So, you’ve decided to purchase a new angle grinder. Well, hold your horses, before you jump into action, there are several things you should know before making that purchase.
1) Power Source: Corded, Cordless, or Hamster Wheel?
When embarking on the thrilling journey of angle grinder ownership, the first decision you’ll face is choosing a power source. Will you go corded, cordless, or perhaps, consider a hamster-wheel-powered grinder? Okay, okay, the last one was a joke, so, you’re left with two choices: corded grinders offer unlimited power but tether you to an outlet, while cordless grinders offer freedom but require constant battery charging.
The first and quite probably the most important decision you’ll face is choosing a power source. Will you go corded, cordless, or perhaps, consider a hamster-wheel-powered grinder? While the hamster-wheel option is tempting, it’s best to leave those furry friends to their exercise routine. Let’s take a closer look at the more practical choices: corded and cordless angle grinders.
Corded Angle Grinders: The Old-School Choice
Corded angle grinders are the original gangsters of the grinding world. They’re plugged into an electrical outlet, providing a continuous supply of power that lasts longer than the latest fad diet. With a corded grinder, you’ll never have to worry about running out of juice in the middle of a project. However, there are a few downsides.
The cord can be limiting, restricting your movement and potentially turning your workspace into a tripping hazard. Plus, you’ll always need to be within reach of an outlet or extension cord – so good luck grinding in the middle of a field without a generator.
Cordless Angle Grinders: The Freedom Fighters
Cordless angle grinders are the rebellious younger siblings in the power tool family. They run on rechargeable batteries, which means you can grind away without being shackled to an outlet. This makes cordless grinders ideal for those hard-to-reach places or outdoor projects. But, as with all things in life, this freedom comes at a cost.
Batteries can run out of power, forcing you to take a grinding hiatus while you wait for them to recharge. Additionally, cordless grinders tend to be less powerful than their corded counterparts – but don’t let that fool you, they can still pack a punch.
In the end, as with everything, the choice between corded and cordless angle grinders comes down to your specific needs and priorities. If you value unlimited power and don’t mind being tethered to an outlet, a corded grinder may be your best bet. On the other hand, if the idea of grinding without boundaries sparks joy, a cordless model might be the way to go.
My advice: If you have a stable workshop and you have quite a space at your disposal, go with corded angle grinder.
On the other hand, if you plan to work with hard-to-reach spaces, you move around a lot and you might be switching workplaces a lot, cordless option might be way to go.
For the convenience’s sake, I made a simple pros and cons comparison table:
Pros and Cons of Corded and Cordless Angle Grinders
| Corded Angle Grinders | Cordless Angle Grinders | |
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2) Size Matters: The Delicate Dance of Disc Diameter
The next crucial consideration is the disc diameter. Angle grinders come in various sizes, ranging from your everyday 4.5-inch model to the monstrous 9-inch beast that’s perfect for, well, scaring away unwanted visitors. Generally, the size of the disc will determine the grinder’s power and the types of projects it can handle. But remember, bigger isn’t always better (that’s what she… didn’t say). Choose a grinder that suits your needs, and don’t let anyone disc-shame you.
I feel I should point out the obvious here: not every disc is for every task. If you are not sure if you are buying the right-sized disc for the right task, ask a professional or the store owner – no shame in that, and better to be safe than sorry, right?
3) Speed: Because Who Doesn’t Love a Good RPM Race?
When it comes to angle grinders, speed is measured in revolutions per minute (RPM). Just like shopping for a race car, you’ll want to find a grinder with a high RPM to ensure optimum performance. But, beware of the temptation to buy the fastest grinder on the market – you don’t want to end up with a power tool that’s more speed demon than helpful assistant. Instead, look for a grinder with a variable speed setting so you can fine-tune your work like the true artist you are.
Also, once again, if you are not sure about the right machine for you – ask around.
4) Safety Features: Just a Slight Buzzkill
Now, it’s time to discuss safety features. I know, I know.. it’s not the most exhilarating topic, but unless you’re looking to kickstart your career as a pirate with a hook for a hand, it’s essential. Look for grinders with adjustable guards, dead-man switches, and restart protection to ensure you can grind away without fear of dismemberment or other unpleasant surprises. Remember, safety first, swashbuckling second.
5) Comfort: Your Hands Deserve a Break
Finally, we come to the often-overlooked topic of comfort. While you might be tempted to ignore this aspect in your quest for the ultimate angle grinder, don’t underestimate the importance of a comfortable grip. After all, you don’t want your hands cramping up in the middle of your latest DIY masterpiece. Seek out grinders with ergonomic designs and soft-grip handles. Your hands will thank you, and you can continue your reign as the DIY King or Queen.
In Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Young Grinder-Wielder
I hope that I’ve covered the most important factors to look for when purchasing a new angle grinder. If my guide and my super helpful pros and cons table didn’t help, or if you think some information is missing, don’t hesitate to send me an email.
Peace out and good luck with grinding.