Which grinder is better: a review of the highest quality and most reliable models

What types of Bulgarians are there? Angler grinders are divided into two types: household and professional.

Household tools are cheaper and are intended for short-term use for a maximum of 60 minutes. Sanders of this type are not used for complex work, but for gardening and home use this is an ideal option.

The cost of the most powerful professional angle grinders is much higher than that of household ones. The tool has a long working life and can be used several hours a day without interruption. In addition, professional models are equipped with a variety of options that simplify their use.

It is definitely impossible to say which grinder is the best and will work reliably and for a long time. It depends on what work the tool is purchased for. If for very simple ones, for example, country houses, you can take a household angle grinder with a minimal set of options. If you are aimed at solving various problems and at the same time using equipment for a long time, it is better to buy a professional model.

The design of professional and household manual equipment has practically no differences. The angle grinder consists of three main elements:

• Frame. There is a motor inside the housing. The body of most gasoline or electric angle grinders from well-known brands has an ergonomic design to make the tool as easy to use as possible.
• Rotating spindle. It is designed for fixing angle grinder attachments - disk elements with different diameters.
• Serrated front. This is the element connecting the spindle and the motor, due to which rotation occurs.

The dimensions and weight of angle grinding equipment vary. It can be either very light, weighing a little more than 1 kg, or quite heavy - from 4 kg or more.

Scope of application

An angle grinder performs a wide variety of tasks. Essentially, it is a cordless or power tool with an abrasive disc. There is also a version that runs on gasoline. The device processes joints of flat metal surfaces - this is its main purpose. But you can purchase it for other tasks. This:

• sheet metal cutting;
• cutting fittings, pipes;
• polishing pipes and uneven surfaces;
• cutting ceramic tiles, wood, etc.

Each operation is performed using a special working circle, which has its own caliber. Therefore, it is important not only to buy an angle grinder, but also to choose good, durable wheels of the appropriate size for it.

Choosing an angle grinder

To choose an angle grinder, you need to decide what you will do with it, what materials to process. Do you need brushes or flap wheels? There are tasks that only an angle grinder can effectively handle (for example, cutting durable metal).

Tool for home

As a rule, there is not much to do in an apartment for an angle grinder. Cut off a nail, steel bar or thin angle. A low-power and inexpensive angle grinder with a 115 mm disc is suitable for these purposes.

If you need to remove old paint from a wall, you will need a brush. The varnish from grandma's chest of drawers is removed with a flap sanding disc. To do this, we recommend taking the most common 125 mm machine. Additional attachments for it are probably on the next shelf of the store.

Which grinder is suitable for a summer house?

At the dacha, the grinder is used to its full potential. If you sometimes have to cut metal tiles, a weak angle grinder with a 115 mm disc will suffice. The same machine will work on an asbestos-cement slab to make a ventilation window in the wall under the porch.

For complex power work - cutting pipes, rolled metal, slate, tiles, it is better to take a 125 mm machine with a power of more than 1 kW. It works longer without overheating, additional functions will ensure safe operation.

Attention! When working with an angle grinder, be sure to wear safety glasses, thick clothing and closed shoes. Hot sparks fly out from under the circle in a bright sheaf.

Choose a larger and heavier machine for 180 and 230 mm discs if you know the scope of work for it, for example, cutting tiles and stones. It is difficult to grind with such a huge machine.

For long periods of work

Choose expensive professional devices from well-known companies Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi, Makita, Sparky, DWT. They are guaranteed to work the entire shift.

Professional use

Professionals are a separate category. Their requirements are very different from home craftsmen. They prioritize the reliability of the tool for performing a specific task and purchase professional models. If a master is renovating a bathroom, cutting both pipes and tiles, then he has two grinders, for example, with 125 and 180 mm discs.

Attention! If you are cutting asbestos cement board or slate, be sure to wear a respirator. This dust settles in the lungs and is not removed.

How to choose the right grinder for use at home?

If you don’t know which grinder is best to choose and buy, take note of the recommendations published below. When choosing a tool, it is important to pay attention to a number of parameters. Let's look at each of them in detail.

The diameter of the disc is selected depending on what tasks are planned to be solved using the grinding tool. Please refer to the following sizes:

• A working wheel with a diameter of 110 to 115 millimeters is intended for small work, grinding, polishing. They won't be able to cut.
• The 125mm bit can make cuts up to a maximum depth of 40mm. This is a popular diameter for household tools.
• Buying a 150 mm blade is designed for cutting dense metal, brick, and concrete products.
• The 180 mm nozzle is used for deep cuts.
• The largest disc, 230 mm, is installed in grinders, which are used to solve professional problems.

