4.5" grinder purchase help

[Sloper0204]

Guess I've held grinders for too much of my life, paddle's don't bother me and I've seen them stop the potential for serious damage.

We had six or seven of the dewalts, a dozen or so black and deckers, and a couple makitas. The dewalts were the only grinders we never had to do any work to as far as maintenance went. I think we only had 6 grinders without paddle switches.

For the big boys we had some old black and decker Wildcat's from the late 70's early 80's that spent their life running refacing tools.

[Monte]

Metabo or Bosch or Flex

www.metabo-anglegrinders.com

www.flexnorthamerica.com

[Treeman]

Thanks, everyone. Like so many things, there clearly isn't a favorite, nor does there seem to be anything that is a complete piece of junk. Personal experience, "fit", and preference seems the rule. What one person prefers, the other hates.

I was looking to find out if one particular brand or design was to be completely avoided. I think I will try the paddle switch for it's safety aspect. Brand .....I'm going shopping to see what feels good in my hand.

The one shiner (at a cost) "seems" to be the Metabo.

Thanks again.

[kartracer55]

Originally Posted by Treeman

Thanks, everyone. Like so many things, there clearly isn't a favorite, nor does there seem to be anything that is a complete piece of junk. Personal experience, "fit", and preference seems the rule. What one person prefers, the other hates.

I was looking to find out if one particular brand or design was to be completely avoided. I think I will try the paddle switch for it's safety aspect. Brand .....I'm going shopping to see what feels good in my hand.

The one shiner (at a cost) "seems" to be the Metabo.

Thanks again.

I think you might regret the Paddle. You will not regret the Metabo, though. I am more than satisfied with the DeWalt, however I love the Metabo I used back in school.

[Major Ramifications]

Originally Posted by Monte

Metabo or Bosch or Flex

www.metabo-anglegrinders.com

www.flexnorthamerica.com

I'm with Monte on this one.

Also, how could anyone prefer a slide switch to a paddle?

[AutomatiquE]

Originally Posted by Monte

Metabo or Bosch or Flex

www.metabo-anglegrinders.com

www.flexnorthamerica.com

...or Suhner !

[Monte]

... or Fein

[cnc-me]

What is the big deal with paddle switches?
My Dewalt has a lock, that makes it just like a slide switch, only better.

[Keep]

I like those Makitas, plus keep an eye on Home Depot, I bought a 2 pack there for $59 a few months ago.

I also prefer the switch.

[trythis]

I have the 8A
I hate thumb switches. The 8A has a lock that is very easy to unlock, so you dont have to hold the paddle, so best of both worlds for me.
Thumb slide switches get clogged with rock and rick dust. They also hurt to push with my worn out thumb tendons. (Dequerveins syndrome more accurately)
Also , paddle is ambidextrous

I have roasted Metabo's, I went through 3 of them in 4 months, so they aren't really any better than the German made Bosch's. They cost a lot more though.

[nate379]

I have 3 of the Wal-Mart Black and Deckers units and they work great for $30 each.

I have a $150 C Man Pro and a $200 Milwaukee and the Wal-Mart units work just as well.

If you are wondering why so many, I keep different wheels on each instead of changing it out 45 times a day. One has a cutoff, one a grinding, one a flap disc, another wire wheel and the last is just a spare.

[Treeman]

Well, I think I'm going to get the Makita listed in my first post only because it feels better in my small hands (ergonomics). It's light and manueverable.

I tried the Bosch in an industrial store (Fasteners) and was disappointed. It seemed to be "loose" (gears/bearings) and there was a perceptible vibration in the body that I didn't notice in other brands.....even a Harbor Freight Chicago brand felt better. Maybe the Bosch I tried was a fluke.

FYI, I have an old Black and Decker 7" beast that still runs fine.

Thanks everyone.

[porschedude996TT]

I have mixed thoughts on the paddle switches. I have used both and currently have a paddle Craftsman. Nice solid piece that I have owned for over ten years. I don't like the way that if you set the grinder down on something that it can start on its own. I also like the idea that if I have to drop the grinder, it will most likely turn itself off becasue it has a spring loaded switch. I like the idea that you can have two hands on the grinder to turn it on.

I do like the idea that the slide switch is small, out of the way and is less likely turned on accedently. I also don't like the slide switch because you only have one hand on the grinder when you turn it on. Also if I have to drop it does not turn itself off.

Pro's and Con's to everything...

[blaze_125]

Originally Posted by nate379

I have 3 of the Wal-Mart Black and Deckers units and they work great for $30 each.

+ 1
I've had my 30$ Jobmate grinder for a few years and it does exacly what I need it to do when I need it to do it.

[SM Racing]

http://www.dewalt.com/tools/metalwor...s-d28115n.aspx


I have several Dewalts and this is my favorite. Love the trigger and handle. Much better for long hours of use. 13amps won't bog down.