What types of Bulgarians are there? Angler grinders are divided into two types: household and professional.
Household tools are cheaper and are intended for short-term use for a maximum of 60 minutes. Sanders of this type are not used for complex work, but for gardening and home use this is an ideal option.
The cost of the most powerful professional angle grinders is much higher than that of household ones. The tool has a long working life and can be used several hours a day without interruption. In addition, professional models are equipped with a variety of options that simplify their use.
It is definitely impossible to say which grinder is the best and will work reliably and for a long time. It depends on what work the tool is purchased for. If for very simple ones, for example, country houses, you can take a household angle grinder with a minimal set of options. If you are aimed at solving various problems and at the same time using equipment for a long time, it is better to buy a professional model.
The design of professional and household manual equipment has practically no differences. The angle grinder consists of three main elements:
- Frame. There is a motor inside the housing. The body of most gasoline or electric angle grinders from well-known brands has an ergonomic design to make the tool as easy to use as possible.
- Rotating spindle. It is designed for fixing angle grinder attachments - disk elements with different diameters.
- Serrated front. This is the element connecting the spindle and the motor, due to which rotation occurs.
The dimensions and weight of angle grinding equipment vary. It can be either very light, weighing a little more than 1 kg, or quite heavy - from 4 kg or more.
Scope of application
An angle grinder performs a wide variety of tasks. Essentially, it is a cordless or power tool with an abrasive disc. There is also a version that runs on gasoline. The device processes joints of flat metal surfaces - this is its main purpose. But you can purchase it for other tasks. This:
- sheet metal cutting;
- cutting fittings, pipes;
- polishing pipes and uneven surfaces;
- cutting ceramic tiles, wood, etc.
Each operation is performed using a special working circle, which has its own caliber. Therefore, it is important not only to buy an angle grinder, but also to choose good, durable wheels of the appropriate size for it.
Vote
Which grinder did you choose?
Metabo WEV 15-125 Quick
17.86 % ( 15 )
Makita 9910
1.19 % ( 1 )
Hammer PREMIUM USM1200B
5.95 % ( 5 )
BISON Master USHM-125-950 M3
23.81 % ( 20 )
Makita GA5030
19.05 % ( 16 )
Metabo W 650-125
9.52 % ( 8 )
Bosch GWS 660
9.52 % ( 8 )
Black-Decker G650
3.57 % ( 3 )
Einhell PXC TE-AG 18/115 Li-Solo
4.76 % ( 4 )
How to choose the right grinder for use at home?
If you don’t know which grinder is best to choose and buy, take note of the recommendations published below. When choosing a tool, it is important to pay attention to a number of parameters. Let's look at each of them in detail.
The diameter of the disc is selected depending on what tasks are planned to be solved using the grinding tool. Please refer to the following sizes:
- A working wheel with a diameter of 110 to 115 millimeters is intended for small work, grinding, polishing. They won't be able to cut.
- The 125mm bit can make cuts up to a maximum depth of 40mm. This is a popular diameter for household tools.
- Buying a 150 mm blade is designed for cutting dense metal, brick, and concrete products.
- The 180 mm nozzle is used for deep cuts.
- The largest disc, 230 mm, is installed in grinders, which are used to solve professional problems.
Criterias of choice
Professional and amateur models
Professional angle grinder Bosch in blue
There is a big difference between a professional and an amateur instrument. Professional models cut, saw and grind continuously throughout the entire work shift. The gearbox gears are made of good steel, the shaft bearings are made of brass, the strong metal body cools the engine well, and the grippy handle fits comfortably in the hand. You have to pay for reliability and additional functions - the price of professional angle grinders starts from 10 thousand rubles.
Bosch tools vary in body color. Machines in blue cases (Bosch Professional) are intended for professionals, green tools (Bosch DIY) are for home craftsmen.
Bosch grinder for home use in green color
An amateur instrument cannot work without interruptions for more than two dozen minutes; the motor overheats. In an effort to reduce the price, the manufacturer saves on everything - the gearbox and its housing are made of duralumin, the shaft bearings are made of plastic, the body and handle are made of plastic. These machines don't come with useful extra features, not to mention a suitcase for storage. But a budget grinder costs about 1.5 thousand rubles in the store.
