Angle Grinder: Buy One
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An angle grinder is one of the most versatile tools you can own. With different discs, it grinds metal, cuts tile, removes rust, sands concrete, and sharpens blades. At $30-60 for a corded 4.5-inch model, the price is hard to argue with.
The Numbers
Why Borrow
- If you have never used one and are not comfortable with a spinning disc at 10,000 RPM, borrow one first to try it with someone who knows the tool
- For a single cut or grind, borrowing for an hour is reasonable
- The cordless versions on premium platforms are $150+ bare tool, so borrowing avoids that buy-in
Why Buy
- A corded 4.5-inch grinder costs $30-40. One rental session costs almost the same.
- The disc variety is what makes it versatile: grinding discs, cut-off wheels, flap discs, wire wheels, diamond blades, polishing pads
- Every metalworking, tile, and concrete project has at least one step where a grinder is the right tool
- Sharpening mower blades, removing old mortar, cutting rebar, cleaning rust off tools. The use cases keep showing up.
- It is one of those tools where once you own one, you find uses for it you never expected
Check Before You Buy
Someone in your neighborhood probably owns a angle grinder and uses it a few times a year. Borrowing saves money, saves garage space, and keeps tools in use instead of collecting dust.
See How FriendsWithTools WorksCommon Questions
Is an angle grinder dangerous?
More dangerous than a drill, less dangerous than a table saw. The disc spins at 10,000+ RPM and throws sparks, debris, and metal fragments. Wear safety glasses (or a face shield), hearing protection, and gloves. Never remove the guard. Never use a cut-off disc for side grinding. Respect the tool and it is perfectly manageable.
4.5-inch or 5-inch angle grinder?
Both use the same accessories in most cases. 4.5-inch grinders are lighter and easier to control one-handed. 5-inch grinders have slightly more cutting depth and grinding surface. For home use, 4.5-inch is the standard. If you are buying one grinder, get the 4.5-inch.