4.5" Grinders

R Q

R Q

Well-Known Member
Joined
Apr 4, 2005
Location
Charlotte
I have ONE 4.5" grinder and I'm always having to switch out to a different wheel and would like to get two more so I don't have to do that.
Looking at the HF sales ad they have several. I see 4.3 amp, 5 amp, 6 amp, (all Chicago Electric) 7 amp Hercules, and then 11 amp Hercules
Do y'all have any of these or any knowledgeable input on them? Thanks
 
I have 2-3 (3-4?) of whatever was on sale dejour at HF...
Keep a different flap, rock, cutoff, wire wheel on each...
Throw away when they finally go
 
I’ve been using the cheapest ones at HF one for cutting one for flap. I paid 9.99 a piece for em, they are the 4.3amp I believe get a little hot but seem to be holding up for last year and half
 
Got a $25 Porter Cable from Lowe’s, very happy with it.
 
Had a HF grinder for years and abused the hell out of it. Can't beat it for the price.
 
drkelly said:
I'm still using the same Milwaukee since 2003.
Click to expand...
What ^said. I've been using my Milwaukee one since 2001 or 2002. I see no reason I won't say the same thing in 15 more years. It's been dropped, jammed, slammed, used in the rain, and everything else you can do to a grinder. Still works like day 1.
 
I have the 7 amp Hercules from harbor freight.
Actually a decent tool for the money.
Nothing great, but still working after 2 years of abuse. I think it's good for the money
 
I like my lowes pc grinder. It replaced a b&d that the brushes burned out on after 8+ years and 100+ discs (cut & grind).. I've tried the hf ones and didn't like them, no torque, but they were the cheap ones.
 
I've got two HF $10.00 specials. A nicer porter cable. A really nice 6" metabo something silly like 15 amps.

They all have their place. I keep a wire wheel and a flap disc on the HF's. Cut off wheels on the porter cable. The metabo has a wire wheel on it now. I bought some cut off wheels for it but it's kind of scary. HF grinder jams up, I can change my pants. The metabo jambs up I'm going to the ER.

Having multiples is the way to go.
 
I had a super coupon so I got two of the Best Hercules. Now I can cut, grind, and use the braided wire wheel with only plugging them in. Who knows whats next, a gang plug or something!
 
Currently running two Dewalt 4.5" grinders. One with a cutoff and the other with flap disc/grinder wheel. Guess I need to get another one as well. Not changing wheels is super nice. I'm also running a Lennox metal cut off wheel with the diamond teeth on it. The thing flat out works and I haven't had to change a wheel in forever. They are a little expensive but well worth the money IMO.
 
Huge fan of Makita and Hitachi grinders for personal use. I also have a DeWalt and love it. The PC will die quickly with heavy use. As with any brush style grinder, get aquainted with taking it apart and cleaning the brushes.
 
I've been running a mighty Makita for almost 20yrs, on/off homeowner wannabe fabricator. I feel dumb for not even considering buying a second, having to swap wheels all these years.
 
I got a Bosch free with a hammer drill. Absolutely hate the trigger. Dewalt and an ancient Craftsman round out my trio....other then the man killer Dewalt with a 7 inch or so cup disc.

Anybody run a Metabo?

We use alot of Milwaukee at the college. They buy through state listed suppliers. They don't impress me at all. Our students kill half a dozen or more a semester. We run 5 campus locations with multiple classes each per day. They get hammered. We could be a real good test bed.
 
I have a metabo and love it. Dad has a Dewalt and I just can't get used to the handle trigger. I like my thumb trigger. I use mine daily and have no complaints.
 
I've got a Metabo ftom the 90s (my dads) with low miles on it. I like it because the higher amps than the PC and dewalt I have. My usage is like Renegade T though, wannabe fabricator. I like the thumb button better on the Metabo and Dewalt than the paddle on my PC, seems like fewer mishaps when picking up or setting it down.

Sent from my SM-G935V using Tapatalk
 
I find myself going for the dewalt with the thumb switch 90% of the time, I have a 7" makita (make a man of you) it's been going for 20 years. I try to minimize grinding, it's not as much fun as it used to be. The choice of abrasive seems to make a huge difference, try the zirconium flap disc and rock, about 3x the cost but worth every penny, IMO. They last 2-3x longer and cut very quickly, find them at welding supply stores (not HF or Tractor supply). I've been wanting to try a Fein, has anyone used one of those?
 
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