Finally abused my old DeWalt beyond recovery.

It served me OK, but I never really loved it...I HATED the stupid switch...never stayed engaged well, it was the kind on top of the housing, with a stupid little catch and groove thing, and a flimsy plastic arm going back to the actual switch inside.

So....what's your fave. and why?

Walter?
Milwaukee?
DeWalt?
Porter Cable?
Makita?

Also - what features do you like / hate?

Most power? paddle switch? any experience with the "tool-less" disc swaps mechanisms (Walter...poss. others?)

I have only owned the $18 Harbor Freight special. Had it for over 2 years. Must have gone thru 200-300 cut off wheels and dozens of grinding wheels. I will be buying a second so I can have one for cutting and one for grinding without changing the wheels. My friend has the nice makita and I like the switch operation on my cheapo much nicer.

flame away.

SeanP

I have a remanned Craftsmen 4.5" one that I have been beating the crap out of for a few years now.
Works great...changing disks or whatever with gloves on is a bear because the fawking little lock button is near impossible to push.
Also the whole unscrewing the nut or the wheel or whatever is getting lame.
The safety switch and power button function well...people that arent used to it hate it but I dont give it a second thought.

I have dropped it, thrown it...and abused it and it works like the day I got it. Plenty of power for grinding, and cutting.

I will be getting another one at some point to cut down on changing to different wheels and such so I am eager to hear what others are using.

MJ

I have a Makita, a cheapo HF, and my all time favorite is a German made Metabo. The Metabo will simply not die! :D It has a clutched spindle, spindle lock feature and a thumb style disc retainer nut, very handy and quick to change wheels. Has a good balance and feel to it when in use. (low vibration level) I have found the Metabo Zircon discs to last the longest as well.

Dewalt heavy duty 5". I depended on this tool daily for 3 years and it never let me down. 13' power cord too, that's handy. I cut a 45 gallon drum in half with it once, using a 1/4" grinding disc. I used the guard as a backstop, and pushed on it as hard as I could and it still wouldn't stall. It's definitely intended for 2 handed operation, it gets a bit on the torquey side for one hand, but it will never let you down. Plus, it doesn't have that BS rocker switch that the light duty 4.5" had.

http://www.bogginfreaks.com/phpreaders/albums/MR4WD/aas.sized.jpg bottom of pic.

Originally posted by Maine Jeepah
I have a remanned Craftsmen 4.5" one that I have been beating the crap out of for a few years now.
Works great...changing disks or whatever with gloves on is a bear because the fawking little lock button is near impossible to push.

MJ

I've got the same grinder, and even though the button is hard to push, it is 100 times easier to push than the DeWalt.

Best grinder you'll ever buy.

http://www.dewalt.com//PC_Graphics/Photos/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/8/DW831_1.jpg DW831, 12 amps, ac/dc...

see above, I disagree

What?! Do you not have opposable thumbs? All you have to do is squeeze the trigger. You must be thinking of something listed below. Me and about every other tradesman around here have the same dewalt as above.... Some have the 7" and some have a 5" makita... The first one below in the picture would make a great paperweight, and that's about it.


http://www.dewalt.com//PC_Graphics/Photos/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/4/DW402%_1.jpg

this is a step up from that: http://www.dewalt.com//PC_Graphics/Photos/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/8/DW818%_1.jpg

Edit: After going to Dewalt's and Craftsman's website, you'll notice that The Craftsman's are copies of dewalts grinders, and that neither of the 4 1/2" grinders are compareable to the one listed above. Black and Decker manufactures Dewalt tools, and I wouldn't be surprised to find if they did the same for Craftsman. Personal Experience dictates that the same model of B&D tool compared to Dewalt is of poorer quality. Junky connections within the tool, lousy cords, lousy triggers, bushings instead of bearings, case made of harder plastic etc, this may, or may not be the same with craftsman. The only BAD thing with dewalt is you're paying a lot for the colors...

