Teardown Review: Harbor Freight’s new Bauer rat tail angle grinder

In this video I tear apart and test a Bauer angle grinder from Harbor Freight, which features a trigger switch. The company is releasing a lot of new tools under the Bauer brand. We'll see if this grinder is worth the cost.
Hit the subscribe button and check out my past videos for more teardown reviews.

[@ToolsAndI]

You are giving Consumers Reports a run for the money. I absolutely love these videos.

[@2aminitials]

10:33 reminds me of infomercials. "Do you often fumble with your angle grinder in the kitchen? Now there's a solution, the all new Bauer grinder!"

[@mr.toliver2717]

That kind of switch is way more comfortable to work 👏👍

[@SirMo]

I agree, you can use rat tail for hours.

[@dcrickerson7611]

Looks like pretty good quality for the money. Great to see you back!

[@hardlyb]

I would buy it except I already got the Hercules when it was on sale. I like the trigger switches, too, and I find the rat-tail grinders easier to hold. Another excellent video - I appreciate you taking things apart and testing them so I can buy things with confidence. Please keep up the great work.

[@Pyridox]

I like the trigger switch style too. But sometimes that little extra length in the tail can make it harder to get into tight areas.

[@bjornegan6421]

do you remember how much that was?

[@hardlyb]

@@bjornegan6421 No, sorry. I've slept several times since then.

[@bjornegan6421]

@@hardlyb yeah, understandable. thanks for the reply

[@johnthewanderer5851]

I know you did the 7 Amp Hercules grinder, I'd be interested to see the 11 Amp paddle-switch Hercules.

[@jeffokriya3389]

ive been unfortunate with those little HF grinders , never abused them but still won't hold up even for small jobs. I'm talking about the 4 Amp model. The latest one I bought has a switch flaw, I somehow got it to work for a couple of days now it won't work again, the switch trigger is a bad design. I have several grinders but use that one to cut small stuff. I like them for their small size but I'll stop buying those, the switch just bounces back, won't lock etc just a nightmare

[@1D10CRACY]

That trigger switch on the Bauer is the same style I have on my Porter Cable Grinder.

[@martinsoto793]

This grinder should replace the 10 dollar grinder

[@xenophonBC]

i bought one on your recommendation..and it felt cheap. It is slippery like a solo cup in your hand. the brush cover plate is secured by a screw INTO PLASTIC. So that will wear away fast. Don't ta

[@ToolTeardowns]

The plastic is definitely textured more than a solo cup. If you want a tool that's really grippy you may want to look for one with a rubberized overmolding.

[@trekzilladmc]

I have that same Black & Decker grinder that I've been using for several years and I like it quite a bit. But I have used rat-tail grinders as well and do see some advantages, not only with safety, but comfort as well. It's a tough decision, but I would still have to go with my Black & Decker. The only reason is that it has a hole topside for the handle which I have used quite a bit in situations, whereas I've noticed that the only Harbor Freight grinder offering it is the 6-amp Chicago electric paddle switch model. But if that top hole was not an issue, I wouldn't have any problem at all getting the new Bauer. I may just get it for the heck of it. There's no such thing as a tool you don't need :)

[@1pcfred]

I like the handle on top when I use cut off discs. It's just easier for me to use a grinder like a saw like that.

[@md123420]

Hell yea I love HFT been going for 10 years now and I love how their tools are getting more quality. Can you do a HFT electric impact gun review?

[@autotech2143]

I'm not sure if you take review ideas, but I have a couple. I just recently found your channel and been enjoying them. My ideas for a review would be the cordless Ingersoll Rand line up. Such as the W5132 and W7152. They have several 20 volt tools and some 12 volt ones. I do have a few in each line. For some reason there isn't very many reviews on them. I feel they are by far superior than the other 3 main brands. But I am biased in my opinion. It would be nice to see them torn apart and compared to the others. I really like the IR 12v 1/4" impact and ratchet. Either way you still have a new satisfied subscriber. If you have any questions about the IR line feel free to ask. In the 20v line I have the; W7152(1/2"), W5132(3/8"), W5111(1/4" Hex Impact Driver), D5140(1/2" drill), L5110(light) and in the 12v line; W1120(1/4:) R1120(1/4") and the G1621(Sander/Polisher). The G1621 is great to use with whizzy wheels to remove gaskets and such. It would be interesting to actually see how they stack up. Wonder why they aren't seen often on KZbin?

