The Stovebolt Site Forums The Shop Area The Tool Chest Angle grinder recommend?

My DeWalt 7.5A angle grinder broke the other day while I was cutting concrete with a diamond blade. The gears broke inside. It still runs after removing the chunks o metal but not very good as you can imagine. I've only had this thing 1.5 years or so, so I'm kinda irritated.
So I'm looking for recommendations for a replacement. I use an angle grinder at least once week for a variety of things, mostly for metal. Don't wanna spend more than $100 and I'd sure like to get more than a year - year and a half use out of it.
When I bought this one, there were a couple cheaper DeWalt models and other cheaper brands such as Skil, Ryobi, Black & Decker but I thought I'd spend a little more to get more power and have it last longer. Now I'm wondering if I should just think disposable and buy the 6.5A B & D for $44. Seems they just don't make things like they used to.
-David

We have beaten the dickens out of our trusty Mikita angle grinder. 15 years of hard work and it just keeps going. I did have to put new brushes in it, but they were worn from use. I would buy another Makita.

I use one from Mac Tools but it goes for more than $100.00. I've had it for years and abused it for years. I would definately buy another one, it's one of the most used tools I have, so it needs to be a good one,
Scott

Anyone ever heard of this brand? Metabo angle grinder
Here's another one I'm lookin' at: Bosch angle grinder
What about Hitachi? Anyone heard good, bad or otherwise? I really like the handle design on this one: Hitachi
One of the cons of the DeWalt I have is I'm only 5' 6" tall so my hands aren't that big. My trigger hand got awfully tired with that fat barrel.
Gord, the Makitas I can afford, they're makin' in China these days. Trying to avoid that.

I checked out DeWalt's website earlier and they make it very easy to order parts. They have illustrated breakdowns with part #'s. I can get the ring & pinion for $26 plus shipping so that's what I'm doin'.
By the way, I went to Lowe's and looked at a 9.5amp Hitachi. Wasn't all that impressed. It felt like my DeWalt, which is to say not that comfortable and it's made in Malaysia.
Anyhow, thanks for the replies.
-David

Dewalt tools seem to be right up there in quality.Dont know about grinders ,but I bought a Bosch jig saw and it is first class.

Dewalt talks a good game but I find their tools aren't so hot. I'm a contractor and have used a Sears Industrial grade angle grinder for about 5 years mostly cutting stucco, concrete and tile. I don't know who makes it for them. Milwaulke also makes good tools (not cheap) but most everything else out there now is disposable Chinese junk.

the newer craftsman stuff is made by dewalt. the grinders at least typically a little less money but the same thing. the thing i like about the dewal (the one with the steel head) is that it has a dead man switch. if you have have ever plugged in a grinder that was left on you will know what i mean. the metabos work pretty good but the ones we had were quite a bit more than $100

I am a commercial general contractor by trade and a Chevy truck enthusiast by choice. I have owned almost every yellow tool made and used them in my construction company and on my truck projects for years. DeWalt tools are made by B&D and are considered to be the industrial/commercial grade, whereas B&D is considered the lesser grade more prevalent in home use.

I have both the DeWalt mini angle grinders, the metal case and the plastic case, both 4-1/2". I have had good luck with both even with frequent use and fairly heavy tasks. I have also given my father the large DeWalt angle grinder that he uses in his home-based welding business. He is happy with the performance of this tool. I got tired of seeing the old imports over in the bone pile in the corner of his shop that he had worn out in a few months.

Wood magazine does a very comprehensive, non partisan tool performance review every year. I consult this guide when making a small tool purchase. The DeWalt mini angle grinder graded out very well in all categories, including performance and value for the dollar. In any event, many of the major manufacturers offer a good quality mini angle grinder.