Angle grinders are an integral tool for many trades including the steel, automotive, masonry, and landscaping trades. Used for cutting and grinding steel, concrete, stone and masonry, angle grinders require significant power to get the job done. Until recently angle grinders were not considered to be a viable cordless tool. With recent advancements in brushless motors and high capacity batteries most tool manufactures now offer solid cordless angle grinders capable of tasks that previously required a corded tool.
If you want to avoid leapfrogging over extension cords and further maximize your productivity, finding the best cordless grinder should be at the top of your priorities list.
In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the top cordless grinders of 2021. We’ll be covering a range of popular high-end models and some more budget-friendly options that still pack some serious gusto.
So stick around to learn more about the best cordless angle grinders as we review each grinder’s top attributes, so you can pick the right grinder that works for you!
What is an Angle Grinder?
An angle grinder is a really versatile tool that can be used to cut, sand, polish, sharpen a variety of materials including metal, wood, mortar, tile and much more.
They run at speeds of around 10,000 RPM and through a variety of different types of disc effortlessly cut, grind, polish and sharpen tough materials.
You can purchase cutting discs, polishing wheels, sanding discs and much more for your angle grinder. These come in a variety of sizes and thicknesses depending on the task you require them for. Great care needs to be taken when using an angle grinder and we discuss some of the safety concerns below, especially when turning the angle grinder on, this is when discs can easily shatter.
Factors To Consider Before Buying
Before committing to buying one, there are multiple aspects of a cordless angle grinder that you should consider. To get the most out of your purchase, make sure to always begin by correctly evaluating your needs and budget, then prioritize what is more important to you and start with that.
Handling
All seven products mentioned above are easy to handle and well balanced. The only difference between them is the length and the weight. If you need a tool that will be carried around a lot or if you’ll grind holding it over your head, you should consider the lighter options. On the other hand, if you plan on grinding cement and marble, heavier options might actually help put some load on the head.
Ease of use
Using the tool isn’t just about the grinding. Every now and then, you may need to change a wheel, move a protector, or put the handle in a different position. When you are on the market for a cordless angle grinder, try to go for a model that doesn’t require any tools for changing the accessories. Luckily, most of them these days feature some kind of tool-free mechanism. Just make sure to stay away from the older models that use to require a special wrench to do so.
The same can be said regarding the upper handle. In most cases, the handle can be placed in 3 positions, on the left, right, and top. However, during my research, I found some models with fixed handles that cannot be moved. I don’t claim that they are bad, but they lack the flexibility of the others.
Power
There are some trade-offs with a lighter angle grinder, which often comes in the form of a less powerful motor. When you have a more compact cordless angle grinder, you get a smaller motor, meaning you may struggle in a highly demanding situation. However, all the grinders included in the list above have powerful motors good enough to reach speeds up to 8,500 to 10,000 RPM.
Battery life
Big or small, all cordless angle grinders draw juice from a battery. Each manufacturer has its batteries, and some offer multiple options. I would recommend getting the biggest battery the manufacturer provides for the best battery life. On the other hand, a bigger battery also means a heavier battery.
Alternatively, you can also just buy multiple batteries and switch with a full one when your battery is dead. That’s personally the trick I use. When possible, I try to buy tools from the same manufacturer so all the battery packs can be interchanged. I personally go with Milwaukee Fuel tools, but that’s just me. The same could be done with Craftsman, Ryobi, Porter-Cable, DeWalt, or any other manufacturer selling interchangeable batteries.
Safety Features
The safety features of a cordless angle grinder are something that not many people pay attention to. However, electric brake, automatic shutdown, kickback prevention, soft start, and tons of others are implemented to protect both you and the machine. Not all manufacturers have the same set of safety features, so keep an eye out for them. You probably won’t get all the best features in a single tool, especially the cheaper ones, but try to avoid the ones with no safety features—or watch out for your hands!
Our Top Picks
Check out the best angle grinders on the market today, chosen for the quality of features described above, as well as price, effectiveness, and manufacturer reputation.
1. DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cut Off/Grinder Tool
A brushless motor for optimal operating efficiency, a paddle switch for easy on-off, and a safety lock to prevent accidental start-up are just a few of this cordless angle grinder’s quality features. The powerful 20V battery allows for speeds up to 9,000 RPMs and an adjustable guard protects your hands and work area.
Also with safety in mind, there’s a blade brake system that automatically engages when the paddle switch is released, bringing the wheel to a stop in only two seconds. At just 3.75-pounds, this 4.5-inch grinder can be used extensively without significant hand fatigue. And a dust-ejection system keeps damaging dust and debris particles out of the inner components to extend the grinder’s lifespan.
2. Makita XAG20Z 18V LXT BL 4-1/2 Cordless Angle Grinder
Makita has a loyal legion of fanboys around the globe that wouldn’t dream of changing course for another manufacture, and that secretly bugs other tool companies who no doubt strive to acquire some of Makita’s shine. Makita’s power tools are known far and wide for their impeccable craftsmanship and unparalleled performance.
And that’s where we are now on the list of the best cordless angle grinder of 2021. One of their most popular cordless grinders on the market, the Makita XAG20Z, comes out swinging like Mike Tyson after the opening bell and asserts it’s dick swinging dominance like no other lithium-ion powered angle grinder.
