Sometimes the best available option for getting your work done safely and efficiently is purchasing a new grinder.

 

When it comes to grinders, the saying “if it’s not broke, don’t fix it” doesn’t always apply. Grinders are strong, capable power tools. But frequent or daily wear-and-tear puts strain on a grinder’s wheel, motor, and other parts. There are times, likely more often than not, when a quick repair is all you need. But sometimes the best available option for getting your work done safely and efficiently is purchasing a new grinder.

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Replacing your grinder can be like buying a new car. As you pull into the car dealership, you see row beyond row of shiny, new models. There are cars, trucks, SUVs. Each vehicle has exciting special features that make it better than all the other options in the lot. There’s different colors, sizes, interiors… it can all get pretty overwhelming.

 

Unless you have a good idea of what you’re looking for, purchasing a new car – the perfect car for you and your budget – can be quite a challenge. And if you have an annoying car salesman hounding you, finding the right car for you can seem near impossible.

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If you have to replace your grinder, you may have a similar feeling. You walk into a hardware store, or you start browsing online. You see hundreds of grinders, each claiming to be the best. Sorting through the various manufacturers, sizes, and speeds can be confusing and time consuming. It’s information overload.

 

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How do you know what grinder will be best suited for the types of tasks you perform? What do you need to consider to ensure you’re purchasing a safe power tool? Which features will make your work easier?

 

These are essential questions to ask yourself when purchasing a new grinder. If you’re not sure how to answer them yet, this guide will help get you on the right track.

 

First Thing’s First: Know Your Job Description

 

Before you set out to buy a new grinder, you need a job description. And I’m not talking about the little blurb found under your name and job title on LinkedIn. You need to consider the types of tasks you will need the grinder to perform.

 

Not all grinders operate the same way. From angle grinders to specialty options, the type of grinder you need is entirely dependent on the work you do.

 

Angle Grinders

 

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This type of grinder is extremely versatile. It allows you to perform various types of tasks because of its changeable wheels and accessories. Each different wheel or accessory has different purposes and benefits. Some angle grinder attachments that your work may require include:

 

• Grinding wheels
• Cut-off wheels
• Sanding disks
• Wire wheels
• Cup brushes

 

Knowing when to use each accessory also depends on the work performed. For example, wire wheels can quickly remove rust, dirt, or flaking paint. Cut-off wheels, as their name suggests, allow you to cut through metal and other materials.

 

Die Grinders

 

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A die grinder is also called a straight grinder. It is often used to deburr metal after it's cut with a nibbler. The size and shape of die grinders allow it to reach into deep spaces and perform fine, detailed work. They are a great tool for automotive and other metal work.

 

Bench Grinders

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Bench grinders are stationary. This means that they are able to perform work on small parts without needing clamps. If you need to complete detailed work, a bench grinder is an excellent option.

 

Specialty Grinders

 

There are certain grinders designed especially for a particular trade. For example, a tuck-point grinder’s purpose is to smooth out the mortar between bricks.

 

Cordless, Corded, or Pneumatic

 

Knowing what type of grinder you need for the tasks you perform should be your first and easiest step. Then, you can head to a tool store or search online. Another thing to consider when determining which grinder will fit your specific needs the best is its power supply.

 

Do you prefer cordless, corded, or pneumatic power tools? Corded grinders pack more power than cordless versions. But cordless types are more versatile because they can be taken anywhere and used immediately. If you work in a production setting, a pneumatic grinder may be your best option.

 

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Make a list of pros and cons for each type to see what version is right for your situation. If you do go the corded route, keep in mind that you need a strong enough extension cord to power your particular grinder.

 

3 Of The Most Important Grinder Safety Features

 

The extension cord you use should allow for safe operation of your power tool. But there are several other nonnegotiable safety features to consider before purchasing a new grinder. You want your grinder to be powerful and efficient. But your biggest priority should be keeping the grinder’s operator and other workers free from harm.

 

1. Overload Protection

 

When a power tool overloads, it increases the risk of motor burn-up. This feature automatically shuts off the grinder before it has a chance to overload.

 

2. Speed Stabilization

 

Kickback can occur if the power tool is not kept at a constant speed. Speed stabilization allows for this consistency and reduces kickback. It also allows you to perform higher quality detailed work.

 

3. Soft Start

 

If a power tool has a soft start feature, it starts at a slower speed when turned on. It then quickly reaches its maximum no-load speed. This reduces the instant impact on the operator. A tool with soft start also makes start up inside a cut more difficult. This is a good thing because starting a tool inside a cut increases the risk of kickback.

 

Grinders Should Reduce Stress, Not Create It

 

You're now sure that a potential grinder has all the features you need for safe handling and operation. Now, you must think about whether that grinder will make your work easier. Some grinders have useful features that can reduce the difficulty of extended use. The best options will increase your comfort, too.

