Best Angle Grinders for DIYers
An angle grinder cuts, grinds, and polishes metal, masonry, and tile with the right wheel. It is the go-to for cutting rebar and rusty bolts, grinding welds, and removing mortar. Wheel choice does the work.
What to look for
- ·A 4-1/2 inch grinder is the standard for homeowners. Match the wheel to the job: cut-off, grinding, flap, or diamond for masonry.
- ·Corded grinders give steady power for heavy, sustained work; cordless adds convenience for quick cuts.
- ·Safety is critical: use the guard, eye and face protection, and let the wheel reach speed before cutting.
Quick comparison
| Product | Tier | Price | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita 18V LXT Angle Grinder (XAG04) | Editor's pick | $130 to $190 (tool or kit) | The best cordless grinder |
| DeWalt DWE43116 Corded Grinder | Editor's pick | $130 to $180 | Heavy-duty corded power |
| Milwaukee M18 FUEL Grinder (2880) | Editor's pick | $160 to $230 (tool or kit) | Pro-grade cordless on M18 |
| DeWalt DCG412B Cordless Grinder | Best value | $80 to $130 (tool only) | Value cordless for DeWalt owners |
| Bosch GWS13-50VSP Corded Grinder | Best value | $90 to $130 | Variable-speed corded value |
| Metabo WEV15-125 Corded Grinder | Best value | $90 to $140 | Durable everyday grinding |
| Ryobi ONE+ Angle Grinder | Budget pick | $50 to $90 (tool only) | Light DIY on ONE+ |
| WEN 4.5 inch Corded Grinder | Budget pick | $30 to $50 | Occasional jobs on a budget |
| Avid Power 20V Angle Grinder | Budget pick | $50 to $80 (kit) | A complete budget cordless kit |
Editor's pick
Makita 18V LXT Angle Grinder (XAG04)
$130 to $190 (tool or kit)
A top cordless grinder with automatic speed and torque adjustment, a lock-on switch, and 8,500 RPM. Smooth, powerful, and easy to control on the LXT platform.
Best for: The best cordless grinder
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
DeWalt DWE43116 Corded Grinder
$130 to $180
A high-power corded grinder with top safety features, built for professionals and heavy sustained work. The pick for serious cutting and grinding.
Best for: Heavy-duty corded power
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL Grinder (2880)
$160 to $230 (tool or kit)
A heavy-duty cordless grinder with metal housing and safety features that rivals corded power. The pick for demanding work on the M18 platform.
Best for: Pro-grade cordless on M18
Typically available at Home Depot, Acme Tools.
Best value
DeWalt DCG412B Cordless Grinder
$80 to $130 (tool only)
A budget-friendly cordless grinder with high marks for ease of use and performance. A strong value for DeWalt 20V owners who need a grinder.
Best for: Value cordless for DeWalt owners
Typically available at Home Depot, Amazon.
Bosch GWS13-50VSP Corded Grinder
$90 to $130
A durable variable-speed corded grinder with strong power and vibration control. A reliable mid-value pick for varied cutting and grinding.
Best for: Variable-speed corded value
Typically available at Amazon, Home Depot.
Metabo WEV15-125 Corded Grinder
$90 to $140
A well-regarded variable-speed corded grinder built for durability and comfort. A great value for those who grind and cut regularly.
Best for: Durable everyday grinding
Typically available at Amazon.
Budget pick
Ryobi ONE+ Angle Grinder
$50 to $90 (tool only)
An affordable cordless grinder on the ONE+ battery system for occasional cutting and grinding. Fine for light DIY metal and masonry work.
Best for: Light DIY on ONE+
Typically available at Home Depot.
WEN 4.5 inch Corded Grinder
$30 to $50
About the cheapest reliable corded grinder for occasional jobs. Basic, but with the right wheel it cuts and grinds for very little.
Best for: Occasional jobs on a budget
Typically available at Amazon.
Avid Power 20V Angle Grinder
$50 to $80 (kit)
A budget cordless grinder kit with battery included, popular for light home use. Limited for heavy work, but a cheap, complete starter option.
Best for: A complete budget cordless kit
Typically available at Amazon.
Frequently asked
What can an angle grinder do?+
With the right wheel it cuts metal, rebar, and bolts; grinds welds and rust; cuts tile, brick, and concrete (diamond blade); and polishes or sands (flap disc). It is one of the most versatile tools for metal and masonry work.
What size angle grinder should I buy?+
A 4-1/2 inch grinder covers nearly all homeowner tasks and uses the most common, cheapest wheels. Step up to 7 or 9 inch only for heavy cutting of thick material, which most DIYers never need.
Corded or cordless angle grinder?+
Corded grinders deliver consistent power for extended cutting and grinding at a lower price. Cordless grinders are convenient for quick cuts and spots without power, and modern brushless models are surprisingly capable.
What wheel do I use for what?+
Thin cut-off wheels for cutting metal, grinding wheels for welds and heavy material removal, flap discs for smoothing and finishing, wire wheels for rust and paint, and diamond blades for tile, brick, and concrete.
Are angle grinders dangerous?+
They demand respect: spinning wheels can kick back or shatter. Always use the guard, wear eye and face protection and gloves, secure the workpiece, and let the wheel reach full speed before contact. Use the right wheel rated for the speed.