Main characteristics of the tool

When you have decided exactly what size tool you need, you can proceed to selecting according to the following parameters:

• The power of an angle grinder is the main indicator of the tool’s performance. The possible power range varies from 0.5 to 2.7 kW, and the increase in power is not directly proportional to the diameter of the working disk. The performance indicator should be chosen according to the same principle as the size - depending on the degree of complexity of the work to be done and its duration. It is clear that using the maximum diameter of the working circle, it is necessary to choose models with a power rating of about 2 kW in order to ensure high rotation speed and increase continuous operation time. But even for small tools with a minimum disc diameter, high power is sometimes needed, especially if you have to continuously grind hard welds for several hours. A small tool with a power rating of 0.5-0.9 kW is considered household and is quite suitable for a small amount of work that does not involve lengthy cutting of pipes or grinding of concrete surfaces. For heavier work, models with a power of 1 to 1.5 kW, which are classified as professional, are suitable. For construction work, it is preferable to use grinders with a power of 1.3 to 2.7 kW.
• Rotational speed The angle grinder ranges from 6000 to 15000 rpm. It is believed that the higher this indicator, the faster you can perform grinding work or clean the surface from rust and other contaminants. In practice, this indicator for each tool is selected individually depending on its weight and is optimal. The only thing you need to know is that the angular speed of rotation depends on the diameter of the working disk. Therefore, for large grinders it is preferable to have a speed control function. When erasing the working edge, this indicator must be reduced, thereby normalizing the speed of angular rotation. For domestic use, a tool with a minimum speed of 6000 rpm is sufficient. If there is construction ahead or work that includes polishing wooden surfaces or making wooden fencing, you will need a model with an indicator of 7000-11000 rpm. For cleaning car bodies and other metal surfaces, choose a tool with a speed of 15,000 rpm or more. These can often be seen at service stations.

• The weight of the tool determines the duration of the work. Don't forget that working puts stress on your arms and back. The lightest tools, whose weight starts from 1.2 kg, are suitable for daily work lasting no more than 4 hours. Medium grinders weighing from 3 to 4 kg are suitable for work for 2-3 hours every day. For heavy work, it is necessary to choose larger models that will cope with the task faster and do not require much effort from the operator. Their weight is 6-9 kg.
• Number of handles. Grinders can be one-handed or two-handed. This immediately catches your eye when visiting specialized stores. All models have a main handle, which is screwed into the spindle itself and can be rearranged on different sides of the body. This makes working with the tool equally convenient for both right-handers and left-handers. The second handle is either the body itself or an additional handle at the end. This makes it possible to hold the tool with both hands if necessary. The choice of the number of handles is again based on the nature of the work to be done. It will be equally convenient to carry out cutting work with a tool with one handle or with two, but it is dangerous to perform grinding work with a one-handed tool. During operation, the grinder can skid strongly and even a physically strong person will have difficulty holding it. Therefore, when choosing powerful models for grinding, look only at two-handed ones. Grinders for fine grinding of low power can also be one-handed. The main handle should preferably have finger protection for large instruments and an extension at the top for small ones. This will prevent the tool from slipping out of tired or sweaty hands. The auxiliary handle should be mushroom-shaped and ideally be able to twist in several positions. This will make working with the grinder as convenient as possible. Both handles must have a rubberized coating.
• or capacity . Gasoline models have a tank volume of 0.7 to 1.5 liters. If you have the opportunity to carry an additional canister of fuel with you, then this indicator does not matter. Cordless angle grinders have a battery capacity of 2-4 A/h. Thanks to this, the spindle rotation speed reaches up to 11,000 rpm. Accordingly, the larger the capacity, the longer the operating time of the tool. For short-term work, the minimum indicator is sufficient.
• Air pressure and speed – for pneumatic models. Speed ​​is important in maintaining a high RPM. This figure reaches from 100 to 540 liters/min. The larger the disc diameter, the higher the feed speed should be. The pressure reaches from 6 to 6.5 atmospheres.

Nutrition

If you want to choose a grinder for your garden that will be used for a maximum of an hour a day, you can choose a cordless tool with a battery. A battery-powered angle grinder is enough for 1-2 hours of continuous use. In addition, it will not depend on the connection to the electrical network.

But if the tool will be used for several hours every day, the battery model is definitely not suitable. In this case, when choosing which car to buy, choose a good corded angle grinder. There is no need to charge it - it will work from the mains for as long as needed.

Criterias of choice

Professional and amateur models

Professional angle grinder Bosch in blue

There is a big difference between a professional and an amateur instrument. Professional models cut, saw and grind continuously throughout the entire work shift. The gearbox gears are made of good steel, the shaft bearings are made of brass, the strong metal body cools the engine well, and the grippy handle fits comfortably in the hand. You have to pay for reliability and additional functions - the price of professional angle grinders starts from 10 thousand rubles.

Bosch tools vary in body color. Machines in blue cases (Bosch Professional) are intended for professionals, green tools (Bosch DIY) are for home craftsmen.

