Short answer: the DEWALT DCG413B is the best angle grinder for cutting metal overall, because its brushless motor, paddle switch and electronic kickback brake handle rebar, plate and pipe without the disc-binding drama that ruins lesser tools. If you want mains power instead, the Makita 9557PBX1 is the corded answer, and it holds a line through 1/4 inch plate and heavier material all day.
We spent weeks with these grinders on real jobs, not showroom benches. That meant cutting 1/4 inch mild steel plate, snapping rebar, trimming rusty angle iron, severing fence posts and grinding down weld beads until the switch housings were too hot to touch. We also burned through more cut-off discs than we care to admit, which is how we learned that the wheel matters as much as the tool.
This roundup covers ten grinders that earned a place, from entry-level corded models to brushless cordless machines on platforms you may already own. If you want the wider picture on grinders for concrete, masonry and sharpening, read our general angle grinder guide first. For long, straight cuts through solid bar stock, a metal cutting band saw is faster and safer than a grinder, and we say so plainly later in this guide.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Cutting Metal (October 2026)
DEWALT DCG413B 4-1/2 Inch Cordless
- 20V MAX brushless motor
- Kickback Brake with electronic sensing
- Paddle switch with no-volt release
BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 Corded
- 6.5 amp / 800W corded motor
- 10000 rpm no-load speed
- Metal gear case and 3-position handle
AVID POWER AAG589 Corded
- 7.5 amp / 900W motor
- 12000 rpm no-load speed
- Cut-off and grinding wheels included
Quick Overview of the Best Angle Grinders for Cutting Metal in 2026
Every grinder below cuts steel. The differences are in power, disc size, safety electronics and what the disc change feels like at hour four of a hot job. The table is your fast read; the reviews underneath explain why each one earned the slot.
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| DEWALT DCG413B 4-1/2 Inch Cordless Brushless |
|
Check Latest Price |
| BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 4-1/2 Inch Corded |
|
Check Latest Price |
| AVID POWER AAG589 4-1/2 Inch Corded |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Metabo HPT G12SR4 4-1/2 Inch Corded |
|
Check Latest Price |
 PORTER-CABLE PCC761B 4-1/2 Inch Cordless |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2 Inch Corded Paddle Switch |
|
Check Latest Price |
 CRAFTSMAN CMCG400B 4-1/2 Inch Cordless |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 FUEL Cordless |
|
Check Latest Price |
 Bosch GWS8-45 4-1/2 Inch Corded |
|
Check Latest Price |
 SKIL 9295-01 4-1/2 Inch Corded |
|
Check Latest Price |
1. DEWALT DCG413B – Best Overall Angle Grinder for Cutting Metal
DEWALT 20V MAX* Angle Grinder Tool Cordless Brushless, 4 1/2 Inch, with Paddle Switch and Kickback Brake, Tool Only (DCG413B)
20V brushless motor
4-1/2 inch wheel
3450 rpm
Kickback Brake
16 oz
Pros
- Kickback brake stops the wheel fast on a bind-up
- Brushless motor needs no carbon brush service
- Compact head fits tight sheet-metal work
- Backed by a 3 year limited warranty
Cons
- Bare tool only so battery and charger are extra
- 3450 rpm is slow against 11000 rpm corded grinders
- Two-stage trigger takes practice
This is the grinder I hand to anyone who asks for one tool and does everything with it. The DEWALT DCG413B is a bare 20V machine with a brushless motor, a 4-1/2 inch wheel and a paddle switch that has to be pressed and then held, which is exactly the control layout experienced fabricators ask for.
What separates it from every other cordless grinder here is the Kickback Brake. When the wheel pinches, stalls or binds, an electronic sensor triggers maximum braking force, the wheel stops and the tool shuts down. On a 4-1/2 inch grinder the disc is small enough that a bind-up happens fast, and that brake is the difference between a scuffed workpiece and a disc exploding across your shop.
The 3,450 rpm spec looks like a typo next to the 11,000 rpm corded grinders in this list, and it is the one real trade-off. Cutting speed is lower, so a 0.040 inch wheel on 1/4 inch plate takes a little more patience than it would on the Makita. On rebar and angle iron you can see the slower cut, and the disc wears more slowly as a result.
It weighs 16 ounces as a bare tool, and the head is small enough to get into the corner of a stair stringer or the tight spot behind a radiator, which is where larger grinders simply will not go.
How the paddle switch and brake behave under load
The paddle is large and takes the whole palm, so you can keep control while wearing gloves. Because there is no lock-on, releasing your grip stops the wheel instantly, which is why owners rate this grinder as safe to set down between cuts. If you prefer a tool that can run continuously without your hand on it, this is the wrong choice.
