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Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

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Aaron Barnett, Qualified Carpenter and Writer at Bangingtoolbox
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11 min read and study time

Last updated on October 2, 2025 5:16 am

A quick tip you should know

According to Aaron Barnett of BangingToolbox: The best angle grinders are portable and lightweight as a cordless power tool. It should pack enough power to cut steel effortlessly and even concrete using a powerful brushless motor.

There should be a well-placed adjustable handle, and a second switch for the tool to turn on like the DeWalt paddle switch, or Makitas easier top switch to avoid an accidental trigger push.

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

Best cordless angle grinders

#1 Best cordless DeWalt angle grinder

DeWalt DCG413B 20v 4.5-inch

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

  •  Light-weight at only 3.75 lbs and a soft start feature.
  •  Runs 57% longer than other grinders with the option of larger batteries.
  •  Operates with a 2-position side handle for left- and right-handed operation.
  •  Runs at a top speed of 9,000 RPM.
  •  Employs a paddle switch that doubles as a kickback brake.
  • The trigger can be a bit sticky.
Check Amazon Reviews

#2 Best cordless Makita angle grinder

Makita XAG04Z 18v 4.5-inch

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

  •  Spins at a top speed of 8,500 RPM.
  •  Cuts through everything from tile to concrete, and even metal making it a great tool to have.
  •  The brushless motor ensures longer run times and more efficient performance.
  •  Equipped with an Automatic Speed Change feature that throttles speed and torque automatically depending on the application.
  • Heavier than the DeWalt.

#3 Cordless Milwaukee grinder

Milwaukee M18 fuel 4.5-inch

 

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

  • Comparable performance to many corded electric grinders.
  • Good battery life for DIY projects.
  • Rugged metal housing.
  • A durable gear system ensures high performance.
  • The safety power switch takes some getting used to.
  • Check Amazon Reviews

#4 Best Cordless DeWalt cut-off grinder

DeWalt DCG412B 20-volt 4.5-inch

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

  • A small and compact hand grinder with power to spare while still having great safety attributes.
  •  Gets up to speed and slows down quickly.
  • Comes with enough cutting power for most DIY jobs.
  • Check Amazon Reviews

#5 Metabo 18v 4.5-inch grinder

Metabo 18v 4.5-inch

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

  •  An air-cooled charging feature prolongs the battery life.
  •  Transfers power efficiently, resulting in longer run-time and more power.
  •  Boasts a built-in overload protection.
  • The battery connection feels a bit flimsy and a bit of a heavier tool.
  • Also check

#6 Bosch battery grinder kit

Bosch GWS18V-45PSCB14 4.5-inch

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

  • The Brushless motor ensures efficient performance with longer run-time.
  • The onboard user interface enables precise control over grinder speed and tool optimization.
  • Features a convenient Bluetooth function that facilitates storing custom settings on the Bosch Toolbox app.
  • A bit pricey.
  • Also check

#7 Cordless DIY angle grinder

Skil AG290202 20v 4.5-inch (brushed)

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

  • The battery is equipped with a temperature management system that keeps it cool and prolongs its life.
  • Handles are comfortable for every cutting, grinding, sanding, and polishing task.
  • Convenient 3-position side handle for easy handling.
  • The battery doesn’t last very long compared to other grinders.
  • Also check

#8 Affordable DIY Ryobi angle grinder

Ryobi p421 one+ 18v  (brushed)

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

  • A comfortable grip with rubber molding for a secure hold.
  • The onboard spanner wrench makes disc replacement quick and easy.
  • Armed with a 3-position side handle for easy handling.
  • The motor runs down the 2Ah battery too quickly at maximum speed.
Check Amazon Reviews

Best cordless 7-inch angle grinder

#1 Best cordless 7-inch grinder

Makita XAG12Z1 lithium-ion brushless 36v

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

  • Running on two 18v batteries it is a
  • powerful angle grinder with great battery life.
  • Powered with an electronic torque control that shuts off the motor if the wheel rotation is interrupted.
  • Electric brake stops the wheel from spinning in less than 5 seconds.
  • Heavier than smaller cut-off grinders, but not as powerful as a plugin grinder.
Check Amazon Reviews

Battery powered grinders: what are they?

Battery grinders are handheld power tools that can be used for a wide variety of grinding, polishing, and cutting jobs. Sometimes called “disc grinders” or “side grinders”, they are typically powered by electricity or compressed air.

The best cordless ones operate on battery packs best known as lithium-ion technology and will work even in a power outage.

Other uses of grinders include metal cleaning, cutting stone or steel, and removing old mortar from walls. Plumbers can use grinders to cut through galvanized pipes, while electricians can use electric cut-off tools to slice through conduits or PVC pipes. 