It’s been said that if you have to tell people you’re powerful, you aren’t. And that statement definitely holds true with the Makita XAG20Z as you’d never assume that this 18V cordless angle grinder surprisingly churns out over 8,500 RPM. These imposing performance metrics are brought to life by Makita’s BL™ Brushless Motor that possesses remarkable efficiency thanks to the brushless motors ability to remove heat under load.
Apart from the outstanding power that the XAG20Z produces, you’ll also have greater control while wielding it due to Makita incorporating a variable speed control feature. You will be able to easily adjust the RPM range between 3,000-8,500 via a dial, so you can appropriately tackle a multitude of tasks in complete control.
Now while you could constantly alter the grinders speed manually with the XAG20Z like some sort of prehistoric neanderthal attempting complete a Rubik’s Cube blindfolded. Or, you could let technology take the reins and automate this minuscule task with absolute ease.
3. Bosch Corded Variable Speed Angle Grinder
Most angle grinders operate at just one speed, but if you’re looking for a more versatile tool, you may want a variable speed angle grinder such as this one from Bosch. The Bosch 11-Amp 5-Inch Corded Variable Speed Angle Grinder is a highly-rated product that can operate between 2,800 and 11,500 rpm, making it suitable for a variety of applications. You'[ll find the variable speed is very helpful when working both around the house and in professional settings.
This tool also has a variety of other features that give it more power and more control than other options. For instance, it features a two-position vibration-control handle for your comfort, as well as directed airflow that blows dust away from vital components in order to extend the life of the tool. Additionally, it has up to two more amps of power than previous generations.
4. Milwaukee 2680-20 4-1/2 Cordless Grinder
You can put the grinder into action at will even with thick gloves in your hand’s thanks to the paddle switch that makes it grind, cut, and design. With Milwaukee cordless grinder at your disposal, you are backed by an extra-ordinary L-shaped molding. It will prevent the particles coming from the project grinded on or cut through and thus save the interior tools of the grinder from clogging up. Therefore, Milwaukee 2680-20 enjoys an active mechanism longer than the rival offers.
Grinding being the toilsome task, any grinder with convenient features like an adjustable guard will make your job a breeze as the tool-free guard will be active at any position at a push of the button. So you are ready to handle a wide range of applications.
The stability is a crucial thing you need most while operating a grinder and if a feature of the device itself is instrumental along with your expertise, it is just a wonder. In this line, the 3-position side grip is what will provide you with added stable grinding.
The sensitive manufacturers of the Milwaukee grinder model come equipped with compatible batteries making the ones already you have for other devices functional with it. Besides, the four-pole motor is a huge power source to enable you to work to the max that you crave most while grinding and cutting.
5. KIMO 7601 Brushless Cordless Angle Grinder
The KIMO 7601 Brushless Cordless Angle Grinder features a brushless motor for more power that uses less energy. Brushless motors typically run about 50% longer than standard motors, and they often reach a higher RPM. This model reaches 9,000 RPM, which is suitable for most work around the home. The ergonomic hance is coated in soft rubber that comfortable to hold and absorbs vibrations. It adjusts to two positions to fit your body style. One of the best things about this brand is that it comes with a 26-piece accessory kit that includes a battery and charger. It also comes with grinding wheels, cutting wheels, sandpaper, and more.
Despite the many positives, there are a few downsides to the KIMO 7601 as well. Ours was continuously locking up for seemingly no reason, and the battery would get concerningly hot. The batteries were also among the slowest to recharge on this list.
How to Use an Angle Grinder
Due to the fact that angle grinders have a variety of uses, you need to hold and use them in a variety of ways depending on what you are trying to achieve. One thing that is the case regardless of what you are using your angle grinder for is that you need to allow the speed of the wheel do the work and not apply too much pressure.
If you try and push down when polishing, you will make marks on the surface. If you try to force a cutting disc into a piece of metal, you open yourself up to the possibility of the disc snagging or shattering resulting in injury to you and others around you.
FAQs
Don’t buy an angle grinder before reviewing the answers to a few common questions below.
What kind of tasks can I use an angle grinder for?
Angle grinders are versatile tools that can be used for cutting pipe, smoothing metal, carving wood, removing grout, cutting tile, and many more applications.
How are the discs on an angle grinder changed?
With the grinder unplugged or the battery removed, remove the drive bolt that holds the disc in place using the factory spanners included with the angle grinder. Replace the disc and tighten the drive bolt using the factory spanners.
What is the confusion of 18V vs 20V?
This is a battery voltage rating and a marketing gimmick. A single battery cell does have two voltage ratings – nominal 3.6V & max 4V. And a battery is constituted of five cells and when you multiply the voltage rating with the mandatory cell number of the battery, there come two results – 18V as nominal voltage & 20V as max voltage. That’s it.
What is crucial for a quality battery?
Quality cells make a quality battery. However, improvised a battery cell is it cannot deliver more than the max voltage which is 4V. But to hold the charge longer or discharge at a slower pace, you need the quality-built battery cell. The rule of thumb is that the big brands do not compromise with the quality and if there is a rare exception, they address it within no time.
Conclusion
If you are reading the conclusion, you know everything to reach the best cordless angle grinder. The buying guide is the section that calls for repeated scanning to better understand the performance and convenience factors and features. The better informed you are, the better deal you can make.