Find the perfect angle grinder at Harbor Freight. Compare top brands like Bauer and Hercules. Reviews, specs, and the best prices on grinders.
You’re looking for an angle grinder, but don’t want to break the bank. Harbor Freight has you covered. They’ve got all the top brands of grinders like Bauer, Chicago Electric, and Hercules for a fraction of the price you’ll find at the big box stores. In this article, we’ll go through the best angle grinders at Harbor Freight.
We’ll compare specs, prices, and real customer reviews so you can find the perfect grinder for cutting, grinding, and polishing jobs around the house and garage. Whether you’re a pro or a DIYer, we’ll help you get the right angle grinder without wasting money. Let’s dive in and find your new favorite power tool.
Top Angle Grinders at Harbor Freight
| Model Name | Size | Type | Key Features | Approx. Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bauer 4.5-inch Angle Grinder | 4.5-inch | Corded | Powerful motor, adjustable guard, spindle lock | $20-$65 |
| Hercules 6-inch Angle Grinder | 6-inch | Corded | Heavy-duty, high RPM, durable construction | $50-$100 |
| Bauer 3-inch Mini Angle Grinder | 3-inch | Corded | Compact design, ideal for tight spaces, variable speed | $30-$50 |
Bauer 4.5-inch Angle Grinder
This compact angle grinder packs some serious power. The Bauer 4.5-inch angle grinder offers 6 amps of grinding force and up to 11,000 RPM. It’s lightweight but durable, with a rugged cast aluminum gear case and spindle lock for quick disk changes. At under $30, it’s an incredible value for DIYers and professionals alike.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | 8 Amp motor delivers up to 11,000 RPM for fast material removal. |
| Grip Design | Trigger grip design for comfort and control. |
| Handle | Adjustable two-position side handle for maximum comfort during extended periods of grinding and cutting. |
| Slim Body Design | Ergonomic slim body design with trigger switch or slide switch (depending on the model). |
| Versatility | Accepts 1/4” and 1/8” collets for greater utility. |
| Cord Length | 8-foot fixed rubber cord for durability. |
Hercules 6-inch Angle Grinder
For heavy-duty jobs, the Hercules 6-inch angle grinder is a beast. This grinder churns out 11 amps and 12,000 RPM, with a rugged die-cast aluminum gear case and spindle lock. It also features a handy paddle switch with a safety guard for comfort and control. The 6-inch disk size makes this perfect for slicing through metal, grinding welds, and polishing large surfaces. Although a bit pricier, around $50, the power and performance are worth it.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | Powerful 13 Amp motor delivers consistent speeds under loads, ensuring it won’t bog down during tough jobs. |
| Maximum RPM | Capable of reaching up to 10,000 RPM for efficient material removal. |
| Trigger Grip Design | Professional-grade trigger grip provides comfort and control during operation. |
| Versatility | Includes three tool-free guards for 4-1/2 in., 5 in., and 6 in. wheels, allowing for various applications. |
| Metal Gear Case | A durable metal gear case ensures longevity and reliability. |
| Ergonomic Design | A durable metal gear case ensures longevity and reliability . |
Bauer 3-inch Mini Angle Grinder
If portability and precision are priorities, consider the Bauer 3-inch mini-angle grinder. Don’t let the size fool you; this mighty mini cranks out 4 amps and up to 20,000 RPM. The compact, ergonomic body weighs only 2.5 lbs, ideal for tight areas and detail work. It even includes three grinding disks to get you started. At just $20, this little wonder is a must-have for any workshop.
