Using cordless tools is helpful if you’re working in areas where a dangling cord could prove to be a safety hazard. For cordless angle grinders, Ryobi’s 18V One+ tool series is worth mentioning. Two of their best angle grinders are the Ryobi P421 and the Ryobi P423, both of which we will review and compare below.
If you want to know the differences between these two angle grinders, read on to find out more about how the products compare – about their specifications, similarities, differences, and so on.
A Quick Look at the Two Ryobi Angle Grinders
Both the P421 and the P423 are part of Ryobi’s 18V One+ series, which means their batteries are interchangeable between all tools in this line. If you happen to have other tools from this series, purchasing the P421 or P423 means saving time and money on battery replacements.
But before we compare the two angle grinders, let’s take a brief look at each of them to see what their specifications are.
Ryobi P421 18V One+ Cordless Angle Grinder
This angle grinder is at 6,500 RPM and has a 4-1/2-inch diameter, so it may be ideal for basic home projects and the like. It also weighs 4.8 pounds, so it has an average weight for an angle grinder. Additionally, it offers tool-free adjustment for effortless guard positioning.
For easy disc changes, it comes with a spanner wrench. What’s great about this grinder is that the handle carries the spanner wrench, so changing your grinding disc is hassle-free. Also, there is a spindle lock to help maximize cutting depth. Due to the size of the grinding wheel, replacement is simple because it is a common size that you can buy from your local hardware store.
It has a rubber over-mold covering which is comfortable even for those with sweaty hands (or when you’re working under rainy or slippery weather conditions). If you also have any of the older NiCad models from Ryobi, this tool is also compatible with those, which will save you bucks on batteries.
Ryobi P423 18V One+ Cordless Angle Grinder
Compared to the previous model, this one is at 10,400 RPM on the no-load speed, yet it still has the standard 4-1/2-inch wheel size, which also makes it easy to replace the wheel when needed. It weighs 4.35 pounds so it is slightly lighter than the previous Ryobi model, while it bears a 5/8 11-inch arbor size.
Working on different angles is a breeze due to the tool-free push-button guard adjustment. This helps shield you from debris at all different angles. Adding to that, the side handle has three positions to accommodate your comfort needs.
It also has an onboard spanner so switching the disc doesn’t have to be a hassle. As with the previous model, the rubber grip helps you to hold onto the tool safely, even in humid and torrential conditions, particularly useful for industrial work. It also includes two 7/8-inch discs which you can use step washers to fit them in.
Ryobi P421 vs. Ryobi P423: Similarities
Since these two angle grinders are both made by Ryobi, they are bound to have some similarities, such as the following:
Wheel Size
Both angle grinders have a standard wheel size of 4 1/2 inches. This grinding wheel size is one of the most common in many tools of the same kind, be it corded or cordless, so replacing the wheels is uncomplicated.
One+ Compatible
If you have any of Ryobi’s One+ series tools (18V cordless ones), you can interchange the batteries. This means less time and money spent on buying and maintaining batteries. Among the batteries that are compatible with these two angle grinders include the P100, P102, P103, P104, P105, P107, and P108.
Rubberized Grip
Both these angle grinders have a rubberized grip so that when the weather outside is harsh, your grip on the tool won’t be compromised. It can also be ideal for those with frequently sweaty hands for safety purposes.
Onboard Spanner Wrench
When you need to change the grinding disc right away, there’s an onboard spanner wrench on each. This can save you a lot of time and effort, especially when you are in a time crunch for your project and also need to get it done safely. No more hassle spending the time to look somewhere else in your toolbox to change your grinding wheel.
Ryobi P421 vs. Ryobi P423: Differences
While both are part of Ryobi’s 18V One+ tool line, the Ryobi P421 and the P423 also have a couple of notable differences, such as the following:
Grinding Speed
While the Ryobi P421 has 6,500 RPM, the P423 has 10,400 RPM, which makes it faster and stronger. This means that the Ryobi P423 is more ideal for tougher materials or more labor-intensive work. However, if you are not too meticulous, the P421 can handle most general tile work as well with that kind of speed.
Tool Weight
The Ryobi P423 comes in at 4.35 pounds, weighing just a little lighter than its predecessor, the Ryobi P421, which is 4.8 pounds. While the difference in weight might not seem a lot, some experienced folks might feel the difference. Having a lightweight tool can be important when working for long hours to lessen user fatigue.
Motor Design
As the Ryobi P423 is an upgrade from the Ryobi P421, they have redesigned the motor to be brushless. In this way, it lasts longer because it performs less mechanical actions.
Which of the Two Ryobi Angle Grinders Should You Get?
If you want something just to get the job done and you don’t care too much about the angle grinding speed, you should go for the Ryobi P421. It has most of the basic features you’ll need from a cordless angle grinder plus the onboard spanner wrench for easy disc change.
However, if you prefer a slightly lighter tool with a higher speed, you might like the Ryobi P423. This tool is more ideal for heavier-duty tasks that the 6,500 RPM speed of the P421 might not work well for.
Summary
To wrap it up, these two Ryobi angle grinders have their similarities and differences, and both of them are worth purchasing, as highlighted by their features mentioned above. As well these tools are a great value for those who already own tools in the Ryobi 18V One+ series, so you can interchange batteries easily and hassle-free.
Ryobi P421 18V One+ Cordless Angle Grinder