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The Best Cordless Angle Grinders for Your DIY Projects
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, carving wood, or cutting tiles. But if you want more freedom of movement, you might consider a cordless angle grinder for your workshop. If you're ready to add this versatile tool to your toolbox, we have reviewed and compiled the best cordless angle grinders of 2024 to help you complete our projects with ease. The Ingersoll Rand Cordless Angle Grinder is our top choice for its safety and durability, but for more options, check out our recommendations and buying guide below.
View all ContentsThe Best Cordless Angle Grinders
Best Overall
The Ingersoll Rand Cordless Angle Grinder is a game changer when it comes to angle grinders. This powerful tool weighs 30% less than the top competitor on the market and allows you to maneuver effortlessly into tight spaces. This cordless angle grinder features a slim handle and rubberized comfort grip, ideal for long periods of use.
At the heart of this incredible tool is a high-performance brushless motor that pulsates with reliability. It also comes equipped with advanced features like Anti-Kickback, overload protection, a tool-free guard attachment, and a spindle-lock button. Two batteries and a battery charger round out the list, providing you with dependability. This cordless angle grinder is a gateway to effortless use, comfort, and reliable work, making it the best choice on our list.
Pros
- Comfortable and lightweight
- Extremely reliable performance
- Comes with two batteries and a charger
Cons
- Might be too lightweight for some users
Most Convenient
Porter-Cable’s Cordless Angle Grinder’s maximum rpm is 8,500, and it’s
fantastic for most applications. The gear housing is made of sturdy cast
metal, and a spindle lock mechanism facilitates quick and simple wheel
swaps. So, you won’t have any trouble switching wheels at all, even if
you’re just starting. The three adjustable locations of the tool’s side
handle maximize its effectiveness. Its over-molded, curved handle is
ideal for comfort and sustained use. It has two grinding and cut-off
wheels and requires only 20 volts to function. Your budget will thank
you for not having to buy wheels individually!Pros
- Dissipates heat
- Easy wheel change
- Adjustable handle guard
Cons
- Doesn’t include batteries
Swift Wheel Change
This DeWalt Cordless Angle Grinder is a great option when you need a powerful angle grinder for heavy duty tasks. It does an amazing job of cutting angles and has a quick wheel release that lets you take the wheel off without needing to stop and use a wrench. This will preserve your effort, save time, and make it simple to go from one job to another without stopping. Thanks to the two-finger trigger switch and lock-off button, it features easy activation and better gripping. Two-position side handle provides enhanced control, comfort, and adaptability.
Pros
- Easy and quick guard adjustments
- Two-finger trigger provides activation
- Light and easy to carry around
Cons
- Consumes battery power relatively faster
Best Safety Feature
If you want optimum performance from a cordless angle grinder, you should check out this angle grinder from Makita. It has a brushless motor and an 18-volt lithium-ion battery, giving it a top speed of 8,500 rpm. Its automated speed regulation allows it to work with both 4.5-inch and 5-inch discs and keep up with even the most demanding cuts and grinds. The rubber over-molding on the grip and handle and the lock-on switch greatly reduced vibration.
This model includes automated speed change technology, which allows you to modify the torque and speed while operating. It’s even equipped with active feedback-sensing technology (AFT), which immediately turns off the motor if the wheel rotation is abruptly stopped.
Pros
- Adjustable torque and speed while working
- Automatic shut-down if the rotating wheel stops
- Features feedback-sensing technology (AFT)
Cons
- Guard can be finicky
Ideal for Light Tasks
This cordless angle grinder from Craftsman offers a shielded D-shaped handle for comfort and safety. The brushed motor can spin 4.5-inch discs at 8,500 rpm, which is excellent for most light-duty applications. The angle grinder has a thumb-activated safety mechanism and a big paddle shifter for comfort and safety.
It doesn’t come with a battery, but it works with the Craftsman V20 battery line, so if you have other Craftsman tools, you can use the batteries you already have and save money. The handle and case are contoured to accommodate your natural hand posture, reducing strain when used for extended periods. On top of that, the gear housing aids heat dissipation for extended periods of use.
Pros
- Comfortable D-shape handle
- Adjustable side handle
- Gear housing aids heat dissipation
Cons
- The motor isn’t brushless
Great Rotation Speed
The Ryobi Cordless Angle Grinder has many advantages over more standard cordless power tools, including a 60 percent increase in run time. You can cut or grind through almost anything with up to 10,400 rpm and increased power and motor speed. Its three-position handle and adjustable guard make it easy to use on practically any work surface, regardless of how oddly it’s positioned. Even better, the guard is adjustable without tools, making it easier to make quick adjustments. And if you have shaky hands, the rubber over-mold grip on the back will improve your hold on the item no matter how slippery the surface.
Pros
- Impressive 10,400 rpm power
- Three-position handle allows working on any surface
- Easy to adjust
Cons
- Prone to overheating
The Ultimate Buying Guide to the Best Cordless Angle Grinders
Angle grinders are a fantastic addition to anyone’s workshop. This power tool can get plenty of things done, whether it’s cutting tiles for your DIY project or cutting metal safely. 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.
Factors To Consider When Buying a Cordless Angle Grinder
Disc size
Angle grinders are available in various sizes, each identified by a number representing the largest diameter of the 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. If the angle grinder you want doesn’t come with the right disc sizes, you can always buy angle grinder attachments separately.
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 can cut 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.
Cordless Angle Grinder FAQ
What is the average battery life of an angle grinder?
Generally, the most powerful grinder combined with the cheapest and smallest battery packs will only last for about two to three hours at the most.
Are angle grinders effective on wood?
Yes. Angle grinders can make clean cuts in wood because of their power and capabilities.
What amperage level is ideal for my angle grinder?
Mid-range angle grinders typically have a power rating of five or six amps but can reach 11 amps in extreme cases. Since most normal electrical outlets can only give up to 15 amps, even the largest versions have a practical limit of 14 amps.
