Angle grinders are handheld rotary tools that spin a disc. Depending on the disc used, they can cut, grind, carve, and polish among other uses. They are found in workshops for woodworking, metalworking, and masonry. Many autobody shops use angle grinders for all sorts of auto repair functions, too.
A whole bunch of things. Here’s a short list to give you an idea:
- Grinding welds
- Carving contours in wood
- Deburring cuts in metal
- Removing rust from a shovel
- Sharpening lawn mower blades
- Polishing a dull piece of metal
- Cut wood
- Sanding wood
- Removing grout or concrete from bricks
- Cutting tile or stone
- Removing old paint
Angle grinders are incredibly versatile considering the various materials it can cut, grind, or polish. Weekend warriors can use them in the garage, in the yard, or around the house.
Their portability adds to their many uses since you don’t have to move workpieces to the tool. The options for attachments are near endless with cutoff discs, sanding flaps, carving discs, wire wheels, polishing discs, and more. You can even turn an angle grinder into a chain saw.
The Quick Answer
The DEWALT 402 and PORTER-CABLE 750 tie for our favorite angle grinder. The DEWALT brings impressive power and features. It’s a workhorse and should satisfy most if not all of your needs. The PORTER-CABLE brings adequate power in a very affordable package along with a convenient top handle mount.
We think the BOSCH 1375 needs some refreshes before we’d recommend it.
DEWALT DWE402
The DWE402 from DEWALT weighs more than average for its class, but for good reason: it delivers a ton of power to the disc. 11.0 amps won’t leave you hanging during the most strenuous tasks.
It uses a paddle to send the disc spinning, which is different than most triggers, but it’s a very trigger-y paddle so we think it’s a satisfactory switch. The touch guard and disc change mechanisms are both very easy to use. The blade guard can spin to any orientation to protect you from debris.
A trigger lock on the paddle prevents accidental startups, which is great since the DWE402 quickly spools up to 11,000 rpm. When the motor brushes are worn out, the unit turns off to prevent any further damage to the tool. This helps ensure the longevity of the grinder in your shop.
PORTER-CABLE 750
PORTER-CABLE’s 750 is an economic solution to the everyday angle grinder. It offers average power at a below average price. Quality could be a concern as some users report some manufacturing issues.
This angle grinder is very light, which is a double-sided coin. Lighter weights mean less arm fatigue during lighter jobs. But lighter tools are more prone to wandering around during more aggressive cutting or grinding operations.
We like the trigger on this unit since it’s easy to operate. The handle can be placed on the left, right, or top of the grinder, which helps immensely when performing different jobs. A spindle lock keeps the disc stationary when changing to a different disc.
The price is very competitive compared to other models. The 750 offers all the standard features without the buyer’s remorse.
BOSCH 1375
BOSCH brings another economic entry into the grinder category, but we’re a little dissappointed by the power output. At 6 amps, the 1375 is definitely underpowered compared to some of the competition. It’s priced pretty low though.
Rather than a trigger, the grinder uses a switch on the side of the body. We prefer a trigger, but the slide isn’t too difficult to use. A trigger is just a little more intuitive in our opinions. The switch does include a lock, though, so you don’t have to keep your thumb on the switch. This helps with hand fatigue during prolonged jobs.
The body of the saw is covered with a tough epoxy coating that should keep the tool looking fresh and nick-free for a long time. A Service Minder Brush System prevents the tool from starting when the brushes are worn out to prevent damage.
The handle can be placed on the left or right of the tool, but not the top, which we think is a miss. Locating the handle on the top of the tool is useful for a number of jobs, particularly vertical cutting motions.
So Which Angle Grinder is the Best?
PORTER-CABLE, DEWALT, and BOSCH bring sub-$100 corded angle grinders to the table and into your garage. These value plays are lighter than their full-sized big brothers but confidently address any cutting, grinding, or polishing job you’d need in the garage. We’ll compare and contrast the PORTER-CABLE 750, the DEWALT 402, and the BOSCH 1375 to determine which is the best angle grinder for the weekend warrior.
For full reviews of each angle grinder, check out each write-up here:
Scoring will be based on each grinder’s performance in four categories. Also, units can score equally if deserved in a particular category (e.g. a first, second, third, etc isn’t forced). For this comparison, the max score possible is set at 100 and the minimum score is 40.
Which is the Most Powerful?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 20 points
Below Average = 5 points
Power output varies quite a bit across these three angle grinders. The BOSCH suprisingly offers a measly 6.0 amps, the PORTER-CABLE gives the standard 7.5 amps, and the DEWALT cranks out a whopping 11.0 amps. There’s a clear winner with DEWALT in the power category.
DEWALT earns 25 points, PORTER-CABLE earns 20 points, and BOSCH earns 5 points.
Which Angle Grinder has the Best Ergonomics?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 20 points
Below Average = 15 points
There are a couple of factors that work into the ergonomics score for these angle grinders. We consider weight, switch type, and general feel.
The PORTER-CABLE and BOSCH each weigh under 4 lbs, which is an easy weight to maneuver around the workpiece. The DEWALT adds a bit more heft at 6 lbs, likely due to its more powerful motor.
The PORTER-CABLE and DEWALT use trigger switches, which we at WWC find superior to other types. The BOSCH uses a thumb switch that wasn’t as seamless as we’d like. Tools should feel like an extension of our arms and hands and the switch on the BOSCH impedes that slightly.
General feel for all three units are comparable. The extra weight of the DEWALT adds some stability and the grinder felt more solid in our hands.
DEWALT earns 25 points, PORTER-CABLE and earns 20 points and BOSCH earns 15 points.
Which Angle Grinder has the Lowest Price?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 20 points
Below Average = 10 points
Prices vary, but typically, the PORTER-CABLE and BOSCH offer their grinders for around $40 while the DEWALT grinder clocks in at double the price at $80.
You can look at this as an extra $40 or double the price. Either way, PORTER-CABLE and BOSCH win this category.
PORTER-CABLE and BOSCH earn 20 points, and DEWALT earns 10 points.
Which Angle Grinder has the Best Features?
Exemplary = 25 points
Satisfactory = 20 points
Below Average = 10 points
This category is a bit of a grab-bag but we’ll do our best to be fair.
The PORTER-CABLE includes everything you want and nothing you’d miss. It’s the standard angle grinder.
The DEWALT’s one-touch tool change system is a big plus. It’s an upgrade from the standard spindle-lock seen on the other two options.
BOSCH and DEWALT miss on a feature that seems minor but is deeply missed once you need it. The handle can be placed only on the left and right side of the tools. The ability to move the handle to the top position is incredibly valuable during cutting operations.
DEWALT and PORTER-CABLE earn 20 points, and BOSCH earns 10 points.
Final Results
The DEWALT 402 and PORTER-CABLE 750 tie for our pick for the best corded angle grinder for the workshop or garage. The DEWALT’s impressive power and unique features that set it apart. The PORTER-CABLE 750 represents another compelling entry due to its low price. We think the BOSCH 1375 is a pass until some of the shortcomings we’ve identified are rectified.