The best 18V angle grinders in Australia

The angle grinder is one of those must-have machines. Capable of a vast number of tasks, from grinding down welds to removing rust and paint, an angle grinder can be a real lifesaver. However, not all angle grinders are created equal.

We spoke with several workshops that all had a mixture of 18V battery-powered and corded angle grinders. We asked for their take on the best angle grinders for the job, and the consensus was strong. The 18V battery-powered angle grinder is the go-to tool for quick jobs like smaller cuts (300mm long or less), small amounts of steel rebar, or removing burs. But when it comes time to cut larger pieces (over 300mm long) or material that requires more power from your batteries, like thick items or continuous all-day use, you can't beat an old-school corded machine!

Therefore, an 18V angle grinder is a perfect all-rounder and all you need for the DIY home workshop or trades where you need a quick-use tool with multiple applications.

Below is a list of current angle grinders on the market in Australia recommended by the professionals, with a list of features, pros, and cons to help you decide which angle grinder is the right choice for your needs.

Ryobi 18V ONE+ 125mm Brushless Angle Grinder

Ryobi 18V ONE+ 125mm Brushless Angle Grinder

Product code: RAG18X

Points of interest:

• Max 9,200rpm no load speed
• Anti-kickback protection
• 125mm interchangeable discs
• Fully adjustable safety guard
• 4-year warranty

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With an 18V brushless motor and 9,200rpm no-load speed, the Ryobi 18V ONE+ 125mm Angle Grinder is a great little asset for the home handyman. Incorporated safety features like anti-kickback protection, line lock-out to prevent automatic start-up, and Soft Start help keep your digits safe and sound. The 2-in-1 Cutting and Grinding Guard help disperse those pesky sparks from setting your shirt on fire.

The Ryobi Grinder can be a little battery hungry on the big jobs. Still, if you have joined the vast Ryobi ONE+ ecosystem of handy home appliances, you probably have more batteries than Elon Musk. All this is backed up by an excellent replacement warranty, and if you happen to have bought one from a big green shed, you're only sausage sizzle away from solid after-sales support.

Milwaukee 125mm FUEL Cordless Rapid Stop Angle Grinder

Milwaukee 125mm FUEL Cordless Rapid Stop Angle Grinder

Product code: M18FSAG125XPDB-0

Points of interest:

• Rapid stop brake for kickback safety
• Guard and disc adjustment/changing is done without tools
• Deadman paddle switch
• Max 9,000rpm no load speed
• 5-year warranty

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With a robust metal housing and advanced gearing system, the Milwaukee 125mm FUEL Cordless Rapid Stop Angle Grinder is the perfect choice for the home handyman or tradie looking for a durable everyday grinder.

With REDLINK PLUS battery, Intelligence offering protection from overload and heating, the Milwaukee Grinder has more onboard technology than your first car.

The Rapid Stop brake offers safety from kickback, and with cool names like Deadman paddle switch, you'll be the envy of all the apprentices on site. Commanding a higher than average price point, the Milwaulkee delivers a versatile, durable, technology-packed tool with a reputation to match.

Metabo Quick 18V 125mm Cordless Angle Grinder

Metabo Quick 18V 125mm Cordless Angle Grinder

Product code: W18LTX125

Points of interest:

• Quick-lock nut means tool-free disc changes
• Swivel battery pack for better access in tight spaces
• Overload protection to prevent motor damage
• Dust protection filter to motor longevity
• Max 8,000rpm no load speed
• 3-year warranty

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A common brand came up when speaking with fabrication workshops, Metabo. With German engineering, the Metabo Quick 18V 125mm Cordless Angle Grinder presents excellent value as a go-to grinder for quick jobs in a workshop or home shed. With an 8,000rpm no load speed motor and slim design, the Metabo can get to the most hard-to-reach places.

Still can't reach that pesky bur? The Metabo's battery can be swivelled into four positions to give you even more versatility in accessing tight areas, which is ideal for panel work. Electronic soft start and restart protection offer the usual safety features to stop yourself from ruining your work or hand modelling career.

While overload protection technology and a removable dust filter protect the motor, Ultra-M technology is not the name of a '90s techno band but the Metabo battery monitoring system that communicates with the charger, motor, and battery to improve power and run time.

Dewalt 18V XR 125mm Cordless Brushless Paddle Angle Grinder

Dewalt 18V XR 125mm Cordless Brushless Paddle Angle Grinder

Product code: DCG406N-XJ

Points of interest:

• Two-position side handle for easy use
• Electronic clutch for reduced kickback
• Electronic brake to slow disc faster when the trigger is let go of
• Mesh covers protect the life of the motor
• Max 9000rpm no load speed
• 3-year warranty

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Dewalt has a reputation for reliable and quality tools, and the Dewalt 18V XR cordless angle grinder lives up to the reputation. A two-position side handle makes for ease of use, electronic clutch and brake offer protection from the old unexpected kickback and accidental run-on.

Mesh covers protect the motor from dust and particles, ensuring long life. Dewalt offers a great range of handy home and robust site tools, so an excellent battery ecosystem to explore.