[@ToolTeardowns]

Thanks for the suggestions.

[@autotech2143]

@@ToolTeardowns I was thinking it might give you some unique tool review ideas. Thanks for your reviews, I've been binge watching during my free time :)

[@MrAtaripitbull]

I bought the Bauer 8 amp while I was at a Harbor freight picking up a tool cart and I've already had to use the grinder to cut up some steel. Works fantastic. Glad I bought it.

[@cleveranwitty811]

This grinder did not work with a dust shroud. When I attached a dust shroud the cup locked up, wouldn't move. Had to return it. I think HF gets these tools from China, and there's no quality inspection. For certain things, the old mantra is true - you get what you pay for.

[@chipb1193]

I think I’d do a head to head with Black & Decker G950. It’s a rat tail grinder, $40, and 8.5 amps. To me I’ll always favor a brand made by Stanley B&D or TTI over Harbor Freight. The 90 warranty vs 2 year warranty is a big deal too.

[@doylee469]

Chip B me too man, at least compare like grimders.. what did we figure out here? That the most expensive of the three is better but it’s still a shit tool!

[@45AMT]

This guys videos are great. He really deserves a TON more subscribers!

[@handyhippie6548]

i just bought one of these, and i am really impressed with it. best cheap grinder i have ever had, and i've had quite a few. i mostly use them to cut steel, and it has performed very well so far, with no bogging down, even when cutting train track rail steel, which has killed a couple other grinders in the past.

[@not2fast4u2c]

I have the Hercules grinder and I like it ....If I had to buy one today I would buy the Bauer because I like the switch in the handle design

[@PawOfRizzo]

I have several Bauer tools, including some of the 20v line. I've been fortunate to get most of mine at parking lot sales from the open box tables for $25-ish bucks, and for my needs they've all worked great. If I need a corded grinder I'd definitely pick this one up. The price is right, and I would prefer that rat tail trigger handle design over the standard switch on grinders.

[@pjfsr7024]

I have the 18 $ CE grinder, two years, still works fine, I move up to the Bauer if I was using a grinder more then a few times a month.

[@the.Original.G.Ninja.88]

NOW THAT IS A TOOL REVIEW! Years i have searched for videos like yours, at long last .... Earned a subsriber with that one bud, anxiously awaiting more Bauer videos!

[@michaelbarber6215]

Why not compare it more in depth to the very similar priced 7amp Hercules grinder?

[@ToolTeardowns]

I don't have the Hercules grinder anymore. You can see my teardown of the Hercules here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4jInal4e5J3qaM

[@1pcfred]

I heard a lot of great things about Harbor Freight grinders from a lot of people so I got the professional paddle switch one. The gear noise it makes it terrible. It runs but I can't say it makes me happy to use it. I do prefer the paddle switch over other switch types. Rat tails are OK but as this video points out they are a bit long.

[@doylee469]

Paul Frederick all bauers make that horrible gear noise

[@Mexicanmike87]

Love your videos just went out and bought this yesterday! Could you do a teardown of the Hercules drills or impact driver? I saw an AVE video on it but I feel like it wasn't accurate and I think you could do a better job of giving an honest review.

[@amp12345amp]

@Q-Pid Avenger...check out the Den of Tools. I think he did a review of the Hercules drill.

[@Mexicanmike87]

@@amp12345amp oh I love the den of tools haha and I have seen the Hercules drill in action I just want a more unbiased break down of the tool

[@truthdillinger4108]

I’m curious to hear your opinion on the new Craftsman lineup vs Ryobi as a home user with the occasional heavy lifting for remodeling and framing.

[@NKWoodworks]

Craftsman all the way!

[@billlink7116]

I just purchased the $10 grinder. In all fairness, the instructions state it's NOT to be used for cutting (cutoff). It's for grinding only. So it's no surprise it burned up during the cutoff operation. Just saying.