Disc diameter
Grinders are divided according to the maximum diameter of the disk that is attached to the spindle. Standard sizes: 115, 125, 150, 180 and 230 millimeters. The diameter of the disc affects the power of the grinder, weight and materials available for its “teeth”.
The cutting depth for a disk with a diameter of 115 mm will barely exceed 50 mm; it will be able to cut a thin-walled pipe, but the engine power will not be enough for the same steel bar.
For convenience, we have prepared a table of disc diameters and recommended work for an angle grinder.
Table: angle grinder disc diameters and recommended work
| Disc diameter (mm) | Recommended works |
| 115 | Grinding, cutting thin metal and pipes, plastic and slate. Great for small jobs. |
| 125 | Grinding, cutting pipes and rods, tiles, stone, asbestos-cement slabs, cleaning and polishing surfaces. Suitable for small jobs. |
| 150 | Cutting steel, stone and concrete. Sanding small parts is inconvenient. |
| 180 | Construction work, cutting concrete, stone, brick, thick pipes. Fine grinding is impossible - too heavy. |
| 230 | Rough construction work with heavy materials - concrete, stone, brick. |
Engine power
For each standard size of disk, factories produce angle grinders of different power. The greater the motor power, the easier it is to cut hard material. Determine the tasks that your grinder will solve. If you are cutting thin pipes or angles, a 115 mm angle grinder with a 700 W motor will be sufficient. But if you need to grind welds and cut garden tiles, it is better to take a 1 kW motor.
Disk rotation speed
This parameter is not decisive for choosing an angle grinder. Each manufacturer accelerates its car to optimal speed. For sanding wood, we recommend choosing an angle grinder with a speed controller.
Working handles
When working, the master holds the angle grinder with one hand by the body and the other by the handle. The handle is screwed to the body on one side or the other, depending on the place where you are cutting the material and individual convenience. Some models allow you to put the handle in a third position - along the axis of rotation of the wheel, this is convenient for grinding.
Attention! When cutting metal, direct the stream of sparks flying from the blade away from you. A fountain that gets on your clothes will quickly turn it into gauze.
When the angle grinder polishes the surface, the machine clings to the material and breaks out of your hands - you have to hold it tightly. For reliability, a second handle is screwed in; some manufacturers make a special handle-bracket.
Replaceable discs and attachments
The variety of discs is determined by the tasks for which the grinder is intended. Discs for cutting and grinding metal, cutting and grinding discs for concrete and stone, flap sanding wheels for smoothing wood, and soft polishing discs are produced. For rough processing of wood, metal and stone, brushes are produced - metal brushes with wire bristles. They are screwed onto the spindle threads.
Photo gallery: replacement discs and attachments for grinders
Used for rough processing of wood and stone
Used for cutting and grinding metal
Used for sanding wood
Used for cutting wood
Used for cutting concrete
Power supply type
Manufacturers offer angle grinders powered from an electrical network, as well as from a battery. We recommend an angle grinder with a battery only in a desperate situation - sawing off a rusty gate hinge in the field. The battery charge will not be enough for more.