Bosch grinder for home use in green color

An amateur instrument cannot work without interruptions for more than two dozen minutes; the motor overheats. In an effort to reduce the price, the manufacturer saves on everything - the gearbox and its housing are made of duralumin, the shaft bearings are made of plastic, the body and handle are made of plastic. These machines don't come with useful extra features, not to mention a suitcase for storage. But a budget grinder costs about 1.5 thousand rubles in the store.

Disc diameter

Grinders are divided according to the maximum diameter of the disk that is attached to the spindle. Standard sizes: 115, 125, 150, 180 and 230 millimeters. The diameter of the disc affects the power of the grinder, weight and materials available for its “teeth”.

The cutting depth for a disk with a diameter of 115 mm will barely exceed 50 mm; it will be able to cut a thin-walled pipe, but the engine power will not be enough for the same steel bar.

For convenience, we have prepared a table of disc diameters and recommended work for an angle grinder.

Table: angle grinder disc diameters and recommended work

Engine power

For each standard size of disk, factories produce angle grinders of different power. The greater the motor power, the easier it is to cut hard material. Determine the tasks that your grinder will solve. If you are cutting thin pipes or angles, a 115 mm angle grinder with a 700 W motor will be sufficient. But if you need to grind welds and cut garden tiles, it is better to take a 1 kW motor.

Disk rotation speed

This parameter is not decisive for choosing an angle grinder. Each manufacturer accelerates its car to optimal speed. For sanding wood, we recommend choosing an angle grinder with a speed controller.

Working handles

When working, the master holds the angle grinder with one hand by the body and the other by the handle. The handle is screwed to the body on one side or the other, depending on the place where you are cutting the material and individual convenience. Some models allow you to put the handle in a third position - along the axis of rotation of the wheel, this is convenient for grinding.

Attention! When cutting metal, direct the stream of sparks flying from the blade away from you. A fountain that gets on your clothes will quickly turn it into gauze.

When the angle grinder polishes the surface, the machine clings to the material and breaks out of your hands - you have to hold it tightly. For reliability, a second handle is screwed in; some manufacturers make a special handle-bracket.

Replaceable discs and attachments

The variety of discs is determined by the tasks for which the grinder is intended. Discs for cutting and grinding metal, cutting and grinding discs for concrete and stone, flap sanding wheels for smoothing wood, and soft polishing discs are produced. For rough processing of wood, metal and stone, brushes are produced - metal brushes with wire bristles. They are screwed onto the spindle threads.

Photo gallery: replacement discs and attachments for grinders

Used for rough processing of wood and stone

Used for cutting and grinding metal

Used for sanding wood

Used for cutting wood

Used for cutting concrete

Power supply type

Manufacturers offer angle grinders powered from an electrical network, as well as from a battery. We recommend an angle grinder with a battery only in a desperate situation - sawing off a rusty gate hinge in the field. The battery charge will not be enough for more.

Additional functions (table)

Functional

The most important options that the best angle grinders should be equipped with:

• Disk protection. A protective casing must be present in the tool. The safety of operators depends on this.
• Speed ​​adjustment. An important function that significantly expands the range of tasks performed by the equipment.
• Disc brake. Its task is to slow down and stop the working circle when completing work. The option also affects security. If there is no brake, the disc will rotate until it stops under the influence of gravity. And since they reach significant speeds, this is dangerous to the health and even life of the user.
• Soft start system. Grinders that demonstrate good quality must have this function. Due to this, the engine of the tool starts without jerking.
• Removing dust and debris. An angle grinder is often equipped with a special nozzle for connecting a vacuum cleaner, which removes dust and debris while using the machine.

You also need to pay attention to the manufacturer of the car: there are a lot of good companies, so it’s difficult not to make a mistake in choosing. The most proven and reliable manufacturers include Bosch, Makita, Kruger, Zubr - an overview of these grinders is presented below.

Rating of popular models (table)

Photo gallery: models from the rating

Sparky M 850E

Energomash USHM-9512P

Makita 9069

Bosch GWS 850

SPEC-BSHU-1050

DeWALT D 28136

Interskol UShM-125

STURM AG9512P

Makita 9555 HN

Metabo W 2000

Do it yourself

A small grinder with 115 or 125 mm circles. can be made from an ordinary hand drill . It should immediately be noted that the disadvantages of the homemade product are the low rotation speed of the wheel, which impairs the productivity and quality of the cut. However, in case of an emergency, you can use a small grinder from a drill to saw off some small part.

How to disassemble an angle grinder, gearbox, angle grinder head, disassembly process

If the angle grinder has malfunctions that affect stability in operation, it should be diagnosed to identify their causes. To do this, the power tool must be disassembled; you can do this yourself. The disassembly process (separation of the plastic housing from the gearbox) is shown in the following video.

