9 Best Angle Grinders in Australia (2024 Reviews)

What are Angle Grinders?

Angle grinders are basic power tools that work with interchangeable discs, for cutting, sanding and grinding a variety of tools including timber, metal and stone.

Their versatility makes them quite hard to get a grip on when finding a new angle grinder, but as long as you’re prepared to go to the top of your budget you’ll probably find a tool you can trust.

When to Use an Angle Grinder

Angle Grinders are an indispensable tool for any upcycling project, whether you’re renovating a full garden, or just repurposing some old pallets. 

Simple grinding discs can be used to break out ribbed nails from pallets (which are famously hard to remove) which gives you loads of free timber for the garden after a delivery, but thinner diamond-tipped discs are the most efficient way to get rid of old pipework or fence posts that are in the wrong place too.

If you’ve got a big tiling job planned, they’re great for detail work around grout and mortar too, helping to ease the pain of manually scraping back bumpy mortar.

What to look for When Buying an Angle Grinder

There are not many ways to differentiate between angle grinders as most have 100mm discs, and most have similar mechanisms for changing the disc, but there are some significant differences that do matter in terms of safety. Below we’ll look at each

Durability

Online sales of angle grinders have rocketed recently thanks to a new trend for compact angle grinders with 60-80mm discs, and smaller handles. They look great, and they run quietly, making them useful for indoor jobs, but they are generally pretty badly made. 

As a general rule with angle grinders, if it doesn’t look sturdy, it probably isn’t. Always choose an angle grinder with a durable safety guard to prevent sparks flying backwards or burning your hand, and choose models with good quality disc locks too. 

Disc locks can be button switches or hex bolts, but check reviews for individual products before purchasing any angle grinder.

Corded vs Cordless Angle Grinders

One key factor when choosing any new angle grinder is whether you go for corded electric, or cordless, battery-powered angle grinders. Cordless angle grinders are convenient because they can be used anywhere and everywhere, but they do need to charge for a few hours between each use.

Corded angle grinders are more powerful and make most tasks much faster. For higher power, and more efficient grinding, go for a corded angle grinder, but for occasional use and sheer convenience, it’s got to be cordless!

How to Use an Angle Grinder

Angle grinders are, as the name suggests, designed to grind at an angle. They will work at 90 degrees to a surface, but not efficiently. Whatever you are cutting, it’s always best to cut at 45 degrees for neater cuts.

Using an angle grinder for polishing

Fit a sanding or polishing wheel to your angle grinder, and connect it to a power source. Clamp the material for polishing in place (metal is the best suited, but concrete can be polished with mop polishers on most angle grinders).

Use the edge of the polishing wheel from side to side until the desired finish has been achieved.

How to cut with a an angle grinder

Angle grinders can cut at 90 degrees but do need a guide in order to do so as they are designed, as the name suggests, to cut at an angle. Cutting through pipe or metal sheet is simple, provided the material is firmly clamped in place. 

To cut stone, or ceramic tile, mark the cuts before starting and slowly grind the line to create a guide cut. Cut into the same groove slowly, adding water as you go.

Most ceramic tiles can be cut in part and then snapped off for a cleaner cut, with a grinding wheel used to smooth the edges.

How to grind nails using an angle grinder

To recycle old timber you need to remove old nails, screws and fixtures, which can take time, and often be near impossible with ribbed nails designed to stay firmly in place.

Grind the heads off old screws and nails before separating timbers using a narrow grinding disc angle away from you at all times.

Angle Grinders Safety Guide

Angle grinders can be used for a lot of different jobs but there are some basic safety rules. First, make sure any wires are over your shoulder and safely away from the cutting or grinding disc. 

Whatever surface you’re working on, wear goggles. Protective eyewear is incredibly important with angle grinders as they are specifically built to grinder, creating sparks and splinters as they go.

1. WORX WX710 Angle Grinder

Worx make good tools, and they always come in under budget. So right off the bat you’re winning with this lovely compact angle grinder from Worx, with a standard 100mm disc which fits most discs from any DIY store, and makes it perfect for grinding, sanding and cutting.

