6 Best Angle Grinders for Welding – Reviews & Guide

DeWalt DCG405B

4.8 WeldWins Rating

The DeWalt DCG405B 20V MAX XR Angle Grinder offers robust performance with its brushless motor and advanced safety features, making it a reliable choice for both DIY enthusiasts and professional tradespeople.

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• Brand:

  DeWalt

• Model:

  DeWalt DCG405B

• Price Rating:

  $$$

• Watts:

  850 Watts

• Rpm:

  9000 RPM

• Diameter:

  4.5 inch

• Weight:

  3.75 pounds

• Type:

  Type 27 safety guard

The DeWalt DCG405B 20V MAX XR Angle Grinder is a standout tool in the market, thanks to its powerful brushless motor. This motor not only eliminates the need for maintenance brush changes but also ensures a faster spin-up time and longer motor life. With 850 watts of power and a 9000 RPM speed, this grinder is designed to handle a variety of tasks with ease, making it a versatile addition to any toolkit.

One of the key features of the DeWalt DCG405B is its Kickback Brake safety system. This innovative feature can stop the wheel in under two seconds if a pinch or bind is detected, significantly reducing the risk of accidents. Additionally, the Power Loss Reset feature prevents the tool from accidentally restarting if it loses power, adding an extra layer of safety. These features make the DeWalt DCG405B not only powerful but also one of the safest angle grinders available.

Despite its impressive performance, the DeWalt DCG405B does have a few drawbacks. The 5-amp batteries tend to last only about 10 minutes, which might be insufficient for more extensive projects. However, this can be mitigated by opting for the 6-amp batteries, which provide longer usage times. It's also worth noting that the tool is sold without a battery or charger, so these will need to be purchased separately. Nevertheless, the grinder's overall performance and safety features make it a worthwhile investment.

In conclusion, the DeWalt DCG405B 20V MAX XR Angle Grinder is a high-quality tool that offers excellent performance and safety. Its brushless motor, Kickback Brake, and Power Loss Reset features make it a reliable and efficient choice for both casual users and professionals. While the battery life could be improved, the grinder's overall capabilities and safety features make it a valuable addition to any toolkit.

Makita XAG20Z

4.7 WeldWins Rating

The Makita XAG20Z 18V Angle Grinder is a professional-grade tool that combines power and precision, making it an essential addition to any craftsman's toolkit. With features like a brushless motor and variable speed control, this grinder ensures high performance and durability.

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• Brand:

  Makita

• Model:

  Makita XAG20Z

• Price Rating:

  $$$$

• Motor:

  Brushless motor

• Voltage:

  18V batteries

• Switch Type:

  Paddle-type switch

• Gears:

  Spiral bevel gears

• Diameter:

  4.5 inch

Makita has always been a trusted name among serious craftsmen, and the Makita XAG20Z 18V Angle Grinder lives up to that reputation. This tool is celebrated for its outstanding power, thanks to its brushless motor technology, which is quickly becoming the industry standard for battery-driven power tools. The grinder's Soft Start feature ensures that it won't jerk to one side when you start it up, providing a smoother and safer operation. This alone can make a significant difference in your work experience, especially when compared to other grinders on the market.

One of the standout features of the Makita XAG20Z is its variable speed control, which allows you to adjust the speed to match the task at hand. This flexibility enhances your ability to deliver quality work, whether you're grinding, cutting, or polishing. Additionally, the tool includes a three-LED charge indicator, giving you a quick and easy way to check the battery level. This feature is particularly useful in preventing unexpected downtime, ensuring that you can keep working efficiently.

While the Makita XAG20Z offers numerous advantages, it's important to note that it does come with a couple of drawbacks. The battery is not included, and the standard drill battery tends to have a short life. However, owners universally recommend using the largest batteries available in Makita's extensive 18V LXT lithium-ion lineup to mitigate this issue. Despite these minor inconveniences, the grinder's other features, such as the safety brake, anti-restart function, and quieter spiral bevel gears, make it a worthwhile investment for any professional or DIY enthusiast.

Porter-Cable PCC761B

4.6 WeldWins Rating

The Porter-Cable PCC761B 20V MAX Lithium Bare Cut Off/Grinder is a versatile and durable tool designed for efficiency and ease of use. With its tool-free adjustment features and compatibility with Black and Decker batteries, this grinder is perfect for both professionals and DIY enthusiasts.