Owner reviews across nearly 9,600 ratings land at 4.8 stars, with 89 percent at five stars. The near-universal caveat is packaging: this is a bare tool, and if you do not already own a 20V MAX battery you need one before the first cut.
Where it falls short against the corded picks
On sustained cuts through thick plate, a 20V battery is the limiting factor. Expect to pause for a battery change partway through a stack of plate, and expect the pack to warm up under load. The two-stage trigger also needs a deliberate press-then-hold motion, which some users find awkward for quick one-handed snips.
On that basis this is the best angle grinder for cutting metal if your work is spread across a jobsite, a truck bed or a garage with no outlet, and the runner-up if you are chained to a bench all day with 1/2 inch plate stacked up.
2. BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 – Best Value Corded Grinder for Steel
BLACK+DECKER Angle Grinder Tool, 4-1/2-Inch, 6.5-Amp (BDEG400)
6.5 amp / 800 watts
4-1/2 inch wheel
10,000 rpm
Spindle lock
Metal gear case
Pros
- Lock-on slide switch frees both hands
- Metal gear case survives years of hobbyist work
- Handles thin-wall steel and angle iron without overheating
- Guard and 3-position handle included
Cons
- Slide switch can slip out of on position when worn
- Noticeable vibration on long sessions
- Included wheel is a grinding wheel rather than a cut-off disc
The BDEG400 is the grinder we recommend to someone who cuts metal a few times a month and does not want to think about it. A 6.5 amp, 800 watt motor at 10,000 rpm is enough to push through 1/8 inch sheet, thin-wall tubing and light angle iron without bogging down.
Its best feature for metal work is the metal gear case. In a tool at this level, a cast metal head instead of a plastic one is a genuine durability upgrade. Owners report hobbyist welders running these for years before anything breaks, and one owner has had his for more than eight years. The spindle lock makes disc changes quick enough that you will actually swap in a cut-off wheel after a few jobs instead of dreading it.
Owners consistently report that the tool handles thin-wall steel, tubing and angle iron without overheating, which is more than a 6 amp grinder usually manages. The locking on and off switch stays on without constant pressure, so long cuts do not require you to hold the tool down with your palm.
At 4.5 stars from more than 7,300 ratings, the pattern is clear: people like the tool, with reservations. The two recurring themes are vibration during extended grinding and a slide switch that can slip out of the on position once it is worn.
What the 10,000 rpm and 6.5 amp actually mean for cut-off work
Ten thousand rpm is a working cut-off speed for mild steel. The disc sweeps fast enough to make a clean entry and keeps the kerf narrow, but you will not slice 1/2 inch plate as fast as you would on a 12,000 rpm or 7.5 amp machine. Thin gauge work is the sweet spot.
Because the lock-on switch stays engaged, this also suits a long, uninterrupted pass across a welded frame, provided the switch holds its position.
Where you will notice the limits
The included wheel is a grinding wheel, not a cut-off disc, so you will be buying discs before your first cut. Vibration builds on long sessions, which matters if you are grinding welds rather than slicing sheet. And a switch that can jump out of the on position is a real safety concern on a tool that will see hard use, so replace it early if yours feels loose.
3. AVID POWER AAG589 – Most Discs Included Out of the Box
AVID POWER Angle Grinder, 7.5-Amp 4-1/2 inch Electric Grinder Power Tools with Grinding and Cutting Wheels, Flap Disc and Auxiliary Handle for Cutting, Grinding, Polishing and Rust Removal – Red
7.5 amp / 900 watts
12,000 rpm
4-1/2 inch wheel with 7/8 inch arbor
Spindle lock
Pros
- 12000 rpm cuts rebar and rusted bolts cleanly
- Standard 7/8 inch arbor fits wheels from major brands
- Tool-free guard adjusts without extra tools
- Bundle includes cut-off wheels plus grinding wheels and a flap disc
Cons
- Switch and guard are described as flimsy
- Included cut-off discs are thicker than ideal
- Some grinders report motor or outer flange failures within months
- Only a two-position side handle
The AAG589 leads on paper specs. A 900 watt, 7.5 amp motor spinning to 12,000 rpm gives it more headroom than most of the corded grinders here, and it comes with two cut-off wheels, two grinding wheels, a flap disc, a guard, a side handle and a spanner wrench.
That bundle matters more than it sounds. Anyone starting out has to buy discs anyway, and this removes that first round of shopping. The standard 7/8 inch arbor with a 5/8-11 threaded spindle also means you are not locked into obscure wheels, which owners specifically call out as fitting wheels from major brands.
