MattWeiler Posted July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 (edited) I'm looking to buy an angle grinder and would like to know what people think of my below options. If you have other suggestions, I'm all ears I won't be a heavy user, but I do want to get a decent grinder that'll last me a while and won't need much maintenance. I'm planning to use it to do some light metal cutting and cleaning using a wire brush. The prices below are in Canadian dollars since that's where I live. The 3 that I'm looking at right now are: 1) DEWALT DW831 5-Inch Medium Angle Grinder https://www.amazon.ca/DEWALT-DW831-5-Inch-Medium-Grinder/dp/B00004TQH9/ref=sr_1_2?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1467907790&sr=1-2 $100 (regular $240) - sale price 2) Dewalt DWE402 4-1/2-Inch 11-Amp Paddle Switch Angle Grinder https://www.amazon.ca/DEWALT-DWE402-2-Inch-11-Amp-Grinder/dp/B00RVZ7DNO/ref=sr_1_5?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1467907790&sr=1-5 $100 (regular $160) - sale price 3) Bosch 1375A 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder https://www.amazon.ca/Bosch-1375A-2-Inch-Angle-Grinder/dp/B00004SUOU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_product_top?ie=UTF8 $50 I know that the Bosch is not as powerful as the 2 Dewalts, but I was just putting it in the mix to see what thoughts anyone may have on it? Edited July 21, 2016 by MattWeiler marked title as resolved Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboS1ice Posted July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 You would be surprised by the power of a grinder in the 7amp range, Bosch makes great grinders, I prefer paddle as well. Jimbo Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattWeiler Posted July 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 1 hour ago, JimboS1ice said: You would be surprised by the power of a grinder in the 7amp range, Bosch makes great grinders, I prefer paddle as well. Jimbo Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Thanks for the fast reply Jimbo. I think I'm leaning towards the 4 1/2" Dewalt paddle grinder or the 4 1/2" Bosch. Since 4 1/2" size is the most common, it should be the easiest to get a variety of wheels for. I didn't think about the paddle option much until you mentioned it, but I agree that I also prefer a grinder that has a paddle as opposed to a trigger so the 5" Dewalt is probably out. Since I don't need it asap, I'll order one of them next weekend when I get back from our family camping trip. I'll be checking this thread for more insight Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboS1ice Posted July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 Thanks for the fast reply Jimbo. I think I'm leaning towards the 4 1/2" Dewalt paddle grinder or the 4 1/2" Bosch. Since 4 1/2" size is the most common, it should be the easiest to get a variety of wheels for. I didn't think about the paddle option much until you mentioned it, but I agree that I also prefer a grinder that has a paddle as opposed to a trigger so the 5" Dewalt is probably out. Since I don't need it asap, I'll order one of them next weekend when I get back from our family camping trip. I'll be checking this thread for more insight [emoji4] Now with a 5" grinder you can still use 4 1/2" discs... But for the lighter use you mentioned you can get away with a lower amp grinder Jimbo Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stercorarius Posted July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 #2 Notice the color scheme among the grinders these guys use? 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattWeiler Posted July 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 1 hour ago, JimboS1ice said: Now with a 5" grinder you can still use 4 1/2" discs... But for the lighter use you mentioned you can get away with a lower amp grinder Jimbo Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Thanks again Jimbo. Ya, I think I might just get the $50 Bosch and if my needs change I can always get a more powerful one later. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattWeiler Posted July 7, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 4 minutes ago, Stercorarius said: #2 Notice the color scheme among the grinders these guys use? Thanks for the info Stercorarius. Dewalt is definitely a well known and powerful brand. I think for now, my needs are nowhere near those of the guys pictured above If the Bosch feels lacking in the future, I can always get a more powerful grinder... likely a Dewalt. Plus, there's nothing wrong with having a multitude of devices... more powerful ones for bigger jobs and less powerful for small jobs. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboS1ice Posted July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 Thanks for the info Stercorarius. Dewalt is definitely a well known and powerful brand. I think for now, my needs are nowhere near those of the guys pictured above [emoji4] If the Bosch feels lacking in the future, I can always get a more powerful grinder... likely a Dewalt. Plus, there's nothing wrong with having a multitude of devices... more powerful ones for bigger jobs and less powerful for small jobs. Can never have enough grinders! Jimbo Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Glassey Posted July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 Yes we know! John, Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk[emoji848] 4 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kruton Posted July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 The Bosch will be a good grinder. Not sure what you are looking to spend but Metabo is no slouch when it comes to grinders. Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffmcmillan Posted July 7, 2016 Report Share Posted July 7, 2016 If you have a circular saw this might help out with the metal cutting. https://www.amazon.ca/DEWALT-DW3511-7-Inch-8-Inch-Abrasive/dp/B002YDM3DS/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Grumpy MSG Posted July 8, 2016 Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 As far as switches go most 4 1/2" grinders that don't have paddle switches tend to have a locking sliding switch that you better have a firm grip on or the grinder will twist or jump out of your hand when you fire it up. Triggers tend to be on the bigger 7/9" grinders. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stercorarius Posted July 8, 2016 Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 Makita, Milwaukee both also make stellar grinders and I have especially liked using the Milwaukee. Bosch I haven't used, but I have heard great reviews about. I just couldn't buy one because of the way the paddle is on their cheaper grinder. Cheap Hitachi's have garbage bearings and aren't worth dealing with. The reason I advocate DeWalt is that it is what I see guys who run them all day everyday using. The DeWalt the hoof trimmer has been using at work regularly for years is still running strong and the mobile hoof trimmers that have their own custom mobile chute all have Dewalts and those guys depend on them for a living as they run them all day everyday. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
