electrical current so well, they often have a longer lifespan compared to other options.
Don’t scrimp on cutting discs after you buy an angle grinder. You’ll want a variety for different tasks. Cutting discs cut through hard metal like bolts, rebar, and pipes. Grinding discs are great for milling away unwanted metal. Sanding discs rough up or polish the surface of materials like wood or metal.