Overall, Worx’s budget model angle grinder is on the flimsier side of things, with cheap materials to keep the cost down. That’s kind of important with angle grinders, but the lower vibrations are nice and do make it quite a comfortable tool.

If you’re looking for an angle grinder that’s fit for purpose, this will do. If you’re looking for an angle grinder that you can feel confident with, maybe look a bit more up-market.

2. Milwaukee AGV15-125XE Corded Angle Grinder

If you’re looking for high-end power tools, Milwaukee is a useful brand to keep in mind. Their corded electric range is incredibly powerful, but also comes with built-in safety features as standard, and this corded angle grinder is no different.

Offering high-power, low-vibration angle grinding, with a sturdy casing and comfortable balance, there’s nothing to take fault with on Milwaukee’s 125mm angle grinder.

As well as reliable manufacturing, stable torque, and low vibration, it comes with a three-year warranty as standard, so you’re not just buying the best, but you’re buying peace of mind too.

3. Ozito Corded Angle Grinder Kit

I really like this angle grinder from Ozito, one of the best budget tool manufacturers in Australia who don’t let quality get in the way of profit. It might be cheap, but it’s really well built. 

I’ll admit that there’s a slight problem with high vibration when you use the Ozito angle grinder for cutting, but it’s actually quite smooth for grinding, sanding and polishing.

We’ve searched far and wide, and it really is a struggle to find a better value angle grinder than the Ozito 125mm model.

4. Dewalt DCG405N Brushless Angle Grinder

As expected, DeWalt’s angle grinder is on point. This angle grinder has everything from low vibrations, to extended handles, sturdy locking mechanisms, and an overall good build quality.

There’s nothing of the fiddly budget angle grinder here and clearly, DeWalt is appealing to serious DIYers and contractors who want quality rather than compact tools.

It’s also worth noting, that of all the angle grinders on review here, this is by far the most comfortable to use, with two soft grip handles and a wide grip.

5. Bosch Angle Grinder PWS 620-100

Bosch have always been good at making useful, affordable tools for DIY users, but they always leave something to be desired in terms of durability.

I like this handy little angle grinder, which doesn’t feel like it’s going to last forever. For the price though, I’m not sure that matters, because you’re buying a half-decent tool with a warranty that costs a fraction of the price of some of the high-end angle grinders.

If you’re just running through some quick projects you could do a lot worse than this neat little angle grinder from Bosch.

6. Makita 9556NBK Angle Grinder

We love Makita here. Always have, always will. But… their budget angle grinder just goes to show that even the best tool manufacturers can make mistakes.

It’s better than some angle grinders, and it will get most jobs done fine, but a combination of high vibrations, shaky disc locking, and cheap materials makes this feel much cheaper than we’re used to from Makita.

For a mid-range angle grinder, you can find worse, but you’ll always wish you’d spent a little bit more.

7. Bosch AdvancedGrind 18 Cordless Angle Grinder 

Bosch usually comes quite low on our lists, because they design tools to suit DIY users and the mass market, but this is a genuinely good angle grinder with an easy locking mechanism (though the button is maybe a touch clunky) and plenty of good safety features.

The wider 125mm grinding disc makes it ideal for larger jobs, but like any rotary grinder, its contact point is still small enough to get into most small spaces for finer work.

8. HiKOKI G13SS2(H1Z) Angle Grinder

HiKOKI tend to get overlooked in tool reviews, just because they’re not that well known, but they’re one of the best tool manufacturers out there. This 125mm angle grinder with corded power is incredibly efficient and fits most universal discs.

If you’re after an angle grinder you can trust, without the bells and whistles of more expensive models, this HiKOKI angle grinder is a really good choice. 

There is a compromise for the cash saving though – it’s really quite uncomfortable to use. High vibrations and a cheaply made handle mean you’ll be shaking in your boots after each use but, for me, it’s worth it for the saving!

