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Angle grinders are unique devices that have a special role in the world of power tools. This is not a tool that every homeowner needs. It’s not like a power drill; a tool that almost everyone can use. But for anyone who works on cars, restores anything made of old metal, or who may need to burr metal or remove rust deposits, an angle grinder is the essential tool. Some construction projects require heavy duty versions of the angle grinder. But for many people, even professional contractors on particular projects, economical but powerful versions of this tool, like the Dewalt DWE402 Angle Grinder, will fill the bill.
Angle grinders are used in all kinds of metalworking and in many phases of construction. Auto repair services and auto body shops use them. Construction professionals and homeowners working on improvement projects will have many applications for this versatile tool. Metal artists and sculptors use this tool. Fitted with different blades, angle grinders can be used for grinding, leveling and polishing metal, but they also can be used on concrete, stone, and tile.
There are different sizes and styles of grinders. Some are attached to workbenches and others are portable. Some are electric, some are gas-powered and some are pneumatic. Handheld, portable electric angle grinders like the Dewalt DWE 402 offer tremendous flexibility to reach difficult places, to work in small spaces and to handle a wide variety of applications.
WHAT IS THE DEWALT DWE402 ANGLE Grinder?
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The Dewalt DWE402 Angle Grinder is a handheld, electric powered, corded 4 1/2-inch angle grinder capable of handling projects that require a lot of power as well as those requiring more detailed precision. It has the best power to weight/size ratio available. It is designed for safe and comfortable operation, with a small gripping surface that is both comfortable and gives the user good control. The two-position side handle is ergonomically designed for both comfort and strength.
PRODUCT SPECS
- Next Generation 11 Amp AC/DC 11,000 RPM motor of angle grinder provides the best power to weight/size ratio available
- Dust Ejection System provides durability by ejecting damaging dust and debris particles that enter the metal grinder
- Oversized brushes of this DEWALT angle grinder provide 2 times brush life over previous model (D28402)
- Large spiral bevel gear provides long transmission life
- One-Touch Guard allows for 360 degree rotation of the guard with a single action
The Dewalt DWE402’s dust eviction system prevents metal particles from interfering with the performance of the grinder and also helps keep the work area clean. This angle grinder has a quick change wheel that enables the user to change the wheel without requiring any tools. Its one-touch guard allows the user to rotate the grinder 360 degrees in one movement, making it very flexible. The lock-off system on the paddle gear is a safety feature that prevents accidental starting of the grinder.
The DWE402 has a powerful 11 amp AC/DC motor that can operate at 11,000 rpm. The motor has oversized brushes that enable the motor to operate at twice the power of the Dewalt model the DWE402 replaced. Its large, spiral, beveled gear is designed for long transmission life. The dust ejection system, grip and side handle configurations, paddle gear safety lock-off system, and one touch guard are features that distinguish the DWE402.
PRICING
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The four angle grinders we are comparing are all low to moderately priced power tools, ranging from around $23 to around $80. All are available through Amazon.com. The $ rating given to each is based on its price in comparison to the others in our review.
HOW THE DEWALT DWE402 COMPARES TO OTHER ANGLE GRINDERS
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We picked a few similar products available on the market to see how they compare. All are corded, electric-powered, hand held 4 1/2-inch angle grinders from popular, highly regarded tool manufacturers.
DEWALT DWE402 ANGLE GRINDER
- EASE OF USE
- DESIGN QUALITY
- WARRANTY
We give the Dewalt DWE402 four out of five stars for ease of use. The Dewalt DWE402 weighs six pounds. It is not as light as the Black & Decker, and it may take a little practice for a new user to get comfortable operating such a powerful handheld tool. For experienced users, this grinder will be easy to use. It offers comfort features in the grip and side handle arrangement important for users who will operate it for an extended time.