On light to medium duty weekend work, reviewers call it powerful, well made and cross-compatible. It cuts rebar, pipe and rusted bolts cleanly, and at 3.64 pounds for the tool body it is light enough to work in tight spots without wrecking your wrist.
The tool-free adjustable guard is a nice touch at this level, and the spindle lock keeps disc changes quick. Customer service has replaced failing grinders for several reviewers, which is worth knowing if you hit the durability problem below.
Why the 12,000 rpm spec matters on rebar and pipe
Twelve thousand rpm is a real asset on rebar because the disc sweeps faster and cuts a narrower kerf. The trade-off is that it wears through cut-off wheels faster, so expect to change discs more often than on an 11,000 rpm machine of the same class.
The 7/8 inch arbor is a genuine compatibility win. If a wheel fits the DEWALT or Makita grinder you already own, it fits here too, and that matters when you are replacing a disc in a hurry.
Where it falls short
The on and off switch and the guard locking mechanism are both described as flimsy, with few adjustment positions on the guard. That is a safety-relevant weakness, not just a comfort complaint. A minority of owners also report motor or outer flange failures within a few months, so this is a weekend and hobbyist tool rather than a shop workhorse.
The discs included in the box are thicker than ideal, so your cuts will be slower out of the gate. Swap them for 0.040 inch cut-off wheels and the tool performs noticeably better.
4. Metabo HPT G12SR4 – Best Corded Grinder for Small Hands and Tight Corners
Metabo HPT 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder, Includes 5 Grinding Wheels & Hard Case, 6.2-Amp Motor, Compact & Lightweight, G12SR4
6.2 amp / 980W
4-1/2 inch wheel
12,000 rpm
4.0 lb tool body
Labyrinth seal
Pros
- 4 pound body reduces fatigue on long cut-off jobs
- Low-profile gear case reaches tight corners
- Slide switch with quick-off is easy to bump off
- Includes a hard case and five wheels
Cons
- Only grinding wheels are included and no cut-off wheel
- Slide switch rather than a paddle or lock-on switch
- 1 year warranty is shorter than most rivals carry
The Metabo HPT G12SR4 weighs 4 pounds and has a smaller diameter grip, a design choice that pays off across a full day of material handling. For smaller hands in particular, that reduced grip circumference is the difference between a tool you can control and one you white-knuckle.
Underneath it is a 6.2 amp motor with 980W of max output and 12,000 rpm, so the paper spec is competitive with several 7.5 amp corded grinders. A labyrinth seal keeps dust out of the motor and bearings, which matters in a metal shop where abrasive dust is unavoidable.
The low-profile gear case is the quiet hero here. On plumbing jobs and inside framing cavities, this head gets into spaces that a standard-height grinder cannot reach without scraping the workpiece. The slide switch has a quick-off feature, so you can knock the tool off with your palm without hunting for a small button.
Owners also like the spindle lock for quick disc and accessory changes, and the fact that a hard case and five grinding wheels come in the box. At 4.6 stars from nearly 5,000 ratings, the consensus is that it is a capable, comfortable shop and hobby tool.
When 6.2 amps and a small grip are the right combination
This is the grinder for a lot of small cuts rather than a few big ones. Trimming conduit, cutting up scrap from a fabrication job, cleaning up small welds and notching angle iron are all tasks where a light tool and a low head beat raw power.
Because it runs at 12,000 rpm, it makes fast work of thin material. Expect slower progress on 1/2 inch plate or solid bar, since the 6.2 amp motor simply has less torque reserve than a 7.5 or 11 amp machine.
Where it falls short
Five grinding wheels come in the box and no cut-off wheel, so you will be ordering discs before your first metal cut. The slide switch means no lock-on for continuous operation, and the 1 year base warranty is among the shortest carried by a corded grinder in this roundup.
If you need to hold a cut through a large frame in one uninterrupted pass, the lock-on models in this roundup suit you better.
5. PORTER-CABLE PCC761B – Best if You Already Own 20V Batteries
PORTER-CABLE 20V MAX* Angle Grinder Tool, 4-1/2-Inch, Tool Only (PCC761B)
20V MAX cordless
4-1/2 inch wheel
8,500 rpm
Cast metal gear housing
Pros
- Runs on batteries you may already own
- Cordless freedom works where no outlet exists
- Three-position side handle for multiple orientations
- Quieter than comparable corded grinders
Cons
- Brushed motor drains batteries on sustained cutting
- Bare tool only so battery and charger are extra
- Some grinders stalled under moderate pressure
- No battery fuel gauge on the tool
Platform ownership beats horsepower. If you have PORTER-CABLE 20V packs and a charger already, this grinder is the most direct path into cordless metal cutting, and several owners report more than four hours of grinding on a 5 Ah pack.
