Has any found a decent grinder these days? We are a mid-size mechanical contractor and go through 100's of these a year...We stuck with Metabo for years, but they are falling like flies anymore. Prefer the 6", as we stock all the consumables for those as it is.
I might assume they are all cheap anymore. Im willing to pay for a good grinder, if such a thing exists...that can meet the heavy demand we put on them.
Just a shot in the dark, would appreciate any input. Thanks.
You can get a Bosch a lot cheaper than a Metabo.
It won't last as long (at least it didn't used to last as long when Metabo would last forever), but it's a good tool.
I used to wait for them to have a 2 for 1 sale, which they seem to do every year, then stock up.
Tim
I've got a Milwaukee 4.5" grinder that I've been using for years. It has out lasted all my other grinders such as Dewalt, and Bosh. Just my .02 cents worth though. Everyone is going to have their opinion on which is the best grinder. This thread could get as full as a thread on "which is better, Ford or Chevy", ya know?
The old Milwaukees were built in the USA, now in China. They should be good for one or two shifts.
Al
I've had very good luck with the Makita GA7001Ls. Only grider I'd buy. YMMV.
I've got a metabo, milwaukee, dewalt, makita, skill, hitachi....and after years of hard grinding, kicked around, dropped they all need some work. The metabo and milwaukee are my mainstay grinders and get the brunt of the work and have held up very well. My Makita is my dedicated wire wheel grinder. The hitachi does the cutting wheel business but when it comes to backbone it has none at 6amps.
I run 5" Bosh, one with a norzon and the other with walther wire. Depending how maney times they get dropped they hold up pretty good.
You may want to have your employees be more accountable for YOUR tools.
By Blaster 
Date 03-27-2012 04:51
Edited 03-27-2012 04:58
The Makita GA 7001L is only grinder I am familiar with, currently being built, that isn't a POS. Built in Japan. I have a couple years of experience with several of them now and no failures.
Even Makita's own 9005B isn't close to what it used to be after they started sourcing "global" parts for it a few years ago. Now I have seen them come out of the packaging with heads that sound and feel like they came equipped with a cup of gravel in the gear box.
I had horrible luck with Metabos not holding up... went through 4 of them in no time.
Here is really good deal on the GA 7001L:
http://www.amazon.com/Makita-GA7001L-7-inch-Electric-Grinder/dp/B00004YOKK/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1332823704&sr=8-1
Thanks for the tips. Im just going to throw more money at it! Bought the 4 below, and will give each to my biggest users in our shop...and just see what happens. Also, I didnt think of the Hilti, good tip, and will certainly check it out.
I will be back someday and update this thread to at least list the winner of the group below. Thanks again.
P.O.#:134230
Product Selection
________________________________________
Qty. Item # Description Brand
Mfr. Model # Your
Price Extended
Price
________________________________________
1 1PKV9 R/A Sander/Grinder, 6 In, 12A, 120V, 5/8-11
Country of Origin:
Germany BOSCH
1806E $183.83 $183.83
1 1GUA8 R/A Sander/Grinder, 6 In, Var Spd, 12A, 120V
Country of Origin:
USA MAKITA
9566CV $187.63 $187.63
1 6MRT6 Angle Grinder, 6 In, Slide w/Lock On
Country of Origin:
China MILWAUKEE
6161-33 $151.05 $151.05
1 1AUY6 R/A Sander/Grinder 6 In, 13A, W/ Slide Sw
Country of Origin:
China DEWALT
D28140 $204.49 $204.49
________________________________________
Promotion Code:
Subtotal: $727.00
Tax: $65.43
Freight: $16.39
*Total Cost: $808.82
If I could get by with 4 1/2 ,,, this is no joke,,, but I would be considering the B&D from Walmart, especially if I was buying 100's, at 30$ keep a case of them in the truck. I am sure there is something better but at that cost it is near the best grinder I have used, put one on our bench where its a daily driver, really impressed, outlast the DW402 by a long shot and actually like it better than the Milwaukee that rides the bench next to it. This one has some hard use, 1000's of cycles of utility work, was going to be impresses if it made a year and best I can recall been in service for 3 with a minor repair, brushes only about half worn out.
I am hard to impress but am about done buying pricey grinders, this should be on a best secret weapon list.
Well the Walmart B&D finally gave it up yesterday, I suspect a wire in the switch. I was seeing how long a 30$ grinder would last in a welding shop, I would say considering the cost its about the best I have used. I ground some big honkers off earlier in the day, we had been using it hard all along and working fine then,,zip,, the wife was going and had her snag another at Kmart for 28$. 3, maybe 4 plus years of hard work, I might have one of my guys do a few mins of forensics just for kicks but if they all last like this last one I am done with pricey units.
i couldnt agree more. ive got the pricey ones also, but the B&D wallyworld specials ive had great luck with. 7 years on one of mine !
