Need a GOOD angle grinder

[Bonnewagon]

OK, my Harbor Break crappola angle grinder has failed. This was a somewhat expensive "professional series" model and like all the rest it has succumbed to the same fate. It seems that the pinion gear on the armature shaft gets wiped out. Not broken, but ground down to dust. Thank you, Chinese metallurgy. I've had it, so now I'm in the market for a really good grinder that I can count on. Several brands are on my short list and "Made In USA" would seal the deal. I like the long handled trigger switch models from Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Porter Cable, and Bosch. These are between 7 and 13 amps, and run from $100- $150. Even though the Porter Cable model is Chinese and only $40 it gets rave reviews, but I'm skeptical. But every Makita tool I own has performed flawlessly for decades, even remans. They are made in Georgia, yes? Right now in November Makita is having a $25 off on any $100 model incentive that is hard to walk away from. I'm eyeing this one- with the sale it comes in just under $100. If anyone has this one or a better model, please chime in.

 

[Opie Knievel]

I personally only buy Milwaukee. Every power tool I have for work, except for 1 drill is from their M18 Fuel cordless line (the drill is corded). They are GREAT tools. They're tough and have plenty of power. I've owned most of my Milwaukee stuff for a couple of years and haven't had any problems with it. I work these tools pretty hard. I use them at work at a salvage yard and use them at home. Milwaukee's corded tools are really good too. I think most of their tools have a 5 year warranty also. I highly recommend Milwaukee.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Thank's Opie. I like Milwaukee too, but the ones I have are USA made and pretty old. I looked at the ones in the store and they said " Professionally made for Milwaukee in China". Does that matter? I should have added that I want a corded model.

 

[Opie Knievel]

I'm almost at work. I'll see where mine were made.

 

[Injectedcutty]

I'm on board with Opie on this one. Milwaukee makes some great stuff and they stand behind it.
I was in the industrial sales field for a couple of years and one of the perks was being able to test out tools from the big companies. The Dewalt stuff isn't bad, I have some of their 20v lithium tools as my budget at the time(replacing stolen tools from my house getting cleaned out) didn't allow me to get Milwaukee. I know Makita makes good stuff as well.
However, I've had my Milwaukee angle grinder for several years now and have put hard time in it between cutting, using flap discs, etc and it just keeps going!
If you want to stay with USA made my vote is Milwaukee.

 

[Injectedcutty]

Thank's Opie. I like Milwaukee too, but the ones I have are USA made and pretty old. I looked at the ones in the store and they said " Professionally made for Milwaukee in China". Does that matter? I should have added that I want a corded model.

Yep, I believe you might be right now that I think of it. I do know Samsung makes the lithium batteries for Milwaukee (pretty sure they won't catch fire lol).
One of the best grinders however is Metabo. They are designed and built in Germany, but those things are workhorses and repair parts are available in the US. They cost a little more, but you get what you pay for.

 

[Bonnewagon]

I saw the Metabo line. I was clueless about them, are they new? Pretty expensive, but, as you said, worth it. I needed to cut some sheet metal and I found a Milwaukee power shear on Ebay that I think could carve up a battleship, it's that good, but it's USA made. I haunt Ebay searching for NOS USA made products. Sad, isn't it?

 

[Opie Knievel]

Mine were made in China. Doesn't seem to have affected the quality any.

 

[Injectedcutty]

I saw the Metabo line. I was clueless about them, are they new? Pretty expensive, but, as you said, worth it. I needed to cut some sheet metal and I found a Milwaukee power shear on Ebay that I think could carve up a battleship, it's that good, but it's USA made. I haunt Ebay searching for NOS USA made products. Sad, isn't it?

Naw, Metabo has been around for decades but usually you don't see them at the box stores like home depot, Lowe's, which usually cater to the home mechanic and craftspeople. Metabo is catered more to the industrial facilities that cut and grind for hours on end! I sold plenty of them and rarely had an issue since they have stringent quality standards. Well made products, as I said they are pricey but built for abuse.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Okay, thanks for that. I know some manufacturers demand quality work from the Chinese factories. Lionel trains comes to mind- you can't tell the difference. But I still prefer to put my money into an American worker's pocket whenever possible. By the way, I did my Basic Training at Ft. Knox. That's some beautiful country you have around there.