Makita Cordless Brushless Angle Grinder Long Term Review

Greetings! In this video I’m reviewing a Makita 4 1/2”- 5” class cordless angle grinder with a brushless motor. In this review I’ll go over:
my reason for purchasing a cordless grinder
features of the grinder
battery life
general performance and ergonomics
safety features
a few minor negatives
my opinions after using the grinder for three years
how to differentiate between different models of 4 1/2” angle grinders in Makita’s cordless line-up.
Makita Cordless Brushless 4 1/2” angle grinder
www.acmetools....
Clothing:
LL Bean Fleece Lined Flannel Shirt - Warm, soft and with four pockets for storing stuff or keeping your hands warm.
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LL Bean Men’s Original Field Coat with PrimaLoft liner
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Photographic and Sound Equipment:
Avenger C-Stand
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Avenger D600 Mini Boom
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Rode smartLav+ Lavalier Conderser Microphone for Smartphones
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RetiCAM Smartphone Tripod Mount with XL Conversion
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Manfrotto 014-14 Rapid Adapter - 5/8" Stud to 1/4-20" Thread
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Mini Ball Head
The small ball head I use on the end of my mini boom has been out of production for years. This is a selection of similarly sized small ball heads. Buy a ball head with a metal ball and socket. The plastic ones are trouble.
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Safety Equipment:
3M 7500 respirator
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3M/Peltor H10A ear muffs
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[@mgpalmucci]

Great job showing real use of tools not fake bull crap like a lot of the manufacturers do. Thank you.

[@CroakyOak]

You’re very welcome! I’m glad you liked the presentation in this video. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@frogi109]

this is the best detailed & honest review for someone looking for a cordless angle grinder.

[@CroakyOak]

Thank you very much!

[@neubauer.p]

the "dont explode shrapnel in the operators face" function has saved my bacon a few times since owning the makita cordless grinder...

[@deldridg]

Thanks for the excellent review - you put a lot of effort into making it and it's appreciated. I love mine and my many other Makita cordless tools. Cheers from Sydney - Dave

[@CroakyOak]

You’re welcome! Thank you for recognizing the effort that goes into making a video. I like my 18v Makita tools as well, especially the brushless models. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@nelsoncarpentry]

I have this in the variable speed version along with the 9” x2 model. Both great tools. Makita makes nice grinders.

[@CroakyOak]

I agree! Cordless and corded alike. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Jimmy_Cavallo]

💥 When do you care to use a grinder at anything less than full RPM.??

[@markallen4001]

@@Jimmy_CavalloI was considering a variable speed for sharpening my mower blades. High speed for when I hit rocks/ stumps and notch it and a lower speed when I need a “ light” sharpening. Don’t know though if I need it though,never had one before and been doing it for 25 yrs.🤔

[@neg8098]

I got the one with thumb switch and without the brake, one of the best Makita tools I own. 100% worth it.

[@CroakyOak]

Agreed! Makita cordless brushless angle grinders are terrific. Thanks for commenting.

[@keithguay7523]

Thank you for the video. I had the guard on wrong.

[@CroakyOak]

You’re welcome! Mounting the guard on this grinder does take a bit of getting used to. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@gavinpaterson4966]

Just bought one because this video. Thanks.

[@CroakyOak]

Excellent! I’m glad to hear you found this video useful. My grinder has been a terrific cordless tool and I’m sure you’ll find your purchase to be the same. Thanks for commenting.

[@alexsideas8180]

How's the grinder holding up?

[@Steve-oh9tu]

I love this grinder! I need 2 more . Need one for a wire wheel and another for a cutoff wheel.

[@CroakyOak]

I know how you feel. One angle grinder just isn’t enough. :-D

[@JAMESJJEFFERS]

Thank You it was because of this video I gave this a shot over the Flex.. 👍💪 Good Stuff

[@CroakyOak]

You’re welcome! I’m glad you found the content useful. I hope you get a lot of use out of your grinder and like the grinder as much as I like the grinder in the video. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@cribbsprojects]

The review would be more useful if you added the model number.

[@CroakyOak]

Thanks for the comment. I’ll keep that in mind for any future tool reviews.

[@gdr88]

i think they're different in each country

[@michaelbrown6543]

Didn’t he say around 8:30 it’s a model XAG 10A ?

[@droneforfun5384]

Great info, also seems to be an independent reviewer. Too many people are bought by the companies nowadays..