Additional functions (table)
| Function | Description |
| Smooth start | The commutator motor starts in winding short-circuit mode, so its starting current is high. The electronic soft start circuit gradually increases the motor current, preventing overload in the network. It is especially convenient at the dacha, where the energy company limits us in terms of current consumption. Side effects - the disk accelerates smoothly, with a melodic (to the ear of a professional) “singing”, the gears do not experience shock loads, the gearbox will work longer. |
| Jam protection | If the disk gets stuck in the material, the winding of a simple commutator motor will become short-circuited, heat up and burn out. Therefore, good grinders are equipped with protection - as soon as the spindle stops rotating (the disk is stuck in the rail), the electronics turns off the power. |
| Unintentional start protection | The start button of the grinder is made in the form of a rocker lever. When working with it, you do not need to keep the button pressed. However, if, while cutting a steel rail, the machine breaks down and you go to turn it on, forgetting about the grinder, the consequences will be unpredictable. A good angle grinder will shut off the engine in this situation. |
| Adjusting and maintaining speed | Using a wheel or switch, the wizard sets the required disk rotation speed. The electronic circuit maintains these speeds even under heavy load. This function is useful for sanding a wooden table top or polishing a steel body. The tool will not burn the wood and will not break out of your hands. |
| Automatic disk balancing | The rotation speed of the disk reaches tens of thousands of revolutions per minute. At such speeds, the slightest imbalance will lead to beats. Expensive grinders use a disc balancing mechanism that will reduce vibration when the disc wears unevenly. |
| SDS Quick Release Clamp | The disk on the angle grinder spindle is secured with a flange that is screwed onto the thread. The flange is tightened with a special open-end wrench; changing the wheel takes a few minutes. If a technician frequently changes discs, we recommend choosing a model with an SDS quick-release nut—changing the cutting tool takes seconds. |
| Carrying case | It is convenient when the manufacturer adds a suitcase made exactly to the shape of the machine to the angle grinder kit. Then each part lies in its own nest, the spare parts do not rattle during transportation, and the grinder will not become dusty in the case. |
Nutrition
If you want to choose a grinder for your garden that will be used for a maximum of an hour a day, you can choose a cordless tool with a battery. A battery-powered angle grinder is enough for 1-2 hours of continuous use. In addition, it will not depend on the connection to the electrical network.
But if the tool will be used for several hours every day, the battery model is definitely not suitable. In this case, when choosing which car to buy, choose a good corded angle grinder. There is no need to charge it - it will work from the mains for as long as needed.
Choosing an angle grinder
To choose an angle grinder, you need to decide what you will do with it, what materials to process. Do you need brushes or flap wheels? There are tasks that only an angle grinder can effectively handle (for example, cutting durable metal).
Tool for home
As a rule, there is not much to do in an apartment for an angle grinder. Cut off a nail, steel bar or thin angle. A low-power and inexpensive angle grinder with a 115 mm disc is suitable for these purposes.
If you need to remove old paint from a wall, you will need a brush. The varnish from grandma's chest of drawers is removed with a flap sanding disc. To do this, we recommend taking the most common 125 mm machine. Additional attachments for it are probably on the next shelf of the store.
Which grinder is suitable for a summer house?
At the dacha, the grinder is used to its full potential. If you sometimes have to cut metal tiles, a weak angle grinder with a 115 mm disc will suffice. The same machine will work on an asbestos-cement slab to make a ventilation window in the wall under the porch.
For complex power work - cutting pipes, rolled metal, slate, tiles, it is better to take a 125 mm machine with a power of more than 1 kW. It works longer without overheating, additional functions will ensure safe operation.
Attention! When working with an angle grinder, be sure to wear safety glasses, thick clothing and closed shoes. Hot sparks fly out from under the circle in a bright sheaf.
Choose a larger and heavier machine for 180 and 230 mm discs if you know the scope of work for it, for example, cutting tiles and stones. It is difficult to grind with such a huge machine.
For long periods of work
Choose expensive professional devices from well-known companies Bosch, DeWalt, Hitachi, Makita, Sparky, DWT. They are guaranteed to work the entire shift.
Professional use
Professionals are a separate category. Their requirements are very different from home craftsmen. They prioritize the reliability of the tool for performing a specific task and purchase professional models. If a master is renovating a bathroom, cutting both pipes and tiles, then he has two grinders, for example, with 125 and 180 mm discs.
Attention! If you are cutting asbestos cement board or slate, be sure to wear a respirator. This dust settles in the lungs and is not removed.
Functional
The most important options that the best angle grinders should be equipped with:
- Disk protection. A protective casing must be present in the tool. The safety of operators depends on this.
- Speed adjustment. An important function that significantly expands the range of tasks performed by the equipment.
- Disc brake. Its task is to slow down and stop the working circle when completing work. The option also affects security. If there is no brake, the disc will rotate until it stops under the influence of gravity. And since they reach significant speeds, this is dangerous to the health and even life of the user.
- Soft start system. Grinders that demonstrate good quality must have this function. Due to this, the engine of the tool starts without jerking.
