As a company that offers power tools and home improvement equipment, Makita also makes angle grinders, which you may have your eye on. Whether you want a cordless or a corded-electric type, you might want to know what makes their angle grinders stand out from the rest.
While you should continue reading to see all the options, if you are in a hurry, make sure to at least check out our top pick – the cordless Makita XAG11Z 18V LXT.
2 Best Makita Cordless Angle Grinders
If you prefer to go cordless on your operation, here are some angle grinders I’d suggest:
Makita XAG11Z 18V LXT Cordless Angle Grinder
If you prefer a simple and straightforward power tool then you might like the Makita XAG11Z 18V LXT Cordless Angle Grinder, which has 8,500 RPM no-load speed. What I particularly like is the electric brake, which prevents the cut-off wheel from spinning excessively when you turn it off. Its Active Feedback Technology also senses when you stop the wheel for some reason and turns off the motor for safety.
Due to the rubberized soft grip, you can work with it even under humid conditions and it will provide reduced user fatigue compared to other models. The brushless motor decreases noise and vibration while helping the motor life to last longer. As for the battery, you can quickly view the percentage using the 3-stage LED gauge.
The angle grinder can take 5-inch and 4 1/2-inch discs with a 5/8-11 UNC spindle type. Moreover, the weight is 5.8 pounds, which is not surprising considering it is a cordless unit. Adding to the ergonomic features is its compact size of only 14 1/4-inch long, which is convenient if you run out of space on your toolbox or shed.
Things I Like About This Product: The wheel guard doesn’t require tools to adjust while the rubberized grip helps lessen fatigue. I also like the electric brake, which will help reduce motor wear and tear.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Unfortunately, it is not a variable-speed unit so it may be limited to general jobs.
Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT Cordless Angle Grinder
Also at 8,500 RPM, the Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT Cordless Angle Grinder is only slightly lighter in weight compared to the XAG11Z, coming in at 5.6 pounds. As with the previously-mentioned model, this one is also 14 1/4-inch long, has a brushless motor, and has a rubberized soft grip.
Another difference is that it has a lock-on switch on the side, which is convenient when operating (and not accidentally triggering it). And as with the previous pick, this one can take any 18V LXT battery from Makita so if you have any of their tools, you can exchange the batteries when needed.
While it lacks an electric brake, it still has the Active Feedback-sensing Technology, which stops the motor along with the wheel to keep it safe. You can also view the battery levels using the gauge so you don’t have to do guesswork on whether to keep using it or charge it. After all, draining batteries extensively leads to possible damage.
Things I Like About This Product: The lock-on switch on the side will help prevent accidental startups and stopping, which is crucial if you’re focused on your task. Aside from the rubberized grip, it is also comfortable thanks to the compact length and size.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: This cordless angle grinder doesn’t have an electric brake, but it still has the Active Feedback-sensing Technology so it keeps the motor safe when the wheel is stopped.
If you like this angle grinder, make sure to also read my in-depth review as well as its comparison with XAG03Z for more information.
3 Best Makita Corded Angle Grinders
For those who need heavy-duty power without the limits of a battery, you can check the following corded options:
Makita GA4542C SJSII High Power Angle Grinder
You may want to look into the Makita GA4542C SJS II High Power Angle Grinder if you are looking for a variable-speed unit for both tile work and surface buffing. With its 12-amp motor, you can adjust the speed from 2,800 to 11,000 RPM depending on your needs. I also like that its length is only 11 7/8 inches so it’s not too bulky for a toolbox.
Added to that, the weight is only 5.4 pounds so it will have less impact on your arms when working on a project. Its wheel diameter is 4 1/2 inches, making it ideal for common jobs that don’t necessarily require a bigger, 5-inch wheel.
There is also a lock-on switch for safety while the electronic controller helps to maintain a constant speed even while under load. The vibration of the motor is also reduced thanks to its side handle’s design, as well as the gear drive’s SJS II system.
As for the motor fan, it has enlarged fins to help cool down the tool faster when put under extreme pressure. Debris protection is an additional feature thanks to the zigzag epoxy and powder coating finish.
Things I Like About This Product: It has variable speed, which might be applicable for different kinds of angle grinding jobs from light-duty and to tough jobs (without wearing out the material).
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The side inlets could be better, so that it could protect the motor better against dirt and grime.
Makita 9005B 5-Inch Angle Grinder
If you prefer a bigger disc then you might want to try the Makita 9005B 5-Inch Angle Grinder instead. This one has a 9-amp motor with a speed of 12,000 RPM, making it ideal for medium to heavy-duty work, such as for job-sites. It also has a lock-on feature to prevent accidental triggers so you can focus better on your task.
Additionally, the tool is double-insulated to keep the motor protected against debris. There is also a spindle lock so you can change the grinding wheel without a lot of hassle. And on top of that, the length is only at 14 inches so it’s not too much to grip or to store in your tool case.