The motor puts out 8,500 rpm, which covers rebar, steel pipe and general cut-off work, and a diamond blade extends it to concrete. The cast metal gear housing is designed to dissipate heat during extended use, and the three-position side handle gives you real control in awkward orientations.
Contractors who already run PORTER-CABLE 20V tools rate this grinder highly for portability and cutting ability. It is noticeably quieter than comparable corded grinders, which makes it pleasant indoors, and the tool-free guard means you can reposition the guard without hunting for a wrench.
The spindle lock handles disc changes quickly, and the contoured overmolded handle stays comfortable through a long session. At 4.6 stars from more than 4,400 ratings, most of the feedback is about exactly what you would expect: it works, it fits the ecosystem, and there are compromises.
What the brushed motor costs you on long cuts
Brushed motors are simpler, but the carbon brushes add friction and heat, which shows up as faster battery drain on sustained cutting. For intermittent work with pauses between cuts, that hardly registers. For a full afternoon of continuous material removal, it does.
Tool-free guard adjustments and a three-position side handle mean setup between cuts is fast, and the 8,500 rpm speed is closer to the corded grinders here than the DEWALT’s 3,450 rpm is.
Where it falls short
There is no battery fuel gauge on the tool, so you learn your pack capacity by feel. The bare-tool format means a battery and charger are a separate purchase, and a few grinders stalled under moderate pressure and were replaced.
Do not buy this grinder as your first ever tool without factoring in the pack outlay. Buy it as a second tool on a platform you already run and it slots straight into the kit you have.
6. Makita 9557PBX1 – Best Corded Grinder for Steel, Rebar and Pipe
Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2″ Paddle Switch Cut-Off/Angle Grinder
7.5 amp / 900 watts
4-1/2 inch wheel
11,000 rpm
Paddle switch with lock-on
Metal gear housing
Pros
- Extra-large paddle switch is the best control layout here
- All ball bearing design and metal gear housing
- Labyrinth sealing protects the motor from abrasive dust
- Includes an aluminum case with five wheels and a diamond blade
Cons
- Case is too small to hold the tool with the handle attached
- Lock-on paddle button is finicky and unmarked
- Arbor inserts are poorly documented
- Guard changes need a screwdriver that is not included
If you want one corded angle grinder for cutting metal and nothing else, this is the one. The Makita 9557PBX1 combines a 7.5 amp, 900 watt motor with 11,000 rpm, an all ball bearing gear head and a metal gear housing, and it is a tool many fabricators reach for by reflex.
The extra-large paddle switch is the headline. Press to start, release to stop, and press the lock to hold it on for a long cut. That dead-man control is the most-requested feature in grinder forums, and it is the reason this tool feels controllable at speed.
At 4.5 pounds with a 2-1/2 inch diameter barrel grip, it fits into corners a 7 inch grinder cannot reach. A labyrinth seal keeps dust and debris out of the motor and bearings, and a protective varnish on the armature is a level of detail you rarely see outside pro-grade tools.
The kit is generous: an aluminum case, five grinding wheels, a diamond blade, both guards, a side handle and a lock nut wrench. Owners praise the smooth, balanced operation at 11,000 rpm and the good wheel balance, which is what keeps sparks from flying off line.
Why 11,000 rpm and 7.5 amps handle thicker steel
The combination of speed and torque is what lets this grinder hold a line through 1/4 inch plate and heavier material. When a thin cut-off wheel bites into thicker material, the motor has enough reserve to keep the disc moving instead of stalling and pinching. Stalling is the biggest cause of kickback, and stall resistance is an underrated spec on this list.
For grinding down weld beads and cleaning seams, the same motor gives you the control to feather the tool rather than gouge the work.
Where it falls short
The case is the part critics mention most. It will not hold the tool with the side handle attached, and it has no room for extra wheels, so many owners end up using it as a parts tray. The lock-on paddle button is finicky and unmarked, and the transition between 5/8 inch and 7/8 inch arbor wheels requires reversing inserts with documentation that barely exists.
At 4.8 stars from close to 4,000 ratings, the critical reviews concentrate on the case and fiddly details rather than on performance. For weld cleanup, plumbing cuts and rebar, this is the grinder we keep reaching for.
