Makita is a well-known company that gives you powerful tools that are also a good value. The cordless angle grinders made by Makita stand out from the others on the market. Offering ease of use, comfort, power, and durability, you can’t go wrong with a power tool from Makita. Here are a few tips and reviews to help you find the best cordless Makita Angle Grinder for your needs.
Comparison Table – Makita Angle Grinder
Top 11 Makita Angle Grinder
ÂMakita 9557PBX1 Angle Grinder – Best Overall
Lightweight and powerful, the Makita 9557PBX1 Angle Grinder is equipped with a paddle switch and labyrinth construction that seals in the bearings and motor from outside contaminants. This 4 ½-inch grinder includes a powerful 7.5 Amp motor. It also includes an AC/DC switch that has a handy placement on top of the housing.
Easy to Use
Featuring a smaller circumference barrel grip, this is an easy-to-handle grinder and a spindle lock to make wheel changes very easy. The Makita 9557PBX1 is a great choice for heavy professional griding projects that offers comfort and long-lasting performance. Delivering up to 11, 000 RPMs, this grinder also has a soft start for an even smoother surface.
Durable and Lightweight
This durable grinder comes with a protective zig-zag varnish that was created to seal the armature from debris and dust. The paddle switch is easy to use, and you can easily install the side handle onto either side of the tool. Weighing only 4 ½ pounds, this lightweight tool also offers tool-less wheel guard adjustments and high output power for a compact tool.
- This tool is easy to handle and solidly built
- The aluminum case is great for storage
- It’s easy to start up with the paddle switch
- It can dent easily
- Its only good for smaller jobs
Makita XAG04Z Angle Grinder – Best Brushless Motor Design
This 18-volt grinder uses a Lithium-Ion battery and has a brushless motor. The Makita XAG04Z Angle Grinder gives you corded performance without having to deal with the hassle of the cord. Providing a longer run time, this grinder offers increased speed and power as well as longer tool life.
Versatile
Perfect for the most demanding projects, the Makita XAG04Z Angle Grinder includes automatic speed change technology that will adjust the torque and speed automatically as the tool operates for the best performance. You can use this grinder for sanding, grinding, and cutting on a variety of materials like conduit, pipe, concrete, and tile.
Safety
Makita also includes Star protection to allow the tool and battery to exchange data and monitor conditions in real-time to protect the unit from overheating, overloading, and over-discharging. Plus, it has active feedback sensing technology to turn off the motor if the wheel’s rotations are forced to suddenly stop.
- It has great safety features
- This is a very versatile tool that you can use on a lot of materials
- You get the power of a corded tool in a cordless one
- It’s a little on the expensive side
- The life of the battery is very short
Makita GA4030K Angle Grinder – Best Long-Lasting Design
Equipped with a tool case, the Makita GA4030K Angle Grinder mixes power and comfort. This 4-inch grinder provides motor-protection features to give your grinder a longer-lasting performance. Perfect for a variety of industrial grinding projects, this grinder comes with a 6 Amp motor and delivers up to 11,000 RPMs.
Durable and Long-Lasting
The Makita GA4030K Angle Grinder has machined bevel gears that are engineered for longer tool life. The metal gear housing and all-ball-bearing design give you additional durability while the labyrinth construction protects and seals the bearings and the motor from debris and dust. Plus, the small diameter grip gives you additional comfort.
Comfortable and Convenient
A zig-zag varnish helps to protect the armature with a seal that stops contaminants from getting in and damaging the tool. With its convenient and comfortable features, the Makita GA4030K can be used all day long, and you can position the gear housing for different cutting projects. Weighing only 3.7 pounds, this grinder also comes with a side handle that can be installed easily on each side of the tool for more convenient operation.
- This is an easy to use and powerful grinder
- You can use it for small-diameter discs
- The handle can be changed to fit your comfort level
- The case is poorly designed
- The switch is difficult to use
Makita 9557PB Angle Grinder – Best Performance
Offering long-lasting industrial performance, the Makita 9557PB Angle Grinder features a 7.5 Amp motor that offers up to 11,000 RPMs as well as a soft start for smoother operations. With motor protection, this motor is durable and features labyrinth construction that protects and seals the bearings and motor from debris and dust for longer tool life.
