German-Made, USA available, Angle Grinder selection opinions welcomed...

S

Scott in Bend Oregon

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Joined
Jan 23, 2007
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307
Location
Bend, Oregon, USA
I am looking to upgrade my trusty old 4 1/2'' DeWalt DW402 grinder to something else in the 4 1/2" to 6" pro range.  There seems to be a number of German Company 115V 60Hz offerings in the US.  Such as;  Bosch, Fein, Flex, Hilti, and Metabo.  

What has been your experience with any of these brands and their professional grade grinders?

Which brands are popular in Europe?

Is variable speed a must have or a nice to have?

Do you like side slide switches or the paddle/trigger ones?

Does anyone use the Fein tip-start grinder?  The one with the sensor buttons.

I will be using it primarily for metal and concrete/mortar grinding. Secondarily for wood sanding, but not much, as I have a RAS-115.
 
I use all hilti grinder, they work really well and am really happy with them. You can get a bunch of DC accessories for them however they're not as good as festools DC put it's better then nothing. Also I use them with a hilt vac I don't know if a festool vac will work I would imagine you wouldn't have any issues.
 
Scott in San Diego said:
I am looking to upgrade my trusty old 4 1/2'' DeWalt DW402 grinder to something else in the 4 1/2" to 6" pro range.  There seems to be a number of German Company 115V 60Hz offerings in the US.  Such as;  Bosch, Fein, Flex, Hilti, and Metabo.  
Click to expand...

I don't think you can go wrong with any of those brands. I myself am in the process of acquiring a big 230 mm grinder and I fell in love with all the features Fein offers. The Bosch grinders also look very nice to me.

In the past a grinder just used to be a grinder, a very uncomplicated machine, simply a start button, a motor and a disk. Nothing could really go wrong with them as long as you used quality components. But nowadays they're full of electronics and safety features and quick change systems, so you have to be aware of what you want for yourself. You can still buy the basic grinder, those are the cheapest models these days, and if you want more features the price goes up.

Variable speed - Nice if it's there, but not a game changer for me. Only a few grinding jobs profit from a lower RPM, while most of the time you'll want it full speed anyway.

Quick change - tool-less change of discs is quickly becoming the standard and I think it's nice to have.

Restart lockout - nice safety feature, if the electricity is cut and put back on the grinder won't start by itself again.

Soft start - I think mostly applicable to big grinders (2000+ watt), but again a nice thing to have onboard. Instead of going full speed right away it starts up gradually, saving your mains fuses.  

Electronic break - very nice to have, disc stops in like 3 seconds.

Scott in San Diego said:
What has been your experience with any of these brands and their professional grade grinders?
Click to expand...

I've used Bosch, Fein and Metabo, all were good grinders. I myself have an Elu 5'' grinder, but I would hesitate to recommend DeWalt's current equivalents.

Scott in San Diego said:
Which brands are popular in Europe?
Click to expand...

Well, those you mentioned above. And Makita and DeWalt of course. I think you see Blue Bosch, Metabo and DeWalt the most.

Scott in San Diego said:
Do you like side slide switches or the paddle/trigger ones?
Click to expand...

Don't care one way or the other. As long as they're comfortable and have a good locking mechanism. With grinders I find it imperative you can lock the trigger because you often have to run it for a longer time.
 
I'm also in the process of acquiring a 230 mm angle grinder.
I found only one type that has a rotatable additional grip so that you don't need to totally unscrew the grip when on the wrong size.
The additional grip rotates around a steel band. I think it can even be done when using the machine.
The hand grip is also rotatable but that's a feature all the other big grinders also have.

It's model L3206 CD from Flex. A very reputable manufacturer which claims that they are the inventor of the angle grinders.
Does anybody have any experience with the Flex model?

I also like the Fein models which have a totally tool free system for the discs, something like the Multilmaster and SuperCut models.

300-xl.jpg
 
i have a couple...  [smile]

i recommend to check them out in a store to see which one suits you best


 
You have much experience compared to the number of grinders and must have some favourites by it's disc dimension.
Can you make a list?
 
[blink] Holy guacamole, Holz-Her, why do you have so many? Do you have a need for them or is it just for the fun of collecting? Nice collection, btw.

Which one of them do you prefer the most? What's your opinion on Fein's quick change system?
 
Scott in San Diego said:
I am looking to upgrade my trusty old 4 1/2'' DeWalt DW402 grinder to something else in the 4 1/2" to 6" pro range.  There seems to be a number of German Company 115V 60Hz offerings in the US.  Such as;  Bosch, Fein, Flex, Hilti, and Metabo.  

What has been your experience with any of these brands and their professional grade grinders?

Which brands are popular in Europe?

Is variable speed a must have or a nice to have?

Do you like side slide switches or the paddle/trigger ones?

Does anyone use the Fein tip-start grinder?  The one with the sensor buttons.

I will be using it primarily for metal and concrete/mortar grinding. Secondarily for wood sanding, but not much, as I have a RAS-115.
Click to expand...

