An angle grinder spins an abrasive wheel for cutting, grinding and cleaning metal and masonry. The 4-1/2 inch corded size is the common one, and the main differences are motor size, switch style and what is in the box.
The six grinders below are all corded 4-1/2 inch models, with motors from 6 to 11 amps. Specs come from each listing page. We have not used these tools ourselves. Power and speed figures are the makers’ own, and wheel choice is something to confirm against the manual.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Motor amps | Higher amps are the maker’s sign of more power |
| Switch type | Paddle, slide or lock-on change how you control it |
| Weight and grip | Slim, light bodies are easier to hold for long jobs |
| In the box | Side handle, guard, wrench and wheels vary by model |
Specs at a Glance
| Grinder | Motor | Speed | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| WEN 944 | 7 amp; 840 W | 11,000 rpm | 4.6 lb; reversible handle; 2 year warranty |
| DEWALT DWE402N | 11 amp; 1400 W | 11,000 rpm | 6.3 lb; no lock-on paddle; 3 year warranty |
| Bosch GWS8-45 | 7.5 amp; 900 W | 11,000 rpm | 4.2 lb; two-position side handle |
| Makita 9557PBX1 | 7.5 amp; 900 W | 11000 rpm | Paddle switch with lock-on; case included |
| Metabo HPT G12SR4 | 6.2 amp; 980 W | 12000 rpm | 4 lb; 5 wheels and hard case |
| SKIL 9295-01 | 6 amp; 720 W | 11,000 rpm | 4 lb; tool-less guard |
The 6 Best Angle Grinders
1. WEN 7-Amp Angle Grinder (944)
A 7-amp, 840 watt grinder turning up to 11,000 rpm with a rubber grip lining, a reversible handle that mounts on either side and an arbor adapter for 5/8 and 7/8 inch wheels. It comes with a grinding wheel and wrench and a two year warranty.
Suits: a household grinder for occasional jobs. Strengths: reversible handle and a two year warranty. Weaknesses: one wheel in the box. Skip it if you want a larger motor.
View WEN 7-Amp 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder 944 on Amazon
2. DEWALT Angle Grinder (DWE402N)
An 11-amp, 1400 watt grinder at 11,000 rpm with a no lock-on paddle switch, a dust ejection system, a One-Touch guard that rotates 360 degrees and a quick-change wheel release. It includes a 2-position side handle and wrench, with a 3 year limited warranty.
Suits: heavier metal and masonry work. Strengths: the biggest motor in this group. Weaknesses: the heaviest at 6.3 lb. Skip it if you want a light tool.
View DEWALT 4-1/2 Inch 11 Amp Angle Grinder DWE402N on Amazon
3. Bosch GWS8-45 Angle Grinder
A 7.5-amp, 900 watt grinder at 11,000 no-load rpm with a slim-grip design, a two-position side handle, a large spindle lock and service-minder brushes that stop the tool when brush maintenance is due. It includes a Type 27 guard, flange, lock nut and spanner.
Suits: a slim body. Strengths: brush service minder and a light 4.2 lb weight. Weaknesses: the warranty length is not stated on the page. Skip it if you want a tool-free wheel release.
View Bosch GWS8-45 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder on Amazon
4. Makita 9557PBX1 Angle Grinder
A 7.5-amp, 900 watt grinder at 11,000 rpm with an extra large paddle switch, a lock on/off feature, an AC/DC switch, a labyrinth seal against dust and a metal gear housing. The kit adds a case and a general purpose wheel. The maker lists 4.5 pounds for the tool; the page dimensions appear to be for the case.
Suits: a kit with a case. Strengths: paddle switch with a lock-on option and a 6 ft cord. Weaknesses: a one year warranty. Skip it if you do not want a lock-on.
View Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2 Inch Paddle Switch Angle Grinder Kit on Amazon
5. Metabo HPT G12SR4 Angle Grinder
A 6.2-amp, 980 watt grinder at 12,000 rpm weighing 4 lb, with a left-mounted slide switch, a removable forward-canted side handle and a spindle lock. The kit includes five grinding wheels and a hard case.
Suits: a starter kit with wheels and a case. Strengths: five wheels and a case. Weaknesses: a one year warranty. Skip it if you want a paddle switch.
View Metabo HPT 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder G12SR4 with Case on Amazon
6. SKIL 9295-01 Angle Grinder
A 6-amp, 720 watt grinder at 11,000 rpm weighing 4 lb, with a tool-less guard, a metal gear housing, a compact grip and a vibration-reducing handle with wrench storage.
Suits: light home tasks. Strengths: a tool-less guard and a compact body. Weaknesses: the smallest motor here. Skip it if you want a larger motor.
View SKIL 6 Amp 4-1/2 Inch Corded Angle Grinder 9295-01 on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Read the maker’s manual and the wheel’s labeling first.
- Match the wheel type to the job.
- Check the arbor size before mounting a wheel.
- Keep the vents clear of dust.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Choosing by amps alone and ignoring weight.
- Assuming every kit includes wheels.
- Mixing up grinding and cutting wheels.
- Skipping the manual.
Angle Grinder FAQ
What does 4-1/2 inch mean?
It is the wheel diameter. All six here use that size.
Are they cordless?
No. All six are corded.
The Short Version
For the biggest motor, the DEWALT. For a slim body, the Bosch. For a reversible handle, the WEN. For a case and a lock-on, the Makita. For five wheels in a case, the Metabo HPT. For a light, simple tool, the SKIL.
