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Not everyone wants to carry an air compressor for their die grinder. Electric die grinders resolve that headache by making them more portable. Don’t be fooled though, just because they’re electric doesn’t mean they can’t be heavy duty.
We’ve put together this list of some of the top models around – designed specifically for heavy duty work.
Quick Picks
Here's 3 products we picked out that thought you would be interested in depending on your budget...
The Best Electric Die Grinder with Reviews 2024
Here's a list of the best die grinders we found:
1. Metabo GE710 Heavy Duty Electric Die Grinder
- Electronic safety shutdown of the motor if the tool jams
- Thermal overload protection
- Auto-stop carbon brushes
- Hardened and ground collet chuck for precise concentricity of tools in use
- Collet bore of the collet chuck 1/4 "
- Variable speed: 10000 to 30500 RPM
Pros
- Solid German construction
- Advance safety elements built-in to prevent accidents
- Flexibility in the types of projects and materials you can use it for
- Easy to use in hard-to-reach areas
- Ideal for industrial use
Cons
- Careful handling is necessary due to its power
- Not recommended for the casual user.
Overview
The Metabo GE710 Plus is our choice as the best pick for many reasons, and not the least of those reasons is the versatility & solid construction of this tool.
With a variable speed motor and a selector that allows you to easily adjust the speed to fit the task at hand, this grinder will perform well on most jobs and materials.
Featuring a long spindle, the GE710 plus prevents you from bending and twisting to work at an awkward angle. The built-in safety features give you very good protection against accidents, including automatic protection against burning out the motor with extended use.
The low weight of this model makes handling a breeze during a job, and when combined with the wide range of power choices and excellent control, the Metabo GE710 was an easy choice as our Best Pick.
It doesn’t matter if you are experienced or wet around the ears, this electric die grinder will exceed your expectations.
2. DeWalt DCG426B Cordless Die Grinder
- Uses battery
- Maximum speed of 25,000 RPM
- 20-volt motor
- Collet uses 1/4-inch bits
- Weighs 3.95 pounds
Pros
- LED lights to illuminate work area
- Variable speed
- Brushless motor
- Part of the 20V Max range
Cons
- Battery power comes with the need to recharge
- A larger grinder than some other options
- Not the best for longer jobs
Overview
Another entry on our list from venerable toolmaker DeWalt, this grinder offers several advantages over other choices.
The most noticeable is, of course, the fact that it’s cordless. This eliminates the question of power, allowing this grinder to do its job from anywhere.
While this is an advantage, it can also be a disadvantage if the battery isn’t charged. However, DeWalt kept this in mind and designed a tool that has a very long battery life on each charge.
Most users give this grinder high marks, but this is not a tool designed or suitable for every job. Smaller jobs are where the DCG426B shines. Those who are looking for the right tool for larger or longer jobs would be better served looking elsewhere.
Overall, this is a quality grinder that can handle most tasks and offers excellent movement. If you need a cordless tool, this is the one to get.
3. Makita GD0601 Electric Die Grinder
- Uses AC and DC power
- Maximum speed of 25,000 RPM
- 3.5-amp motor
- Collet uses 1/4-inch bits
- Weighs 3.6 pounds
Pros
- Very lightweight
- Ergonomic grips
- Easy to use
Cons
- A lower-power motor than many competitors’ models
- Smaller size may be harder to use for those with larger hands
- Warranty is only one year
Overview
Many people have good things to say about this grinder, but in our opinion, there wasn’t quite enough to get it over the hump to be chosen as one of our best picks.
The ability to power the GD0601 with either AC or DC electricity is very welcome and allows you to use this tool anywhere you need it.
At 3.5 amps, the motor on the GD0601 comes in below the power of other grinders, and well below the 6.4 amps of the Metabo GE710.
Make no mistake, this is still an excellent grinder. The Makita GD0601 packs a lot of power into its small size and is used happily by professionals everywhere.
Even though it’s not the Best Pick, this grinder is still a solid choice for an entry-level craftsman.
4. Makita GD0800C Heavy Duty Grinder
- Uses AC power
- Maximum speed of 25,000 RPM
- 6.6-amp motor
- Collet uses ¼-inch bits
- Weighs 3.5 pounds
Pros
- One of the most powerful motors available in a grinder
- Includes built-in safety measures
- Special double neck design helps with precision handling
Cons
- Variable speed of motor not settable by user
- Power of motor causes rapid heating of grinder at times
- Warranty is only one year
Overview
The second Makita grinder on our list comes in as the lowest of the two for several reasons.
