The Best Angle Grinders For Cutting, Grinding And Sanding

The Makita DGA504Z is the cordless grinder we'd recommend to most people, especially if you already run Makita's 18V LXT batteries. Its brushless motor has a built-in controller that adjusts the speed automatically, keeping it constant under load so the disc doesn't slow and snatch as it bites into steel or stone. That gives cleaner cuts and less strain on you.

Makita has put real thought into safety. Soft start stops the tool kicking when it fires up, anti-restart means it won't spin into life if a battery goes in with the switch on, and an electronic current limiter protects the motor. A fuel gauge on the tool saves you guessing how much charge is left, and the rubber grip and slide switch are made with longer jobs in mind. The no-load speed is 8,500 RPM. At 2.5 kg it's on the heavy side for overhead work. The Z in the name means it's sold as a bare tool. We haven't put this exact grinder through a job ourselves, so everything here comes from Makita's own specifications.

The DEWALT DCG405N is the grinder in our wall-chasing photo and video, and we've owned it for over a year. In that time it has handled everything we've asked of it, including the wall work you can see in the video. It runs on DEWALT's 18V brushless motor, and DEWALT says it'll make up to 69 cuts through half-inch steel on a single charge.

At 1.75 kg it's noticeably lighter than the Makita, which helps when you're working above head height. The no-load speed is 9,000 RPM, and an electronic brake stops the disc in under two seconds once you let go of the trigger, which is a real safety boost. Mesh covers keep dust out of the motor, which matters on a grinder that spends its life chasing brick, and you also get a constant clutch, a two-position side handle and an M14 spindle. Like the Makita, the N version is the bare tool.

The NoCry is a cordless grinder that arrives as a complete kit, which sets it apart from the bare tools above. In the case you get the grinder, battery, charger, two guards, three 115 mm discs and a wrench, so you can start cutting as soon as the battery's charged.

Its 10,000 RPM no-load speed is quicker than either brushless grinder above, and the paddle switch, two-position handle and standard M14 spindle are all sensible touches. A level indicator shows the charge, and NoCry says the battery fast charges in two hours. The four-year warranty is long for a tool at this price. In our testing it went through batteries quickly, so a second battery is a good idea for anything more than short jobs.

The Bosch GWS 7-115 is a corded grinder built for long sessions. Its 720 W motor drives the disc at up to 11,000 RPM, faster than any of the cordless grinders here, and because it's plugged in it never slows as a battery drains. It weighs 1.9 kg and costs far less than the cordless models.

Bosch has designed the air inlets to keep the motor cool, which matters when a grinder runs for hours. There's an anti-rotation guard and an M14 spindle lock for quick disc changes, and it comes with accessories. Adjusting the guard needs a screwdriver, which is slower than a tool-free guard when you're switching between jobs.

The Makita GA4530R gives you Makita build quality for a fraction of the price of the cordless models. Fitted with a diamond disc, a corded grinder like this is a staple for cutting stone and tile. Its 720 W motor runs up to 11,000 RPM with soft start, so it doesn't jerk in your hand when you switch on.

At 1.8 kg it's light for a corded grinder, and Makita has shaped the barrel grip for comfort on long jobs. Anti-restart stops it starting unexpectedly after a power cut, while a lock-on switch saves your finger on extended cuts. The gears are machine bevelled for smooth running, a 115 mm grinding wheel is included and Makita backs it with a three-year warranty.

Cheap cordless grinders from known brands are hard to find, and the Ryobi R18AG-0 fills that gap. It's part of Ryobi's ONE+ range, so it runs on the same 18V batteries as a long list of other Ryobi tools, and a 4.0 Ah battery suits it well.

The no-load speed is 7,500 RPM, the lowest here, which makes it best for light to medium jobs like cutting a bolt, trimming a tile or cleaning up rust. A spindle lock speeds up disc changes, the guard adjusts without tools and there's a three-position side handle. The switch doesn't lock on, so the motor stops as soon as you let go. Build quality is a step below the premium alternatives. Ryobi UK sells the R18AG-0 as a bare tool, so you'll need a ONE+ battery and charger.