comp56 Posted July 8, 2016 Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 larger grinders usually have a spring loaded trigger for good reason, even the smaller grinders that have locking switches are just asking for trouble. Eventually if you use a grinder enough you will at the least get a good scare......I like the paddle switch on my Milwaukee Fuel grinder for the simple reason I have to keep alert to run it...... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboS1ice Posted July 8, 2016 Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 larger grinders usually have a spring loaded trigger for good reason, even the smaller grinders that have locking switches are just asking for trouble. Eventually if you use a grinder enough you will at the least get a good scare......I like the paddle switch on my Milwaukee Fuel grinder for the simple reason I have to keep alert to run it...... Best part with paddle if the grinder catches and goes A-Wall, at least it'll turn off Jimbo Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BK13 Posted July 8, 2016 Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 On 7/7/2016 at 1:16 PM, Stercorarius said: #2 Notice the color scheme among the grinders these guys use? Are those DeWalt? They look more like Fein to me.... I have four grinders... a 5" Fein, a 4.5" Bosch 1380 Slim, a 4.5 DeWalt, and a 4" Makita. Obviously, I like the Fein the best, by miles. The Krauts know how to make fantastic grinders. The Bosch is apparently an outlier, as it's supposed to be cheap and light, and it does feel cheap and unrefined. Surprisingly, because I don't really like DeWalt, I really like the grinder. The Makita is also a fine tool. I don't like paddle switches, and I dunno if I've ever used a grinder with a trigger. I'll likely stick with sliding switches. I don't know if being in The Great White North will be a problem, but CPO Fein/CPO Metabo frequently have screaming deals on both Metabo and Fein grinders. I'd watch them closely... 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JimboS1ice Posted July 8, 2016 Report Share Posted July 8, 2016 45 minutes ago, BK13 said: Are those DeWalt? They look more like Fein to me.... I have four grinders... a 5" Fein, a 4.5" Bosch 1380 Slim, a 4.5 DeWalt, and a 4" Makita. Obviously, I like the Fein the best, by miles. The Krauts know how to make fantastic grinders. The Bosch is apparently an outlier, as it's supposed to be cheap and light, and it does feel cheap and unrefined. Surprisingly, because I don't really like DeWalt, I really like the grinder. The Makita is also a fine tool. I don't like paddle switches, and I dunno if I've ever used a grinder with a trigger. I'll likely stick with sliding switches. I don't know if being in The Great White North will be a problem, but CPO Fein/CPO Metabo frequently have screaming deals on both Metabo and Fein grinders. I'd watch them closely... Metabo and Fein are top dogs, thought about mentioning what or the other but that can be a big bite to chew into for an occasional user... love to get my paws on a fein things are built like a tank! Makita is supposed to be a nice grinder as well but everyone has their preference. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BK13 Posted July 9, 2016 Report Share Posted July 9, 2016 6 hours ago, JimboS1ice said: Metabo and Fein are top dogs, thought about mentioning what or the other but that can be a big bite to chew into for an occasional user... love to get my paws on a fein things are built like a tank! Makita is supposed to be a nice grinder as well but everyone has their preference. That's why I suggested watching CPO. I got my Fein for like 60% off. 3 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Craigh9916 Posted July 9, 2016 Report Share Posted July 9, 2016 Spent 8 years in the steel industry welding and steel erecting and all the kit was bosch and hilti but the grinders were bosch and that's the only grinders I use now as no other brand feels right to me but the main thing is they last and last and I've never thought they lacked in power I would recommend 100% Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MattWeiler Posted July 21, 2016 Author Report Share Posted July 21, 2016 Thanks everyone for your input. I really appreciate all the insight. I ended-up going with the 4 1/2" Dewalt since I felt more comfortable having the paddle switch. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
phffter Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 there is a recall on bosch 1380 grinders. not your model, just putting it out there. i'm a pipefitter, thanks for the pipe pics. we use metabo for grinders, with metabo blades or discs. fwiw, i have found de walt cutting discs are junk. their grinding wheels aren't far behind. https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/service/product-safety/ 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jeffmcmillan Posted July 22, 2016 Report Share Posted July 22, 2016 1 hour ago, phffter said: there is a recall on bosch 1380 grinders. not your model, just putting it out there. i'm a pipefitter, thanks for the pipe pics. we use metabo for grinders, with metabo blades or discs. fwiw, i have found de walt cutting discs are junk. their grinding wheels aren't far behind. https://www.boschtools.com/us/en/service/product-safety/ Usually it's a good sign when a manufacturer actually issues recalls...unless you hear in the news about courts forcing them to do a recall. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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