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Sizes of Angle Grinders: Disc Diameter Guide

Angle grinder size is the diameter of the disc it takes, and the 4 picks in this guide show what the 4-1/2 inch size covers, from cutting to grinding.

Sizes of Angle Grinders: Disc Diameter Guide
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Top picks at a glance

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  1. 1DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in.DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in.9.7/10View on Amazon
  2. 2DEWALT 20V MAX* Angle Grinder Tool KitDEWALT 20V MAX* Angle Grinder Tool Kit9.7/10View on Amazon
  3. 3DEKOPRO Cordless Angle Grinder ToolDEKOPRO Cordless Angle Grinder Tool9.6/10View on Amazon
  4. 4Metabo HPT 4-1/2-Inch Angle GrinderMetabo HPT 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder9.6/10View on Amazon

A bracket needs trimming and a rusted bolt needs cutting, and the grinder on the bench is the tool for the job. Sizes of angle grinders are set by the disc diameter, so the size question is really a disc question: the picks in this guide share a disc size, and the rest of the choice is power, batteries and what comes in the box. This guide states that size, then shows the picks that cover it.

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Below: the disc size that sets the grinder size, the 4 picks that cover it, and answers to the questions owners ask first.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in.

DEWALT 20V MAX XR Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in.

DEWALT9.7/10 Shop Score
i
The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 20V MAX XR brushless cordless angle grinder for 4-1/2 to 5 inch discs, rated at up to 9,000 RPM and 1,590 MWO, with an anti-rotation system.

Pros

  • Brushless motor rated at up to 9,000 RPM and 1,590 MWO
  • Takes 4-1/2 to 5 inch discs
  • Anti-rotation system shuts the tool down if rotation is excessive
  • 3 year limited warranty, 1 year free service

Cons

  • TOOL CONNECT chip sold separately
  • Compatible dust extractor sold separately
  • One size range only: 4-1/2 to 5 inch discs
  • No cutting or grinding wheels in the box
DEWALT 20V MAX* Angle Grinder Tool Kit

DEWALT 20V MAX* Angle Grinder Tool Kit

DEWALT9.7/10 Shop Score
i
The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 20V MAX angle grinder kit for 4-1/2 inch discs, with an 8,000 rpm motor, 2 5.0Ah batteries and tool-free wheel changes.

Pros

  • 8,000 rpm motor for cutting and grinding
  • 2 5.0Ah batteries in the kit
  • Quick-Change Wheel Release allows tool-free wheel removal
  • 2-position side handle for greater control

Cons

  • One size only: 4-1/2 inch discs
  • No cutting or grinding wheels in the box
  • Kit weight of 5.8 Kilograms
  • 21.13 x 7.63 x 12.38 inch box needs shelf space
DEKOPRO Cordless Angle Grinder Tool

DEKOPRO Cordless Angle Grinder Tool

DEKOPRO9.6/10 Shop Score
i
The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 20V brushless cordless angle grinder kit for 4-1/2 inch discs, with 2 4.0Ah batteries, a charger, 2 wheel guards and 3 cutting and 3 grinding wheels.

Pros

  • Brushless motor with variable speed
  • 2 4.0Ah batteries and a charger in the kit
  • 3 cutting wheels and 3 grinding wheels in the kit
  • 2 wheel guards: standard guard and half-cover guard

Cons

  • One size only: 4-1/2 inch discs
  • Fits wheels with a 7/8 inch arbor only
  • No warranty term is stated
  • Only 3 cutting wheels and 3 grinding wheels in the box
Metabo HPT 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder

Metabo HPT 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder

Metabo HPT9.6/10 Shop Score
i
The Shop Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs performance (35%), build (25%), value (25%), safety (10%, where it applies) and warranty (5%), using only what the manufacturer and the listing publish. How we pick ›

A 4-1/2 in corded grinder with a 6.2-amp motor, 12,000 RPM, 5 grinding wheels and a hard case.

Pros

  • 5 grinding wheels and a hard case included
  • 12,000 RPM with 980W of max output power for tough grinding jobs
  • 1-year base warranty stated for peace of mind
  • 4.0 lb with a compact grip for control

Cons

  • 6.2 amps is less than the 7.5-amp picks
  • No cutting wheels included
  • Blend material type is vague
  • Green and black color shows dust

Sizes of angle grinders: the short answer

The size of an angle grinder is the diameter of the disc it takes. The picks in this guide take 4-1/2 inch discs, and the DEWALT DCG410WW1 takes 4-1/2 to 5 inch discs, so the size range in this guide stays small and aimed at cutting and grinding in a home garage.