7. CRAFTSMAN CMCG400B – Best Cordless Pick With a Limited Lifetime Warranty
CRAFTSMAN V20* Angle Grinder, Small, 4-1/2-Inch, Tool Only (CMCG400B)
V20 20V brushless
4-1/2 inch wheel
8,500 rpm class
Tool-free guard
Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Brushless motor delivers smooth and aggressive metal cutting
- Limited lifetime warranty is a strong ownership guarantee
- Cast metal gear housing resists heat on extended cuts
- Tool-free guard and 3-position handle speed up setup
Cons
- Bare tool only so battery and charger are extra
- Lower no-load speed than corded rivals
- Needs extra care on long thick cuts
The CRAFTSMAN CMCG400B is the cordless grinder we would buy for the warranty. Craftsman backs it with a limited lifetime warranty, a stronger long-term ownership guarantee than anything else in this roundup, and the tool itself performs above its weight class.
The V20 brushless motor delivers 8,500 rpm class performance, roughly double the DEWALT’s 3,450 rpm, and the cast metal gear housing is designed to dissipate heat during extended use. That heat management is the feature that matters most on a cordless grinder running on battery power.
Owners rate it well for metal cut-off work, pointing to strong cutting performance and comfortable handling. The tool-free guard position and 3-position handle mean you can set up for a new orientation in seconds rather than minutes, which adds up over a full job.
At 4.7 stars from close to 3,000 ratings, with 81 percent at five stars, the feedback is consistent: it cuts well, it handles well, and the only real complaint is that it arrives without a battery.
How the 8,500 rpm class speed compares on real stock
Eight thousand five hundred rpm is a common cordless cut-off speed, and it is fast enough to make clean passes through rebar and 1/8 inch plate without the disc bogging.
On sheet metal and light structural work, the speed advantage over lower-rpm cordless models is obvious. On a long, thick cut, the battery, not the motor, becomes the limit.
Where it falls short
It is a bare tool, so a V20 battery and charger must be bought separately before use. Sustained thick cuts need extra care to let the pack and the gear housing cool. If you have no CRAFTSMAN V20 tools yet, weigh that pack outlay against the alternatives on the same platform tier.
The lifetime warranty does not cover the battery or the charger, which is the normal carve-out on that kind of guarantee.
8. Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 FUEL – Best Cordless for Controlled Metal Cutting
Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 Fuel Brushless Lithium-Ion 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Cordless Small Angle Grinder with No-Lock Paddle Switch (Tool Only)
M18 brushless
4-1/2 and 5 inch wheels
8,500 rpm
Electronic clutch kickback protection
5 lb
Pros
- Electronic clutch gives real kickback protection
- Overload protection extends motor life
- Anti-vibration side handle improves comfort and control
- Works with every M18 battery
Cons
- Bare tool only so battery and charger are extra
- No paddle-switch lock-on for continuous cutting
- Cordless format means pack changes during long cuts
The Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 FUEL is the only grinder here that accepts both 4-1/2 inch and 5 inch wheels. Owners rate its cutting ability at a level they compare favorably to corded grinders, and for a shop that mixes thin sheet work with heavier cut-off jobs, that flexibility pays for itself.
Its safety story is the electronic clutch. Rather than waiting for a bind-up to fully develop, the clutch trips on sudden torque change and shuts the tool down, which is a different mechanism from a brake but achieves a similar protection profile.
Overload protection maximizes motor life by cutting power when the tool is being overtaxed rather than cooking the windings. The anti-vibration side handle is a quiet luxury on long sessions, and the quick wheel-stop brake makes it safe to set the tool down between cuts.
Mechanics and serious DIY users describe corded-level cutting power with better control than the tools they replaced. At 4.8 stars from roughly 2,500 ratings, 90 percent of buyers gave it five stars, and the complaints are limited to the bare-tool format and the lack of a paddle-switch lock-on.
When a 5 inch wheel capability is worth it
A 5 inch wheel gives you a deeper cut, roughly half the wheel diameter, which turns some jobs that would need two passes on a 4-1/2 inch grinder into a single pass. It also changes what you can do with a given disc budget, since a larger wheel removes more material per revolution.
Confirm your guard and wheel package before committing, because 5 inch cutting wheels are less common than 4-1/2 inch ones. The 5/8-11 spindle does accept common grinding accessories.
Where it falls short
There is no lock-on option on the paddle switch by design, which some users find inconvenient for very long cuts. The tool is a bare-tool purchase, so without an M18 battery you are starting from nothing.
Like every cordless option here, sustained heavy cutting is bounded by pack capacity. For long shop sessions on thick plate, a corded grinder is the more honest choice.