Comparing new and old cordless grinder

The older Makita is wrapped with a thick handle that is harder to grip handle, compared to the newer model.

Angle grinders are pretty versatile tools that can even take the place of other power tools generally used for cutting. They can be fitted with a wide variety of cutting discs that make them perfectly suited for cutting stone, concrete, or even metal. 

For cutting and smoothening through concrete, stone, or metal, general contractors and auto-body repair specialists typically attach diamond-tipped blades to their grinders.

In addition, there are sanding and polishing wheels that can smoothen down rough surfaces like concrete and prepare them for painting. 

For removing rust and corrosion or for buffing metal surfaces, grinders are often fitted with wire brush attachments. 

My Makita angle grinder with my safety goggles

 

Features to consider first

  • Disc size. The size of the disc determines the area a grinder can cover and the size of the pieces it can cut. Discs sizes range from 4½” to 9”.
  • Speed rating. The speed at which the disc turns determines how efficiently the grinder can handle particular jobs
  • Motor power. The power of the motor determines the efficiency of a grinder for specific tasks. 
  • Battery. High-capacity batteries made from Lithium-ion charge faster, last longer, and have longer run times than nickel-cadmium batteries.
  • Adjustable side handle. This handle helps you use the angle grinder with either hand.
  • Slide switch. For locking the power trigger on, and making it easy to release.

Before buying a cordless grinder

1. Research the brand.

Some of the best cordless angle grinders are made by Milwaukee, DeWalt, Hitachi, Makita, and Bosch. Additionally, Ryobi and Metabo grinders offer pretty good value for the money.

Purchasing grinders from these companies generally assures you of a quality product that will last a long time and give you reliable performance. Grinders from these companies usually provide sufficient power for even heavy-duty jobs. 

2. Pick a brushless motor.

Brushless motors are generally preferable to brushed motors that utilize an array of brushes that rub up against a rotating commutator.

Traditional brushed designs create a considerable amount of friction which produces heat and results in less than optimal performance.

Cordless tools with brushless motors generally last longer and require less maintenance than those with brushed motors. 

 

3. Decide on blade size.

Blade sizes for cordless grinders range from 4.5” to 9”, with a variety of other sizes in between including 5”, 6”, and 7” models.

The larger the disc size, the larger the cuts you can make in the workpiece, and the more material you can remove.

Grinders with 4.5” disc sizes are suitable for most DIY jobs, although you may want to go up to a 7” tool for bigger tasks. 

4. Think about speed rating.

Handheld grinders typically spin at a range of 5,000 to 10,000 RPM and some have variable speed control. Most commercially available grinders intended for DIY and professional applications spin at about 8,000 to 9,000 RPM with an electric brake that kicks in when the trigger is released.

Although grinders with a higher RPM will let you work more efficiently, they can be more dangerous to use due to the faster rotation of the disc. 

5. Pick a comfortable handle.

A tool that is comfortable and easy to hold with good weight distribution makes doing a job easier.

Having a handle at the back of the grinder close to the weight of the battery makes the tool balanced in your hand, and keeps your hand further away from the blade and the sparks.

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

Corded angle grinders vs. Cordless

Traditionally, the best grinders were corded models that provided adequate power for the most demanding jobs.

The cordless grinders first appeared on the market, most of them were underpowered and suitable only for DIY use.

Nowadays, however, many cordless options measure up to the best corded angle grinders in terms of power, performance, and attributes.

In addition, cordless grinders offer a number of advantages over their corded counterparts.

There is no cord to get in your way, so there is no risk of cutting into it accidentally and electrocuting yourself.

You aren’t tethered to a wall outlet, so you can work pretty much anywhere you want, even outdoors or on your driveway.

Dewalt Cordless Angle Grinder

Final verdict

No metal or concrete cutting tools are as versatile as what you find in this review. If you need to make long cuts in a large piece of wood or steel, grinders will give you much more power than anything else.

Moreover, you can use them on worksites where the lack of power outlets makes the use of corded tools impossible or impractical.

Brushless vs. Brushed motor

Brushless motors have become quite popular in the building and construction industries in recent years, and even among DIY hobbyists. Traditional power tool motors have brushes that come in contact with a rotating commutator.

This produces a lot of friction and heat, which results in a great deal of wear and tear on the motor.

Brushless designs do away with the brush system entirely, resulting in a more efficient motor that lasts longer and performs better than brushed models.

Like all brushless power tools, brushless grinders are a bit more expensive than brushed motor models.

Even so, the power and performance benefits provided by brushless DeWalt cordless grinders and Milwaukee angle grinders make them much better choices for DIYers and pros alike.

Bosch Cordless Angle Grinder

Choosing the best cordless angle grinders

#1 Lightest cordless grinder

The best cordless angle grinder is the Makita XAG04Z kit includes the XAG04T which boasts a top speed of 8,500 RPM.