  • Disc diameter. The disc sets the size. The picks here take 4-1/2 inch discs, with the DCG410WW1 taking 4-1/2 to 5 inch discs.
  • Arbor. The wheel must match the arbor it mounts on. The DEKOPRO fits wheels with a 7/8 inch arbor, so its wheels share that arbor size.
  • Power. The DEWALT DCG412P2 runs at 8,000 rpm, the DCG410WW1 at up to 9,000 RPM and 1,590 MWO, and the DEKOPRO runs on 20V batteries with variable speed. The Metabo lists a 6.2-Amp motor.
  • Kit contents. The DCG412P2 kit holds 2 5.0Ah batteries, the DEKOPRO kit holds 2 4.0Ah batteries, a charger, 3 cutting wheels and 3 grinding wheels, and the Metabo holds 5 grinding wheels and a hard case.

The gear for the job

Each pick below handles one part of the job: the 20V kits cut and grind on batteries, the DEKOPRO kit adds wheels and guards, and the Metabo covers grinding with 5 wheels and a hard case.

The 4 picks at a glance

Pick Disc Power In the box
DEWALT DCG410WW1 4-1/2 to 5 inch Up to 9,000 RPM, 1,590 MWO Kit with XR POWERPACK
DEWALT DCG412P2 4-1/2 inch 8,000 rpm Grinder, 2 x 5.0Ah batteries
DEKOPRO 20V Grinder 4-1/2 inch 20V brushless, variable speed 2 x 4.0Ah batteries, charger, 3 cutting and 3 grinding wheels, case
Metabo HPT G12SR4 4-1/2 inch 6.2-Amp motor 5 grinding wheels, hard case

The 3 20V picks run on batteries, while the Metabo lists a 6.2-Amp motor, so the 4-1/2 inch size is shared across the picks and the difference is power and kit contents.

Garage safety

Read the manual before first use, wear eye protection, keep the work area clear and ventilated, and stay within every stated rating. Read our Safety Disclaimer.

Grinder safety. Wear eye and face protection, clamp the work, keep gloves away from rotating parts, and keep the guard in place. Check the disc size and the guard before the grinder starts, and let the disc stop before setting the grinder down.

FAQ: garage tools

What size angle grinder should I get?

The size is the disc diameter, so match the disc to the job. The picks in this guide take 4-1/2 inch discs, and the DEWALT DCG410WW1 takes 4-1/2 to 5 inch discs, so a small disc size covers cutting and grinding in a home garage.

What does 4-1/2 inch mean on an angle grinder?

It is the diameter of the disc the grinder takes. The picks in this guide take 4-1/2 inch discs, and the DEWALT DCG410WW1 takes 4-1/2 to 5 inch discs.

Can a 4-1/2 inch grinder take a 5 inch disc?

Only if the maker states that size. The DEWALT DCG410WW1 in this guide takes 4-1/2 to 5 inch discs, while the other picks state 4-1/2 inch, so use the disc size the maker states for your grinder.

What size arbor does a 4-1/2 inch grinder take?

It depends on the grinder, so match the wheel to the arbor your grinder states. The DEKOPRO in this guide fits wheels with a 7/8 inch arbor.

What are the wheel guards for?

The guards block sparks, chips and debris during cutting and grinding. The DEKOPRO kit includes 2 wheel guards, a standard guard and a half-cover guard.

What comes in an angle grinder kit?

It varies by kit. The DEKOPRO kit holds 1 grinder, 2 4.0Ah batteries, 1 charger, 1 auxiliary handle, 2 wheel guards, 3 cutting wheels, 3 grinding wheels, 1 wrench and 1 carrying case, while the DEWALT DCG412P2 kit holds the grinder and 2 5.0Ah batteries, and the Metabo holds 5 grinding wheels and a hard case.

Related: cordless vs corded angle grinder, air cut off tool vs angle grinder and the best 4 1/2 inch flap disc picks. Also see our best cordless angle grinder for car restoration picks.

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