Panasonic 14.4V & 18V Dual Voltage 125mm Cordless Angle Grinder

Panasonic 14.4V & 18V Dual Voltage 125mm Cordless Angle Grinder

Product code: EY46A2X57

Points of interest:

• Dust and water resistant
• Dual voltage for better versatility
• Max no load speed 10,000rpm on 18V power
• 3-year warranty

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When you think of Panasonic, items like TVs and air conditioners may come to mind. However, the Japanese tech giant surprisingly makes one of the more powerful grinders on the market. And they are the tool of choice of multiple Street Machine Summernats Grand Champion, Peter Fitzpatrick.

With a robust high-power motor, the Panasonic dual voltage angle can run on a 14.4V battery pack for more extended periods with lightweight compactness or an 18V battery pack for an increased working capacity. The Panasonic Dual voltage grinder has 10,000rpm no load speed, enough to give a 13b rotary a run for its money, and with a three-year warranty, probably a tad bit more reliable too.

With an IP56 dust and water-resistant rating and battery overheating sensor, you might find the Panasonic Dual voltage grinder lasting longer than your dust-covered project car.

Makita 18V 125mm Cordless Brushless Slide Switch Angle Grinder

Makita 18V 125mm Cordless Brushless Slide Switch Angle Grinder

Product code: DGA504Z

Points of interest:

• Automatic torque increases for cutting through the tough stuff
• Max 8,500rpm no load speed
• Kickback protection with anti-restart and soft start
• XPT protection for dust and moisture
• 5-year warranty

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The Makita brand has been a staple in workshops and home sheds in Australia for decades and was the first kid on the block to introduce 18V Lithium-ion power to their tool range. Makita runs their LXT System, which means the battery, motor and charger communicate more often than a teenager on social media to run optimal power, speed, and run time.

The Makita 18V angle grinder has the usual safety features like kickback detection, anti-restart, and soft start in case you get a little carried away on the job. Features like Automatic Torque Drive increases the torque on the 8,500rpm no load speed to power through thicker sheets and rebar. The Makita angle grinder is an excellent addition to the home shed or serious workshop.

Ozito PXC 18V 125mm Brushless Angle Grinder

Ozito PXC 18V 125mm Brushless Angle Grinder

Product code: PXBAGS-125

Points of interest:

• Tool-free guard adjustment
• Safety soft start
• Max 8,500rpm no load speed
• Brushless motor
• 5-year warranty

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Often referred to as the cheap and cheerful option, among other things. The Ozito comprises features like soft start and tool-free guard adjustment. The Ozito offers a brushless motor with 8,500rpm no-load speed.

Lacking the motor battery and charging technology of the more expensive brands, the Ozito is more suited to lighter jobs like removing rust and cleaning welds. With a 5-year replacement warranty, the Ozito is an affordable option for those looking for a no-frills grinding tool.

18V GRINDER BUYER’S GUIDE

Disc Size

First off, you'll need to work out the best size grinder in terms of disc size for your purposes. The most common are 4.5 and 5 inches (115mm, and 125mm). Smaller 4-inch (100mm) grinders are less common but are excellent for tight smaller jobs but will lack the grunt and cutting depth you may need for bigger jobs. The 4.5 inch is a good all-rounder, but if you want depth and the ability to tackle bigger jobs, a 5 inch would be the way to go. There are a few 5-inch grinders on the market that will also accept a 4-inch disc.

Power

If you're working with delicate materials or smaller objects, you'll need an angle grinder with lower speed and power settings. On the other hand, if you're working with more challenging materials or larger objects, you'll need an angle grinder with higher speed and power settings.

Speed

Grinder speeds vary from as slow as 2,000 to as fast as 13,000 revolutions per minute. Softer materials like timber, rubber, or soft metals generally require a slower speed, while grinding and cutting hard metals require a faster speed. There are two main types of angle grinders – fixed speed and variable speed. Fixed speed is fine if you are cutting or grinding the same material every time. However, if you will be cutting and grinding various materials, being able to adjust the speed means that you can use a single-angle grinder for most jobs.

Dimensions

Now you've got the disc size and speed in mind, the next thing to consider is the size, shape, and weight of the actual angle grinder tool. A grinder with a smaller head is ideal if you are cutting and grinding items in hard-to-reach places. However, some smaller units will have less torque and disc speed. What you make up for in versatility to reach tight spaces, you may sacrifice the grunt to tackle the bigger jobs. Heavier angle grinders can help dampen vibration and offer more stability on bigger jobs. Still, they can lead to hand and forearm fatigue if operating over long periods or awkward to reach spots. You'll want to ensure that the model you choose has enough power and versatility to handle all your jobs.

Handy Features

Some 18v angle grinder brands offer functions that make using the tool a little easier and safer. Toolless disc change makes it quicker and easier to change discs which can be extremely important if you need to constantly change discs. Variable speed control, braking, soft-start and anti-kickback mechanisms offer extra levels of safety beyond the standard safety guard.

Battery Life

One of the most important considerations when buying an angle grinder is the battery life. There are many brands on the market, each with its pros and cons. Consider what you'll be using the angle grinder for. If you're only going to be using it for light tasks like sharpening blades or removing rust, then you don't need a powerful model with long battery life. However, if you're planning on doing more heavy-duty work like cutting metal or concrete, you'll need a model that can handle more power and has a longer runtime.

Brushless Versus Brushed

Angle grinders can vary quite a bit in price, so it's essential to find one that fits your budget. Brushless motor angle grinders are more expensive than brushed motors, but generate no friction, produce less heat, have a longer life and provide better overall performance than the cheaper brushed motor angle grinders.