An angle grinder is an extremely versatile tool that can be used for a variety of tasks, from cutting metal to grinding down concrete.
In essence, an angle grinder is a small motor housing in a metal cube that contains the blade. There are two different types of holders: one with a handle at both ends and another one where there is only a handle at the top. The difference between these holders is how you hold them when working with them.
If you’re looking for a way to speed through your sanding, polishing, and cutting projects, an angle grinder is a perfect tool for the job. These multi-function machines come with a variety of different attachments and accessories that can make your work go by much faster.
There are a ton of different options to choose from. So, which one is the best for you? The answer to that question depends on your needs and what you plan on using the grinder for. In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the factors you need to consider when choosing an angle grinder and we’ll recommend a few models that are ideal for specific applications.
Table of Contents
What should I look for when buying an Angle Grinder?
When choosing this grinder, it is important to consider the types of projects you will be using it for. Below are the points that need to be considered before buying a new grinder.
Power:
The power of this grinder is displayed by wattage. The more wattage, the faster and more durable your machine is going to be. However, power doesn’t have anything to do with torque – it only shows how fast the motor can spin at certain RPMs.
The optimal wattage is 1100-1400 watts. The grinders with lower wattage can be used for basic works, but they are very slow and it will take them more time to complete the task.
On the other hand, a powerful angle grinder is very noisy, has high vibrations and needs to have ventilation holes on its case to dissipate heat produced after long usage.
Speed:
The speed of an angle grinder is displayed in RPM (revolutions per minute). The more rpm, the faster is your machine going to be. However, like with power it only indicates how fast the motor can spin at certain RPMs and doesn’t mean that it has more torque. Usually, thses grinders with 1000 rpm are used for simple works, while high-speed angle grinders have at least 2000 rpm. RPMs can be changed by changing the type of discs being used on the machine.
Disc size:
The standard disc size is 4 inches (~100mm), however, in some cases, discs bigger than that can be used. Please note that the bigger the disc diameter, the more powerful the machine you need to spin it.
Torque:
With high power comes also higher torque of the motor. An angle grinder with a low-powered motor needs very thin discs which result in bad control of the grinder and less stable result.
Ergonomics:
Ergonomically designed handles reduce vibrations, making the machine lighter and more comfortable to use. These grinders with vibration-reduction handles are the best choice.
Safety Features:
Safety is an important factor when choosing this grinder because having safety features such as a guard and safety lock button can help prevent injury from occurring.
What size grinder is best?
The size of this grinder that is best for you depends on what you will be using it for. If you will be using it for small projects, then a 4 or 4.5-inch grinder would be ideal. If you will be using it for larger projects, then a 7 or 9-inch grinder would be better.
What is the difference between a grinder and an angle grinder?
The difference between a grinder and an angle grinder is that an angle grinder has a more narrow grinding wheel, which allows for more precision in grinding.
This angle grinder is equipped with an adjustable handle, which can be rotated around to produce a more comfortable grip.
The handles are also covered in a rubber material that makes them easier to hold. However, these handles are typically one of the first parts of this machine to wear out, especially if they are held at awkward angles for short periods of time.
An angle grinder is also more efficient than a bench grinder because it does not require an additional motor to turn the grinding wheel while in use. The disk on an angle grinder rotates while the motor is running, while a bench grinder’s disk needs to be pushed or pulled.
The Best Angle Grinders NZ
1. Makita Angle Grinder 230mm 
Makita’s new grinder has a powerful 2300W / 6,600rpm motor with enhanced winding varnish for long life. The low-vibration rubberized handle means less fatigue when working for longer periods. The Makita angle grinder also features anti-dust labyrinthine gears and machined bevel gears for enhanced service life. The ergonomic trigger switch allows you to control the speed and power of the tool.
2. Makita 18v Angle Grinder Brushless
This tool is a high-quality cordless grinder. This tool has the ability to pull big RPM, and it is very easy to use. It has an automatic torque drive, kickback detection, anti-restart and soft start. The 8500 rpm speed can cut through almost any material that you put in front of it. The XPT technology protects against dust and moisture from getting inside the tool.
3. Bosch Gws 15-125 Ciep Angle Grinder
The Bosch GWS 15-125 CIEP grinder has a soft start and starting current limitation for ease of use. The vibration control auxiliary handle ensures a comfortable grip, while the tool-free adjustable protective guard allows for quick and easy adjustments. The 6-stage speed preselection provides optimal speed for the task at hand, and the motors with direct motor cooling keep the tool running cool for extended use.
4. Fein Angle Grinder
This Fein WSG17-125Prt grinder is a compact and lightweight option, making it easy to handle. It has an ergonomic grip and a deadman switch, as well as a power reserve, so you can keep working even when the battery is low. With a 1700-watt motor and 11000 rpm, it can handle even the most challenging projects. It also comes with a 125mm disc diameter.
5. HiKOKI Brushless Grinder
This HiKOKI Brushless Grinder is a high-performance tool that offers 2x more grinding power than the Model g18dbal. With its Brushless motor, this tool can handle even the most challenging jobs with ease. The Auto mode adjusts Speed to ensure optimal performance, and the Restart Protection safety prevents accidental starts. The dust and water-resistant design makes it perfect to use in wet or dry conditions.