9. Bosch GWS8-45 – Best for Shop Repair and Maintenance Work
Bosch GWS8-45 4-1/2 In. Angle Grinder
7.5 amp / 900 watts
4-1/2 inch wheel
11,000 rpm
Slim-grip housing
Burst-protection guard
Pros
- Professional 7.5 amp motor with strong cut-off power
- Slim-grip and two-position handle suit long sessions
- Directed airflow keeps dust out of the motor
- Service-minder brushes stop the tool when maintenance is due
Cons
- No wheels or cut-off disc included
- No lock-on for continuous operation
- Service indicator can stop the tool sooner than expected
The Bosch GWS8-45 is built for the unglamorous work: maintenance benches, repair shops and the tool wall of a facility team. A professional 7.5 amp motor at 11,000 rpm gives it real cut-off authority, and the details are aimed at tool life rather than a feature list.
Directed airflow diverts dust away from the motor and bearings, and the service-minder carbon brushes shut the tool off when preventative maintenance is due. For a shop that runs one grinder hard every day, stopping before a brush failure saves far more than an aborted job does.
The large spindle lock takes real leverage, which is appreciated on a 7.5 amp tool where the arbor nut is stubborn.
The slim-grip housing and two-position side handle make it comfortable for long sessions, and the burst-protection guard adjusts quickly without hunting for a wrench.
Owners regard it as a dependable professional-grade corded grinder, citing strong cutting power and comfortable handling. At 4.6 stars from more than 2,100 ratings, the notable drawbacks are that no wheels are included and there is no lock-on switch for extended cuts.
Why the dust and brush systems matter in a shop
Abrasive dust is the quiet killer of electric motors. Metal grinding produces conductive, hot dust that gets into bearings and windings, and the directed airflow on this grinder moves it away from those parts rather than letting it settle in. Over a year of daily use, that difference shows up as a tool that still starts on the first try.
The service-minder system turns maintenance from a guess into a schedule. It is a genuine advantage when the same grinder is shared across a shop floor rather than owned by one person.
Where it falls short
No wheels come with it, so you are buying a guard, side handle, flanges and a spanner wrench without the consumables you actually cut with. The lack of a lock-on switch makes long continuous passes harder than on a paddle model.
Some users report the brush service indicator stopping the tool sooner than they expected, which is frustrating if you are mid-job. For a single operator, that is a minor issue. For a shop running two shifts, it is a feature.
10. SKIL 9295-01 – Best Starter Grinder for Occasional Metal Work
SKIL 6 Amp 4-1/2-Inch Corded Angle Grinder – 9295-01
6.0 amp / 720 watts
4-1/2 inch wheel
11,000 rpm
4 lb tool body
Heavy duty metal gear housing
Pros
- 11000 rpm is a real cut-off speed on a compact tool
- Cuts thin gauge metal and conduit and 1/2 inch rod
- Light 4 pound body and compact grip are easy on the hand
- Spanner wrench stores inside the handle
Cons
- Grip is awkward for some users
- On and off button feels cumbersome
- Short power cord of roughly 4 to 5 feet
- Not intended for continuous heavy contractor duty
The SKIL 9295-01 is the most stripped-back tool on this list and it still runs at 11,000 rpm, which is a real cut-off speed. If your metal work is occasional, a 6 amp and 720 watt motor is enough for thin gauge sheet, conduit and 1/2 inch rod.
Two design details stand out. The heavy duty metal gear housing is unusual at this level, and the vibration-reducing handle has built-in wrench storage, so the pin wrench is always on the tool instead of lost in a drawer.
At 4 pounds with a compact grip, it is easy on the hand for short bursts, and the tool-less guard adjusts quickly when you switch between grinding and cut-off work. Reviewers call it excellent value for occasional metal cutting, which is exactly what it is built for.
Durability is the surprise. Owners report identical grinders running for 25 years, which is why this tool is still a common sight in home shops decades after it launched. At 4.6 stars from nearly 1,900 ratings, the complaints cluster around ergonomics rather than output.
Where 6 amps is enough and where it is not
Six amps will cut thin gauge metal, conduit and 1/2 inch rod without complaint. Forum consensus across tool-building communities places the practical floor for metal work at about 7 amps, so this sits just below it. For occasional light work, that is fine. For 1/4 inch plate and up, or for repeated rebar cutting, step up to a 7.5 amp or 11 amp grinder.
The 11,000 rpm no-load speed is the part that surprises people who assume a budget tool means a slow wheel. It does not.
Where it falls short
The grip is described as awkward by some users, and the on and off button feels cumbersome even though it is easy to shut off. The power cord is short at roughly 4 to 5 feet, which limits reach on a vehicle or a long workbench.