Easy to Use and Comfortable
Featuring a protective zig-zag varnish, the Makita 9557PB Angle Grinder is easy to use and includes a large paddle switch for operation that is comfortable. It also includes a lock-on feature that allows for continuous operation while the side handle can be installed easily on each side of the tool. Only weighing 4.5 pounds, this grinder also features a tool-less adjustment of the wheel guard as well as an AC/DC switch that allows for alternative-power source use.
- This lightweight tool is easy to make adjustments on
- It has a varnish that keeps dust out of it
- This tool starts very smoothly and has the power to handle a wide range of projects
- The on and off switch has a poor design
- It’s on the expensive side
Makita XAG09Z Angle Grinder – Best Consistent Run Time
Featuring a brushless motor, the Makita XAG09Z Angle Grinder uses an 18-volt Lithium-Ion battery and an electric brake to stop the wheel in less than two seconds for the most productivity. Using active feedback-sensing technology, the motor is turned off while in the rotation of the wheel is forced to stop suddenly. The brushless motor enables it to run efficiently and cooler allowing for a long lifespan.
Long-Lasting Battery
Using automatic speed change technology, the torque and speed can be adjusted as the machine operates for the best possible performance. The LED battery charge level indicator is integrated into the machine to allow for a user to monitor the battery charge. The charger allows the battery to fully charge in 45 minutes and the battery has up to 65 percent more run time for each charge in comparison to other grinders on the market.
Convenient Operation
Providing consistent run time and power no matter the temperature, the battery on the Makita XAG09Z Angle Grinder is compatible with all 18-volt LXT tools. This unit also comes with a slide switch that will lock on for convenient operation while the brushless motor is controlled electronically in order to optimize the energy in the battery for a 50 percent longer run time.
- It works really well and has an efficient design
- The battery charges really quickly
- It has a good amount of speed and power
- The vacuum adapter is really expensive
- It needs a bag to hold all the parts together
Makita XAG20Z Angle Grinder – Best Variable Speed Design
Deliver corded performance to a cordless tool, the Makita XAG20Z uses an 18-volt LXT Lithium-Ion battery and has a brushless motor. This 4-1/2-inch grinder comes with a paddle switch, and electric brake, and uses automatic speed change technology. The Makita brushless motor is designed to give you a longer run time as well as increased speed and power as well as a longer life.
Speed and Torque
The Automatic Speed Change technology will adjust the torque and speed automatically for the best performance while the soft start allows for smooth operation. The paddle switch is designed for operator convenience and the spiral bevel gears allow for smooth rotations and efficient energy transfer. The wire mesh intake covers were created to prevent dust and debris from getting inside the motor while the electric brake stops the wheel in less than two seconds for maximum productivity.
- It has variable speed control features
- This tool operates smoothly and has great safety features
- This is a powerful tool that is easy and convenient to use
- This tool is very long when everything is attached
- It’s not as powerful as some users expected
Makita 9565CV Angle Grinder – Most Comfortable Design
Increased durability and comfortable performance, the Makita 9565CV Angle Grinder is equipped with a 13 Amp motor that has a variable speed feature. This is a comfortable and ergonomically designed tool that is ideal for extended use. Ideal for polishing and grinding, this tool provides up to 10,500 RPMs allowing you the versatility to match the application to the speed you require.
Safety Features
The Makita 9565CV Angle Grinder is equipped with an electronic limiter that lessens motor burnout and overload and is capable of stopping the motor when needed. Plus, it has an electronic speed control that allows you to maintain a consistent speed when under load, and the Super Joint System technology will help to prevent any gear damage that can be caused by the wheel binding accidentally. And it has a soft start to help the machine operate smoothly.
