Are Cordless Angle Grinders Any Good. Battery powered angle grinder
Angle grinders are following in the footsteps of many traditional power tools in cutting the cord and moving to battery technology.
Many users are embracing the freedom of cordless machines, being able to work anywhere without the need for potentially hazardous and awkward extension cords.
Whilst battery life and power are still significant barriers to some users, battery technology is rapidly improving and cordless machines are increasingly coming up to speed with their corded counterparts.
What is a cordless angle grinder?
Cordless angle grinders are hand-held battery operated tools used in a wide range of industries. These versatile machines can be found in a vast array of applications, from metal fabrication, plumbing, trade, DIY and many more. Powered by inter-changeable and re-chargeable batteries, cordless grinders mostly come in 115 and 125mm sizes, with maximum speeds of up to 9,000 rpm.
Why choose a cordless grinder?
Powered by re-chargeable battery packs, cordless grinders give the user more freedom and mobility, however these advantages are weighed against limited performance and usage life. If you’re using a grinder for long periods at a time, cordless machines probably aren’t the right choice for you. If, however, you’re working in remote areas, multiple sites, or just have a quick job to do; a cordless machine will offer you both freedom and practicality.
What’s the difference between a cordless and electric grinder?
Depending on your abrasive choice and application, an electric grinder will give you consistent and continuous use and is especially suited for heavyy duty applications.
Choosing the right abrasive and good quality batteries is crucial to getting the most out of your cordless grinder. Using specially recommened abrasive products will help prolong battery life and get the best results in your application.
Why battery choice is important
Choosing the right battery for your cordless tool and usage requirements is crucial to getting the most out of your investment. Battery technology is rapidly advancing, becoming more suitably equipped for the heavy demands of an angle grinder. There are three types of battery available, depending on your needs:
Nickle Cadmium (NiCd)
These are entry-level batteries, and are generally the least expensive option. They tend to have a long cycle life, however they are also heavy and have a lower capacity than other batteries for cordless tools.
Dewalt DCG405N Cordless Angle Grinder Review
Nickle Metal Hydride (NiMH)
MiMH batteries are the next step up from Nickle Cadmium, offering increased capacity (running for 2 – 3 times longer per charge). However, NiMH batteries are far more sensitive to temperature, which can be an issue as grinding operations generate a lot of heat and can damage or hinder the battery’s performance.
Lithium Ion (Li-Ion)
These are the best choice in the market for your cordless machine – they are the most light-weight option and have the highest output capacity. Whilst Lithium Ion batteries are more expensive than their Nickle-based alternatives, they are far superior in power, performance and durability.
It’s important to bear in mind that a cordless angle grinder will have different power and battery requirements to other cordless tools. For example, compared to a standard cordless drill the torque required to turn an abrasive wheel at 9,000 RPM is far greater than the twisting force necessary to turn a drill bit. Only with the introduction of Lithium Ion batteries have cordless grinders really come into the market as a serious alternative to electric angle grinders.
Which abrasives should I use?
The key to getting the most out of your battery operated tool is to make sure you choose the right abrasive for the job. With many years’ experience, the team at Norton have selected the best products to make the most of your cordless machine – giving you more power, more speed and more accuracy.
Our latest Guide will help you select the best abrasive product for your cordless grinder, whatever application, process or material you’re working on. Handy product recommendations are provided for the most common process steps.
Each product in the range has been tried and tested by our application experts and sorted into three main benefit groups. Whether you’re out all day and want to make your battery last as long as possible, or you need to get the job done quickly, we’ve got a product for you. With a handy pictogram guide, each product in this new brochure will help you get the most out of every application:
Battery saving
Get the most out of your charge, with products carefully selected and tested to extend the runtime on your cordless right angle grinder.
Get more for your money, with a selection of abrasives for your battery machine chosen for their long life.
Fast Action
Work faster not harder, with our selected abrasives proven to get the job done quickly in any battery-powered grinding process.
Meet Norton European Application Engineer Paul Gray
Paul is an application engineer with over 20 years’ experience and one of our abrasives experts at Norton. With a background in mechanical engineering, Paul has a wealth of knowledge in abrasives and their day to day use.