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• Brand:

  Porter-Cable

• Model:

  Porter-Cable PCC761B

• Price Rating:

  $$

• Rpm:

  8,500 RPM

• Watts:

  980 watts

• Housing:

  Cast metal gear housing

• Side Handle:

  3-position side handle

• Trigger:

  Trigger lock

The Porter-Cable PCC761B 20V MAX Lithium Bare Cut Off/Grinder is a standout tool in its category, offering a blend of power and convenience that is hard to match. One of its most notable features is the tool-free adjustment and changing of the safety guard, which allows users to quickly switch between cutoff wheel and grinder. This feature alone can save valuable time and effort, making it an excellent choice for those who need to switch tasks frequently. Additionally, the spindle lock enables wheel changes by hand, eliminating the need for a wrench and freeing up space on your tool belt.

Performance-wise, the Porter-Cable PCC761B operates at 8,500 RPM, providing robust cutting power while maintaining efficient battery usage. Users have reported impressive battery life, thanks in part to the slightly lower RPM compared to some competitors. The cast metal gear housing is another highlight, as it effectively dissipates heat, ensuring the tool remains cool during extended use. While it is heavier and longer than many cordless models, this added weight contributes to reduced vibration, making it more comfortable to handle over long periods.

The design of the Porter-Cable PCC761B also emphasizes user comfort and versatility. The contoured handle is overmolded, which helps isolate vibration from your hands, reducing fatigue during prolonged use. The 3-position side handle offers maximum flexibility, allowing you to attach it in the most convenient position for your specific task. The trigger lock feature further enhances ease of use, especially during long grinding sessions. Despite being less powerful than some high-end models, its durability and efficient battery usage make it a reliable choice for a wide range of applications.

In summary, the Porter-Cable PCC761B 20V MAX Lithium Bare Cut Off/Grinder is a well-rounded tool that offers significant value for its price. Its combination of tool-free adjustments, efficient performance, and user-friendly design makes it a worthy addition to any toolkit. Whether you're a professional tradesperson or a DIY enthusiast, this grinder is designed to meet your needs with ease and reliability.

Craftsman CMEG100

4.5 WeldWins Rating

The Craftsman CMEG100 Angle Grinder offers powerful performance with its 6-amp motor and 12,000 RPM, making it an excellent choice for heavy-duty grinding tasks. Its user-friendly features, such as the tool-free safety guard and spindle lock, add convenience and efficiency to your projects.

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• Brand:

  Craftsman

• Model:

  Craftsman CMEG100

• Price Rating:

  $

• Power:

  6 amp

• Rpm:

  12,000 RPM

• Side Handle:

  3-position

• Diameter:

  4.5-inch

• Input:

  120 volt

The Craftsman CMEG100 Angle Grinder is a robust tool designed to handle serious grinding tasks with ease. With a powerful 6-amp motor and an impressive 12,000 RPM, this grinder is built to deliver high performance, making it ideal for both professional and DIY enthusiasts. Whether you're working on metal, masonry, or other tough materials, the CMEG100 ensures you have the power you need to get the job done efficiently.

One of the standout features of the Craftsman CMEG100 is its user-friendly design. The tool-free safety guard allows for easy rotation or removal when switching between wheels, saving you time and effort. Additionally, the spindle lock feature enables quick wheel changes by hand, further enhancing the convenience of this grinder. The three-position side handle provides added flexibility, allowing you to work from various angles and reach difficult spots with ease.

Comfort and safety are also prioritized in the design of the CMEG100. The contoured handle with an overmolded design helps to minimize vibration, reducing user fatigue during extended use. This is particularly beneficial for those long projects where comfort can significantly impact productivity. However, it's worth noting that some users have reported issues with overheating during prolonged use. While this is a common concern with high-RPM tools, it's essential to monitor the tool's temperature and take breaks as needed to prevent overheating.

Despite its corded design, which may limit portability, the Craftsman CMEG100 offers exceptional value for its price. It includes a soft case and a grinding wheel, providing everything you need to get started right out of the box. If you don't necessarily need a cordless grinder or are looking for a reliable backup, the Craftsman CMEG100 Angle Grinder is a fantastic option that combines power, convenience, and affordability.