To help the motor’s durability, it has an all ball-bearing construction. For those seeking convenience, the side handle can be mounted on either side of the angle grinder, which makes it ideal for left-handed operators.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a large grinding wheel capacity and a 12,000-RPM speed so it will get most jobs done quicker than standard 4 1/2-inch wheels and lower RPMs. Its lock-on switch will prevent accidental triggers while the removable handle accommodates left-handed people.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The tool is 6.6 pounds, which is a little on the heavy side. It is also not a variable-speed angle grinder (yet it still packs power anyway).
Before making your decision, also read my in-depth Makita 9005B review.
Makita GA4030K 4-Inch Angle Grinder
The Makita GA4030K 4-Inch Angle Grinder might be a good option if you’re just starting, due to its smaller size and simple specs. It delivers 11,000 RPM with its 6-amp motor, making it suitable for small home repairs or DIY jobs.
What I like is that the barrel grip is only a 2-1/4-inch circumference so it’s easy to hold. To protect its inner workings, it has a zigzag varnish and a labyrinth construction. You will also worry less about the task thanks to the lock-on feature on the side switch.
This can also be a great starter kit or a gift for someone you know who wants to start on a hobby (or if they just need an angle grinder) because this one comes complete with a tool case in addition to a few accessories. The spindle type, however, is M10 x 1.25 so it is a little different from the previous picks above.
Things I Like About This Product: This angle grinder is only 3.7 pounds so you don’t have to feel overwhelmed or fatigued when using it, especially if you’re new to power tools. It is also compact at only 10 1/2 inches in length.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The tool is not variable-speed but I assume that’s not a huge negative if you’re just looking for a basic corded angle grinder. It also doesn’t come with an electric brake.
Is Makita the Right Brand of Angle Grinders for You?
Makita, a well-known power tool brand, offers both corded and cordless angle grinders, as I mentioned above. So is Makita a good brand to go for if you’re looking for angle grinders? Here’s what I found out about them:
Tool Weight
While most of their tools are a little on the heavy side (five to six pounds depending on whether it is corded or cordless), they pack a lot of power and durability because of their metal gear housing and ball-bearing design.
Grinding Speed
Their usual speed for their angle grinders goes around 8,500 to 12,000 RPM but a lot of them are single-speed so it is a little difficult if you want to go for a brand that offers more variable-speed options.
Durability and Usage
Provided that you use the right cut-wheels for the job, the majority of Makita’s angle grinders are cut for business use, such as for fabrication shops and job-sites. If you don’t mind the extra weight, they will last a long time with proper care and use.
Ease of Use
Unlike other brands, Makita’s angle grinders usually require you to use a wrench (included) for adjusting the wheel guard, which may sound inconvenient to some, but might not be a deal-breaker for others.
Nonetheless, the lock-on switch will help with accidental triggers, which you might find useful if you desire a consistent result. In the workplace, it’s a hassle to stay in a good position all the time depending on the circumstances – sometimes, we have to work on different angles, which can cause accidental switch triggers.
Warranty
All Makita tools have a 1-year warranty from the date of purchase. This is a little shorter compared to other brands, but if the tool that you get is pretty heavy-duty then you might not need to use the warranty program anyway.
What Are the Alternatives?
Here are some other similar angle grinder brands that you might want to check out if you feel that Makita’s angle grinders aren’t your cup of tea:
Black & Decker
Their angle grinders have a unique style of attaching the handle, as you can even place it on top for convenience, other than on the sides. The majority of their angle grinders are 4 1/2-inch in size compared to some of Makita’s tools, which accommodates up to 5-inch wheels.
Milwaukee
Most of Milwaukee’s angle grinders are powered by their signature M18 fuel, if they are battery-operated. So much like with Makita, you can share the same battery across different tools. With that said, they also have cordless options to choose from.
Bosch
What’s convenient about Bosch’s angle grinders is the paddle switch feature, which helps lessen the likelihood of accidental triggers and minimizes fatigue. Other than that, they also have good vibration control and the usual type of handle that can be positioned on both sides.
DeWalt
Sporting a signature yellow housing, DeWalt’s angle grinders use a similar lithium-ion battery system which you can interchange between tools. They also have a paddle switch and a one-touch guard adjustment. This may appeal to you if you prefer to not use wrenches for the guard.
Summary
Overall, if you want to try out cordless angle grinders from Makita, you can check out the Makita XAG11Z 18V LXT Cordless Angle Grinder, which has an electric brake for motor and wheel safety. If that doesn’t suit you, you can also try the Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT Cordless Angle Grinder, which is slightly lighter in weight and has a lock-on switch on the side.
But if you want to go corded for extended power, the Makita GA4542C SJS II High Power Angle Grinder is a worthy choice for variable speed. For a higher RPM, you can try the Makita 9005B 5-Inch Angle Grinder, which also has a bigger wheel. But for beginners who want a lightweight tool, the Makita GA4030K 4-Inch Angle Grinder might just be for you.