BLACK+DECKER BDEG400 6 AMP ANGLE GRINDER
The Black & Decker BDEG400 6 Amp Angle Grinder is designed for sharpening, cutting, grinding, removing rust and surface preparation. Its 6 amp motor operates at 10,000 rpm. It has a metal gear case for durability and longer life. The side handle can be adjusted to three positions to give the user a comfortable hold and good control at different angles and on a variety of materials. It has a spindle lock to make changing accessories easy. It comes with a metal grinding wheel and spanner wrench.
- EASE OF USE
- DESIGN QUALITY
- WARRANTY
We give the Black and Decker Angle Grinder warranty three out of five stars. It has a two-year manufacturer’s limited warranty against defects in materials and workmanship, which is longer than one of the grinders in this review but shorter than the other two.
MAKITA 9557PBX1 4-1/2-INCH ANGLE GRINDER
The Makita 9557PB is a 4-1/2 inch Angle Grinder engineered for cutting, grinding and polishing. The Makita Angle Grinder has a powerful 7.5 amp motor with a labyrinth construction that seals the motor and bearing to prevent debris accumulation. It has a small barrel grip for easy handling and weighs only 4.5 pounds.
The side handle can be installed on either side of the grinder. The Makita 9557PBX is the complete kit and includes the angle grinder, five 4 1/2-inch grinding wheels, a metal tool case, cut-off and grinding wheel guards, and a Makita diamond blade with turbo rim engineering. The diamond blade makes constant contact with the material to produce a smoother cut and finish.
- EASE OF USE
- DESIGN QUALITY
- WARRANTY
We give the Makita 9557 PB Angle Grinder two out of five stars for its warranty, which is the shortest of the four in this review. The Makita Angle Grinder has a 30-day satisfaction guarantee that will replace the tool or refund the purchase price at Makita’s discretion. There is a one-year limited manufacturer’s warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
PORTER-CABLE PC60TAG 6.0-AMP 4-1/2-INCH ANGLE GRINDER
The Porter-Cable PC60TAG Angle Grinder has a six-amp motor capable of handling a variety of jobs at speeds up to 11,000 rpm. This is a relatively lightweight angle grinder, weighing 4.1 pounds. Its three-position side handle, along with the rotating housing, lets the gear housing revolve for optimal positions while the user retains control in whatever position they are using the tool.
This angle grinder has a cast metal gear case. Its rapid release guard can be removed and changed quickly and without tools. The guard can be aligned to control the spark path and provide safety. The Porter-Cable PC60TAG comes with the side handle, grinding wheel, wrench, and blade guard. It doesn’t come with a case.
- EASE OF USE
- DESIGN QUALITY
- WARRANTY
We give the Porter-Cable PC60TAG Angle Grinder five out of five stars for ease of use. Experienced grinder users report that it is easy to start using this model if you are familiar with angle grinders in general. It is lightweight to operate, offers three handle positions and the release guard can be changed without tools.
CONCLUSION
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Our selection of angle grinders includes a range of tools that will meet the needs of beginners, do-it-yourselfers, and professionals who use portable angle grinders for a wide range of applications. The lowest priced model, the Black & Decker Angle Grinder, is not heavy duty enough for commercial use. But it is an excellent starter tool that will perform well for occasional projects and will give the operator a taste of what an angle grinder can do at a very reasonable price.
The Makita and Porter-Cable angle grinders are quality tools that will work for both home and professional use. The Makita 9557 PBX offers a complete kit with a selection of grinding wheels, while the Porter-Cable model is just the basic tool. Both offer power and portability. The choice may hinge on price or on the specific purposes the user has for an angle grinder. Both models are high quality tools from established, respected manufacturers.
There are no losers in our comparison, but one clear winner. We give the Dewalt DWE402 Angle Grinder a five star rating for its superior power, its well-designed features and its suitability for both home projects and commercial applications. This angle grinder is engineered for durability, flexibility, safety and comfort. It is the heaviest of the four models but can be operated comfortably with good control for extended usage. Unique design elements for flexibility and dust ejection, a three-year warranty and an affordable price all contribute to the Dewalt’s well-deserved reputation as the tool to choose.
Last update on 2023-06-09 at 14:13 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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