DeWalt DWE43244N

4.9 WeldWins Rating

The DeWalt DWE43244N Angle Grinder is a top-tier, professional-grade tool designed for serious applications. With its brushless motor and advanced safety features, this grinder offers exceptional power and control, making it a must-have for professionals.

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• Brand:

  DeWalt

• Model:

  DeWalt DWE43244N

• Price Rating:

  $$$$$

• Motor:

  Brushless motor

• Brake:

  Kickback brake

• Reset:

  Power off reset

• Wheel:

  5 or 6 inch wheel

• Input:

  120 volt input

• Rpm:

  9000 RPM

The DeWalt DWE43244N Angle Grinder stands out as a professional-grade, heavy-duty tool designed for demanding applications. One of its most notable features is the brushless motor, which not only provides faster spin-ups but also ensures cooler operation and extended motor life. This makes it an excellent choice for professionals who require a reliable and efficient tool for their heavy-duty tasks.

Safety is a paramount concern with the DeWalt DWE43244N, and it doesn't disappoint. The grinder is equipped with a paddle switch that offers better control and safety compared to traditional slide switches. This switch locks out until a small safety lever is flipped, preventing accidental startups. Additionally, the Kickback Brake system is a standout feature, automatically engaging to stop the wheel if binding, stalling, or pinching occurs, thereby reducing the risk of injury.

Another impressive aspect of this angle grinder is its versatility and ease of use. The tool supports both 5 and 6-inch wheels, providing greater flexibility for various tasks. The inclusion of a lanyard loop in the handle adds an extra layer of safety, especially when working at heights. Furthermore, the grinder allows for easy wheel changes without the need for additional tools, saving valuable time on the job.

While the DeWalt DWE43244N excels in many areas, it does have a couple of minor drawbacks. It lacks a carrying case, which could be inconvenient for some users, and it only offers one speed setting. However, these are minor issues compared to the overall performance and safety features this grinder provides. For professionals seeking a powerful, reliable, and safe angle grinder, the DeWalt DWE43244N is an outstanding choice.

Bosch GWS18V-45

4.7 WeldWins Rating

The Bosch GWS18V-45 18-Volt 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder is a powerful and durable tool, perfect for professional craftsmen and metalworkers. With its high RPM and advanced features, it offers exceptional performance and extended battery life.

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• Brand:

  Bosch

• Model:

  Bosch GWS18V-45

• Price Rating:

  $$

• Rpm:

  10,000 RPM

• Voltage:

  18V system

• Protection:

  Electronic Cell Protection

• Cooling:

  Coolpak cools batteries

• Side Handle:

  2-position side handle

The Bosch GWS18V-45 18-Volt 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder stands out in the market for its impressive build quality and smooth operation. Bosch, a brand renowned for its reliability, has engineered this grinder to meet the high standards of professional craftsmen. One of the key highlights is its powerful 4-brush motor, which not only delivers high power but is also designed to last a lifetime. This makes it an excellent investment for those who require a dependable tool for heavy-duty metal work.

What sets the Bosch GWS18V-45 apart from its competitors is its optimized gearing design, specifically tailored for metalworking. Running at an impressive 10,000 RPM, this grinder ensures efficient and precise cuts, making it a valuable addition to any workshop. The 18V system, coupled with Bosch's Electronic Motor Protection, enhances the tool's performance while extending the motor's lifespan. Additionally, the Coolpak technology helps keep the batteries cooler, ensuring longer-lasting charges and improved battery life.

The grinder's ergonomic design includes a 2-position side handle, offering versatility and comfort during use. This feature, along with the minimized felt vibration through the handle, ensures that users can work for extended periods without discomfort. The tool-free wheel changes and restart prevention add to the convenience, making it easier to switch tasks quickly and safely. While the safety guard requires a wrench and the guard mount can be reversed, these minor drawbacks are overshadowed by the grinder's overall performance and durability.

In summary, the Bosch GWS18V-45 18-Volt 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder is a top-tier tool that provides exceptional value to its users. Its combination of power, durability, and advanced features makes it a must-have for anyone serious about metalworking. Whether you're a professional craftsman or a dedicated DIY enthusiast, this grinder is designed to meet your needs and exceed your expectations.