[@CroakyOak]

Thank you so much for noticing! I’d like to assure you and anyone who reads this comment that there were absolutely no freebies or sponsorships involved in this video. I had to part with my own hard earned cash to buy the grinder, just like everyone else. Thanks again for watching and commenting.

[@onnyt60]

Great review. Helped me out a lot.

[@CroakyOak]

Glad I could help

[@tomthompson7400]

very fair review ,,, well done.

[@CroakyOak]

Thank you! I’m glad you like this video. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@perpetuostudens8819]

Helpful review, thanks, especially as I am about to buy one. It might be worth pointing out they do an 11000rpm cordless unit, 452Z, but it is not brushless. There may be others but it is hard trying to keep track of all the tool models Makita produce! I may buy the 452Z because of the extra speed but still might go for a brushless model.

[@CroakyOak]

Thanks for the info!

[@charlesm2600]

Fantastic review. Helped me decide. Thanks!

[@CroakyOak]

Glad I could help. Enjoy your grinder!

[@JSR_Design]

I had this angle grinder for 2 weeks. Each 5amp battery cut 3 tiles 900mm 20mm think before needing to be changed. I was disappointed, but loved the freedom of cordless. But about 15 tiles later it just stopped working. I sent it back and hoping for a replacement or refund. If I was tile cutting more tiles I would go for corded.

[@CroakyOak]

Those were some big, thick tiles you were cutting (approximately 35” long by 3/4” thick). I’m not entirely surprised by the battery life. I’ve had similar experiences when making long-ish cuts in thicker steel. I agree that sustained heavy loads are better suited to a accorded grinder. If I recall correctly, I mention something about this near the end of the video. Fortunately, I have not ever had my grinder stop working. That is a real bummer, although I expect Makita will make it right. Thanks for adding your experience with battery life to the comments for this video. This kind of information makes this video a better resource, thereby helping other viewers make a more informed decision.

[@TheTurpin1234]

Sounds like a job for a wet cut tile saw.... lol

[@codustv1465]

they make the best grinders hands down i use the 9 inch at work and cant bog it down on a beat to shit genorater, same milwaukee bogs down hard....

[@CroakyOak]

I like Makita grinders too. Next time I buy a grinder -corded or cordless- I’m not likely to even consider other brands. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@Bobsmith-ot6si]

Many thanks 🙏

[@CroakyOak]

You’re welcome! Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@mm166]

Awesome video, thanks!

[@CroakyOak]

Glad you liked it!

[@ChrisBranleh]

Is not having a variable speed setting a deal breaker?

[@CroakyOak]

Variable speed on an angle grinder is handy and useful feature for some tasks. However, in my opinion the lack of variable speed is *not* a deal breaker. Unless you have a task that really needs the finesse available with slower speeds, a grinder with a single speed (full speed) is fine. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@ferggill9461]

Always go for the paddle switch

[@CroakyOak]

I too, prefer grinders this size to have a paddle switch. Thanks for commenting.

[@i1bike]

Yea, but there is no paddle switch thats worth owning. They all have stupid system of lock. It should be on the top part of the handle, like in dur353

[@CroakyOak]

I realize this is a polarizing subject. I get what you’re saying and I agree that many power tools have poorly designed safety switches. However the safety lock on this line of grinders is as unobtrusive as any safety switch I’ve ever used. I’ve never an issue with it even when wearing insulated gloves. Fortunately for us all, Makita makes many different variations of their cordless and corded grinders. Which makes it easy for nearly everyone to find a grinder they like. Thanks for commenting.

[@bheart64]

All paddle switch Makita Grinders I've owned have died.

[@simonrizk4451]

thank you

[@CroakyOak]

You’re welcome. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@davitberishvili8062]

Thank you for review. Is it easy to hold this model with one hand during cutting?

[@CroakyOak]

I’ve never tried a single handed cut. I think the location of the paddle switch would make one-handed cutting very difficult. A grinder with a switch on the top of the grinder may make this possible. Even then I think you’d need fairly large hands to get a secure grip on the grinder. The body of the grinder in the video is almost the same thickness as a plug-in 4 1/2” angle grinder. If you need to be able to use the grinder with one hand, the auto shut-off I demonstrated in the video, is a safety feature worth having. If you have a mishap, the grinder will almost instantly shut itself off. If you check the comments, you’ll find others have said similar things. Whatever you do, be careful. You only get one set of hands. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@davitberishvili8062]

@@CroakyOak thak you

[@CroakyOak]

You’re welcome!