A 4.5” 18-volt model, the grinder runs on a brushless motor that gives you a huge power and speed boost compared to other grinders, and longer run times and tool life besides.

The XAG04T attributes Makita’s Automatic Speed Change Technology, which adjusts the motor’s speed and torque automatically while in use, ensuring optimal performance for every task.

Despite weighing only 5.6 pounds, (With a battery) the XAG04T works on heavy-duty jobs like grinding, cutting, and sanding almost any type of material, including tile, concrete, steel pipes, conduits, and a lot more.

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

 

#1 Best DeWalt cordless grinder

The DEWALT DCG413B boasts 9,000 max RPM in a compact but powerful package.

Running at 20 volts, this brushless angle grinder keeps running 57% longer than comparable brushed motor models.

It comes with a paddle switch that kicks on the single-speed motor, which also doubles as a brake control that stops the spinning action immediately when the switch is released.

The DCG413B employs a 2-position side handle that facilitates easy left- or right-handed operation.

With a 4.5” wheel size, the DCG413B is a solid performer that can handle a wide variety of cutting, grinding, sharpening, and polishing jobs

What I like about DeWalt cordless tools is the option to get bigger batteries if needed like the 60v/20v 9AH Flexvolt batteries. 

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

 

When to use a cordless disk grinder?

A Cordless grinder is the perfect choice when you need a portable and versatile tool for grinding, cutting, and a host of other tasks.

If you are working on a remote job site where power outlets are in short supply, you will want to pack a cordless grinder in your tool bag. It’s better to be available when lawn mowing so you can sharpen your mower’s blade.

For in the garage or workshop, a variable speed bench grinder can be used to do more stable grinding jobs such as sharpening wood chisels.

Milwaukee Cordless Angle Grinder

However, you can use grinders to polish wood, stone, or metal, and to smoothen down rough surfaces when a portable tool is needed.

Moreover, battery-operated grinders can be used to restore the edge of bladed tools like your splitting maul and knives.

A grinder can quickly remove burrs or other obstructions on a wide variety of materials. With the right bladed attachment, cordless grinders can even be used to cut plastic, rebar, tile, or cement backer board. While even the best bench grinders can only grind without being able to cut.

Can you cut porcelain tile with an angle grinder?

When cutting porcelain tiles, many professionals opt to use a wet saw specifically designed for that purpose. But wet saws are specialty tools that aren’t readily accessible to most workers.

The good news is that you can use your angle grinder to cut tiles if you attach a stone blade to it. A 4.5” grinder is usually best suited for the job, allowing you to cut through most types of tiles fairly easily. 

Keep in mind that cordless grinders won’t cut through porcelain tiles as smoothly as a wet saw or a tile cutting board.

But if you only need to make rough cuts wherein the edges will be concealed by a baseboard or finishing materials anyway, a 4.5” angle grinder will do in a pinch.

Some blade materials are better suited to cutting tiles than others. If you need to make precise cuts, you will get much better results by using a diamond blade attachment with your grinder.

Make sure to choose a smooth-edged blade without notches or serrations on it.

These blades are better suited for cutting through porcelain smoothly, as opposed to serrated blades which are better for cutting through natural stone.

Using cordless dewalt angle grinder

Tips for using cordless angle grinders

1. Know how angle grinders work.

Cordless grinders are generally safe to use [1], although you do have to take some precautions to avoid injury and damage to your workpiece.

Keep in mind that some angle grinders can spin up to 10,000 RPM compared to the 1,200 RPM of most drills.

So you really do have to know what you are doing to use your grinder safely. 

Cordless Angle Grinder No Guard

2. It is always a great idea to remove the battery if you are changing discs.

This ensures that the motor won’t start accidentally if you happen to hit the switch. 

3. Test run the discs before grinding.

Speaking of changing the grinding wheel or changing discs, it is good practice to run any new discs for 20 seconds before making the cut.

This ensures that there is nothing wrong with the disc installation that could cause injury. In addition, check that the burst-resistant wheel guard is installed correctly.

4. Always grip the grinder securely with both hands while working.

Make sure that the handles are attached firmly to the chassis. And if your angle grinder comes with a guard, use it! And don’t go for one with no lock paddle switch.

Click here for more information on how to use an angle grinder.

5. Always have rests when using.

Have a rest from time to time to avoid using a power tool for prolonged periods. It is important to rest your arms and adjust for better grip.

Extended periods of tool use can cause your blood to thin from vibrations. A general rule is to have a rest every 15 minutes and wear thick leather gloves and use a vibration control handle to reduce vibration.

Cordless grinder history

The first angle grinders were produced in 1954. They were invented by the German firm Ackermann + Schmitt, which was known in German as “FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH”.

