When working with an angle grinder, a paddle switch is helpful to minimize user fatigue, even in difficult working situations. That’s why I’m recommending the Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2-Inch Paddle Switch Angle Grinder – because it features such a convenient feature and much more.
So, what should you look forward to with this angle grinder? Below I explain its specs, pros, and cons to help you decide for yourself whether to buy this tool or pass.
Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2-Inch Paddle Switch Angle Grinder
As a corded tool, this angle grinder is built for medium to heavy-duty on-site tasks due to its well-sealed components, ergonomic features, and lightweight yet durable design. It puts a strong emphasis on comfort for the user without sacrificing grinding power.
Specifications
This corded angle grinder has a 7.5-amp motor with a no-load speed of 11,000 RPM – much faster than similar tools of its class on the market. With a spindle type of 5/8-11 UNC, the tool weighs 4.5 pounds and has a length of 10-3/4 inches. Since it has a 2-1/2-inch barrel grip, holding the tool is much more comfortable as compared to those with thicker designs.
Quality
The tool is backed by a 1-year warranty in which Makita will repair or replace the angle grinder without charge for defects in workmanship and materials. All you need to do is to send it back to any of their authorized service centers or factories.
To give you further assurance, Makita built their angle grinder with durability in mind. For instance, it has a labyrinth construction to keep debris away from the motor and the inner workings. This will help in maintaining and lengthening your angle grinder’s lifespan. Aside from that, it has a zigzag varnish seal for further protection.
Other durability features include the metal gear housing and all-ball bearing design, which makes the tool job-site-ready. What’s more, it has closely-spaced, thick coil wires to optimize energy usage within the tool.
Usability
As for ease of use, the tool is convertible between AC and DC power depending on where you intend to use it. Due to the small barrel grip, working for hours won’t tire out your hands as fast as other models would. There is also a lock-on/off feature to avoid accidental triggers and reduces hassle while at work.
What I like about the tool is the extra-large paddle, which simplifies the operation of the angle grinder, allowing you to focus more on the task ahead, rather than on the machine. Furthermore, while other angle grinders you see on the market don’t come with freebies, this one already has a bunch of grinding wheels to get you started – including a Makita Diamond Blade to use for harder materials.
Should You Buy the Makita 9557PBX1?
I think that the Makita 9557PBX1 will be your cup of tea if you prefer an angle grinder that’s easy to operate on the job site (or even for DIY home tasks). With the large paddle switch, lock-on feature, small barrel grip, and other convenient features, this will be your tool of the trade if you find you are continuously fatigued when handling these tasks.
If you are still unsure about the decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of the tool.
Pros of the Makita 9557PBX1
Let’s start with the pros.
It has a high no-load speed.
At 11,000 RPM, this angle grinder is more suitable for tasks that need a fast grinding speed. Compared to other units, in which the maximum speed can only go to about 8,000 to 9,000 RPM, this one can take on heavy tasks and tough materials.
The inner workings are well-protected.
It has a plethora of quality-preserving features, such as a labyrinth construction, a zigzag varnish seal, closely-spaced thick coil wires, metal gear housing, and all-ball bearing design. By keeping the tool and its motor well protected, your angle grinder will be usable for the many years to come, especially if you need to often work on heavy-duty tasks.
It has a spindle lock for quick blade changes.
A spindle lock is a great time-saving feature that will help you get your job done quicker. Whenever you need to work on different materials in one go, this amenedy allows you to change the blade on the fly with little to no hassle.
The tool is lightweight to carry around.
At only 4.5 pounds, you won’t have to worry about feeling fatigued when carrying it for hours. This also allows the tool to be easily transported wherever you want (e.g. from the garage to the job site).
Cons of the Makita 9557PBX1
On the other hand, while it has good points, the product has some minor drawbacks.
It is only single-speed.
Although it has a high speed of 11,000 RPM, there is no variable-speed feature, which limits its ability to serve for more delicate projects.
The blade change mechanism needs added security.
Like with most quick-change systems, this angle grinder does need to add a layer of security when making quick blade changes, such as a lock mechanism, instead of just using pressure.
What Are the Alternatives to the Makita 9557PBX1?
Although the Makita 9557PBX1 has some worthy features, if it is not your preferred angle grinder, you can also check out some of the tools mentioned in my list of best angle grinders.
If you are in a hurry, the Bosch GWS10-45P is a similar corded tool with a paddle switch and a 4-1/2-inch wheel size. The speed is 11,500 RPM, so the Makita one I mentioned above isn’t far behind. The difference with this model is that you can position the side handle in two different configurations, which makes it ideal for left-handed operations. This one is slightly heavy at 5 pounds, though.
Meanwhile, the Porter-Cable PCEG011 is yet another 4-1/2-inch tool with a 6-amp motor and a spindle lock for quick changes on the blade. Unlike the Bosch mentioned above, this one has a handle that can be positioned in three ways. It has a longer warranty period as well, of three years.
Finally, you can also check the DeWalt DWE4011, which is at 7 amps and a higher speed of 12,000 RPM. It has a two-position handle and a one-touch guard for easy adjustment. However, this tool doesn’t come with accessories or extras unlike the Makita tool mentioned above.
You can also go through my other favorite Makita grinders as well as my selection of DeWalt grinders.
Summary
The Makita 9557PBX1, in the long run, is a convenient angle grinder to have in your tool arsenal. Whether it’s light DIY tasks or difficult shop or job site work, the paddle switch and other comfort features will help you get through any task with minimal fatigue. Although it is only a single-speed tool, there are still many applications that call for an 11,000-RPM setting such as this one.