While the GD0800C does have a variable-speed motor, the speed is controlled internally by the grinder itself, using the variation to provide a smooth power-up experience.
Once it’s up to speed, the 25,000 RPMs from this grinder will handle most smaller jobs with ease. However, some users have reported that this grinder can quickly heat up during use.
That said, the grinder can be forgiving to novice users who would otherwise damage it. The safety features keep you from destroying the motor and gears.
We can’t say this will be a great tool for everyone, but anyone looking for variable speed should find that this does the trick.
5. DeWalt DWE4887 Electric Die Grinder
- Paddle switch for easy gripping
- 25,000 RPM motor
- 4.2-amp motor
- Collet uses ¼-inch bits
- Weighs 4.7 pounds
Pros
- Works with either AC or DC power
- Great power for the size and price
- Built for accuracy
Cons
- Not variable speed
- A bit heavier than other options
- Size of the tool makes it more difficult to use in tight areas
Overview
Coming into our testing process with many glowing reviews, the DeWalt DWE4887 certainly lives up to its reputation.
With a large amount of power compared to many other grinders in its class, the DWE4887 is capable of grinding through almost any material.
In fact, the sheer power this grinder puts in your hands was one of the main reasons it comes in as our Best Value. You won’t find a more powerful grinder at this price point.
Another feature that many users like is the fact that the collet and the collet nut are all one piece with the DWE4887. This aspect makes it faster and easier to change your fitting.
With the ability to run from regular household outlets, generator, or welding machine, the DWE4887 goes where you need it to with no hassles.
For anyone who is trying to find the perfect blend of affordability and power, this grinder comes out on top.
6. Milwaukee M18 1/4" Cordless Die Grinder
- Brushless Motor
- M18 REDLITHIUM XC5.0 battery pack
- REDLINK PLUS Electronic Intelligence advanced communication
- 20,000 RPM
- Uses carbide burrs
Pros
- Superior brushless motor provides longer life and has no wearable components.
- Lightweight.
Cons
- No variable speed
- Expensive compared to other models
7. Chicago 1 1/2 Electric Die Grinder
- Lightweight and maneuverable
- All ball-bearing construction for durability
- Includes spare brushes
- 120 volts, 60 Hz, 4.3 amps, single phase
- Maximum speed: 25,000 RPM
Pros
- One of the cheapest grinders on the market.
- A longer-than-usual shaft to work in smaller spaces
- RPMs give you enough power to do most jobs
Cons
- Not suitable for some larger jobs
- Not many user reviews on this model.
Is it worth buying a more expensive electric die grinder?
While you may be tempted to opt for a less expensive option when purchasing a new electric grinder, you need to keep in mind that the phrase “You get what you pay for” often applies with grinders.
While there are some quality options at lower price points, these tools will many times be of lower quality and have a shorter lifespan than a more expensive model.
This is not a hard and fast rule, however, as some expensive grinders don’t have the specs or performance to make them worth the purchase price.
Admittedly, your budget plays a part in your decision of electric grinder. However, saving a few dollars at the time of purchase might not make up for later costs like repair or replacement of a less expensive model.
Read all the reviews you can of the various models you’re interested in and take their recommendations into account when making your decision. Benefiting from the experience of others can help you avoid a “good deal” that turns into a costly misjudgment.
Buyer’s Guide
As you can see, there is a wide variety of features available on electric grinders, but just because they exist doesn’t mean they’re important to the work you want to do.
Let’s look at some of the more common features available and break down who might find each of those features useful.
Power
While most people first look at the maximum RPMs of an electric grinder, there are a few things to remember before using this to guide your buying decision.
The RPM rating listed for a grinder is a “no-load” speed. This means that this is the maximum output the motor will produce while the grinder is spinning freely.
Torque is what determines the RPMs of a grinder while it’s in use. The higher the torque, the faster it will spin and the more power you’ll have when cutting, grinding or buffing.
Motor Protection
When the motor dies, your grinder is dead as well. Several things shorten the lifespan of your grinder’s motor, and some newer models have protections built into their design to help protect the internal components from these hazards.