- Removing dust and debris. An angle grinder is often equipped with a special nozzle for connecting a vacuum cleaner, which removes dust and debris while using the machine.
You also need to pay attention to the manufacturer of the car: there are a lot of good companies, so it’s difficult not to make a mistake in choosing. The most proven and reliable manufacturers include Bosch, Makita, Kruger, Zubr - an overview of these grinders is presented below.
Rating of popular models (table)
| Model (Brand/Factory) | Disc diameter (mm) | Power, kWt) | Speed (thousand rpm) | Weight, kg) | Additional features | Price, rub.) | A comment |
| STURM AG9512P (Germany/China) | 125 | 1 | 4,0–11,0 | 2,5 |
| 3 800 | Reliable and inexpensive tool for home and garden. |
| Makita 9555 HN (Japan/Romania) | 125 | 0,71 | 10,0 | 1,9 | No | 3 600 | High-quality tools for home and professionals, low price from a well-known brand. |
| Metabo W 2000 (Germany/China) | 230 | 2 | 6,6 | 5,8 | Unintentional start protection | 6 900 | Powerful tool for heavy-duty work on stone and concrete. |
| Interskol UShM-125 (Russia/China) | 125 | 1,1 | 3,0–10,0 | 2,2 |
| 4 100 | Inexpensive tool, useful functions, sufficient power for any work at home or in the country. |
| DeWALT D 28136 (USA/China) | 125 | 1,5 | 2,8–10,0 | 2,6 |
| 7 800 | Powerful and reliable medium-sized tool. Suitable for professionals. Expensive for occasional housework. |
| SPETS-BSHU-1050 (Russia / China) | 125 | 1,1 | 11,0 | 2,3 | No | 2 100 | A cheap tool for the home, garden, or for one-time jobs (don’t mind throwing it away). High price/quality ratio. |
| Bosch GWS 850 (Germany / Russia) | 125 | 0,85 | 2,8–11,0 | 1,9 |
| 5 300 | Low-power angle grinder for simple work. High price, low quality workmanship. |
| Makita 9069 (Japan/China) | 230 | 2,0 | 6,6 | 4,2 | The handle can be adjusted to three positions | 5 700 | Powerful and reliable tool for difficult jobs. Suitable for professionals. |
| Energomash USHM-9512P (Russia/China) | 125 | 1,0 | 4,0–11,0 | 2,5 |
| 3 800 | A good tool for home and garden. Not suitable for continuous operation, overheats. |
| Sparky M 850E (Germany/Bulgaria) | 125 | 0,85 | 3,0–10,0 | 2,4 |
| 3 700 | A real “grinder”, made in Bulgaria. Reliable. Suitable for small jobs around the house and in the country. |
Photo gallery: models from the rating
Sparky M 850E
Energomash USHM-9512P
Makita 9069
Bosch GWS 850
SPEC-BSHU-1050
DeWALT D 28136
Interskol UShM-125
STURM AG9512P
Makita 9555 HN
Metabo W 2000
Do it yourself
A small grinder with 115 or 125 mm circles. can be made from an ordinary hand drill . It should immediately be noted that the disadvantages of the homemade product are the low rotation speed of the wheel, which impairs the productivity and quality of the cut. However, in case of an emergency, you can use a small grinder from a drill to saw off some small part.
How to disassemble an angle grinder, gearbox, angle grinder head, disassembly process
If the angle grinder has malfunctions that affect stability in operation, it should be diagnosed to identify their causes. To do this, the power tool must be disassembled; you can do this yourself. The disassembly process (separation of the plastic housing from the gearbox) is shown in the following video.
After checking the functionality of the gearbox mechanics, if necessary, it is disassembled and repaired, as shown in the video.
How to change bearings
Wear of the bearing units of the angle grinder leads to increased backlash, which contributes to the failure of the entire angle grinder as a whole. Therefore, a preventive inspection of the angle grinder is required for the presence of play and, if necessary, replacing them as shown in the video.
Other important characteristics
Other characteristics, some of the most important are listed above, are closely related. For example, a large-diameter disk experiences significant loads, which forces the consumer to use it on powerful angle grinders. The rotation speed of a circle depends on its diameter - small circles operate at higher speeds.