When he’s not jet-setting in the name of Norton, bringing his expertise to countries all over Europe, Paul can be found renovating houses, playing bass guitar in his Band and spending time with his family.
Here, Paul answers some of the most common questions asked about abrasives and cordless grinders:
Can I use mini angle grinder discs on my standard cordless machine?
Yes, you can. Use an adaptor to adjust the standard mini quick change back up pad to fit your machine. Thanks to their small size and less power needed from the machine, the mini discs extend battery life considerably.
Will a corded grinder ever replace my corded tool?
It really depends on your usage requirements – if you regularly use your corded tool in heavy applications, the answer is probably no, but that doesn’t mean that a battery grinder won’t be of any use to you. It might not be your go-to machine, but it will always come in handy
How long should I expect my grinder to last between charges?
This depends on the type of work you’re doing with it – if you’re continuously grinding heavy material, then your battery won’t last very long (also depending on the type size of battery you have), but if you’re doing lighter work, using recommended discs and letting the battery cool between uses, then you’ll get much more life per charge.
Can I use a disc rated at 12,250 rpm on my grinder that runs at 9,000?
Yes – running a disc at a lower speed than its maximum capacity is perfectly safe (never go over a disc’s maximum rated RPM). Look for products with a cordless icon to see if they’re recommended for performance on a battery-operated angle grinder.
Why are Aluminium Oxide grains better than ceramic for some products?
Ceramic grains are high-performance options for high-powered machines –they require a large amount of heat and force to break down, release old dull grains and re-sharpen. Battery Powered right angle grinders run at lower speeds and generate less heat and force. Therefore, you need a more friable grain with a weaker bond structure, like aluminium oxide to stay sharp and get a quick effective result.
Do I need more than one battery for my Cordless grinder?
Ideally yes – it’s always a good idea to have a back-up charged and ready to go so you don’t get caught short on a job.
For more information about Norton’s abrasive solutions for cordless angle grinders, take a look at the Norton Guide, or contact your local Norton representative.
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Are Cordless Angle Grinders Any Good?
Cordless angle grinders are most certainly unmatched when it comes to their portability and convenience.
There have been some major improvements in battery technology in recent years which has led to the mass adoption of power tools like cordless angle grinders.
But does that mean you should invest your hard earn cash in the latest and greatest lithium-ion battery-fueled angle grinder?
In my opinion, yes! Although, before you make such a monumental decision, maybe continue reading a little further to see exactly what you’d be getting from such a tool, and precisely which cordless angle grinder is right for you.
Which is the Best Cordless Angle Grinder?
Let’s assume you’re not too keen on paying top dollar for your very first cordless angle grinder but still want a cordless grinder with a powerful motor, exceptional battery life, and superb build quality.
If that’s the case, don’t even bother fluffing around with anything other than the DeWALT DCG412B 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder.
This small angle grinder is super robust and possesses an ergonomic design utilizing a trigger switch feature for increased comfort. While the DeWALT DCG412B doesn’t have a paddle switch feature, the over-under design with the trigger switch feels really good in-hand.
- Incredibly powerful cost-effective cordless angle grinder that generates an impressive 8,000 RPM plus making it ideal for contractors.
- A robust angle grinder has been specifically designed for more heavy-duty demanding applications including construction sites.
- Awesome over-under handle design with a handy 2-finger trigger switch that is exceedingly comfortable to use for extended periods.
- A very versatile angle grinder that can be used with either a 4 1/2-inch wheel or 5-inch cutting or grinding wheel attached to it.
Now, if the DeWALT DCG412B doesn’t rock your world, and you’ve got a bit more disposable income, there’s one other cordless grinder I’d recommend. If you’re after a cordless angle grinder that pulls no punches, there’s one cordless grinder that sores like an Eagle while the rest simply frolic around like Seagulls.
That trophy goes to the Makita XAG20Z 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder.
The XAG20Z is Makita’s flagship model with everything from an extended paddle switch feature, highly durable and powerful brushless motor, variable speed control feature with 3-speed adjustment, and Makita’s renowned 18V LXT lithium-ion battery.
- Powered by Makita’s BL brushless motor that produces over 8,500 RPM and operates exceedingly efficiently.
- Equipped with an a nti-restart protection system that prevents the motor from unwillingly starting.
