Having an angle grinder in your power tool arsenal means that with the right attachment, you can work with anything from wood to metal to ceramic and stone. Standard size angle grinders are capable of accepting a wide range of accessories for multiple applications, be it for grinding, sanding, or sawing, but fitted with the powerful edges of a diamond wheel, a good angle grinder works great at carving and cutting granite, ceramic, tile and more.
Particularly when it comes to working with granite, a popular material used in construction for anything from floors and walls to countertops and decorative ornaments, a tool that packs the right power to remove and shape material quickly and precisely while still giving you the control to avoid damaging the material and rendering it useless, the right angle grinder can make all the difference. Take a look at our picks for the best angle grinder for granite.
KEN’S PICK
Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder
A versatile and powerful angle grinder, the 4 and ½ inch wheel diameter accepts a wide range of accessories, and includes a 4 and ½ inch diamond blade, great for working with granite, ceramic, tile and masonry. Backed by a 7.5-amp motor delivering an output of 11,000 RPM for precision grinding and material removal, the unit comes with a sturdy ball-bearing balanced and labyrinth sealed construction, a protective varnish keeping out the inevitable by-products of cutting and grinding granite, so you won’t have to worry about dust and debris clogging up and damaging the unit.
User-friendliness and safety is ensured thanks to two wheel guards included to protect you from flying debris and spinning blades, while the extra large paddle switch gives you better control when using the unit, cutting down the risk of accidents, since if the machine ever starts getting away from you, simply letting go of the paddle switches it off rather than having to fumble for a switch while risking injury to yourself and damage to your project. Also including standard 4 and a ½ inch grinding wheels, the spindle lock makes for swift and easy accessory changes for different applications, the removable side handle ideal for users who might want to adjust its position depending on what is comfortable for them and gives them the best stability and control.
KEN’S BUDGET PICK
Bosch 1375A 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder
Along with a dry cut diamond wheel perfect for working on granite as well as ceramic, tile and concrete, the unit also includes a cut-off disk, sanding disk and wire cup brush and wire wheel, the 5/8 inch to 11 inch spindle and standard 4 and a ½ inch wheel diameter size making it compatible with a range of other accessories too, so it can be used for anything from cutting rebars to stripping rust and old paint and sanding metal or wood.
Powered by a 6-amp motor delivering an output of 11,000 RPM, the tool is engineered using Bosch’s signature Service Minder Brush System to improve the longevity of the unit, shutting it off automatically when it’s in need of maintenance so you don’t accidentally push it beyond capacity. A lock-on switch lets you operate the grinder continuously without having to hold a button down, the adjustable side handle letting you work out what is the most comfortable position for you to work with safely and with precision. The spindle lock also allows quick and easy accessory replacements, wheel guard ensuring safety when using this high-powered tool.
RUNNER-UP
Metabo – 4.5″ Angle Grinder – 10, 500 Rpm – 8.5 Amp
Featuring the S-Automatic Safety Slip Clutch to prevent accessory jams from making the machine kick back, the unit also comes with an adjustable wheel guard with 7 lockable positions you can set tool-free. With the standard size of 4 and ½ inches capable of accepting multiple accessories – including diamond wheels for cutting granite – the unit gives you optimum control and precision with the rotatable gear housing, which can be turned at 90° increments to give you the best ergonomics for use, along with an adjustable side mounted handle for additional stability. A powerful 8.5-amp motor delivers an output of 10,500 RPM for swift and efficient cutting and grinding.
RUNNER-UP
DEWALT DWE402 4-1/2-Inch 11-Amp Paddle Switch Angle Grinder
Another standard sized 4 and a ½ inch unit with a 5/8 to 11 inch spindle, this powerful and rugged unit is capable of accepting and using multiple different accessories including the appropriately sized diamond wheels for working with granite. An 11-amp motor delivers 11,000 RPM for precision cutting and grinding, the paddle switch system ensuring you can simply let go of the paddle if the tool gets away from you without risking hurting yourself or damaging your project.
The One-Touch Guard, with 360° rotatability, makes for tool-free guard adjustments to work safely with the power tool, a two-position side handle also allowing better stability and control when using it. A heavy-duty hard plastic and metal housing ensures longevity and durability, a trademarked Dust Ejection System keeping out the dust released as a byproduct of cutting and grinding granite, the Quick Change wheel release system letting you switch out accessories quickly and efficiently when needed.