[@peterford9369]

Very good detail on your review. I'm tossed between the Bauer and the Hercules. At 40 dollars more I'm not sure i need the cost difference. I'm actually looking at the 7 inch. Vs the 7 or 9 Hercules. I just lost my Bosch 9 inch in a fire but I'm nearing retirement, so usage will be minimal for sure. That's why I'm looking at reviews. Thanks alot. Good job 👍

[@kle2217]

Do you think the Bauer ($39.99) is just as good compared to its Hercules ($44.99) counterpart? Is the Hercules worth the $5 extra dollars in your opinion? I know the Bauer has that 1 extra amp, but is Hercules made with sturdier materials?

[@jd3497]

Are you sure it's brass and not plated? $40 for a premium chinese grinder? No thanks. A fair comparison would be Bauer vs. a middle range Horrible Fright grinder, not the $9.99 disposable one. Black and Decker has long been a bottom of the barrel brand, no better than Ryobi. Not worth looking at.

[@veselinkrushkov338]

This Grinder looks my My Project 1200 watt grinder from Kaufland with varible speed control.

[@hemantsurti706]

Great informative video. Most comments are older. Wondering if people who purchased and used on regular basis, what was there experience!! Tacklife from Amazon has 8.5 amp one. Is anyone has tried that? Could you please make some video on Tacklife tools? Thanks

[@jcarlson660]

Always enjoy watching your videos you do a great job

[@holyshift7]

Hard to tell between the baur and Hercules grinder. Baur is an 8 amp. Isnt the Hercules a 7 amp? Hercules has 16ga wire. Baur has 18 ga. Hercules has a better name brand switch. And the Hercules has name brand bearings unlike the baur.. plus the Hercules has the same gear design as the dewalt.. the baur has the same kinda gear set up as the $10 harbor freight grinder.. Food for thought...

[@SirMo]

Seems like a nice little grinder. Great review! At $40 however you are approaching the territory of the A brand grinders from Makita or DeWalt. For instance Lowes offers a deal for 2x DWE4012 for $99. And you can get the little Makita for $56 (though the Bauer grinder does have more power). That being said, the rat tail is a very nice feature that's harder to find now days, so if you're either on a tight budget, or you need a grinder to abuse on some concrete construction work, this seems like a good bet.

[@doylee469]

SirMo exaaaactly.. why buy “bauer” when you can buy a nice name brand tool with a waaay better warranty?

[@chuckgoodwish3897]

You are fair and speak based on facts. Not like the Scotty car guy, who thinks everything from China is junk.

[@viperstrike3827]

makita 9557nb has giant brushes compared to these

[@doylee469]

Viper Strike the makita is twice this shit tool

[@shemomeyo8417]

I have one of those grinder, name king grinder with slightly upgrade version which have speed dial switch.

[@982Nighthawk1337]

I really enjoy the videos. I would like to see a review and teardown of the cordless Bauer angle grinder as well as the hyper tough cordless angle grinder. They are both about $40-$45

[@kylek29]

Glad you did this teardown, as many exist for the Hercules but none for this model. I picked up the Bauer a few weeks back (originally went for the Hercules) and it seems sturdy, no issues as it has taken everything I've thrown at it. Paid around $36.

[@brucemccreary6500]

We have 1 in our shop and the guard is garbage. About 20 years behind in guard mounting technology.

[@jimjarrel9179]

It is on sale for $33.99 and I'm on my way to get one. Thanks for the great review!

[@marcellemay7721]

I was just looking at the Bauer grinder at HF yesterday. I would have bought one but they were out of stock. I'm glad I saw this review, now I'm definitely gonna buy it.

[@jaw3895]

Bought this one today. Didn’t come with a spanner wrench, FYI everyone

[@hojo70]

Weird how several times you referenced Bauer vs "the Harbor Freight" grinder. I assume you meant "Drillmaster" since they're both made by Harbor Freight

[@ToolTeardowns]

That's short for "the $10 harbor freight."

[@rwsmith3120]

YES -- i would buy this grinder mater of fact i went to the store today to pick one up but alas it was out of stock and that really sucks i finally pick the one i wanted and still dont have it ---- lol--- maybe next time it will be there

[@btrswt35]

Good to see your back at it with the video. Keep it up. I personally don't like rat tails for the ergonomics of the handle on them. They are great for two handed, flat grinding but not so much for work that requires more dexterity. But that's just me.

