The 9 Best Angle Grinders
Updated by · How we research
Corded and cordless angle grinders from DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita and Bosch compared on power, brakes and switches. The DeWalt DWE402K cuts metal fastest. When users buy our independently chosen editorial picks, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
The disc matters as much as the motor: every grinding or cut-off wheel is stamped with a top speed, and it has to meet or beat the grinder's no-load speed or it can burst. A corded four-and-a-half-inch model handles most home metal, tile and rust work, while battery models make sense for people already on a platform.
Editor's Notes
October 27, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Admin:
The DeWalt DWE402 takes first place, now sold as the DeWalt DWE402K kit, because it's the one grinder here with a real cutting trial behind it: in Bob Vila's field test it went through angle iron faster than anything else in the group. The Milwaukee 2880-20 is our cordless choice, mostly for its brake, its anti-kickback clutch and a five-year warranty.
A lot changed since the last pass. The DeWalt 60V Max is gone, since DeWalt's big-battery grinders now run on FlexVolt. The Milwaukee 2781-22 and Metabo W9-115 are unavailable, the Metabo Lock-On is no longer listed, and the Porter-Cable PCEG011 gave way to kits that include more for the money. The Bosch 1375A has a successor, the Bosch GWS8-45, which takes its place. The Makita 9557PBX1, Metabo HPT G12SR4 and DeWalt DW840 stay. New picks cover lighter cordless work, Ryobi owners and very occasional use.
For this pass we read the DeWalt, Milwaukee and Makita spec pages, the federal guard rules for portable abrasive wheels, a university safety guide on kickback and wheel speed, and federal recall notices for every brand on the list. We left out a well-regarded Makita cordless model because no current price could be confirmed.
November 24, 2020:
For this update, we removed a refurbished option -- the Black+Decker BDEG400 -- due to availability concerns. Since we only had one battery-powered model on our list, we decided to add another, the Milwaukee 2781-22, an 18V model. At 16 pounds, it’s not the lightest model out there, and the high price tag might not make sense for the casual user. However, for a professional who wants the mobility of a cordless tool, and has enough projects to make it worth the cost, it could be a great choice. If you’re interested in more battery-powered models, this collection of cordless angle grinders should provide a good selection.
Angle grinders are one of the most dangerous tools you can use, and require strict adherence to safety protocols to prevent injury. In addition to using the proper technique when operating, you also need to pay close attention to the type and size of the disc you plan on using in your grinder. Take the time to inspect the specifications of the disc, and ensure that its RPM rating is higher than that of the grinder.
Since angle grinders have a high risk of creating sparks, you should never use them around flammable materials, including combustible dust. Proper PPE, including eye and hearing protection, must also be worn while operating.
If you’re looking for something a little more sturdy, you may want to consider a bench grinder. These machines won’t be able to maneuver around workpieces like an angle grinder, but by securing them to a workbench, they're perfect for sharpening edged tools and smoothing metal pieces prior to welding.
July 11, 2019:
The DeWalt 60V Max is the only cordless option on the list, and you should know that it works extremely well — for a battery-powered model. It's simply not as powerful as some of its corded brethren, but that's a necessary sacrifice you make for the convenience a cordless model offers. It's still good enough for most jobs, but professionals will want to have another, stouter model handy as well.
One feature that you'll either love or hate is the lock-on side switch that a few units (like the Bosch 1375A) boast. It's certainly more convenient for extended use, but if you're new to angle grinding, the safety risk (not to mention the risk of accidentally cutting too far) might outweigh the benefits for you.
Both DeWalt and Metabo placed multiple models on this edition of the list, and all of their offerings are nearly equal in terms of quality. The DeWalt DWE402 earned the top spot because it offers high-level performance at a middle-of-the-road price. The W9-115 was our favorite of the Metabo offerings, with only its occasionally-annoying spindle preventing it from ranking higher.
Special Honors
Dynabrade Rebel Dynabrade's Rebel series are air-powered right-angle grinders made in the U.S. for foundries, shipyards and steel plants. They run on shop compressed air, so there's no motor to burn out, and the line includes compact 5-inch and full-size 7- and 9-inch models with vibration-damped handles and over-speed shut-off. They are priced for industrial buyers and need a large compressor, so they're for industrial shops, not garages. us.dynabrade.com
Hilti Nuron AG 4S-22 Hilti sells its tools directly to contractors, and the AG 4S-22 is its 4-1/2-inch cordless grinder on the 22-volt Nuron battery platform. It offers six speed settings for work like stainless steel, active torque control to fight kickback when the disc binds, and Hilti's vibration-reduction handle. It's priced for crews with a Hilti account rather than homeowners. hilti.com
Size, Power And Corded Vs. Cordless
Brushless motors run cooler and get more work out of each charge.
A 4-1/2-inch grinder is the right size for most people. It cuts bolts, rebar and tile, strips rust and paint, and cleans up welds, and it's light enough to use with one hand on the side handle and one on the body. Some cordless models also take 5-inch discs, like the Milwaukee 2880-20, which buys a little more cutting depth. Seven- and nine-inch grinders such as the DeWalt DW840 cut deeper but weigh about three times as much, and they're meant for pros cutting pipe, concrete or thick plate. Bob Vila draws the same line: small grinders for home metal and tile work, big ones for heavy jobs.