What is your definition of German made?

At least one of the companies you mention, and whose products I use and are very happy with, designs in Germany but manufactures much of it's Australian sold product line in The People's
Republic of China.

 
I'm toying with getting a cordless Metabo angle grinder. So while opinions are being shared - any on this one would be appreciated.

The new 5.2Ah batteries should make it practical.
 
We used to only buy bosch angle grinders and rotary and demolition hammers, because those tools get lots of hard use and we have a good car parts store nearby that is a bosch service centre. Of the 230 mm (+- 9 Inch)models we have I prefer my 230 jbx, which I bought when other brands didn't have the blade brake available yet. Many years ago bosch where the only ones with the toolless disc change, with the sds-click nuts.

I recently bought a fein evo 125mm (+- 5 Inch) with the touchpads and the toolless blade change with the paddle. The touchpads take a little getting used to, but I like the system. The toolless disc change isn't as quick as you'd think, because you have to turn  the threaded bolt all the way down to the blade, and it's a slower thread than on a regular m14 spindle. (Unlike the similar system on the multimaster and supercut, where the "bolt" isn't threaded, but ribbed, and you can push it straight in)
The advantage of that system is, you don't have the rest of the spindle sticking out, so you get a lower profile. The disadvantage is you can't use accessories that require the m14 spindle, like brushwheels for example.

A while ago there was a thread about the small metabo grinders with the autobalancer system, that seems nice to have. (allthough the youtube video on that thread was a bit misleading because it showed the non- autobalancer grinder also without the anti-vibration sidehandle, making it seem it was the sidehandle that made the difference.



other video:
 
I have a grinder collection that rivals Holz-Her and a couple more...

Over the years I have worn out a fair share of 230mm grinders... I used to build swimming pools (19 yrs), so there was endless paving and landscaping tasks...
Basically the grinders ran all day with dry-diamond blades until they dusted out, occasionally a gearbox, but usually the electrics or bearings dusted out...
I found for this application there really wasn't that much in it which brand I bought. I tried them all at one time or another; Hitachi, Metabo, Makita, Bosch, Fein, Hilti, etc. They all faired much the same. I will say the very last 230mm grinder I bought was an Atlas Copco. This has all the nice electronics and is still working nearly 10 years later- but was only used for dry-diamond cutting for a short while. It is currently set up with a 7 inch specialist diamond cup wheel and I have a dustless shroud set up on a gimble trolley. For a last few years this has been my primary floor-prep grinder for epoxy coating garage floors.... (Another story)....

I have owned more 100mm grinders than I care to count... As a standard I buy Bosch Blue slimline. They are about $79- dollars a pop and at that price I have a different grinder for each specific task- grinding, cutting, planing (arbortech), etc.... I usually have at least 2-6 out each day. I don't change the grinder attachment, until it wears out.

When it comes to the mid size grinders I have only one, also a Metabo, which I am quite happy with, but barely seem to use. My brother in law, a boilermaker, swears by the top end 5" grinders and really likes the safety cut-outs others have mentioned...
He laughs at my 4" grinders saying in his heavy steel work he just kills em'...

So, if there is any moral to the story it is to get clear on the task and buy the tool best suited to that task...
 
neeleman said:
[... ] Flex. A very reputable manufacturer which claims that they are the inventor of the angle grinders.
Click to expand...

In Germany, "Flex" is a generic name for any angle grinder, no matter who the manufacturer is. This might not say anything about their quality, but about reputation and perception.
 
netzkind said:
neeleman said:
[... ] Flex. A very reputable manufacturer which claims that they are the inventor of the angle grinders.
Click to expand...

In Germany, "Flex" is a generic name for any angle grinder, no matter who the manufacturer is. This might not say anything about their quality, but about reputation and perception.
Click to expand...

Interesting. So this is a bit like saying Kleenex makes pretty decent Kleenex?  [poke]
 
Kev said:
I'm toying with getting a cordless Metabo angle grinder. So while opinions are being shared - any on this one would be appreciated.

The new 5.2Ah batteries should make it practical.
Click to expand...

Hey buddy,
I missed your post...

Recently, I bought the Bosch Blue kit with 18v Drill, Jigsaw, 41/2" grinder and rotary hammer drill, 3 Bats and charger...

Besides being a Licensed Builder; I'm actually a Tiler by trade so I pretty well have a 4" grinder surgically attached to my wrist....

I have a continuous rim diamond blade on my cordless grinder most of the time...

I can only answer your question by saying my cordless is incredibly convenient- there wouldn't be a job go by I don't pull it it out for 'something' and I love it. BUT having said that- the cordless grinder is *not* to the corded 4" what the cordless drill is to the corded drill. The cordless drill has taken over perhaps 95-99% of drilling/fixing tasks.
The cordless grinder can't claim that- it just doesn't have the grunt to do anything but light duties. Say cutting trench mesh- if the 4" grinder hits trench mesh buried in concrete- apart from the sparks (smell) you wouldn't know it was there...
Try and cut trench mesh with the cordless with an Inox fibre blade and it will do it, but it will be with a very gentle touch and the blade will stop/ jamb very easily. They're good and incredibly convenient- just light on 'grunt'.

