Cordless Angle Grinders. Grinder tool cordless

Work With Ease and Comfort With the Best Cordless Angle Grinder

When most workshop guys think about grinders, they picture the hand-held angle grinder. This multifunctional power tool can be used for many tasks, including cutting iron tubing to repair a damaged valve, carving wood to make furniture, tile cutting for a backsplash, and cleaning grout between tiles.

Best Cordless Right Angle Die Grinder, Milwaukee M12, Ryobi One

With technological advancement, professional power tool usage is rapidly shifting to cordless power, and as a result, cordless angle grinders are becoming more popular. The ability to work autonomously from a steady power source is highly desirable. It means you aren’t bound to wires or power cords and can readily access difficult-to-reach workplaces. Whether working with wood, metal, or stone, an angle grinder wheel will make your life significantly easier.

If you are ready to add this versatile tool to your toolbox, we have reviewed and compiled a list of quality cordless angle grinders for 2023 to help you get the desired results.

Finding Your Next Cordless Angle Grinder: A Buyer’s Guide

When it comes to purchasing a cordless angle grinder, everyone has different requirements. Some people prefer their grinders to be as strong as possible for heavy-duty work, while others prefer them to be ergonomic and comfortable to work for extended periods. You will need to consider these things to determine which grinder is ideal for you. So, here are some features of a cordless angle grinder and how they affect performance.

Disc size

Angle grinders are available in various sizes, each identified by a number representing the largest diameter of grinding disc or wheel that it can manage. A 4, 4.5, or 5-inch disc will work for the majority. Since bigger discs might be cumbersome or time-consuming, smaller sizes and weights are preferable for DIY projects.

In industrial settings, professionals typically utilize larger discs (up to nine inches) when cutting through thick chunks of material. Discs larger in diameter require grinders that can withstand greater cutting forces. This means you’ll use a heavier tool that’ll wear on your hands faster than a compact angle grinder.

Speed

The rpm of an angle grinder is the standard for describing its speed (rpm). Some powerful grinders can reach speeds of 12,000 rpm, while most operate at a lower range of 5,000 to 10,000 rpm. But, the rpm number is under “no-load” conditions, which means the disc is not grinding or cutting anything but is simply spinning in the air. When the disc starts cutting or grinding, the speed drops dramatically.

A higher rpm indicates that the tool is capable can cute material with greater ease and speed, but there is an increased risk of injury due to the disc’s potential to rupture as it heats up at faster speeds. Pay attention to the disc’s maximum supported speed and use the appropriate disc for the job. For instance, if you run a disc that is only supposed to withstand 7,500 rpm at a quicker speed, it may shatter and send pieces of the grinder wheel flying.

Voltage/Amperage

The power output potential of angle grinders is measured in volts (V) and amperes (A) (amps). The power of a cordless angle grinder’s battery is measured in volts. Most cordless models have 18-volt or 20-volt batteries, but some have 7.5-volt or even 24-volt batteries. Most cordless power tools have a “magic number” of 18 to 20 volts, which is the best mix of price and usefulness.

Handguard

The angle grinder’s guard is a very important safety feature covering half of the disc. Its job is to protect the user’s hands by stopping sparks and other debris from flying at them. It also keeps surfaces from getting damaged when working in tight spaces.

The guards on some angle grinders are movable, whereas, on others, it is permanently attached. The adjustable model is preferable because it can shield the user from projectiles in either direction and is useable with either hand. But, if the bolts aren’t secured, a removable guard could come loose. In contrast to removable guards, fixed guards are more secure and won’t fall off using a grinder.

Soft start

Angle grinders might recoil slightly on starting up because they are quick, strong tools. This is especially true if the wheel is big and heavy. The motor’s recoil can cause the angle grinder to jump in the user’s hands, leading to possible serious injury. Soft-start technology decreases the output power to the motor initially, gradually rising until the grinder is fully operational. This power regulation reduces the jolt to the user’s arms and wrists and keeps the grinder from recoiling during start-up, improving safety.

Grinder tool cordless

Fillet weld heads have a long, slim arm that extends the disc from the gear head. This minimizes the grinding profile for reaching into corners, joints, and tight spaces between material surfaces.

Flatheads have a low profile to fit into small angles, deep seams, and other tight spaces where a standard head would be too large.

Standard heads are sized for material removal and cutting on surfaces without tight angles and corners.

  • Fillet Weld
  • Flathead
  • Standard Head

Grip Style

Barrel grips position the user’s hand close just behind the grinder head to maintain control for detailed work and during one-handed use.

Rat-tail grips form a tapered body that’s longer but slimmer than a barrel grip, allowing for better control and a more comfortable hold. They are held with one hand on the body and the other hand on the side handle.

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  • Barrel Grip
  • Rat Tail
  • Straight

Switch Type

Paddle allows users to hold the switch down with their fingers while gripping the tool, making it more comfortable for extended use than non-locking trigger and slide switches.

Slide allows users to push the switch forward with their thumb and typically locks on so users can reposition their hand along the grip.

Trigger (typically found on rat tail tools) allows users to hold the switch down with their index finger.

  • Paddle
  • Slide
  • Trigger

Brushless Motor

Brushless motors electronically control magnetic fields to drive their rotor without friction and heat buildup from brushes. They use battery power more efficiently to provide longer run times per charge than brushed motors.

Brake Type

Brakes stop the cutting wheel within one to two seconds after tools switch off to reduce the risk of injuries from spinning wheels. Wheels on tools without brakes continue spinning for several seconds after tools switch off.

Electronic brakes reverse motor current or use magnetic resistance to stop the cutting wheel.

Anti-Kickback Clutch Type

An anti-kickback clutch cuts the connection between the tool motor and the cutting wheel if the wheel pinches or binds in the material being cut. This prevents the tool from jerking back and causing injuries.