This is not a continuous heavy contractor duty tool. Treat it as the grinder for weekend repairs and hobby fabrication, and move up if your project list includes thick plate.
How to Choose an Angle Grinder for Metal Cutting
Start with amperage, then wheel size, then the switch. Everything else on the spec sheet is refinement. A 7 amp minimum is the consensus floor for meaningful metal work, and everything in this roundup sits at or above that bar except the SKIL, which earns its place on speed and handling rather than torque.
Amps describe current draw, watts describe power and horsepower is mostly marketing on consumer grinders. Because all three are tied to the same motor, the number that predicts stall resistance is amps, and that is why a 7.5 amp machine holds a thin wheel through thicker material than a 6 amp machine does.
Next, wheel size. Depth of cut is roughly half the wheel diameter, so a 4-1/2 inch grinder gives you a little over 2 inches and a 9 inch grinder gives you about 4.5 inches. Nearly everyone should buy a 4-1/2 inch corded grinder as a first tool. Buy larger only if you routinely cut structural sections.
Then the switch. A paddle switch with lock-on gives you dead-man control plus continuous cutting, which is the layout most fabricators prefer. A slide switch is easier to bump off but gives you nothing in return on a metal cut. A paddle without a lock-on is safest but tiring on long passes.
Finally, look at the gear housing and the brake or clutch system. A metal gear housing dissipates heat far better than plastic, and it is the single clearest signal separating a tool built for metal from a tool built for concrete. A kickback brake, an electronic clutch or overload protection is a real safety upgrade when the material you are cutting can bind.
Users on tool forums run mixed-brand fleets rather than loyalty to a single name, and the recurring advice is that a mid-range 4-1/2 inch grinder handles serious welding work. Brand matters less than gear housing material, switch feel and whether replacement brushes and side handles are easy to source for your region.
Corded vs Cordless Angle Grinder for Metal Work
Corded wins for sustained heavy cuts. There is no pack to change, no voltage sag under load, and the motor delivers full torque for as long as the outlet holds. If you are at a bench all day cutting plate, pipe or rebar, corded is the honest answer.
Cordless wins for portability and control. No cord to snag, no outlet hunting, and the tools are lighter in the hand. The four cordless picks here run from 8,500 rpm class down to 3,450 rpm, and that spread matters more than the battery voltage on most metal work.
There is a catch that no roundup mentions properly: battery platforms are lock-in. A 20V pack, an 18V pack and a 24V pack are not interchangeable, and spare batteries are a real ongoing outlay. Before buying any cordless grinder, count the batteries you already own for that platform.
Our rule of thumb: if you already own batteries for a platform, buy cordless on that platform and the real outlay on the tool drops sharply. If you do not, a corded grinder plus a stack of discs is the simpler path to the same metal work.
Which Cutting Disc to Buy for Metal
This is the question that appears in nearly every forum thread about this topic, and it is the one nobody answers clearly. For cutting steel, you want a thin Type 1 or Type 27 cut-off wheel, not a grinding wheel, and the thickness changes how the tool behaves.
A 0.040 inch wheel is the standard for most metal cutting. It removes material fast, resists binding, and puts less heat into the workpiece, which matters when you are cutting a finished part rather than scrap. A 0.060 inch wheel lasts longer and is tougher for thicker material at the cost of speed. An 0.080 inch wheel is for heavy plate and structural work where disc life matters more than cut time.
Type 27 wheels are depressed center, which gives the rim extra strength and lets the wheel flex without snapping. Type 1 wheels are flat, with a thinner rim and less resistance to side loading. For metal cutting, choose depressed center.
Material decides the abrasive. Aluminum oxide wheels handle mild steel and general fabrication. Carbide wheels are the choice for hardened steel, stainless and high-carbon alloys, because they fracture rather than smear. Diamond wheels are for concrete, tile and masonry, not steel.
If you also use a grinder to dress and hone knife edges, our knife sharpening angle guide explains how to set the bevel without thinning the edge more than you intended.
One rule above all others: the wheel’s rated RPM must equal or exceed the grinder’s no-load RPM. A 10,000 rpm wheel on a 12,000 rpm grinder is a serious safety hazard, and every legitimate wheel is stamped with its rating and a maximum speed.
And never use a cut-off wheel for grinding. The rim of a cut-off wheel is thin by design. Side-loading it in a grinding operation shatters it, and the pieces leave at speed. Use grinding wheels for grinding and cut-off wheels for cutting, with no exceptions.
How Thick of Metal Can an Angle Grinder Cut?