Corded grinders are rated in amps. Seven to 7.5 amps covers rust, welds and light cutting; 11 amps, as on the DeWalt DWE402, cuts thick steel without bogging down. Corded models spin about 11,000 rpm and never fade. Cordless grinders spin slower, around 8,500 rpm, but go anywhere. Brushless motors run cooler and get more work out of each charge. The battery is the hidden cost: most cordless grinders are sold as bare tools, so the platform you already own usually decides the brand.
Switches, Brakes And Kickback
The switch is a safety choice, not just a comfort one. A paddle switch runs only while you squeeze it, so the grinder stops if you drop it or lose your grip. A slide switch locks on, which is easier on the hand during long grinding passes but keeps the disc spinning if the tool gets away from you. Many shops require paddle switches for that reason. A lock-off button on a paddle, like the one on the DeWalt DWE402, keeps it from starting when you pick it up.
Kickback happens when the disc pinches or snags and the tool jerks back toward you. Harvard's environmental health and safety office lists binding and kickback among the main grinder hazards. Newer grinders fight it with electronics. The DeWalt DCG413B senses a bind, shuts off and stops the wheel in about two seconds. The Milwaukee 2880-20 uses an electronic clutch plus a brake that stops the disc in under two seconds when you let go. Soft start keeps a corded grinder from twisting in your hand at switch-on. These features cost more, but they matter most for beginners and for anyone cutting rather than sanding.
Discs, Guards And Safe Habits
Every disc is stamped with a maximum speed. It must be equal to or higher than the grinder's no-load speed, or the disc can fly apart. Cut-off wheels are thin and are for straight cuts only; never grind sideways with one. Grinding wheels, flap discs and wire cups do the surface work. Diamond blades cut tile and masonry. Check the arbor size too: most 4-1/2-inch grinders use a 5/8-11 spindle. Bosch's X-Lock system swaps discs without a wrench, but it needs X-Lock discs. Flap discs can fail as well: in 2025 DeWalt recalled grinder flap discs over a laceration hazard.
Keep the guard on and between the disc and your body. The federal rule for portable abrasive wheels (29 CFR 1910.243) requires a guard that covers the spindle end, nut and flange, and Minnesota's abrasive wheel directive spells out wheel inspection and the ring test for cracks. Throw out any disc that has been dropped or chipped. Wear eye and face protection, hearing protection and gloves, hold the tool with both hands, let it stop before you set it down, and remember that the disc and the workpiece stay hot for a while.
How we researched this
We compared 25 angle grinders from 13 brands, including every item from the previous version of this page, and read the makers' spec pages for the finalists where they were available. We used one independent field test, Bob Vila's 2026 grinder roundup, and checked each brand against U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission recall notices. Safety guidance comes from the federal guard rules and university and state safety guides.
Sources (14)
- DeWalt: DWE402 4-1/2 in. paddle switch grinder
- Milwaukee: M18 FUEL 2880-20 braking grinder
- DeWalt: DCG413B 20V MAX grinder with kickback brake
- DeWalt: DW840 7 in. grinder
- Bob Vila: The Best Angle Grinders
- 29 CFR 1910.243, portable powered tools
- Minnesota DLI: abrasive wheels directive
- Harvard EHS: grinder safety
- CPSC: DeWalt grinder flap disc recall (2025)
- CPSC: Bosch 1380 grinder recall (2016)
- CPSC: Makita GA7011C grinder recall (2006)
- CPSC: Milwaukee electric grinder recall (2003)
- Hilti: Nuron AG 4S-22 4.5 in. grinder
- Dynabrade
Frequently asked questions
What is an angle grinder used for?
It's a hand-held tool that spins an abrasive disc at high speed. With the right disc it cuts metal, tile and masonry, grinds down welds, strips rust and paint, and sharpens blades. Changing the disc changes the job.
Should I buy a corded or cordless angle grinder?
Corded grinders cost less and never run down, so they suit shop work and long cutting jobs. Cordless grinders go anywhere and avoid the cord near the disc. If you already own a tool battery system, a bare cordless grinder for that system is usually the best value.
What size angle grinder do I need?
A 4-1/2-inch grinder handles most home and DIY work. Some cordless models also take 5-inch discs for a bit more depth. Seven- and nine-inch grinders are for heavy cutting of pipe, concrete and thick steel.
Is a paddle switch safer than a slide switch?
Yes, for most users. A paddle switch stops the grinder as soon as you let go, so it won't keep spinning if you drop it. A slide switch can lock on, which is easier on the hand for long passes but less forgiving.
Can I put any disc on my grinder?
Only if the disc fits the spindle and guard and its speed rating meets or beats the grinder's no-load speed. Use thin cut-off wheels only for straight cuts, never for side grinding, and throw away any disc that has been dropped or cracked.