 

Tool-Free Guard Adjustments

 

As you move from one cut to another, you may need to adjust the tool’s guard. This used to be time consuming, and was often an ignored step. Grinders that only require simple, tool-free guard adjustments save time and effort. This makes the operator more likely to perform them.

 

Multi-Positional Handle

 

This feature helps you hold the grinder as wanted so you can make smoother, more accurate cuts. It also allows for more comfortable grinder operation for the user.

 

Light Weight

 

If you use a power tool for an extended amount of time, you know the continuous use can create worker fatigue. Even worse, it can decrease productivity. Selecting a lighter weight grinder helps to combat this fatigue.

 

Best Grinders of 2017

 

Now, for the time you’ve been waiting for. The above guide gave you a better understanding of what to know and consider when purchasing a new grinder. Here’s what the tests and reviews have to say about the top grinders of the year.

 

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Best Angle Grinders

 

• #1 

  

  The Makita 9564CV 4-1/2" Angle Grinder is the perfect fusion of unmatched power in a compact tool. Prevent gear damage with this tool’s Super Joint System. Its electronic limiter feature avoids motor burnout as well. This grinder’s five stage variable speed adjustment control dial makes it easy to match the RPM to your specific work. All in all, this tool’s powerful motor can give you the speed and efficiency you want in half the time.

 

• #2 

   

  
  As a cheaper alternative, the Dewalt D28114 4-1/2"-5" High Performance Grinder is a corded model. It's equipped with a trusted Dewalt-built motor. This efficient tool allows for faster material removal and higher overload protection. This grinder has safety in mind. Its dual abrasion protection and one-piece brush arm prevent dust and debris ingestion. You can use this grinder as long as you need to due to its comfortable, vibration-reducing side handle.

• #3

  
  Accessory changes and guard adjustments are easy and tool-free with the Milwaukee 6121-30 4-1/2" Small Angle Grinder. This tool ensures maximum performance, durability, and overload protection. Its ergonomic trigger grip handle provides better control, reach, and leverage while operating your grinder.

 

Best Die Grinders

 

• #1
  
  

  Our top electric die grinder is the Dewalt DWE4887 1-1/2" Die Grinder. It packs a lot of power, coming in at 4.2 amps. But it’s still user friendly. Its convenient paddle switch and lock-on button allow for an easy, comfortable grip. It also comes equipped with a precision 1/4" collet that securely holds all the tool’s proper accessories.
  
  

• #2

  
  Another reliable die grinder that features a paddle switch is the Milwaukee 5194 4.5 Amp Die Grinder. Since this tool has so much power, the paddle switch is very beneficial. It allows the operator to keep both hands on the tool when turning it on. Not only that, the grinder will switch off the second it leaves the user’s hands, making it a very safe option.

 

Best Bench Grinders

 

Bench grinders are useful because they’re stationary. They also don’t need clamps when performing detailed work. But sometimes, they can be challenging to operate since they're bigger than other power tools.

 

• #1
  
  

  The Jet JBG-8A 8" Industrial Bench Grinder is a user-friendly option. Its rubber mount that prevents the tool from moving while operating. This dependable grinder has all you need for sharpening, grinding, and polishing.

 

• #2
  
  

  If you’re looking for a more compact model, the Jet JBG-6A 6" Industrial Bench Grinder has the same quality as the 8" model in a smaller size. Maybe you’re not sure how frequently you’ll need a bench grinder and want to try one out. This 6" Steel Grip Bench Grinder from Ace doesn’t lack in useful features. But it’s still easy on the wallet.

 

Best Specialty Grinder

 

If you go to buy a specialty grinder online, you’ll see that there aren’t as many options to choose from as, say, angle grinders. But it’s still crucial that you select a model that will be safe, run well, and suit your needs.

 

• #1
  
  

  A common type of specialty grinder is a tuckpoint grinder, and the Bosch 1775E 5" Tuckpoint Grinder is one of the best. An awesome feature of this tool is their Service Minder™ brushes. They end guesswork by shutting off the tool when preventative maintenance is required. By nature, tuckpointing applications create a lot of dust. This grinder comes equipped with a dust extraction port, and its epoxy-coated field windings protect against dust debris.

 

What did you decide? 

If your work depends on a grinder, selecting the best model can be as important as buying a new car. But it doesn’t have to be as overwhelming. Look for a tool that fits the job you’ll be performing, that’s safe and reliable, and that makes your work easier and more comfortable.

 

Our recommendations should help you get started. But we want to hear from you!

 

Have you tried any of the grinders we mentioned? If not, which manufacturer or model is your favorite? Let us know in the comments below.