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Motor Power | The Bauer 3-inch Mini Angle Grinder is equipped with a powerful 8 amp motor that delivers up to 11,000 RPM for efficient material removal. |
| Compact Design | With its slim body and ergonomic trigger switch, this grinder is designed for comfort and control during extended periods of grinding and cutting. |
| Versatility | The mini angle grinder accepts 1/4” and 1/8” collets, allowing you to use a variety of accessories for different tasks. |
| Cord Length | It features an 8-foot fixed rubber cord for durability and ease of use. |
With high-performance yet affordable angle grinders in a range of sizes, Harbor Freight has you covered. Whether you need to cut pipe, grind a weld, sharpen tools, or polish metal, there’s a grinder to fit your needs and budget. Stop by your local Harbor Freight store today and pick up an angle grinder – your projects will thank you!
Bauer vs Hercules Angle Grinders Compared
If you’re looking for an affordable angle grinder that can handle most DIY cutting and grinding jobs, Bauer and Hercules are two solid Harbor Freight brands to consider.
Bauer’s 4.5 amp model and Hercules’ 5 amp grinder will work for most light to medium tasks, cutting through tile, stone, metal, and wood. For more demanding jobs, Bauer’s 9 amp or Hercules’ 7 or 9 amp grinders provide extra power and durability.
| Category | Bauer | Hercules |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | DIYers & occasional use | Heavy use & demanding users |
| Power | Light to medium-duty tasks | More powerful for tough materials |
| Durability | Decent, not for heavy use | Built for longevity |
| Features | Basic (spindle lock, adj. guard) | Advanced (soft-start, variable speed) |
| Price | Most affordable | More expensive (but good value) |
Durability
Both brands are built to last, with die-cast aluminum gear cases, overload protection, and sealed ball bearings. Hercules may have a slight edge, with models featuring metal gears and shafts for maximum longevity. Still, either brand should provide years of reliable service for a weekend warrior.
Comfort
Look for a model with an auxiliary handle, like Bauer’s 4.5 amp or Hercules’ 7 amp grinders. This provides an extra grip point for better control, especially on vertical cuts. Some grinders, like Hercules’ 5 amp model, also have vibration-reducing paddles to decrease fatigue during prolonged use.
Accessories
No matter which brand you choose, be sure to pick up a set of cutting and grinding wheels to match your needs. Harbor Freight frequently runs sales on abrasive wheels, cut-off wheels, flap disks, and more. With the right accessories, a Bauer or Hercules grinder can transform into a cutting, shaping, and polishing power tool.
At the end of the day, either Bauer or Hercules will get the job done for a price that can’t be beaten. Choose a model based on your power and comfort needs, pick up some extra wheels, and you’ll have an angle grinder that will serve you well for years to come.
Key Features to Look for in an Angle Grinder
When shopping for an angle grinder, focus on three key features: motor power, disk size, and comfort. These factors will determine what kinds of materials and projects your grinder can handle as well as how easy it is to use.
Power
Look for an angle grinder with a motor that’s at least 5 to 6 amps for small DIY jobs, and up to 9 amps or more for demanding tasks like cutting steel or concrete. The more powerful the motor, the easier it will spin the grinding disk under load. For most casual users and hobbyists, a grinder in the 6 to 8-amp range should work great for a variety of materials without being overkill.
Disk Size
The disk size, measured in inches, determines how much surface area the grinder can grind at once. For most people, a 4 1/2- or 5-inch disk is a versatile size that can handle everything from sharpening tools to light fabrication. Larger 6- or 7-inch disks are good for high-volume material removal but may be trickier to handle. In the end, choose a disk size that matches the kinds of jobs you have in mind.
Comfort
Look for an angle grinder with features that make it comfortable and easy to use for long periods. A side handle gives you more control and leverage. A spindle lock allows you to quickly change disks with just one wrench. A slim, ergonomic body design minimizes fatigue. Anti-vibration technology reduces the shaking felt in your hands. A trigger safety lock prevents accidental starts for safer operation.
With the right features for your needs, an angle grinder from Harbor Freight can tackle a wide range of grinding, cutting, and polishing tasks for years to come. Compare different models to find one with the perfect balance of power, disk size, and comfort for your DIY projects.
