If you’re looking for a cordless angle grinder that has sufficient power at par with corded models, you might like the Makita XAG04Z. Boasting Automatic Speed Change technology for improved performance, it also includes other features to help you easily complete your tasks.
Let’s have a look at the specifications of this model, as well as its pros and cons. This review will help you decide if this tool is right for you.
Makita XAG04Z 18V LXT Cordless Angle Grinder
What sets the XAG04Z apart from other Makita angle grinders (and those of other brands) is the unique Automatic Speed Change technology, which is helpful if your work demands are constantly changing. This can reduce the workload on the motor, which also prolongs its durability.
Specifications
This cordless tool uses an 18V LXT lithium-ion battery (sold separately) and it runs at a speed of 8,500 RPM, which is above-average for most cordless angle grinders. With a length of 14-1/4 inches and a weight of 5.8 pounds, it comes in at the middle range – not too heavy and not too lightweight.
Bearing a 5/8-inch 11 UNC spindle, it has a slide switch for easy access. It also features an electronically-controlled brushless motor, which optimizes battery usage to match the RPM and the torque needed. Also, you can check the battery level using the three-stage LED gauge.
Quality
As a company that stands behind its products, Makita offers a 1-year limited warranty for workmanship or material defects and you need only to send it back to any of their authorized service centers.
But in most cases, you may not even need to worry about the warranty thanks to its motor-saving features. For instance, the moto reduces the workload to minimize the heat produced, ensuring better longevity for the tool. It also matches the RPM and torque needed so it consumes less battery, all thanks to its Automatic Speed Change technology.
Usability
Convenience is abundant on this angle grinder, with its rubberized soft grip, which is especially helpful for people with sweaty hands or those working in humid and wet conditions. It also increases comfort and reduces fatigue when using the tool for a long time. And since the angle grinder is not that heavy, it also reduces the manpower needed to handle this tool.
Moreover, because the switch has a lock-on feature, there’s less likelihood of accidental triggers, which are a hassle during operation. The LED gauge also informs you how much battery is left, so you can plan your usage of the tool and not worry about stopping halfway.
Should You Buy the Makita XAG04Z?
For those on the look-out for cordless tools that have overload protection, this angle grinder is for you. Since it is part of the Makita 18V Lithium-Ion system, replacing or finding batteries for it is a breeze if you already have other tools from this line.
Since it has a solid speed of 8,500 RPM, it is suitable for most tile work at home or in a shop, and the 5-inch wheel diameter helps finish the job faster than regular 4 1/2-inch grinding discs.
If you are still unsure, read below where we list for you the pros and cons of the Makita XAG04Z.
Pros of the Product
Let’s start with the good parts.
You can place the handle on either side.
What you will find convenient about this angle grinder is choosing whether the handle is on the left or the right – a limited feature for those who are left-handed. And even if you are right-handed, this element can come in handy sometimes if there is a need to hold the tool in an awkward position depending on your project or task.
It uses a lithium-ion battery.
Lithium-ion batteries are known to last longer than regular NiCad batteries. This is because they have no “memory effect,” which causes the battery life to drain quickly when in storage, which is something most of us don’t like.
These types of batteries also tend to have a longer lifespan and can be recharged more times than traditional batteries, which allows you to save money rather than buying new ones. This, in turn, can also help the environment to reduce hazardous waste material being thrown out in the dumpster.
A bigger grinding wheel speeds up projects.
Compared to the traditional 4 1/2-inch wheels, this Makita angle grinder uses a 5-inch disc which really makes a difference with bigger projects. Not only does a bigger wheel have much more cutting ability, but it also has better durability. Especially if you want to use it for industrial or fabrication shop needs where it is more likely to take abuse.
The Star Protection controls help with battery durability.
This angle grinder is protected by Makita’s unique technology – the Star Protection Computer Controls. It has overload protection so that the battery won’t suffer in the long run. This also offers overheat protection, helping the battery to maintain an optimum temperature by stopping the tool when necessary.
Additionally, it has over-discharge protection, which helps to prevent emergencies. A battery can break down quickly if it is drained too much, and it shouldn’t be used when the battery level is too low. However, with the Makita XAG04Z, the grinder automatically shuts down to prevent over-discharge from happening.
The battery is interchangeable with other Makita’s 18V series products.
If you already have any of the 18V LXT Makita batteries at home in your garage tool arsenal, you can use them to power up this angle grinder, which makes it convenient and cost-effective.
Cons of the Product
On the other hand, while it has good points, the product does have some minor drawbacks.
It is fixed-speed.
Unfortunately, this angle grinder might not be suitable for variable-speed tasks such as buffing and polishing, since it has a constant speed of 8,500 RPM. Nonetheless, you may find this not to be an issue if your primary goal is general tiling and fabrication shop projects.
The switch could have a better design.
The placement of the switch might not be easily accessible to all, and can be a bit tricky to work with at first. It’s not a paddle switch design but it still works if you have patience.
What Are the Alternatives?
A similar 5-inch tool to the one mentioned above would be the Makita XAG09Z. The difference is more than just the model number – this one has an electric brake that stops the wheel much faster (within two seconds or less). Such a feature prevents excessive spinning, which can cause mechanical (and motor) wear and tear, as well as accidents, so it is a premium additional safety measure.
If you want a lithium-ion tool like the Makita XAG04Z, you can also try the Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 Cordless Grinder, although this one has a 4 1/2-inch diameter. Both this and the Makita mentioned earlier have overload protection, which helps preserve battery and motor life. It can also be customized with its handle design and the debris guard can be positioned without the need for a tool.
Consequently, the Makita XAG11T Angle Grinder Kit is part of the 18V LXT family as well. If you want to purchase a tool along with batteries then this might be your choice. The specs are quite similar to the Makita XAG04Z although this one has a tool-less wheel guard setup.
Finally, you will also want to check our guide to the best angle grinders on the market and my comparison of this grinder with the similar XAG03Z.
Summary
If you prefer a cordless angle grinder with good battery life, the Makita XAG04Z might be just right for your simple DIY home improvement tasks.
It is also a great tool for a demanding jobsite. After all, Makita’s lineup of LXT batteries, have prolonged lifespan due to protection against overload, high temperatures, and over-discharging.