[@procyonia3654]

I bought two of these bad boys afew weeks ago. I like it, I've been pounding the piss out of it, I dont like the fan blows out the sides (my metabos force it forward) On the brushes I bought 2, and I did get replacement brushes with 1 of them. So maybe that was an accident

[@joedanero5360]

Good to hear from someone who has been working them. I just bought one and haven't had a chance to put it through hell yet.

[@davehoward2791]

Bought one of these grinders 2 weeks ago and used it today for the first time. Very impressive, it has a lot of torque and runs very smooth. Did some metal cutting (3/16" mower blades), a lot of grinding off mill scale, and polishing various steels with flap wheels. Zero performance issues. I really like the trigger and didn't find the lock button to be any problem. I paid $34.99 for this grinder with a coupon and feel like it was a good deal for the power and quality of the Bauer. I plan to buy 3 more grinders so I don't have to spend as much time swapping out wheels, and the Bauer will probably be what I get. Thanks for the great review!

[@Noisyone77]

Cool video. I personally lost all trust in Bauer products after the hammer drill smoked and died on me shortly after 90 days.

[@doylee469]

Thomas Pastine they are garbage tools

[@Arihus_Reyes1988]

Usefull videos my friend, personally i bought a couple tools following your videos, no regrets 👏👏👏👏

[@robertsneed3]

Nice grinder I would buy it it would make a good second grinder.

[@Lex5576]

I've started to binge on these videos now. Very interesting to know the finer details and quality of individual parts. This can make or break a tool's performance, no matter what brand it is. I also have started to like some of Harbor Freight's tool as of late, and this video does prove some merits to their products.

[@danr1920]

I would spend the extra to buy the Bauer over the $10 HF.

[@shanepipkin4041]

why is the rat tail 500 less rpm than the paddle switch both 8amp?

[@cometcal2]

I felt like I was in a Grinder Anatomy 101 class. Great job, Prof!

[@andrews5926]

I love your channel you know what you're talking about best tool review channel on yt by far

[@alexgarza2759]

Yup I got it. It is great I haven’t had a problem yet.

[@fierrosoft]

Harbor freight soon will be expensive top of the line.

[@daniele3275]

I use a metabo W12-125Quick, a metabo WE19-180Quick RT an Hitachi G12SC2 I love them ,I can't really do nothing with other grinders

[@BL-yj2wp]

They sure are nice, but most people don‘t want to spend 200$ on a grinder. And these cheap ones are fine for most jobs.

[@daniele3275]

@@BL-yj2wp yep for sure , but when you start a job you need to make it done quickly and easily Definitely you don't need to go back to buy another grinder

[@doylee469]

Daniele those bauer tools cater to people with crumbs in there wallet

[@allenmckinney9533]

Must've been teens that made that grinder instead of the regular kids. Lol

[@amp12345amp]

@Allen McKinney.......hahaha. Those kids got promotions!!!!!

[@stormsilagy5744]

Good to see HF stepping up their game, but I hope they maintain their low price point. At current I think they beat Lowes or HD easily. I am excited to see the new Icon wrenches that are due to be released soon.

[@doylee469]

Storm Silagy they also have a shitty warranty and are like 20 dollars cheaper then a name brand one.

[@Xx1tyler21xX]

I recently bought one and I use it in an industrial setting. I also have the misfortune to work with new hires that don't have the extensive knowledge that I have obtained over the years on how to destroy tools. I bought mine because I needed a grinder quick. I opted for this one because it was middle of the road on price. I really like it. It feels like a good, well made product. With that being said. None of them are bullet proof. As I mentioned I have to deal with new hires from time to time. Most are young and green so I explain to them that you should never put so much force on a grinder as to bog it down and that they should break from a load every few seconds to let the cooling mechanism do its thing. We also use the sander flapper wheels which are the greatest thing since sliced bread but they do put extra drag onto the motor. Needless to say, a few days after they had moved on I needed my grinder and it is dead in the water. I didn't keep my receipt so I wasn't sure if it would be worth trying to fix or just scrap it and look for something better, but after seeing your review I think I will see if I can't repair this one.

[@miki09876]

Any luck?

[@theepicpeguin]

I love mine, cuts everything I need it to.