- Rubberized slimline body with a soft grip construction that is super comfortable in-hand when grinding or cutting.
What is the Best Brand of Angle Grinder?
This is somewhat debatable and largely depends on personal preference, at least when we’re talking about the big brands in the power tool industry.
Generally, brand loyalty plays a major part in tool selection and is typically influenced by user experience.
If you were to judge any power tool brand purely based on reception, the two brand names that seem to consistently pop up are DeWALT and Makita.
While Milwaukee Tools are most absolutely in the mix when it comes to grinders (or any other power tool), their battery-powered grinders irrefutably command a much higher price tag and are normally reserved for the pros.
Both DeWALT and Makita have been manufacturing power tools for a considerable amount of time. DeWALT first started producing power tools nearly 30 years ago, while Makita has been going strong since 1958 when they manufactured the very first electric planer.
This sort of longevity in an industry that is super competitive is difficult to maintain, and both companies are still thriving decades later at the top of the heap.
So really, it comes down to DeWALT and Makita, and you can’t go wrong with either brand. They both manufacture power tools to the highest of standards and when it comes to producing cordless grinders, it’s hard to pick a clear winner.
Although you and I are on the prowl for a good quality cordless grinder, price and product features will likely determine our final selection with either brand.
Are Brushless Grinders Better?
To put it bluntly, yes! Brushless motors utilized in cordless power tools are way more efficient than brushed motors and require zero maintenance.
For the latter reason alone brushless motors are most certainly worth the additional expense and should be a priority when considering cordless angle grinders. Not only that, but the increased efficiency brushless motors provide over brushed motors significantly extends any cordless grinder’s battery life.
Generally, whether it’s a cordless grinder or impact driver, a brushless motor will deliver better performance and endurance.
Plus, if you’re a lazy type of fellow like myself, you’ll never have to perform emergency surgery on your cordless grinder to replace would-be worn motor brushes.
What Are Angle Grinders Good For?
Honestly, a whole host of heavy-duty tasks both around the home for remodeling jobs or on construction sites for everyday building works.
Angle grinders are also a preferred power tool for mechanical plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians, auto mechanics, sheet metal workers, concreters, and a whole host of other trades and professions.
If you’re an apprentice or are attempting works in any of the mentioned fields, you’re going to need an angle grinder in your arsenal.
As to whether you should get yourself a corded or cordless angle grinder… I’d say grab the latter and ensure it is equipped with a brushless motor as when you’re on the clock, time is literally money, and you don’t want to waste any running extension leads.
In summary, you can use an angle grinder to tackle some of the following jobs with the necessary attachments:
As you can see, as long as you’re making use of the correct disc, there isn’t much an angle grinder cannot accomplish, which is exactly why they are such a popular power tool.
Either of the best cordless angle grinders I’ve suggested above will make light work out of any of the tasks referenced, so don’t think you’ll also need a corded counterpart unless you plan on cutting concrete slabs.
For that, you’ll need a concrete saw. A concrete saw is a different specialist power tool, that is generally something you’d want to hire and not own. Unless you’re a builder or concreter, then it might be worth buying a concrete saw.
The Benefits of Cordless Angle Grinders
The predominant benefit of using cordless grinders revolves around the mobility of the tool and just how easy it is to maneuver as you don’t have the burden of a power cord impeding your movements.
As battery technology continues to progress, cordless grinders will eventually phase out corded angle grinders with vastly improved battery life.
That really is the only drawback with some lesser cordless battery-powered grinders, as a brushless angle grinder now possesses equal or even superior power when compared to a corded grinder.
Best Welding Angle Grinder Review �� Battery Powered Grinders 2023
That said, the best cordless grinder isn’t the most powerful, the best angle grinder (period) is the most reliable one, so choosing a grinder with a top-notch battery should be priority number one for you.
Sure, owning an angle grinder with a multitude of features including a paddle switch, thermal overload motor protection safties, automatic variable speed control, and extreme protection technology is cool.
But, what should take precedence over all else is whether or not the power tool you plan on purchasing actually severs your needs.
The Main Features of a Cordless Angle Grinder
To actually find out whether cordless grinders are ideal for you, we need to discuss the main features and how this unique battery-powered power tool will benefit you going forward.
