From corded 4½-in. workhorses to cordless grinders that take 5- and 6-in. wheels, these picks cover the sizes most home shops actually use — cutting rebar, trimming tile, and cleaning welds.
Last updated: September 2026
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How we sized them up
This is a spec-led shortlist built from published specs and retailer listings. We compared wheel size, power source, no-load speed, switch style, guard design, bare-tool versus kit value, and the safety features that matter on a grinder. For most DIYers, a paddle switch and a tool that fits the battery platform already on the shelf matter more than chasing the highest no-load RPM. For longer straight cuts in metal stock and demolition work, see our guide to the best reciprocating saws.
The quick cut
Start with the power source and the battery platform you already own, then check the switch style. Tap any pick to jump straight to the full breakdown.
DeWalt 4-1/2 in. Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder, 11 Amp (DWE402)
Model DWE402 · ASIN B00RVZ7DNO
Product image: DeWalt affiliate store product media.
Who it’s forThis is the easy first choice when one grinder has to do everything from cutting rebar to cleaning welds. The 11-amp motor holds speed under load, the paddle switch stops the tool if your grip slips, and the low-profile gear case fits into tighter spots than most corded grinders. It has been a jobsite staple for years, so wheels, guards and parts are easy to find.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. – 6 in. Braking Grinder, Paddle Switch, No Lock (2980-20)
Model 2980-20 · ASIN B0BGJMFTXK
Product image: mrotools.de retail listing.
Who it’s forFor pros and serious DIYers already on M18, this is the cordless grinder that behaves like a corded one. It takes 4½- through 6-in. wheels, the electronic brake stops the disc quickly, and the paddle switch does not lock on. It costs more than the other cordless picks here, and as a bare tool it assumes you already own batteries and a charger.
Makita 18V LXT Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Cut-Off/Angle Grinder, Tool Only (XAG04Z)
Model XAG04Z · ASIN B071KD1CHB
Product image: Amazon product media.
Who it’s forMakita’s 18V grinder is the affordable way into a brushless cordless grinder. It runs 4½- and 5-in. wheels at 8,500 RPM, and the tool-only price keeps it well under the Milwaukee and DeWalt flagships. You give up the electronic brake and some top-end speed, but for occasional cutting and grinding it is a sensible match for an existing LXT kit.
DeWalt 20V MAX XR Brushless 4-1/2 in. Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder with Kickback Brake, Tool Only (DCG413B)
Model DCG413B · ASIN B07457BXJW
Product image: AutoZone product media.
Who it’s forIf your shelf is full of 20V MAX packs, this is the grinder that fits them. The paddle switch includes a kickback brake that helps the tool react when a wheel binds, and the brushless motor keeps runtime reasonable on a 5.0Ah battery. It is sold as a bare tool, so the price makes the most sense when you already own batteries and a charger.
Milwaukee M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Grinder, Paddle Switch, No Lock (2880-20)
Model 2880-20 · ASIN B09RX4R3TR
Product image: Tool Nut retail listing.
Who it’s forMilwaukee’s smaller M18 FUEL grinder is the one to reach for when the work is overhead or in tight quarters. It runs 4½- and 5-in. wheels at 8,500 RPM, and the no-lock paddle switch is the right call on a tool this size. It costs less than the bigger 2980-20, which handles the heavier grinding, while this one suits the lighter work most weekends call for.
Bosch 18V X-LOCK Brushless 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder with Slide Switch, Bare Tool (GWX18V-8N)
Model GWX18V-8N · ASIN B09LXD7DL3
Product image: Walmart product listing.
Who it’s forBosch’s X-LOCK system is the standout feature here: wheels click on with an audible snap and release with a lever pull, with no flange nuts or spanner wrench to keep track of. The brushless 18V motor delivers the equivalent of an 8-amp corded grinder, and it includes restart protection and soft start. You do need X-LOCK wheels to get the quick-change benefit.
Makita 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder Kit with Aluminum Case, 7.5 Amp (9557PBX1)
Model 9557PBX1 · ASIN B0010DHFTK
Product image: Dynamite Tool retail listing.
Who it’s forThis is the best way to start from zero. The corded 7.5-amp Makita comes in an aluminum case with five grinding wheels, a diamond blade and both guards, so it is ready to cut tile and grind metal out of the box. The grinder itself is a basic slide-switch unit with no electronic extras, but the kit value is hard to beat for a first grinder.
Metabo HPT 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder with Hard Case, 6.2 Amp (G12SR4)
Model G12SR4 · ASIN B07L21GNHL
Product image: Amazon product media.
Who it’s forThe Metabo HPT keeps the price down without cutting the useful parts: a 6.2-amp motor at 12,000 RPM, a hard case, and five grinding wheels in the box. It is compact and light for overhead work, and the slide switch is simple. It suits a home shop on a budget better than all-day fabrication work.
Bosch 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder, 6 Amp, 11,000 RPM (1375A)
Model 1375A · ASIN B00004SUOU
Product image: EuroEAC retail listing.
Who it’s forBosch’s little 6-amp grinder has been around for years because it handles the small jobs well: cutting tile, trimming pavers, and light metal work where a big grinder feels like overkill. It weighs under four pounds and the slim body is easy to hold one-handed for short cuts. Power is limited, so keep the bigger grinders in this list for thick steel.
Ryobi ONE+ 18V 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder, Tool Only (P421)
Model P421 · ASIN B001NJA2HI
Product image: The Home Depot product media.
Who it’s forThe cheapest cordless path for anyone already invested in Ryobi ONE+. It spins a 4½-in. wheel at 6,500 RPM, which is slower than the pro picks here, and it is sold as a bare tool. For light cutting and the odd rust-removal job around the house, it gets the work done without buying into a new battery platform.
Match the grinder to the work you do and the batteries you own.
Corded or cordless
Corded grinders win on long grinding sessions and price. Cordless wins when the work moves around the yard or the jobsite. Match the cordless picks to the battery platform you already own, since most are sold as bare tools.
Wheel size and switch
Most home-shop work happens on a 4½-in. wheel. A 5- or 6-in. wheel adds cutting depth for thicker stock. A paddle switch stops when you let go; a slide switch can lock on for long passes but needs more care.
Safety gear
A grinder throws sparks and debris at speed. A face shield, gloves, and hearing protection are part of the tool. Keep the guard on, check that the wheel’s rated speed matches the grinder, and let the wheel do the work instead of forcing it.
Specifications are based on published manufacturer and retailer information for the listed models. Check the current product listing for package contents and compatibility before ordering.
