A 4-1/2 inch angle grinder is a corded handheld tool used with grinding and cutting wheels on metal and masonry. For metalworking the main choices are motor amps, no-load speed, weight and whether the switch is a slide or a paddle.
The six grinders below are all corded 4-1/2 inch models. Specs, weights and included parts come from each product’s listing page. We have not used these products ourselves. Read the manual for wheel limits, guards and handling before use.
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What to Look For
| Feature | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Motor amps | A higher figure suits longer grinding sessions |
| Switch | Slide and paddle switches handle differently |
| Weight and grip | A slimmer, lighter body is easier to hold |
| Guard and wheel change | Tool-free parts speed up wheel changes |
| In the box | Some include wheels or a case, others do not |
Specs at a Glance
| Grinder | Motor and speed | Weight | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DWE4011 | 7 A; 12,000 RPM | 3.9 lb | One-touch guard; quick-change wheel release; slide switch |
| Metabo HPT G12SR4 | 6.2 A; 12,000 RPM | 4 lb | 5 grinding wheels and a case; slide switch |
| WEN 944 | 7 A; 11,000 RPM | 4.6 lb | Reversible handle; arbor adapter; 2 year warranty |
| Bosch GWS8-45 | 7.5 A; 11,000 RPM | 4.2 lb | Type 27 guard; two-position handle; service minder brushes |
| Makita 9557PBX1 | 7.5 A; 11,000 RPM | 4.5 lb (maker) | Paddle switch; lock on/off; case; 6 ft cord |
| SKIL 9295-01 | 6 A; 11,000 RPM | 4 lb | Tool-less guard; metal gear housing; wrench storage |
The 6 Best 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinders for Metalworking
1. DEWALT 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder (DWE4011)
A 7 amp, 12,000 RPM grinder weighing 3.9 pounds with a one-touch guard, tool-free wheel release and a hex wrench in place of a spanner. The box holds a depressed center wheel, the guard, the wrench and a two-position side handle.
Suits: a light, fast corded grinder. Strengths: the lightest here and a tool-free guard. Weaknesses: the listing mixes amp and watt figures. Skip it if you want a paddle switch.
View DEWALT 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder DWE4011 on Amazon
2. Metabo HPT 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder (G12SR4)
A 6.2 amp, 980 W grinder at 12,000 RPM weighing 4 pounds, with a left-mounted slide switch, a spindle lock and a removable side handle. It ships with five grinding wheels and a hard case, with a one year warranty.
Suits: a ready-to-go kit. Strengths: wheels and a case included. Weaknesses: a lower amp figure. Skip it if you already own wheels.
View Metabo HPT 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder G12SR4 on Amazon
3. WEN 7-Amp Angle Grinder (944)
A 7 amp grinder at up to 11,000 RPM weighing 4.6 pounds with a rubber grip lining, a reversible handle for either side and an arbor adapter for 5/8 and 7/8 inch wheels. It comes with one wheel and a wrench, and the maker lists a two year warranty. The listing’s power source line mentions gas, which is a data error for a corded tool.
Suits: an occasional-use grinder. Strengths: a two year warranty and an arbor adapter. Weaknesses: the heaviest here. Skip it if weight matters.
View WEN 7-Amp 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder 944 on Amazon
4. Bosch GWS8-45 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder
A 7.5 amp, 900 W grinder with 11,000 no-load RPM, a two-position side handle, a burst-protection guard and service minder brushes that stop the tool when maintenance is due. It weighs 4.2 pounds with a Type 27 guard and spanner wrench.
Suits: steady corded use. Strengths: a 7.5 amp motor and a maintenance cue. Weaknesses: no wheels in the box. Skip it if you want a case.
View Bosch GWS8-45 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder on Amazon
5. Makita 9557PBX1 Paddle Switch Angle Grinder
A 7.5 amp, 11,000 RPM grinder with a large paddle switch, a lock on/off feature, an AC/DC switch and a labyrinth construction that seals the motor against dust. The maker lists about 4.5 pounds and a 2-1/2 inch barrel grip, and the kit includes a case.
Suits: a paddle switch with a case. Strengths: a slim grip and a sealed motor. Weaknesses: the listing carries several UPC codes. Skip it if you prefer a slide switch.
View Makita 9557PBX1 Paddle Switch Angle Grinder on Amazon
6. SKIL 6 Amp 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder (9295-01)
A 6 amp, 720 W grinder at 11,000 RPM weighing 4 pounds with a tool-less guard, a metal gear housing, a compact grip and a vibration-reducing handle with wrench storage. The maker lists a one year warranty.
Suits: light home-shop work. Strengths: a tool-less guard and a metal gear case. Weaknesses: the lowest amp figure. Skip it if you grind for long sessions.
View SKIL 6 Amp 4-1/2 Inch Corded Angle Grinder 9295-01 on Amazon
Care and Setup
- Use only wheels approved for the grinder’s speed, as the manual states.
- Fit the guard and side handle as the manual describes.
- Keep vents clear of dust.
- Store the cord loosely coiled.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping the manual on wheels and guards.
- Comparing amps without comparing speed and weight.
- Assuming every kit includes wheels.
- Ignoring the switch style.
Angle Grinder FAQ
What does 4-1/2 inch mean?
It is the wheel diameter. All six here take a 4-1/2 inch wheel.
Are these cordless?
No. All six are corded models.
The Short Version
For light weight, the DEWALT. For a kit with wheels, the Metabo HPT. For a two year warranty, the WEN. For a 7.5 amp motor, the Bosch. For a paddle switch, the Makita. For a compact grip, the SKIL.