The cordless circular saw has changed the way I work. I now leave the drop-saw and bench at home and cut all my framing timber right in the bathroom with the cordless saw and a speed square....  (I specialise in bathroom reno's)... So I probably average a half-dozen sticks to a job- maybe a new nib wall on the bath- or a bath install- that sort of thing. I use a mitre box and a Japanese pull saw for stuff like arcs, etc - again I cut em right at the window with a story stick- cause I've usually only got one to do....

The cordless jigsaw is also another very pleasant surprise.... I use it for so many tasks that combined with the cordless circular saw.... I often use the cordless jig saw more like a mini-sabre saw... Strange, but true.... Well I hardly ever pull my big Makita Sabre saw out of it's case anymore.... But I can't leave it at home just yet....
 
JoggleStick said:
Kev said:
I'm toying with getting a cordless Metabo angle grinder. So while opinions are being shared - any on this one would be appreciated.

The new 5.2Ah batteries should make it practical.
Click to expand...

Hey buddy,
I missed your post...

Recently, I bought the Bosch Blue kit with 18v Drill, Jigsaw, 41/2" grinder and rotary hammer drill, 3 Bats and charger...

Besides being a Licensed Builder; I'm actually a Tiler by trade so I pretty well have a 4" grinder surgically attached to my wrist....

I have a continuous rim diamond blade on my cordless grinder most of the time...

I can only answer your question by saying my cordless is incredibly convenient- there wouldn't be a job go by I don't pull it it out for 'something' and I love it. BUT having said that- the cordless grinder is *not* to the corded 4" what the cordless drill is to the corded drill. The cordless drill has taken over perhaps 95-99% of drilling/fixing tasks.
The cordless grinder can't claim that- it just doesn't have the grunt to do anything but light duties. Say cutting trench mesh- if the 4" grinder hits trench mesh buried in concrete- apart from the sparks (smell) you wouldn't know it was there...
Try and cut trench mesh with the cordless with an Inox fibre blade and it will do it, but it will be with a very gentle touch and the blade will stop/ jamb very easily. They're good and incredibly convenient- just light on 'grunt'.

The cordless circular saw has changed the way I work. I now leave the drop-saw and bench at home and cut all my framing timber right in the bathroom with the cordless saw and a speed square....  (I specialise in bathroom reno's)... So I probably average a half-dozen sticks to a job- maybe a new nib wall on the bath- or a bath install- that sort of thing. I use a mitre box and a Japanese pull saw for stuff like arcs, etc - again I cut em right at the window with a story stick- cause I've usually only got one to do....

The cordless jigsaw is also another very pleasant surprise.... I use it for so many tasks that combined with the cordless circular saw.... I often use the cordless jig saw more like a mini-sabre saw... Strange, but true.... Well I hardly ever pull my big Makita Sabre saw out of it's case anymore.... But I can't leave it at home just yet....
Click to expand...

Thanks - great advice/direction.

During my thinking time I've ordered a Protool AGP 230-26R diamond cutting system ... kinda the other end of the spectrum  [embarassed]

(I've always found big grinders scary, so the track should make it a little less of a terror)

I got rid of my 4" Hitachi recently ... had an Abortech fitted and never used it - the week after I god rid of it - yeh ... wanted it. Always happens like that - wrong green anyway!

Surprised about what you said about the cordless circular saw. I got the 18V Hitachi circular saw (I still have a few 18V Hitachi drills so I just got the bare tool and found it very weak). That said, I feel the Hitachi circular saw resembles a plastic toy. I only wanted it for a bit of in roof repair, but I like the idea of a really good cordless circular saw.

I'll probably get a Protool 125 diamond grinding system next ... I already have one of the 150mm Protool grinders with a life's supply of discs (odd size that one) - just need to get a couple of good 4" grinders and don't have a clue which are the better ones mechanically. What would you go for locally in a 100mm? (assume an Arbortech on one and something universal on the other)
 
I think of 4" grinders like shoes- my daily favourite is the slimline Bosch blue- because I like the hand fit and feel and because I can easily operate the switch one-handed (left or right if need be) or with a gloved hand. Just like shoes- it's personal and you've gotta like the look and fit yourself.
Hope that helps...
Makita are ok too but I don't like the switch...
Oh yeah... I've tried the different "quick release" collars, etc with dubious results...
I just stick with the standard lock nut and if the silly prong spanner can't get it off... The 600mm stilsons have never failed me.... Good luck...
 
I just goggled your Grinder- nice!

That's the spitting image and specs (and price) of my Atlas Copco grinder I bought a few years back. I always suspected that Atlas Copco was a rebranded badge, but never felt inclined to dig deeper. Anyway, it has been the best 9" grinder so far...
I'm sure you will be happy with it. Certainly a tool that demands respect... You don't want to get 'bit' by this beastie....
 
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