9. Makita MAKDGA506Z Mobile Brushless Electric Break Angle Grinder

Makita’s 18V cordless angle grinder is a lovely tool to use, with good power, a compact handle and a generous 125mm disc capacity, making it perfect for tough cutting jobs as well as grinding and polishing.

The soft grip handle is nice to use over prolonged periods too, so you shouldn’t suffer from vibration fatigue either.

When it comes to simple, affordable, good quality tools you can trust, WORX is a really good choice. While the plastic casing feels a little bit flimsy, the overall build quality is good, and the most important factor (performance) is top-notch.

This well-balanced, light-weight angle grinder is ideal for DIY users and fits most standard-sized discs too, so whether you’re tidying up render, cutting through pipes, or trying your hand at stone carving, the Worx WX710 is a great choice.

Milwaukee’s 125mm corded electric angle grinder has to be the best you can buy. Angle grinders are, after all, simple tools that do a simple job, so unless you’re cutting through 50mm of concrete, there’s no need to spend more than this on commercial scaler grinders.

For DIY, and most commercial projects, this Milwaukee model is an ideal premium choice angle grinder that won’t let you down.

There’s always a compromise with budget tools, and with this Ozito angle grinder it’s vibrations. Their angle grinder is really well built and holds up to a lot of work, but if you’re cutting through sheet steel the vibrations are really quite harsh. 

Thankfully, for most other tasks, the Ozito 125mm Angle Grinder is comfortable and easy to use, with minimal vibrations. For any DIYer on a budget, this is the best angle grinder out there.

Angle Grinder Frequently Asked Questions

What is an angle grinder good for?

Angle grinders are good for polishing metal, sharpening steel, cutting, and grinding down the edges of most hard surfaces on metal, stone, tile, and mortar. For any keen DIYers, angle grinders are a really useful tool to have at home.

Can an angle grinder cut through anything?

Angle grinders can cut through almost any material, but are best suited to metal and stone. Angle grinders create a lot of heat from friction when cutting through timber so circular saws are a better option for timber as they give a better finish than angle grinders.

What are the three main uses of an angle grinder?

Angle grinders are used for cutting, grinding and polishing, making it easy to manage a variety of tasks, particularly in stone or metalwork, with a single tool.

Rather than using bench grinders, angle grinders allow for more versatile movements and easier working.

How do you cut straight lines with an angle grinder?

Cutting perfectly straight with an angle grinder requires a guide to be clamped to the surface of your materials. If you are cutting metal sheets, clamp steel bars firmly at either end of the line and use that as a guide.

As angle grinders are not designed to cut long lengths you may still need to grind the edge for a neat finish.

What are most angle grinder injuries from?

Most injuries caused by angle grinders are not directly from cuts and flesh wounds, but from the sparks that fly back to the user. To prevent fragments of metal from splintering and flying into your eyes, wear a visor or solid eye protection.

Which is the best angle grinder for home use?

Ozito’s Corded Angle Grinder is the best angle grinder for home use, with corded power for maximum efficiency, and simple starting. Obviously, it’s not as straightforward as cordless versions, but when you’re working from home there’s no reason not to use more powerful corded options. 

Can an angle grinder cause a fire?

Angle grinders can cause fires if used irresponsibly. They create huge amounts of sparks when cutting stone or metal, and any nearby combustible materials can easily catch on fire.

To make sure your workspace is safe, remove any combustibles, dry timber, or piles of garden waste, and make sure the workspace is properly ventilated.

How deep can an angle grinder cut?

The standard gauge for an angle grinder blade is 125mm, cutting to a depth of 38mm. Angle grinders are not designed for cutting through pipe, tubing, or sheet metal, but can be used, with caution on some materials, to cut through nails or screws.

What are the three main uses of an angle grinder?

Angle grinders, despite their name, actually have three main uses, and a few other niche uses too. The main uses of an angle grinder are cutting, grinding, and polishing.

They are ideal for finishing off metalwork projects or tidying up messy welding too.

Can I use an angle grinder to cut wood?

For more power tools product reviews and buying guide, see our list below:

• Stump grinders
• MIG welders
• Belt sanders
• Orbital sanders
• Bench grinders