Angle grinder (grinder) AEG 451403 WS 8-115. Photo 220Volt
The best professional angle grinder with power from 2000 W
Professional angle grinders with a power of 2000 W or more can work a full shift. As for the materials processed, their list does not differ from the semi-professional segment.
AEG WS24-180V
The powerful angle grinder AEG WS24-180V works with almost all materials thanks to its unique power of 2400 W. The model can work with disks up to 180 mm in diameter. The listed parameters and a spindle speed of up to 6600 rpm allow the grinder to cut particularly durable materials, including thick sheets of metal. It is equipped with a soft start function, spindle lock, protective casing and protection against accidental start. An ergonomic handle with an anti-slip coating, an additional handle with an anti-vibration system, and a locking switch for particularly long work - all this improves the ergonomics of the angle grinder.
Price: RUB 8,119
Stanley STGL2223
The particularly powerful Stanley STGL 2223 angle grinder allows you to perform the most complex grinding and cutting operations. It is quite convenient to work with the tool thanks to the ergonomic shape of the handle and the ability to rotate the gearbox up to 90 degrees relative to the body. In addition, the device is equipped with a safety switch to prevent accidental start-up, overload protection and spindle locking systems. The disadvantage of the model is its heavy weight: as much as 7 kg.
Price: RUB 5,778
Attachments for angle grinders
To expand the range of tasks performed with an angle grinder, it is recommended to use different attachments.
Cutting discs
A common type of equipment, which is produced in different variations. Circles are designed for cutting. They are used for processing metal, wood, and stone.
How are the discs different?
- diameter (from 115 to 230 mm);
- thickness (from 1 to 3.2 mm);
- purpose (for metal, stone, wood).
The universal diamond-coated wheel has a wide range of applications. They can cut tiles, stones, concrete and other materials with a hard structure.
Polishing and sanding attachments
This type of equipment is also available in an assortment. They come in felt, fabric, sponge, and with replaceable sandpaper. Working with nozzles involves using a special paste that contains fine abrasive. Thanks to grinding discs, it is possible to give the surface the desired smoothness or roughness.
Roughing and sharpening attachments
Disks belonging to this type are conventionally divided into the following types:
- twisted rollers - they are used to remove old mortar or paint from the surface (the design resembles two bowls with a rim made of wire bristles around the perimeter);
- trowelling wheels - they are used for sharpening the cutting elements of tools; there is a recess in the center of the disk, the thickness of the product is at least 5 mm;
- diamond grinding wheels - similar in appearance to grinding wheels, differ from them in that they work only in the peripheral part containing the cutting edge, used for grinding old cement finishes.
For sanding wood
A grinder is used for grinding a wooden surface, equipping the tool with a special attachment. After processing the wood, traces from the wheel remain noticeable. Therefore, final sanding is done manually using fine sandpaper.
You should work with a grinder on wood carefully. You don't need to make a lot of effort for this. It is also not recommended to use thin disks.
Coarse attachments
This type is represented by two types of equipment:
- plane disk;
- peeling circle
In the first case, the attachment completely replaces the plane, in the second - an ax and wood cutters.
Milling attachments
Two types of equipment are available: cutters and discs. They are presented in models that differ in size, abrasive coating, and design. Using cutters, grooves are selected and bowls are cut out. The discs resemble a hand rasp, but the attachment on an angle grinder works much faster.
With speed control, soft start and other functions
Equipping small grinders with additional functionality increases the range of work performed by the same power tool.
Small grinders have high spindle speeds with a working tool. mechanisms with a speed controller on them . In this option, it will be possible to perform high-quality grinding work, cut off low-melting materials, for example, plastic, which are produced at lower speeds, set using the rotation speed controller.
To a lesser extent, small angle grinders require a “soft start” installation , which is effective for high-power angle grinders.
Bulgarian Interskol 125/700. Photo 220Volt
There are many additional options that make working with an angle grinder easier (restart blocking, automatic balancing, protection against overload and dust formation inside the angle grinder body, as well as many others). Providing additional options should not become an end in itself. This leads to an increase in the cost of power tools. You should select only those that are necessary for specific operating conditions.