Because of the company’s name, angle grinders are still commonly referred to as “flex” tools in Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Hungary, Romania, and other countries in Europe. 

When did Makita go cordless?

Makita is one of the biggest manufacturers of grinders and other power tools in the world. Much of the company’s history [2], in fact, mirrors the development of power tools throughout the 20th century. 

Makita started out as a sales and repair firm for electric motors in 1915, long before the establishment of the Makita Corporation in 1958. Since then, the company has grown exponentially, becoming one of the world’s leading providers of quality power tools. 

Makita rolled out its first grinder in 1989, along with a circular saw and a drill.

The tools were designed by Giorgetto Giugiaro and exhibited at the World Design Exposition held in Nagoya.

Today, the company continues to manufacture an extensive array of tools geared towards professional carpenters and construction workers.

Makita tools will never let you down even if DeWalt is slightly more competitive here.

Our detailed comparison

DEWALT DCG413B

DEWALT DCG413B 20V Cut Off Brushless Kit

Makita XAG04Z

Makita XAG04Z 18V 4.5 Inch Cordless Angle Grinder Brushless Kit

DeWalt DCG412B

DEWALT DCG412B 20 Volt Cut Off Angle Grinder Kit

Milwaukee M18 Fuel

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 4.5 5 Inch Angle Grinder Brushless Kit

Metabo 18V

Metabo 18V 4.5 Inch Angle Grinder 5.5Ah Kit

Bosch GWS18V-45PSCB

Bosch GWS18V 45PSCB14 4.5 Inch Brushless Angle Grinder Kit

SKIL AG290202

SKIL AG290202 20V 4.5 Inch Angle Grinder Kit Brushed

Ryobi P421 ONE+

Ryobi P421 ONE 18V Cordless Angle Grinder Kit Brushed

Makita XAG12Z1

Makita XAG12Z1 Lithium Ion 36V Brushless 7 Inch Cordless Angle Grinder
Verdict:#1 Top cordless
Wheel diameter:4-1/2 inches4-1/2/ 5 inches4-1/2/ 5 inches4-1/2/ 5 inches4-1/2 inches4-1/2 inches4-1/2 inches4-1/2 inches7 inches
Weight:3.75 lbs (Tool only)5.6 lbs4.07 lbs5.8 lbs6.2 lbs5 lbs6.15 lbs4.3 lbs11.4 lbs
Motor:BrushlessBrushlessBrushed
BrushlessBrushlessBrushlessBrushedBrushedBushless
Speed:9000 rpm8500 rpm8000 rpm8500 rpm9000 rpm10000 rpm8500 rpm10400 rpm7800 rpm
Battery:(1) 3Ah, 20VTool only(1) 3Ah, 20VTool only(1) 5.5 Ah, 18V(1) 6.3 Ah, 18V(1) 2 Ah, 20VTool only(2) 5 Ah, 18V

Verdict: The mightiest cordless angle grinder

The best angle grinder comes down to both the Makita XAG04Z and the DeWalt DCG413B kits that provide outstanding value for money.

The XAG04T that comes with the Makita kit is a great choice for all-around cutting and grinding jobs, with a top speed of 8,500 RPM and an automatic speed change feature that adjusts performance automatically according to the demands of the job. 

The DeWalt DCG413B is an absolute powerhouse, capable of a maximum RPM of 9,000.

Its brushless design ensures much longer performance than most other angle grinders, and the paddle switch doubles as a brake control for safe and convenient operation.

If you are looking for a versatile metal-cutting cordless tool that provides enough power even for heavy-duty jobs, the DCG413B should be on your list.

Me using makita cordless angle grinder

DeWalt DCG413B

Benefits of DeWalt DCG413B

  • Highest quality angle grinder with a top speed of 9,000 RPM.
  • Lighter weight than the others while still having the most powerful motor.
  • Longer run times and great efficient performance.
  • Automatic Speed Change feature with a kickback brake.
  • Portability cut steel and concrete.

DeWalt DCG413B drawbacks:

  • None.

#1 Best 4.5-inch cordless angle grinder

Best cordless angle grinder for cutting metal

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Frequently Asked Questions

Loader image

Yes. you can use a stone blade for this job with a 4-inch angle grinder. Although the result isn't as neat as a tile wet saw or tile cutting board.

You can only use a 4-inch variable-speed angle grinder for buffing and polishing. You need it to be operating at 3000 RPM or less. The usual angle grinder with single speed runs at 8000 RPM which is not advisable for car detailing.

More information:

  1. Angle grinder safety tips can be found at, https://www.sgs-engineering.com/help-advice/successfully-use-angle-grinder/
  2. Makita History, retrieved from, https://www.makita.co.nz/about/history.lsd