As we mentioned above, it is the battery that keeps this product running at the necessary RPM to slice and smooth dense materials like metal with an angle grinder. If the battery is not a premium-grade lithium-ion battery, then you’ll, unfortunately, find yourself reluctantly having to rotate batteries persistently… in the middle of a darn job.
However, buying a high-quality cordless grinder as I proposed from either DeWALT or Makita, means you’ll have the confidence to tackle a whole horde of heavy-duty tasks without missing a beat.
Along with that, the other major component equipped in any grinder that is of the utmost importance is the motor that the devilish cutting and polishing machine uses to work its magic.
While brushed motors are definitely cheaper in terms of their upfront cost, they are not as reliable as brushless angle grinder motors that claim exceedingly better durability.
Yes, the price is a little higher for an angle grinder with a brushless motor (cordless or not), but you are also getting a power tool that weighs much less and is notably easier to maneuver.
Should You Buy a Cordless Angle Grinder?
Well if you’re still on the fence, picture this… Would you rather pull a carry case from the back of your truck or from a shelf in your shed, with or without the painstaking hassle of having to run an extension lead?
Now while you might be thinking, “running an extension lead isn’t so bad”. And yeah, it’s not so bad occasionally. But if an angle grinder is a tool that you see yourself utilizing on a regular basis, opting for a cordless angle grinder with a good quality lithium-ion battery will be highly beneficial to your future success on a variety of strenuous jobs.
Although, keep in mind that you should always purchase any power tool within your budget and save your dollars and cents for where it actually makes sense… materials.
If you have a more flexible budget and you can convenience your other half that such a purchase will assist with remodeling your bathroom much sooner than expected, a cordless angle grinder is certainly a great power tool to have at your disposal.
The reason? Again, cordless grinders are lighter, more powerful (with the right brushless motor), and much easier to manipulate than traditional corded grinders as you’ll have no power corded hindering your motion. With that said, a corded angle grinder is a power tool that is undeniably cost-effective and proven in regard to both reliability and overall performance.
In other words, if you’re budget is super tight, check out our review of the best angle grinders of 2022 with covers both corded and cordless angle grinders in-depth with a complete buyers guide.
In Conclusion
As we mentioned earlier, a cordless angle grinder is a product that is just winning the market over in recent years, yet there is still room for improvement with subsequent battery technologies.
Personally, I do think that cordless angle grinders are worth the additional expense, even though the added cost is somewhat minimal in the grand scheme of things. As long as you select a cordless grinder from a premier brand that develops power tools that employ A1 battery cell efficiency, you won’t be disappointed.
Lastly, cordless angle grinders are unquestionably a handy power tool to have on-hand and are undoubtedly more than capable for those eager individuals who conduct routine DIY activities around the house.
I’m Ray, a lifelong carpenter who’s spent the better part of my life working on construction sites on the West Coast of the United States.
In that time I have literally seen it all within the building industry as a professional contractor.
There’s not much I haven’t encountered over my 30-year career, hence the reason why I’m one of the core contributors at The Tool Scout. Plus, merely writing about work, sure does beat doing actual work. ♂️
Best cordless angle grinder
There might be affiliate links in this post. Buying through them can earn us a small commission at no cost to you. This covers our wages and keeps our resources free to use.
Finding the best cordless angle grinder requires paying attention to many areas. It’s not just about the RPM and build quality. We have to discuss battery life, how fast the disc stops spinning, safety features, and above all, the actual quality, not what the brand claims.
For starters, do yourself a favor and stick to quality brands. This doesn’t mean paying a lot more money.
However, if you are a new tradesman building up your arsenal, it’s definitely worth investing in good power tools than wasting your money on cheap import brands that will stop working when you need them the most.
Best cordless angle grinder comparison chart
Best Cordless Angle Grinder Reviews
Most cordless grinders we reviewed use 4 1/2 in. wheel size because those are most commonly used by professionals and DIY hobbyists. But, we also included bigger angle grinders for more demanding work.
Let’s start our review with the top value choice and move on from there.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless 4 1/2in. – 6in. Kit Angle Grinder
Cordless angle grinders are typically sold without a battery or a charger. But since many people haven’t previously bought those, I chose this Milwaukee kit for the first spot.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel line of angle grinders comes in a few versions. This version is the most versatile, with the ability to accommodate 4 1/2 in. to 6 in. wheel size. The kit includes two batteries and a charger at a much lower price than if you bought everything separately. So, if you don’t already own the batteries, this makes a better deal.
