REVIEW – Useful for cutting, grinding, and polishing, an angle grinder is one of those indispensable tools that belong in every do-it-yourselfer’s arsenal. The Greenworks angle grinder is a 24V cordless unit with a brushless motor that spins 4-1/2-inch tools up to 10500 RPM. I have one to review. Read on to see what I think!
What is it?
The Greenworks angle grinder is a power tool that spins an abrasive disc at high-speed and perpendicular to the handle. This orientation allows the operator to precisely control the reaction torque the tool generates when the abrasive disc makes contact with the workpiece. This tool is powered by a 24V battery, which provides a higher torque output than lower voltages and is priced below higher voltage tools. The tool comes with a 4AH battery and 48W charger for quick charging and long use times. The Greenworks angle grinder also features a two-position handle, a lock on power switch, and a quickly adjustable debris guard.
What’s in the box?
- Greenworks Angle Grinder Tool
- Guard
- T27 grinding wheel
- T1 cutoff wheel
- Spanner Wrench
- Handle
- 4Ah Battery
- 48W charger
- Manuals for the tool, battery, and charger
Hardware specs
- Model: 3201302
- No-Load Speed: 10,500 RPM
- Disc Diameter: 4.5″
- Shaft diameter: 5/8″
- Length: 14″ 4Ah battery to shaft center
- Tool Weight: 3.54 lbs.
- Battery Weight: 1.66 lbs.
- Charge time: 90 minutes
Design and features
Unboxing
The Greenworks 24V angle grinder comes in a green corrugated box with full-color picture of the tool on three sides and a full-color collage of the tools that belong to the 24V battery system on one end of the box.
Inside the box are the tool and components. Each item is individually packaged in a plastic bag.
Setup
The Greenworks 24V angle grinder has very little setup. All that is required is charging that battery, installing the debris guard, and installing the grinding, cutting, or polishing tool. The debris guard has a tab on the ring that fits above the shaft that can fit into three grooves on the shaft. This allows the debris guard to remain in a fixed position. The position of the guard can be changed quickly due to a quick-release cam on the bolt that holds it in place. The guard is a wear part. Eventually, the ricochet of metal and abrasives thin the metal of the guard. I did not see a replacement item offered by Greenworks, but the design of the guard appears to be similar to a DeWALT 643772-00.
The attachment is held in place by a 5/8-11 metal lock nut that is similar to many other tools (Dewalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Bosch, Black & Decker, and Ryobi). The Nut must be tightened by the spanner wrench or deceleration of the tool can cause the nut to loosen. A Spindle lock button on the back of the head makes changing the wheel easy. The lock doesn’t have as many catch points as a Dremel tool so locking the wheel may require rotating the wheel a few times by hand.
The battery came at 10 to 20% capacity as judged by the LEDs on the front. 3 green LEDs indicate the capacity of the battery is at 80 to 100% capacity. 2 green LEDs indicate the capacity of the battery is at 50 to 80% capacity. 1 green LED indicates the capacity of the battery is at 20 to 50% capacity. 1 blinking green LED indicates the capacity of the battery is at 10 to 20% capacity. If no LED is lit then the battery is under 10% capacity and requires charging immediately. The LEDs go on if the test button next to the LEDs is pressed or if the tool is started. The battery does not have a USB port for charging USB devices as some Greenworks batteries are capable of.
Design
With the battery installed the tool is well balanced in the hand. The design of the tool is completely symmetrical along the length so it is equally usable by a right or left-handed individual. The grip is a rubber-coated plastic that helped prevent the tool from slipping out of a gloved hand. The grip is 5 1/2″ inches around so it is usable by a wide variety of hand sizes. The space allowable for the fingers, below the switch, is 3 1/2″ wide so the most common hand sizes can grip the tool comfortably.
The power button is activated by pushing up with the thumb. The tool only spins at one speed so using it for establishing a groove while cutting or at lower speeds for polishing is not achievable. The power button also has a lock at the top of its range but this is difficult to set in place with only one hand. Once the power lock is in place it is easy to unlock with one hand only.
The handle attachment is mountable to either side of the tool for grinding but there is no center mount which is, to me, the most comfortable position for cut-off jobs.
The tool is backed by a 3 year manufacturer’s warranty.
Operation and Performance
The tool is easy to use for either cutting or grinding. The motor maintains a high speed even when working on a workpiece with a large surface area. I did not personally test the longevity of the battery but the manufacturer states that a 4Ah battery lasts for 30 minutes and takes about 90 minutes to charge.
What I like
- Nice size, balance, and feel
- Easy to use
What I’d change
- 3 position handle
- Variable speed operation
Final thoughts
The Greenworks 24V Angle grinder is another valuable tool that Greenworks provides that can be used interchangeably with the manufacturer’s 24V batter ecosystem. The tool comes with a fast charger and a 4Ah battery which adds to the value of the purchase. If you are looking for a cordless angle grinder for occasional use consider the Greenworks 24V angle grinder.
Price: $109.99
Where to buy: Greenworks and Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided by Greenworks.
