4-1/2" Disc Grinder

Re: 4-1/2" Disc Grinder

William Duffield

Makita.

I have both the 4-1/2" and 5" Makitas. Note that my 4-1/2" doesn't allow the blade guard to be repositioned. I have found this to be a bit of a disadvantage if you're left handed. There may be another 4-1/2" model.

I would also recommend buying a spare set of brushes if you plan to use it a lot. They are inexpensive and easy to replace, but don't give you a lot of warning when they wear out.

Makita. also

Yonak

I was in the market for a 4-1/2" grinder recently and went with the Makita with a paddle switch. I originally bought the Dewalt, which was 11 amps for not much more but it was just too big for my hand to control it well as it had a lot of torque. So far I'm pleased with the 7-1/2 amp Makita although I haven't used it much.

Makita also

John in NM

I like the side switch that they still use on the 4 1/2" for one handed grinding. They seem to last well, even cutting rock with a diamond blade.

Dewalt also

JL

I've had mine for years. Carved out many a seat with it.

MKE

Tom Dunlap

I got 25 years of hard use out of my last MMKE grinder. I bought another as my main grinder. A paddle switch is mandatory!

FOr light duty occasional use I watched Harbor Freight and got one of their cheapest when they go down to $10. It vibrates and is very noisy...but it works well at the price point. I keep a 3" cup wire brush in it.

Re: 4-1/2" Disc Grinder

Grant Smith

I suggest you ensure you get variable speed on whatever you buy. Variable speed makes the tool much more versatile and able to do finer work with more finesse.

Having had tools from various brands, I am most fond of DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee and Makita. They all make good tools. Be advised that there may be some differences between tools purchased from local industrial suppliers versus a similar looking tool from the big box stores. Pay attention to the model numbers when shopping, all tools, even when they look alike, are not created equal.

While I use cordless tools extensively, I find that at tool that is rarely used is one that may be best bought corded. Technology changes, and it is frustrating to have to re-buy tools because the maker decided to make a given battery obsolete. FWIW,

Grant in Iowa

Metabo

Yonak

My metalworker friend says Metabo is probably the best one made. ..Not their lower-priced line (Hitachi ?), but the higher line made in Germany. He says it has a feature where you don't need a wrench to take off the wheel. When It's slowing down there's a button to push where the wheel will screw itself off.

Yep

Re: Metabo

Stuart Johnson

Many brands seem to have Home Depot / Lowes level model and a higher level better built model for all their tools. How do you make sure the one you purchase is the higher level build?

Re: Metabo

Howard Pollack

A great question, I await the answer. -Howard

Re: Metabo

Walt

Maybe check the model number. Consumer grade and pro grade likely have slightly different model numbers or maybe a letter suffix.