[@izoyt]

nice no bs review, thnx.

[@CroakyOak]

No problem 👍

[@Kains_whored]

This was the information I was looking for when i asked for help at home depot. . Thank you. .

[@CroakyOak]

You’re welcome! I’m glad the video was helpful. Thanks for commenting.

[@abglongkaikl794]

NOW you make me KNOW 😉

[@CroakyOak]

Thanks for commenting. Cheers!

[@jc5698]

Nice review!

[@CroakyOak]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@davidr9876]

ty

[@CroakyOak]

You’re welcome.

[@davidrabin7287]

Screwfix offers it with 2 batteries 5 amp + charger can I run it nonstop using both 5 amp batteries ? or will it hit up and destroy it?

[@CroakyOak]

My experience has been that constant heavy loads can discharge a battery faster than said battery can be recharged. Bigger batteries may last longer, however they also take longer to charge. Whether or not you can run the grinder nonstop with only two batteries depends on the load being put on the grinder. Also keep in mind that no matter how good a battery/battery system is, they all have a finite number of charge cycles. Cycle the battery enough and you’ll have a paperweight or a warranty claim. My opinion is that if you have an application requiring a tool with a duty cycle at or near 100%, you are better off with a corded grinder. Makita cordless brushless grinders and excellent tools. But I think they’re best suited to applications with a lower duty cycle. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@michalperczynski7924]

But…. What model it is? There is few brushless makita 125 grinders

[@CroakyOak]

In the U.S. most Makita 18 volt cordless brushless angle grinders have the same battery performance and power. The main differences are: 1) Paddle switch or thumb switch 2) Electronic brake or no electronic brake 3) Variable speed or single speed? 4) Will the grinder stop is the wheel jams? (AFT) Makita has also added what they call AWS and is for use with a dust collector. The grinder in the video is a single speed model with a paddle switch and an electronic brake. This grinder will also stop automatically if the grinding wheel jams. A feature Makita calls AFT. The main reason there is no model number in the title is that identical tools often have different model numbers depending on what country the tool is sold in. Many tool companies will also make tiny changes to some of their product line and assign a nearly identical tool a new model number. Putting a U.S. model number on a review with an international audience is of no use to many people outside the U.S. even though the content in the video is still valid. The same could be said for what I call ‘model number creep’. As of August 2021, in U.S. the Makita cordless brushless angle grinder with the same features as the angle grinder in the video is the U.S. model number XAG11Z. In a year, an angle grinder with the same features may have yet another number. If you are in a country other than the U.S. the model number could easily be different even if the tool is the same. I hope this answers your question and explains why the model number isn’t part of the video. Thanks for commenting.

[@automoto95]

Hi does the paddle switch is better and more practical than slide switches or not?

[@rosivo3142]

really depends on what you’re using it for!

[@CroakyOak]

As another commenter has said in this thread, it really does depend on what you’re using the grinder for. Even then, the choice between a paddle switch and slide switch is still personal preference. Personally, I prefer a paddle switch for almost everything I use a grinder like this for. Except for tasks where I need to leave a grinder on for long periods of time. In that case, I have a plug-in grinder with a slide switch. Gripping a paddle switch for several hours can get tiring. Even a paddle switch as unobtrusive as the switch on this grinder. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@MrPumpnz]

That's what i want

[@AA-kf7uf]

can it be used easily by a lefty?

[@CroakyOak]

Absolutely! I have not ever noticed any impediments to using this grinder left handed. Apologies for the delay in responding. For some reason KZbin flagged this comment and moved it to a folder I rarely check. Thanks for watching and asking a question.

[@ICopiedJohnOswald]

I just bought one of these with the thumb switch. I noticed that if I turn the spindle manually it makes a clicking sound. Is that normal or do you think I got a lemon? I spun it up a couple times but i haven't used it yet.

[@CroakyOak]

I honestly don’t know. This *may* be attributable to angled spur gears in the drivetrain, but that is only a *guess*. If you think your grinder has issues, I suggest you try to find out before the return window and/or warranty expires. Good luck with your grinder and thanks for watching and commenting.

[@СергейНастин-ы9ю]

Это магнит ротора тормозит.