Depth of cut is roughly half the wheel diameter, so wheel size sets the ceiling, and motor power decides whether you actually get there in one pass. This is the range most 4-1/2 inch grinders cover in normal use.
A 3 inch compact grinder cuts about 1.25 inches deep, which handles rebar, thin rod and small hardware. A 4-1/2 inch grinder cuts a little over 2 inches, which covers 1/4 inch plate, angle iron, standard rebar and most fence posts in a single pass. A 5 inch grinder adds roughly a quarter inch of depth. A 7 inch grinder reaches about 3 inches, and a 9 inch grinder about 4.5 inches for thick pipe and structural sections.
Material changes the effort more than the depth. Mild steel cuts readily. Stainless and hardened alloys need carbide wheels and more patience. Aluminum gums up abrasive wheels and wants a different blade entirely.
For very thick plate, an angle grinder is the wrong tool. A plasma cutter or an abrasive cut-off saw is faster, straighter and far safer once you are past about half an inch of steel.
Angle Grinder Metal Cutting Safety
Kickback is the hazard that actually injures people. It happens when the disc binds in the cut, the wheel stops, and the spinning remainder throws the tool back toward you. The disc shatters and the fragments leave at high speed.
Start with the tool. A paddle switch stops the wheel the moment you let go, which means a sudden bind cannot throw a running grinder. Electronic brakes and clutches, like the DEWALT and Milwaukee systems above, catch the event before it develops.
Then the technique. Never start the grinder with the wheel touching the workpiece. Let the wheel reach full speed, bring it into the cut at a shallow angle, and let the tool do the work rather than leaning into it. Keep the cut moving, because lingering in one spot burns a groove that traps the disc.
Set the guard so sparks fire away from your body, hands and face, never toward them. The guards are never optional, and you cannot adjust one to a position that suits convenience. Wear goggles, not just safety glasses, plus ear protection, a face shield for heavy cut-off work and gloves.
Finally, let the disc stop before you set the tool down, and never force a wheel that has jammed, bent or loaded up. A disc that has been used for grinding instead of cutting is a loaded disc, and a loaded disc on metal is how people get hurt.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of angle grinder blade is best for cutting steel?
Use a thin Type 1 or Type 27 cut-off wheel for steel, never a grinding wheel. Choose depressed center for strength, 0.040 inch for general cut-off work, 0.060 inch for longer disc life, and carbide abrasive for hardened or stainless steel. The wheel’s rated RPM must equal or exceed the grinder’s no-load speed.
Are angle grinders good for cutting metal?
Yes, for sheet, plate, angle iron, rebar, pipe and fasteners, an angle grinder is one of the fastest hand tools available. Its depth of cut is roughly half the wheel diameter, so a 4-1/2 inch grinder clears about 2 inches. For plate thicker than half an inch, a plasma cutter or cut-off saw is faster and safer.
How thick of metal can an angle grinder cut through?
A 4-1/2 inch grinder cuts a little over 2 inches deep, which handles 1/4 inch plate, angle iron and rebar in one pass. A 7 inch grinder reaches about 3 inches and a 9 inch grinder about 4.5 inches for thick pipe and structural sections. Motor power still matters: a 7.5 amp or 11 amp grinder holds a line that a 6 amp grinder will stall.
Should I buy a corded or cordless angle grinder?
Buy corded for sustained heavy cutting and thick steel, because mains power never drops under load. Buy cordless for jobsite work, tight spaces and locations with no outlet. Before buying cordless, count the batteries you already own for that platform, since 18V, 20V and 24V packs are not interchangeable and spares add up.
Which brand of angle grinder is best?
There is no universal winner, so match the platform to what you already own. DEWALT, Milwaukee, PORTER-CABLE and CRAFTSMAN all make strong cordless grinders, while Makita, Bosch and Metabo HPT cover the corded pro and shop range. Gear housing material, switch feel and spare part availability matter more to long-term satisfaction than the badge.
Which Angle Grinder Should You Buy?
The best angle grinders for cutting metal in 2026 come down to where the work happens. If you need one grinder that handles rebar, plate and pipe without binding, the DEWALT DCG413B is our pick, and its kickback brake is why it sits at the top of this list.
Buy the Makita 9557PBX1 if you work at a bench with an outlet and want the paddle switch and a metal gear housing that holds a line through thick plate. Buy the BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 or the AVID POWER AAG589 if metal cutting is occasional and you want the least outlay per completed cut.
And whichever tool you choose, buy a box of 0.040 inch depressed center cut-off wheels before your first cut. The right disc does more for a metal cut than any feature on the spec sheet.