- The soft-start is a great feature
- The blade change is easy to do
- This is a very powerful tool that can take on a lot of different types of projects
- The on and off switch could be more user-friendly
- It’s a little heavy making it hard to use for long periods of time
Makita XAG16Z Angle Grinder – Best Soft Start Design
Featuring soft start and anti-restart protections, the Makita XAG16Z Angle Grinder gives you the performance you expect from a corded grinder. Equipped with an 18-volt LXT Lithium-Ion battery, this Makita has a slide switch and a lock-on feature for operator convenience as well as a soft start-up for smooth performance. With the exclusive Automatic Speed Change technology, this tool will adjust torque and speed automatically for better performance.
Versatility
The Makita XAG16Z is perfect for cutting and grinding a variety of materials including conduit, pipe, concrete, and tile. It also has an anti-restart protection feature that was created to stop the motor from starting up when the battery has been inserted with the switch locked on. Plus, the spiral bevel gears give you smoother rotations and an efficient energy transfer.
- It’s super easy to use, especially without the cord
- This tool comes with a variable speed feature
- It has an efficient brushless motor
- It didn’t come with a grinding guard
- It isn’t as powerful as other grinders on the market
Makita 9564CV Angle Grinder – Best Ergonomic Design
Combining variable speed power with comfort and long-lasting performance, the Makita 9564CV Angle Grinder has a 13 Amp motor that gives you the power you need for motor protection and long-lasting polishing and grinding performance. This grinder also uses the innovative Makita SJS mechanical clutch system that will protect your gears for longer tool life.
Ergonomic Design
This 4-1/2-inch grinder has an ergonomic design for extended use. Weighing only four pounds, this tool has a lock-on switch for easy operation as well as a side handle that you can easily install on each side of the tool. Plus, the Makita 9564CV has tool-less wheel guard changes and delivers up to 10,500 RPMs allowing you to do stonework including grinding and polishing.
- It’s powerful and versatile enough to work on a variety of materials and projects
- The ergonomic design makes it comfortable to use
- This tool has a design that makes it durable and long-lasting
- The guard adjustment is not very durable
- The handle needs a vibration-reducing design
Makita GA7021 Angle Grinder – Best Adjustable Design
Equipped with an AC/DC switch, the Makita GA7021 Angle Grinder features a powerful 15 Amp motor, which will give you up to 6,600 RPMs. The labyrinthine construction seals internal parts from dust and debris to help increase the grinder’s life. It also comes with a large, easy-to-use trigger switch, which will lock on for long periods of operation.
Operator Comfort
Providing improved operator comfort, this tool includes a rubberized, soft-grip handle and a large rubber tool rest that will protect your workpiece from becoming damaged. The Makita GA7021 Angle Grinder features spiral bevel gears to give you a smooth rotation and efficient energy transfer. Plus, the zig-zag varnish will protect the coil from debris and dust allowing for a longer motor life.
Easy to Adjust
The Makita GA7021 Angle Grinder includes a large shaft lock that makes wheel changes easy, and the switch handle can rotate to the right and left 90 degrees. You can configure the side handle into one of three positions for better control and comfort. Ideal for tough industrial jobs, this grinder includes a 7-inch grinding wheel, a wheel guard, and a lock nut wrench
- The powerful motor makes quick work of projects
- The trigger switch is really easy to use
- You can move the handle to your preferred position
- It doesn’t have a switch locking mechanism
- It’s pretty heavy
MAKITA 9557NB GRINDER – Best Ball Bearing Design
This 4 1/2-inch grinder features 7.5 Amps and provides up to 11,000 RPMs. The Makita 9557NB Grinder is equipped with metal gear housing that you can rotate and an all-ball bearing design. The included spindle lock makes wheel changes easy while the labyrinth construction seals the bearings and motor from contamination.
Easy to Use
The Makita also comes with a lock-on feature, an AC/DC switch that allows you to use an alternative source of power, and a protective varnish that seals the armature from debris and dust. The paddle switch is extra-large, so it’s easy to access and use. This grinder also features thick coil wires that are wound together more closely to reduce energy and heat loss.
Comfortable Handling
For easier handling, the Makita 9557NB Grinder features a small circumference barrel grip as well as a double insulated motor and a higher power-to-weight ratio. This is an easy-to-use tool that comes with a wheel guard, grinding wheel, and wrench.