I haven't heard Bosch mentioned yet. I've used Dewalt (got one with either bad bearings or a bent shaft now) Milwakee, Porter Cable, and Makita. I'm in the service and usually end up with the tools the guy before me ordered when I transfer, I replace em with Bosch when they die. Hard to change discs? I Cant think of a grinder in the last few years that has needed a tool to change the disc. Just take one glove off to hit the wheel lock and with a glove on the other hand twist off the wheel. Bosch has a wheel lock button that doesnt need glove removal, hated the last Dewalt for that little wheel lock button. Just my 2 cents, take it or leave it.

Kwrangln

I have the Dewalt 4.5".I have no problems with the switch.Guess you have to be smarter then the tool to use it.:flipoff2: I have had it for a couple of years.Used it for roofing(cutting rock shake),used it for cutting plate steel,Used it for grinding.No complaints.We have two of the cheap harbor freights at work.They are scary to use.Keep waiting for them to blow up.One started smoking on the second use.Blazin

Metabo. The pipefiters at work abuse the crap out of them and they keep on going.
http://store4.yimg.com/I/toolsplus_1703_121525692

Originally posted by CJ
Metabo. The pipefiters at work abuse the crap out of them and they keep on going.


I am also for the Metabo.
they kick ass with a 6" mini thin on them for cutting also.

My Milwaukee has done me right. Can't say that anything bothers me about it. It's the first one I've owned, so I can't compare it to much. Had it a few years now, and no sign of trouble.

Generally, I would try to stay away from Makita, although my makita cordless drill has survived drilling many holes in 1/4"

https://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/met/html/images/largeprod/6148-6-lg.jpg

My b&d proffessional line...looks like that dewalt with the squeeze switch has done super for me and I have used the sh*t out of it and it is still going strong. owned it 12 yrs now....

for a 1 hand grinder i use a dewalt i like it i tore the little "safety” switch off the trigger i like it so far. but my favorite grinder i use is this big ass one that takes a 9" disk that i got at a garage sale for $20...this thing is old, heavy, and loud but by god you don’t turn it on without 2 hands or you will be sorry!
looks like this one but is all black. best 20 bucks i ever spent.

Chris G.

??? i think you posted the wrong pic there :flipoff2:

i fixed it....haha kinda funny when i saw that pic...Jesus?

Chris G.

Originally posted by MR4WD
The first one below in the picture would make a great paperweight, and that's about it.



Thats not entirely true, they make great plate jointers ;) Even so, in 4.5" grinders I like the milwaukee. 5" and up, the metabo.

I've had a Craftsman grinder says Industrial something on the back of it. Looks just like the DeWalt in the post of MR4WD with the 2 pics. It's the top one, it's got a big paddle switch not a switch or a trigger. I've abused it hard for going on 7 yrs, cost $69.99 ... I'm extremly hard on grinders and it has taken all I can give it. My dad even put a 5" grinding cup brush on it and ran it for 6-8 hrs a day for about 3 weeks straight when repainting his boat house and it's still going strong.

Edit: my paddle switch had this little safety sort of thing that you had to always flick up that I didn't like so I took it off.

- jack

I love my Millwakee I got when a place was going under for $60. I really like the trigger on it. Friend has a Dewalt which I liked just as well before I got mine.

Originally posted by Nobody
My Milwaukee has done me right. https://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/met/html/images/largeprod/6148-6-lg.jpg

me too! i had a dewalt before my milwaukee and it didn't last a year. infact i had a dewalt drill that didn't last a year. i have enjoyed my milwaukee power tools much more and i don't have to replace them on a yearly basis either.

got 4 or 5 gotta take inventory

that is if hayraker hasnt got one borrowed I dont know about
Hand a Metabo that fawking ruled. got cabbaged at a shutdown that I was working at Chapparal steel. Oh well I got it at Swaim Hardware. (inside Joke) was so impressed I bought a Metabo Cordless Drill (SUCKED) dont waste your money. Anyhoo got a B&D Professional 4.5
a Clark 4.5 I got off hayraker for 10 bucks that I had to fix in front of him (couldnt resist)
a Craftsman 4.5
a couple HF 4.5's
and a Dewalt 9" "Wildcat" that is what we call em here in TX. cause if they get a hold of ya you wish it would have been a wildcat.