This is a highly professional cordless angle grinder. It has an exceptional build quality, and it’s the most powerful small angle grinder from Milwaukee. You can easily grind-heavy steel used in mining, construction, pipeline, and similar industries. The M18 FUEL provides corded angle grinder performance even if it’s a battery-powered tool.
It uses a brushless motor for maximum performance and longevity. And the electronic brake and overload protection keeps you and the tool safe. The Milwaukee angle grinder also has one of the fastest stop times, faster than DeWALT DCG416B we’ll discuss soon, but slower than Makita stops under 2 seconds. However, Milwaukee is also a bit heavy at 4.5lbs, so it’s something to consider if you expect to grind a lot. But it’s lighter than Boch or Makita we’ll review below.
The brand offers a 5-years warranty. The most extended warranty of all best angle grinders in our review and market. That’s because Milwaukee designs the gear system, housing, and airflow to prevent dust contamination and any manufacturing flaws. Their gear system is flawless and should last you for years. That’s also why their tools are so expensive, but many professionals rely on Milwaukee just like on DeWALT, Boch, or Makita.
One big problem is that it doesn’t support variable speed like many cordless angle grinders. So, if this is important to you, it may not be the right choice. Another Milwaukee M18 FUEL model does provide it, but it supports a maximum of 5 in. wheel diameter.
Best cordless angle grinder
There might be affiliate links in this post. Buying through them can earn us a small commission at no cost to you. This covers our wages and keeps our resources free to use.
Finding the best cordless angle grinder requires paying attention to many areas. It’s not just about the RPM and build quality. We have to discuss battery life, how fast the disc stops spinning, safety features, and above all, the actual quality, not what the brand claims.
For starters, do yourself a favor and stick to quality brands. This doesn’t mean paying a lot more money.
However, if you are a new tradesman building up your arsenal, it’s definitely worth investing in good power tools than wasting your money on cheap import brands that will stop working when you need them the most.
Best cordless angle grinder comparison chart
Best Cordless Angle Grinder Reviews
Most cordless grinders we reviewed use 4 1/2 in. wheel size because those are most commonly used by professionals and DIY hobbyists. But, we also included bigger angle grinders for more demanding work.
Let’s start our review with the top value choice and move on from there.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless 4 1/2in. – 6in. Kit Angle Grinder
Cordless angle grinders are typically sold without a battery or a charger. But since many people haven’t previously bought those, I chose this Milwaukee kit for the first spot.
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel line of angle grinders comes in a few versions. This version is the most versatile, with the ability to accommodate 4 1/2 in. to 6 in. wheel size. The kit includes two batteries and a charger at a much lower price than if you bought everything separately. So, if you don’t already own the batteries, this makes a better deal.
This is a highly professional cordless angle grinder. It has an exceptional build quality, and it’s the most powerful small angle grinder from Milwaukee. You can easily grind-heavy steel used in mining, construction, pipeline, and similar industries. The M18 FUEL provides corded angle grinder performance even if it’s a battery-powered tool.
It uses a brushless motor for maximum performance and longevity. And the electronic brake and overload protection keeps you and the tool safe. The Milwaukee angle grinder also has one of the fastest stop times, faster than DeWALT DCG416B we’ll discuss soon, but slower than Makita stops under 2 seconds. However, Milwaukee is also a bit heavy at 4.5lbs, so it’s something to consider if you expect to grind a lot. But it’s lighter than Boch or Makita we’ll review below.
The brand offers a 5-years warranty. The most extended warranty of all best angle grinders in our review and market. That’s because Milwaukee designs the gear system, housing, and airflow to prevent dust contamination and any manufacturing flaws. Their gear system is flawless and should last you for years. That’s also why their tools are so expensive, but many professionals rely on Milwaukee just like on DeWALT, Boch, or Makita.
One big problem is that it doesn’t support variable speed like many cordless angle grinders. So, if this is important to you, it may not be the right choice. Another Milwaukee M18 FUEL model does provide it, but it supports a maximum of 5 in. wheel diameter.