[@ChattanoogaDan]

So if I am going to get a small grinder for around the house, would you recommend the B&D or the Bauer? It looks like the Bauer is a little better but it also costs more. In your honest opinion is the price difference worth it?

[@ToolTeardowns]

I like the trigger switch design better, but you have to decide if the extra cost is worth it to you.

[@shanepipkin4041]

you know the motor watts?

[@adl6067]

New subscriber 👍👍👍

[@AntonioClaudioMichael]

Great video

[@Beastt17]

I did buy that grinder. I've had the $10.00 Drillmaster for a few years now. I've only used it a few times but it has always performed admirably. As of March 10, 2023, Harbor Freight has the Bauer 1864E-B as in the video, reduced from $39.99, down to $24.99 on their "Parking Lot Sale", so I grabbed one. I haven't put it to work yet but I'm encouraged by the teardown video.

[@bigrockets]

I need another grinder this size to augment my Makita one that has a larger arbor and spin a larger wheel.. After watching this video, I would buy this Bauer without hesitation. I sure as hell would NOT buy the Black And Decker. I bought a Black & Decker roto hammer and burnt it up just drilling a 1/2" hole in the floor of a concrete car port. The wiring melted and smoked until it quit, a real piece of shit. This Bauer grinder looks good a real value for your money. I will be debating on buying either the Hercules, or the Bauer. To me the sliding switch on the Hercules is not a game breaker. I'm used to that type of switch on my Makita so that's not a concern of mine. The Chinese have improved some of their tools by light years Im happy to see. The American manufacturers still have their tools built in China so you are spending your money, not on higher quality but instead paying for a name. I'd rather save my money.

[@uncletoy774]

I don't know about the freight yet. Yes they are just laying down a bunch of......... huh they cane out with what........dammmmmnnnn............that's impressive.......wow I'm getting that now........and whatever else you can think of but like I said I'm still sceptical will they keep the pricing with the quality of products or in 5 yrs u open the same thing all the shit cheap again. Cause it was all a ploy. Time will tell time will tell. After that 5 and their still rolling then maybe I'll invest

[@anxiousvariable1214]

Does anybody else notice this guys voice sounds exactly like the guy from The Brave Little Toaster movie? The guy who runs the parts shop and kills the blender to sell the blender motor... spooky

[@Pro1er]

I have absolutely no use for yet another angle grinder but I would have jumped on that for $36! PS, I bought the $10 Drill Master as a sacrificial grinder for a job I was doing and I couldn't burn it out. LOL

[@andrewrudlang2785]

Heck yeah, I happily bought that grinder and didn't even wait for a coupon. Great deal at $40 I think!

[@mikeazeka1753]

I like the trigger/handle versus the normal grinder, as I don't have big hands, so it's harder to keep a firm grip when the motor body is the handle. Often my hand is covering the vent slots, a grip handle seems better. Normally, overall length isn't an issue for me.

[@granadojl]

I bought this grinder a month ago to do major grinding on the '57 F100 I'm building. I'm welding in allot of unnecessary holes in the chassis, fabricating mounts and brackets. I have found two negative things with the Bauer grinder. 1. The accidental pressing of the trigger and lock. 2. The guard adjustment lever is bulky. I only get a half use of a standard 4.5" cutting wheel. But all in all. I'm very happy with the grinder.

[@msk3905]

This grinder looks like a twin to the Craftsman grinder I recently bought, was looking at this one because I like the rat handle design. If Hercules had one I would have gone that route but I needed a grinder that day and Lowe’s gives me a 10% military discount so Craftsman won over on the Bauer.

[@doylee469]

These people all saying “hell yeah bauers the bomb” are funny. He’s comparing it to dirty dirty diiirty cheap grinders. Compare it to a ridgid, which is damn near in the same price range.

[@poppaluv]

I bought the $19 drill master ($9 on sale now). It worked for almost one hour before i heard a different tone. It threw out all the grease and ruined the bearings to the point is it very wobbly. going to return it and get this one instead.

[@timwood6115]

Thanks for this excellent review. You explain the technical stuff very clearly. I"m thinking of upgrading to a better angle grinder. This review was helpful. I also like your pacing - no wasted time.