I like the B&D Pro. the best cant bog it and easy to use with the spindle lock and the paddle type switch (saftey catch removed)

In closing I would Like to say MR4WD



YOU ARE FULL OF SHIT

and I mean that from the bottom of my heart.

P.S. is that your weldin' rig or a goddam Terminex truck?

I USE A HB CHICAGO OR SOME ISH LIKE THAT ....ITS ORANGE........

ANYWAYS IT WORKS FAWKIN AWSOME FOR 15$$$

This one has the type of switch you want to stay away from. I like the kind that all you have to do is drop the grinder and it shuts off. This type will keep running if it grabs something and gets away from you.

http://www.dewalt.com//PC_Graphics/Photos/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/8/DW818%_1.jpg

LOL


Anyway I have several 4.5 inchers at work, the Makita is the best out of the porter cable and milwakie... I have had the 4.5 dewalt before, I liked it but it doesnt take 35 foot drops well.

I have the 19 dollar harbor freight model at home and if you don't drop them or abuse the switch they will last some time.

I also have a old 8 inch B&D at works it is the best if you need to grind allot.

Metabo....I've roached a few Dewalts....The 2nd one burnt up before it's 2nd. disc.!!! I weld pipe and ASME coded vessels in the Chemical Industry for 22 years and these Metabo's are the best. I've got 2 of the 4" and a new 6". I think if I was to only have 1....go and check out the 6"er. They cut off wheels are real nice in 6' and it has alot more ass and only slightly bigger in size.:D

milwaukee 4.5" (like the pics)

the switch is a huge paddle type and has a "safety" so you don't grind your hands off when trying to take the wheel out and don't un-plug it.

they last a long time. we buy deWalts here at work because they are $50 and decent...but the guys would rather use the milwaukees.

i own 2 milwaukee grinders and would like another. 1 for a cut wheel, 1 for a grinding wheel, and 1 for a wire wheel.

matt

porter cable 6", bought it used and its been runnin good for a year or so.

Milwaukee all the way..... Ihave owned the HB junk, and the Dewalt, / Black and Decker cost reduced stuff. For the money, just go and buy the Milwaukee. Owned it for 3 LONG hard years. NO PROBLEMS. I also now have many more Milwaukee tools. The 1/2 drills are NICE and torquey, and the two screw shooter guns I have put up two 50' x 60' all steel buildings without even blinking. That was four years ago. :)

i'll start by saying i own a fab shop and have worn out every brand of grinder except one.. most grinders last about 6 months in my shop from heavy use the only grinder that has held up so far is a brand from germany called metabo .
they have a smooth start and the harder you press the more power is has . it doesnt slow down like the other grinders has a great feel . i will never buy anything but a metabo again .
you can find them through your local welding supplier .

alan

I have a 4.5" Craftsman that I got through a friend. I think he paid all of like $20 for it at a "super saturday" sale. I have yet to kill it and I have definitely put it through its paces. I did manage to bust the switch off of it when I threw it into a toolbag, but that was partly my fault.

We have one of the smaller Dewalts in the racecar shop. It works good, but if you're going to "two hand" it, you better run the guard. I'm still waiting for a hunk of flesh to grow back in after my front hand found the wheel. Or run the handle and keep the second hand off the body of the unit.

We also have a 4.5" Milwaukee in the race trailer. I have yet to find any faults with ANY Milwaukee tools.

cm "sparky" k

Originally posted by cmegoup
This one has the type of switch you want to stay away from. I like the kind that all you have to do is drop the grinder and it shuts off. This type will keep running if it grabs something and gets away from you.

http://www.dewalt.com//PC_Graphics/Photos/DEWALT/TOOLS/LARGE/8/DW818%_1.jpg


I happen to like the rockers like that (pic), because you can get the grinder into places that a paddle switch just won't fit.

My 7" Makita has a paddle like that, (deadman) it works just fine for the purposes I have for it.

I've got a 4.5" Craftsman that I use for my awkward work, also works slick for running a cup wheel, eats rust snap snap :D

I have the $20 harbor freight one and it's never let me down :D

16 year old 4" Makita seriously abused and still running great- stupid slide switch is touchy, it will jump off if the thing vibes too much
Been through ~100+ grinding/sanding discs, 10 grinding wheels, 25 cutoff wheels, one bearing I replaced myself.