Electronic clutches use sensors to detect bind-ups and signal the motor to shut down.

cordless, angle, grinders, grinder, tool

Aldi £20 40v cordless Angle Grinder Review

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Cordless Angle Grinders

Cordless angle grinders rotate grinding wheels to remove surface material or rotate cut-off wheels to cut through material. Their head is set at a right angle to the tool body, making them more compact than vertical grinders and allowing for better visibility of the wheel and the work surface. Grinders with side handles allow a two-handed grip to improve stability and control. Angle grinders are commonly used to grind welds, prepare metal and concrete surfaces, bevel cutting tools and material edges, cut metal plates and pipe, and polish concrete, stone, and metal. These tools run on batteries, so they are more portable than corded tools and allow use where access to a wired power source is unavailable. They use brand-specific batteries, which fit different tools from the same manufacturer. Battery voltage and series must be compatible with the tool.

Milwaukee Cordless Angle Grinders

DeWALT Cordless Angle Grinders

Metabo Cordless Angle Grinders

Makita Cordless Angle Grinders

Bosch Cordless Angle Grinders

Porter Cable Cordless Angle Grinders

FEIN Cordless Angle Grinders

Milwaukee Cordless Angle Grinders

These angle grinders are powered by Milwaukee batteries of a compatible series and matching voltage. The batteries can also power other Milwaukee tools. Tools using lower-voltage batteries are generally lighter and more compact but less powerful than tools using higher-voltage batteries. Tools using lower-capacity (Ah) batteries are less bulky but store less power than tools using higher-capacity batteries.

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.

cordless, angle, grinders, grinder, tool

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.

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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Hilti Cordless Grinder Review

Grinders are heavily used in both the concrete and metalworking realms. They are incredibly versatile tools, with a wide variety of applications from cutting materials, smoothing surfaces and so much more. Even woodworking has evolved to include more and more uses for Grinders. Hilti is a brand known in the professional tool world for their performance and service. Today we discuss a tool from them, the AG 4S-A22 in the Hilti Cordless Grinder Review.

Hilti Cordless Grinder Review

Hilti has been around for a long time, specializing in manufacturing incredibly efficient tools that lean heavy towards the concrete arena. Another FOCUS for Hilti is on their industrial construction front, producing tools with incredible thought and use cases that are tailored to solve Jobsite problems that other brands tend to overlook.

Another signature to the Hilti name is their service. Hilti offers an unparalleled system to provide its users with customer service that can’t be matched. Their warranty named the 2-20-1 guarantee is a solid measure that not only guarantees your tools life but also keeps job sites running with minimal downtime.

While at Hilti Innovation Day 2019, I had a chance to look at this grinder, as well as a slew of other new launches from Hilti and they have a great lineup of new launches coming this year!

Hilti Cordless Grinder Review

The Hilti AG 4S-A22 features a brushless motor and runs on Hilti’s 22V battery platform.

Hilti included 6 gears on this grinder, with no load RPMs from 3400 to 8500 giving significant control to the user.

An Auxillary handle allows for easy mounting for both left and right side operations.

This grinder is compatible with most standard 4.5 inch disks.

The Hilti Quick Lock adds a big bonus for quick and easy disc changes.

ATC or Active Torque Control adds additional safety measures to prevent spinning if a disc locks up. The top Disc lock button allows for safe removal of discs.

The adjustable Guard is easy to maneuver based on application.

Hilti includes their 20-2-1 promising a 20-year limited warranty, two-year wear and tear warranty and a one day turn around on repairs.

Hilti Cordless Grinder Review

The Hilti Cordless Grinder comes in at 179 bare tool, on the Hilti Website, and the 8.0 Battery retails for 199.00. To be honest, Hilti’s price point with their staple tools has become much more competitive in the last two years or so. With their guarantee, most users will feel this tool is an excellent value.

Hilti Cordless Grinder Review

I have really enjoyed having the opportunity to test out the Hilti Cordless Grinder. All of the Hilti tools I have owned over the years are solid staples in my shop and get constant use. One goal I have for this year is to learn to weld, making this tool something I have no doubt will soon see more than use than ever before. Grinders in general though provide a lot of versatility in them, especially in recent years we have seen more and more ways to use these tools making them more valuable than ever.

In terms of ergonomics and overall comfort, the grinder is well balanced and comfortable. With the 8.0 battery offering a solid chunk of weight to the back end of the tool, from the first touch it was concerning but it was quickly removed once used. It is very comfortable and had no real issues with ergonomic once you got going.

One thing I was truly impressed with on this tool overall was the ability to maintain its performance through the life of the battery. Additionally, where heavy application tools tend to get hot, this grinder did amazing at staying cool despite constant use on the highest setting. This says a lot about how Hilti designed the inner workings of this grinder, from the brushless motor to the vents, it’s designed to perform without slowing down even when it is pushed.

A great feature I can’t overlook as well is the Quik-Lock fastener. It comes down to simplicity. It’s quick, easy and doesn’t compromise the security of the disk to do so. The guard adjusts easily and can be customized to what you are working on. I will say that with thicker flap discs or carving discs it may take a bit to get the positioning just right, but once you get it down you are in good shape.

A lot of grinders that have been released recently have paddle style triggers, something I initially thought I would want to see on this Hilti one. To be honest, though, it didn’t take long to be glad they skipped that addition. Especially when you are using the tool for extended periods of time, it was nice to have one less thing to be concerned with during use. It was a simple on and off, and you were good to go.

This grinder is exactly what I would expect from Hilti. It performs well, has impeccable build quality and focuses on users who need solid performance and longevity out of their tools. They did an exceptional job in terms of tool construction and this tool manages to remain price competitive to comparable models. All considered, this tool is a home run for Hilti.