Getting the Best Deal on Angle Grinders at Harbor Freight
Harbor Freight is known for offering great prices on power tools, and angle grinders are no exception. To score the best deal on an angle grinder, here are some tips:
Compare Models
Harbor Freight sells angle grinders under their Bauer and Hercules brands, ranging from small 3” grinders up to 9”. Compare specs like disk size, amperage, and rpm to determine how much power you need for your projects. The lower-end grinders will work great for most casual DIY cutting and grinding, while the higher-end models are better suited for heavy-duty work.
Check for Coupons
Harbor Freight frequently runs sales and coupons for 20-25% off any single item. Angle grinders often qualify for these coupons, so check HarborFreight.com or your local mailers before you head to the store. You can also find Harbor Freight coupon codes on sites like RetailMeNot.com and Coupons.com to use when you check out.
Look for Bundle Deals
Harbor Freight frequently bundles popular tools together at a discount. They often bundle an angle grinder with cutting and grinding disks, safety gear like face shields or respirators, and tool bags to keep everything organized. These bundle deals can save you up to 50% compared to buying everything separately.
Don’t Forget the Accessories
Once you’ve purchased your angle grinder, you’ll need disks, guards, handles, and other accessories to actually use it. Harbor Freight offers a wide selection of angle grinder accessories at very affordable prices. Stock up on everything from cutting and grinding disks to wire cup brushes and flap sanding disks. Their accessories work with most major angle grinder brands and models.
By comparing different models, using available coupons and bundle deals, and purchasing affordable accessories, you can get a complete angle grinder setup from Harbor Freight for a fraction of what you’d pay elsewhere. With some savvy shopping, you’ll be cutting and grinding in no time!
FAQs About Angle Grinders at Harbor Freight
What size angle grinder should I get?
The size of the angle grinder refers to the diameter of the disk it can accept. For most DIY tasks, a 4-1/2 or 5-inch grinder will work great. These are compact but powerful enough for cutting and grinding metal. For larger jobs like cutting concrete, consider a 9-inch model. Harbor Freight offers angle grinders in sizes from 4 to 9 inches to suit any project.
What types of disks work with angle grinders?
Angle grinders accept a variety of disks for different purposes. Cutting disks have a sharp edge for slicing metal. Grinding disks are coated in abrasives for shaping and smoothing surfaces. Wire wheels are ideal for polishing and cleaning. Flap disks combine grinding power with a smoother finish. Diamond blades can cut through concrete and stone. Make sure any disks you buy match the specifications of your particular angle grinder model.
How do I change the disk on an angle grinder?
Changing the disk on an angle grinder is pretty straightforward but important to do safely. First, unplug the grinder and allow it to cool if it was just used. Loosen the outer guard nut or bolt with a wrench and remove the guard. Loosen the inner nut or bolt that secures the disk in place. Remove the existing disk. Place the new disk on the spindle so that it spins in the proper direction, usually marked with an arrow. Hand-tighten the inner nut. Replace the guard and tighten the outer nut. Double-check that the disk is secure before plugging in and using your angle grinder.
What safety gear do I need to use an angle grinder?
Angle grinders can be dangerous if used improperly, so safety is essential. Always wear eye protection like safety glasses to shield from flying debris. Hearing protection like earmuffs will help prevent damage from loud noise. Wear a dust mask to avoid breathing dust and a face shield for more coverage.
Conclusion
So there you have it – everything you need to know to find the perfect angle grinder for your needs and budget at Harbor Freight. We looked at top brands like Bauer and Hercules, compared specs and prices, and reviewed real customer experiences. Whether you’re a pro who needs heavy-duty performance or a DIYer tackling weekend projects, Harbor Freight has a grinder that will get the job done right.
And with their everyday low prices and constant sales, you can get professional power without breaking the bank. Pick up one of these bad boys on your next trip and start grinding, cutting, and sharpening like a pro. You’ll wonder how you ever got by without an angle grinder after you experience how much time and effort they save. Happy shopping!