Dust and heat from grinding can destroy the fan blades inside your grinder over time. This is a definite problem, as using a grinder for any length of time can produce an excessive amount of heat inside the tool.
There are different safeguards being offered by tool manufacturers, including automatic shutoff circuitry to stop your grinder before the heat can cause lasting damage to the motor.
Also, there are new designs that offer varying degrees of protection to the motor from the dust and debris that is created while using your grinder.
Safety Features
The heat and debris generated from using an electric grinder present another potential problem, but not to the tool. These things can cause serious issues for the user if left unchecked, especially heat.
Of course, almost all grinders come with a wheel guard as part of their design. If the adjustment of this safety feature is awkward or difficult, some people decide to just leave it alone or remove it completely and hope for the best.
As you can imagine, “hope for the best” is not a good safety plan. When you’re looking into various safety features of grinders, look for wheel guards that can be adjusted without the use of additional tools.
We already covered the motor overheating in the last section, but this also plays a role in staying safe. Be sure your grinder will shut off in emergencies to prevent burns from overheating.
Consider what you will use the grinder for and look for safety features that fit this style of work.
Size
Think about the scope of the projects you have in mind. How you plan on using the grinder should dictate the size of the tool you choose.
It can be tempting to buy the bigger, more powerful grinder that can tackle industrial tasks. However, when it comes to jobs at home or in your workshop, you may find that it is quite limiting.
For tricky angles or small areas, getting a compact, cordless grinder may do the trick. While these may offer less power, you will have more control over the project.
How is it powered?
This sounds like a simple question to answer, but there are several different types of power sources that electric grinders are designed to run on.
AC powered grinders can be plugged into any common household outlet, which would be handy for a DIY type of person. DC powered grinders can run from a direct hookup to a generator or welding machine, making them useful on site for professionals.
There are also now models on the market that can be powered by both, which gives these the versatility to be used almost anywhere.
If you want complete versatility, then cordless grinders powered by a battery could be your best choice.
Be sure to make sure the grinder you want to purchase has power requirements that will allow you to get the best use from your tool.
FAQs
How powerful should the grinder I purchase be?
It depends. This may sound like a “cop-out” answer, but the truth is that not everyone needs the most powerful grinder available on the market. There are many different motor power levels for sale to fit various needs.
If you’re mainly going to use your grinder for smaller jobs, a less powerful, lightweight tool might be exactly what you need.
If the work you’re going to do with your grinder involves small spaces or harder-to-reach areas, you’ll want to look for grinders that are easy to manipulate.
Do I need variable speed control?
An electric grinder that features variable speed control to adjust the RPMs of the motor is useful when it comes to tackling different tasks and materials.
If you plan to use your grinder for just one type of job, then variable speed control may be of little use to you.
If you’re looking for flexibility in what you can do, then yes, variable speed control is a good option.
Is there a standard size for fittings? Do I need to make sure everything’s compatible?
Most people use 1/4-inch, or sometimes 1/8-inch, fittings, but there are those that are sized in millimeters instead of inches. This leads to a problem for some.
If the electric grinder you’re looking at purchasing is listed as using 1/4-inch fittings, you should be in good shape as far as easily finding what you need.
If your potential grinder uses any other size, it might be best to see how easy it will be to find fittings that are useable.
Will any grinder be able to do the job I need to do?
A: The short answer is no. The power of the motor and the RPMs it produces plays a large part in determining what materials an electric grinder can effectively tackle. Also, there are other features that can make a grinder a great fit or a bad idea for some jobs.
If you need an electric grinder to work in small spaces, a larger unit is going to make that more challenging than it must be. Likewise, there are some jobs that need more pure power than anything else. A smaller, more agile grinder might not cut it.
Again, your choice of grinder is best determined by the jobs you need to do.
Wrapping it up
As you can see, there is a wide variety of electric grinders available, with many different power levels and feature sets from which to choose. For the best power and versatility, the choice was clear to us after testing numerous models from different manufacturers.
The Metabo GE710 gives you the ability to tackle many different jobs and do them well. It’s a quality electric grinder manufactured by a well-known name in power tools. The reviews from users are extremely positive.
We’ve seen nothing to disagree with those reviews and encourage almost anyone to test out the Metabo GE710.
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