After checking the functionality of the gearbox mechanics, if necessary, it is disassembled and repaired, as shown in the video.

How to change bearings

Wear of the bearing units of the angle grinder leads to increased backlash, which contributes to the failure of the entire angle grinder as a whole. Therefore, a preventive inspection of the angle grinder is required for the presence of play and, if necessary, replacing them as shown in the video.

Advantages, reviews

The main advantages of small grinders are as follows:

• Light weight allows a small angle grinder to perform any work without strain: at heights, holding the angle grinder suspended with one hand, being in an awkward position, performing other similar actions.
• Compactness in size helps to carry out work in hard-to-reach places where it is impossible to carry out work with angle grinders of medium and large dimensions.
• It will not be difficult for the user to make an accurate cut or create the most effective pressure during grinding

Angle grinder (grinder) Kolner KAG 125/1000 V. Photo 220Volt

There are a lot of reviews on the Internet from users of small grinders. They highlight the above advantages . Among the models that deserve good reviews are those in which the small size of the wheel interacts with the increased power of the electric motor of a small angle grinder.

Other important characteristics

Other characteristics, some of the most important are listed above, are closely related. For example, a large-diameter disk experiences significant loads, which forces the consumer to use it on powerful angle grinders. The rotation speed of a circle depends on its diameter - small circles operate at higher speeds.

Angle grinder (grinder) AEG 451403 WS 8-115. Photo 220Volt

The best professional angle grinder with power from 2000 W

Professional angle grinders with a power of 2000 W or more can work a full shift. As for the materials processed, their list does not differ from the semi-professional segment.

AEG WS24-180V

The powerful angle grinder AEG WS24-180V works with almost all materials thanks to its unique power of 2400 W. The model can work with disks up to 180 mm in diameter. The listed parameters and a spindle speed of up to 6600 rpm allow the grinder to cut particularly durable materials, including thick sheets of metal. It is equipped with a soft start function, spindle lock, protective casing and protection against accidental start. An ergonomic handle with an anti-slip coating, an additional handle with an anti-vibration system, and a locking switch for particularly long work - all this improves the ergonomics of the angle grinder.

Price: RUB 8,119

Stanley STGL2223

The particularly powerful Stanley STGL 2223 angle grinder allows you to perform the most complex grinding and cutting operations. It is quite convenient to work with the tool thanks to the ergonomic shape of the handle and the ability to rotate the gearbox up to 90 degrees relative to the body. In addition, the device is equipped with a safety switch to prevent accidental start-up, overload protection and spindle locking systems. The disadvantage of the model is its heavy weight: as much as 7 kg.

Price: RUB 5,778

Consumed, electricity consumption and real, watt and kW per hour, what is it

On the body (in the passport) of the angle grinder the power consumption in watt or kilowatt is indicated. If, for example, the value 1.2 kW is indicated, this means that in normal operation the power consumed by the angle grinder will not exceed 1.2 kW. Watt (kilowatt) is a system unit for measuring power. Another non-system unit, kW per hour, is used to account for the energy consumed when operating an angle grinder for a certain time.

Angle grinder DIOLD MSHU-1.2-01-150 10041200 with a power of 1200 watts. Photo VseInstruments.ru

The real power of a working angle grinder depends on the load on the spindle of the working shaft . In the process of changing the applied force, its value may differ from that indicated in the passport for the power tool, either downward or briefly exceed it.

Vote

Which grinder did you choose?

Metabo WEV 15-125 Quick

17.86 % ( 15 )

Makita 9910

1.19 % ( 1 )

Hammer PREMIUM USM1200B

5.95 % ( 5 )

BISON Master USHM-125-950 M3

23.81 % ( 20 )

Makita GA5030

19.05 % ( 16 )

Metabo W 650-125

9.52 % ( 8 )

Bosch GWS 660

9.52 % ( 8 )

Black-Decker G650

3.57 % ( 3 )

Einhell PXC TE-AG 18/115 Li-Solo

4.76 % ( 4 )

With speed control, soft start and other functions

Equipping small grinders with additional functionality increases the range of work performed by the same power tool.

Small grinders have high spindle speeds with a working tool. mechanisms with a speed controller on them . In this option, it will be possible to perform high-quality grinding work, cut off low-melting materials, for example, plastic, which are produced at lower speeds, set using the rotation speed controller.

To a lesser extent, small angle grinders require a “soft start” installation , which is effective for high-power angle grinders.

Bulgarian Interskol 125/700. Photo 220Volt

There are many additional options that make working with an angle grinder easier (restart blocking, automatic balancing, protection against overload and dust formation inside the angle grinder body, as well as many others). Providing additional options should not become an end in itself. This leads to an increase in the cost of power tools. You should select only those that are necessary for specific operating conditions.