[@TheTyrial86]

What I don't understand is how harbor frieght has Hercules and bauer. But Hercules doesn't have the tools bauer does. But instead you have to go with the earthquake tools which make zero sense as harbor frieght needs to consolidate their tool line ups. I would be buying their tools for home use if they did that....

[@tallykg]

I just came across your video after watching the jack stand reviews and since I just bought this grinder, I thought I'd see what you had to say. I have to say that I really like this grinder. The rat tail was the deciding factor for me and since I'd not bought any Bauer tools yet, it was a great way to try em out. I have to say, if other Bauer stuff is as good as this grinder, then I am sold... this thing is a beast for the price, got mine for $35 with the coupon also and at 8 Amps it rips the competition at that price point! Thanks... a new subscriber here....

[@Peter-976]

Waiting to see if Bauer comes out with a cordless 20V version of this grinder to go with my other Bauer 20V power tools. If not, then I will get this one based on this review.

[@higgout]

I was in harbor freight today looking at this grinder at $39 based on your review is an awesome buy thanks for the review I'm definitely going to pick it up

[@operator8014]

It's interesting that they changed the dimensions of the commutator like that from the B&D. They went with a smaller diameter, which favors speed over torque to make power, but also longer, to increase power draw and torque, but then they seem to have used the same winding count, which tells me that one of the motors is REALLY poorly suited for the job at hand.

[@fatherhood2]

Nice video. I went to HF today to purchase one of these bad boys, but they were out. So I went to look at Home Depot and Lowe's to see what they had. Obviously, I couldn't try them but the Bauer was the only one at this price point that had the rat tail and trigger switch which I find the most comfortable to hold, I have arthritis in my thumbs. I can see however that the lock switch is inconveniently place, especially if you're left handed, which I'm not. So instead of driving to the nearest HF that had this grinder I ordered it online.

[@KevinSmith-gh5ze]

There are several versions of the harbor freight $10 special. The one I had developed so much radial play i thought it might shatter a cutting disc, so I took it apart to find the problem. It didn't have a bearing or even a bushing in the head of the tool to support the output shaft, just the one ball bearing. The back of the shaft went straight into the aluminum casting.

[@AndrewBrowner]

Id buy this for sure, rat tail designs are by far my prefered.. except im on canada and i already own 8 angle grinders in every configuration and size Milwuakee 5" fuel with a couple 9.0 batteries gets almost everything done i need no cord required

[@aaronpowell4885]

Great video as usual. I went to harbor freight to purchase the rat tail bauer which was out of stock at my nearest store, so I picked up the 11 amp Hercules instead. Hopefully it's a decent grinder. I would love to see you review the 11 amp version.

[@theopiner402]

I am most likely to purchase this grinder, it has a lower price than the Hercules while also having similar build quality. A complete win in my book!

[@lugwrench9832]

After viewing this vid, I went and bought one today. Thanks. You do an excellent job reviewing tools.

[@darrinstanfill6846]

Just got it a couple hours ago and I love it. Ironically the only other grinder I already own is that Black N Decker. I like this new Bauer better

[@Pyridox]

I like the trigger switch on this Bauer grinder. It's definitely a step or two up from the HF cheap $10 grinder.

[@jameshall4385]

i like that grinder. i would buy it to have a good grinder. but i would still buy the ten dollar one. you can get four for the same price as the bauer one and have extras just in case

[@michaspi]

Don’t be so hard on shielded bearings. Their design allows much higher RPMs than what a sealed bearing allows.

[@bumponlog]

You'd think they'd make that side button so you'd have to press it in first to actuate the trigger so as to not depress the trigger accidentaly.

[@Milan22229]

there is a 20€ grinder by worksone it has 1,8kw and i like it so far. maybe you check it out sometime.

[@christiandevotions]

Would you be able to remove the locking mechanism from the switch?

[@Marian1983.2D]

You should teardown a Wurth angle grinder. For example: Wurth EWS 10-125 Compact, Wurth EWS 12-125 Solid or Wurth EWS 14-125 Universal. I'm curious what do you think about the ''king'' of grinders :)

[@ToolTeardowns]

Thanks for the idea.

[@earthstrong7855]

thanks for your awesome videos i would buy the Bauer grinder yes.