[@FlukeTog]

Which models are pre- X-lock ? No way harder to find the regular Arbor. I’m not buying 100 new various discs because the arbor won’t work on the newer ones :( . Nice to see a pre- x-lock hopefully they stay in market. Boooo x -lock

[@CroakyOak]

I’m no fan proprietary accessories either. Especially when the existing universal system is less complicated and works well. I like to check the Makita Tools website for tools that suit my need(s) and then search for specific model numbers when shopping. Usually this will bypass what ever new stuff online retailers are pushing to the top of searches using more generic search terms. Good luck.

[@cedarpoplar]

Try using it all day.

[@sergioaloisio8709]

Qual o modelo da bateria, tem como informar todos os dados

[@CroakyOak]

The batteries I use with this grinder are 18 volts with either three or four amp hours of capacity. However, I don’t know what the exact model numbers of the batteries are. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@lxxs3v3nxxl]

Can you put the dust shroud on this grinder

[@CroakyOak]

If the shroud you’re looking at is a Makita part, it’ll probably fit. However, I wouldn’t buy anything without checking the compatibility information on the Makita website specifically. I personally find most retail websites are lacking information this specific. If you’re still in doubt, check the seller’s return policy and procedures before you buy. I realize this isn’t much, but I hope it helps nonetheless. Collecting dust at the source is the way to go. Thanks for your comment/question.

[@maksym3d]

I believe either 196846-1 or 196845-3 should fit depending on your model.

[@sean550]

What's model number

[@CroakyOak]

The two Makita cordless brushless angle grinders closest to this model are the XAG11Z (fixed speed) and the XAG20Z (variable speed). Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@princenoah21]

So what's your take on the thumb switch? The type that stays latched 'on' when you turn it on?

[@CroakyOak]

I don’t think either one is intrinsically better. That said, I try to avoid any power tool that requires me to change my grip or move a hand to operate the power switch. If something goes wrong I want to be able to cut the power immediately. I’ve always found grinders with a thumb switch on the top of the grinder awkward to power on and off. A person with bigger hands may disagree. The advantage to any switch that can be locked in the on position is that you don’t have to hang on to the switch, which can be fatiguing. I’ve got a Milwaukee grinder with a paddle switch that has a stiff spring. It’s a terrific grinder but using it for hours on end is not fun because the switch always needs to be squeezed shut. The ergonomics and grip on this Makita grinder make the paddle switch almost unnoticeable. And, most of my work is a few minutes on, a few minutes off. So, if I purchased another cordless grinder I’d opt for the paddle switch again. If I ever have a task which requires hours of grinding, I personally would look for a plug-in grinder with a locking trigger switch, but not a thumb switch. I hope this helps. Thank you for your question.

[@AncientHippie]

Thanks for the review. Looking at the new one Model #XAG26Z not sure you said but are the wheels pretty universal or does Makita only accept their own?

[@CroakyOak]

Grinding wheels *should* be universal so long as the hole in the wheel is the same diameter as the shaft on the grinder *and* the maximum rpm of the grinder doesn’t exceed the maximum rpm printed on the wheel. This grinder has a standard 5/8” shaft and I’ve never had a problem finding grinding wheels, cutting discs etc. for it. Thanks for your comment.

[@FlukeTog]

It’s hard to tell now ordering online. I don’t want to get stuck with the x lock either.

[@CroakyOak]

Try checking the Makita Tools website to find a tool you like and then search online sellers using the exact model number of that tool. Searching for a specific model should help bypass whatever online sellers are pushing to the top of more generic searches. Good luck.

[@egertkabilattekivi2496]

Good tool

[@CroakyOak]

Agreed! Thanks for commenting.

[@mrzamboga139]

Too many talk,just demo!!

[@Kains_whored]

Is the only downfall to having a non brushless feature, the time it takes for grinder to stop spinning?

[@CroakyOak]

No, the electronic braking that stops the grinder from spinning is a separate feature from the brushless motor. The advantages of cordless tools with brushless motors are more power, longer battery life and generally longer tool life overall. Given the option, I prefer brushless tools because they tend to be smaller and have more power than a tool with a brushed motor. Originally, I purchased the grinder in the video mainly because of the electronic brake. At the time, the brushless motor was just a bonus. Now that I’ve used the grinder many times, I wouldn’t buy another cordless grinder unless it too, had a brushless motor.