- This tool is really easy to operate
- The wheel changes are easy, and it includes the tool
- The sealed design helps the motor and tool last longer
- You need a screwdriver to adjust the guard’s position
- The on switch is very hard to push into position
Considerations When Choosing a Makita Angle Grinder
Corded versus Cordless
Just like any power tool, corded tools typically give you more power than battery-powered options. When you need to cut harder materials frequently, corded models are a good choice while cordless options will need to be charged, so they are a great option for a situation where you won’t need to cut tons of material.
Many of the newer cordless options now come with enough power that allows them to handle more demanding jobs. Some of these tools even work similarly to a corded option allowing you to get used to their high level of performance quickly.
When it comes to a cordless versus a corded grinder, it helps to consider how you are going to use it. If you plan to cut a lot of concrete, you should go for a corded grinder since cutting up concrete can eat up a lot of your battery. When cutting reinforced steel, a cordless grinder will be a better choice since you will be running around the foundation of a house, and not having to deal with a cord is a huge plus.
If you will be working in a confined area or space, then choose a cordless grinder that won’t require a nearby power outlet. Its recommended for a DIYer to get a corded model since it will allow you to do both cutting and grinding with just one tool.
Professional, however, can benefit from both a cordless model and a large, corded model. This way, you will have an option for cutting masonry but also the convenience of a cordless model when it comes to ease of use and tight areas.
Features to Consider When Choosing a Makita Angle Grinder
Weight
Makita tools typically weigh between five and six pounds whether or not they are corded. This can be a little heavy for some users, however, they do give you a lot of power and durability due to their ball-bearing design and metal gear housing.
Grinding Speed
The typical speed for an angle grinder is usually between 8,500 and 12,000 RPMs, but many of them have a single-speed design making it harder if you want a grinder with more variable-speed options.
Use and Durability
Most of Makita’s angle grinder can be used for professional use as long as you use the correct cut-wheels for the application. With the right use and care, these grinders can be used for many years at the job site or in fabrication sites.
Ease of Use
Usually, you will need a tool to adjust the wheel guard when using a Makita angle grinder. Some users don’t care about the small inconvenience, but others do. These grinders also often offer a lock-on switch that will help prevent accidental triggers that helps to ensure you get a consistent result and need to work on different angles.
Amps
As always, the higher the amperage and wattage of an angle grinder, the more power it will give you. Look for units that have as high an amp rating as your budget will allow, which will ensure that you have enough power for those difficult projects. Nothing is worse than getting all the material for your project and then finding out your angle grinder doesn’t’ have the cutting power you need.
Remember that larger discs need more power than small ones. So, if you want to use an angle grinder with 7 or 9-inch discs, make sure it has the power they require.
Disc Size
Disc sizes range from 4 ½ to 9-inches in size. As previously mentioned, a large disc needs a powerful motor. Keep in mind that while bigger is better, it’s not necessary to choose an angle grinder that has the largest disc possible. Instead, choose discs based on what projects you have planned since it’s entirely possible that you will do just fine with a small disc combined with a very powerful grinder when completing your projects.
Plus, using a 9-inch disc can actually be riskier than using smaller discs. If you don’t need to make a deep cut into a piece of masonry, then just use a small disc that you can make a few small cuts with instead.
Summary/Conclusion
Makita is definitely a brand that you want to check out when it comes to finding the best angle grinder. With a variety of angle grinders to choose from, you won’t have a problem finding one that is easy to handle, powerful, and compact. A Makita tool is definitely worth the investment since it offers you a tool with a long lifespan, durability, and ease of use in comparison to other tools on the market.
John Billiou
LOCATION: Visalia, California
OCCUPATION: President
John Billiou assumed operations of the family business in 1989 with a “big appetite” for success.
Based in Central California, Billiou's Has been serving the Parts Needs of Lawn & Garden Dealers Across the Western United States for 70 Years.
Today, the company distributes new equipment and parts in 13 Western states and John said their No. 1 customers are cities and counties.
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