1 yr old Canadian Tire special 4.5" heavily abused, running only 5" discs with no sheild. Hell of a disposible grinder

1 grinding wheel, 15 super thin cutoff wheels.

Ken

http://makita.com/res_tools/images/metal_working/9527pb_l.jpg

Makita 9527PB - 4-1/2" Angle Grinder

Somewhat surprised knowone has mentioned this one.


Much better than the other 4-1/2" and 4" Makita (or Dewalt, HF, B&D), this one (the PB model) had a nice, long paddle switch and nice safty lock that is a ton nicer and eiser to use than the Dewalt style paddle, or the side or top switch (all three of which I hate).

Really easy and less fatiging to hold the trigger, and a nice long paddle so you can move your hands around the unit if you have to. Nice soft start as well.


Have it for many years now, and have gone through many wheels and discs, as well as sanding disks, wire wheels etc. Holds up great. Probably due for a new bearing, and re-grease, but still works strong.

I can bog it down, but has searved me very well. One if the local industrel supply houses here has the Metabo, and says he will hook me up with one if/when my Makita ever dies. He says they are the shit, and sounds like many people here have found out the same thing. I just really like the trigger on this Makita.

Oh, and the slindle lock is big enought that you can use it with gloves on.

I work for a commercial construction company that has about 50 of these in service. Milwaulkee, and Porter Cable are the only two we will run. Nothing else holds up to the abuse. We have never tried Metabo so I can't comment on that!

I have some no-named Chinese POS that works surprisingly well... Only $14 including accessories, and new motor brushes.... I figured I'd pick it up just because it was cheap as dirt. It's still going strong :D . It does get pretty damned hot after a while and will bog down, but it won't die.

METABO!!!!

Originally posted by RustoleumWhite
[BMakita 9527PB - 4-1/2" Angle Grinder

Somewhat surprised knowone has mentioned this one.
[/B]

That is the one I have, I can't really say I have used and abused it but I have used a 1/2 case (24) disks and it has yet to let me down. It's only about a year old. I did notice it got some dirt in the front vents it has. I try and blow it out with the compressor after every use. Using a 3 inch wire brush it has plent of power and if too close to your shirt it WILL rip it clean off. :D

I love my Milwaukee 7". It's hell on the hands and forearms after a few hours though. It's pretty heavy and tries to take off every time it catches on something, but it's done everything I've asked it to. I have a 4.5" air grinder for the smaller stuff, don't know what brand though.
https://www.milwaukeeconnect.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/met/html/images/mediumprod/6065-6.jpg

I use to use a 4.5" grinder everday at work cutting ceramic tile, porcelain, slate, marble, and granite. I have used milwaukee, DeWalt, and Makita. I now use them for metal purposes mainly. IMHO the makita has the best switch on it.

I like the makita the best. it has the best feel. I had been using an old school makita that had been used for 6years before I got it. The only thing I didnt like was the 2 pin style wheel/blade remover tool that you would spin the hold down disc with. Someone over-tightened it and I couldnt get the fawking blade off. I bought a new makita and like it even more than the old one. Its got more power, and a better blade removal tool (nut style as opposed to the old school 2 pin type).

Hunter

Craftsman 7Amp Professional
It works great.
I have used the makita, and Harbor freight and they do not have the power my craftsman has. Wire wheeled the entire Scout frame in a couple of hours. ground my Dana 44 housing for SOA in a couple of hours (more like an hour). Use it all the time. Never let me down and it just keeps on going strong. I would buy this one if I needed one.

Ritch

What no one here runs pneumatic.
all the power tools I own run off air. So, on that note, Dotco. The best there is, Well my desoutter runs well to, but not like the dotco.
:flipoff2:

I've used several air powered side grinders and granted they were probably cheap but they stalled way to easily.

- jack

Agreed, not near enough torque. Also, you need a 200 gallon, commercial grade, high capacity, constant duty, air compressor just to run the things for more than 2 minutes straight...

My cheapo (less than $20 on sale) HF 4.5 does fine for now. If I see an outstanding deal or yardsale bargain I will probably upgrade, but I'm not looking hard...