Product Test: Portable Angle Grinders
Portable grinding and cutting power will transform the way you work, says Gary Stretton
An invaluable workshop asset, but which one’s the best? We test them so you don’t have to
Angle grinders are essential tools for DIY Land Rover enthusiasts. Reluctant fittings and corrosion can frustrate repairs and maintenance or prevent them altogether. Drastic measures, such as using an angle grinder to cut through seized bolts and remove corroded chassis sections are par for the course and, in many instances, the most cost-effective method deployed by garages and specialists. Mains and air-powered angle grinders have their limitations even in a workshop environment if safe access can’t be gained or where leads and hoses prove obstructive. Regular angle grinder users such as myself welcomed the arrival of cordless angle grinders in much the same way as home cordless phones meant not sitting on the bottom step in a cold hall trying to have a private conversation. The big leap for quality cordless angle grinders came with dependable, fast charging, lithium-ion (Li-ion) battery technology and powerful, reliable motors. Free of the constraints of hoses and mains power, cordless versions are now viable options for off-road and expedition use, offering flexibility and genuine get-you-going repair options. Not every tool company has one in their range as yet, and prices reflect this compared to cordless drills, for example. The technology required to create a powerful, fast spinning motor capable of cutting through millimeters-thick steel is the other reason for this. But don’t let cost deter you. The four on test possess all the credentials for being tools to turn to with increasing regularity instead of mains and air powered versions, albeit with some limitations depending on the other attachments you may wish to use.
Three of the grinders tested use 115mm cutting discs, the fourth takes a 50mm disc. He 115mm grinders will also accept wire cup brushes. 1mm thick Faithfull brand cutting discs were used on all 115mm grinders.
For photography purposes, the black gloves shown allow more of the tools to be seen but for safety, the heavy duty gloves should always be worn, as should ear defenders and eye protection.