Cordless angle grinder

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Metabo cordless angle grinder Metabo Akku-Flachkopf-Winkelschleifer mit 5.2 Ah Akkupack.jpg
Metabo cordless angle grinder

The cordless angle grinder is a portable angle grinder designed to perform straight, cross and angle cuts, or roughing and polishing tasks on various materials such as metal, stone, ceramics and concrete. Unlike corded grinders, this type of angle grinder operates using rechargeable batteries, providing greater freedom of movement and versatility, making it ideal for construction work, light carpentry and DIY . [1]

Contents

Their ergonomic design makes them easy to operate with one hand. Cordless angle grinders have gained popularity due to their portability and ease of use. They are characterized by their mobility, lightness, and versatility, especially in places without access to the electrical grid. They use lithium-ion batteries, usually 12 V, 18 V, or 20 V. [2]

History

The angle grinder was invented in 1954 by the German company Ackermann + Schmitt (FLEX-Elektrowerkzeuge GmbH) in Steinheim an der Murr [3]

Characteristics

From a technical point of view, the radial grinder incorporates a circular abrasive disc that rotates at high speed, with diameters usually between 115 mm and 150 mm. This system allows cutting, sanding or polishing with great precision, depending on the type of disc mounted. The drive is supported by variable power motors, generally between 1200 and 2000 W, and some models incorporate brushless technology, which increases efficiency, reduces eight, wear and improves range, allowing it to be operated comfortably with one hand, and its lightweight and compact structure has contributed to its popularity. The batteries used usually have voltages of 12 V, 18 V or 20 V, although there are more powerful models that work with 36 V packs, aimed at professional or industrial use.

Advantages and disadvantages

Advantages

This cordless tool has a number of clear advantages over wired versions. The freedom of movement it offers allows you to work easily in open or inaccessible spaces. In addition, its lower weight and dimensions make it more comfortable for quick cuts or short interventions. However, it also has certain limitations: its autonomy depends directly on the state of charge of the battery, and its power, although increasing, is still lower than that of the models connected to the grid. For this reason, for prolonged work it is recommended to have additional batteries or fast charging stations.

Limitations

However, it also has certain limitations: its autonomy depends directly on the state of charge of the battery, and its power, although increasing, is still lower than that of the models connected to the grid. For this reason, for prolonged work it is recommended to have additional batteries or fast charging stations.

Battery types

Cordless radial grinders, like cordless hand drills, are divided by the voltage of the pack, which directly influences the type of application they are intended for and their power and runtime.. The 10 to 12 volt models, such as the Bosch GWS 12V-76 or the Makita CP100DZ, are focused on light cutting work, precision repairs or tasks in very small spaces.

In the 14.4-volt range, although currently less common, there are still intermediate grinders such as the Makita DGA452Z, which supports 14.4 V and 18 V batteries. These models offer moderate power and good versatility.

The 18 to 21 volt models represent the professional range. In this segment we find tools such as the Bosch GWS 18V-10, the Makita DGA513Z, the DeWalt DCG405N, the Einhell TE-AG 18 Li or the Worx WX800, all designed for demanding cuts, on-site work and continuous roughing of hard surfaces. They frequently incorporate brushless motors, electronic brake, and reverse control.

Finally, there are industrial versions of 28 to 36 volts, more powerful and designed for larger diameter discs (up to 230 mm). Models such as the Milwaukee M28 CAG125X and Makita DGA900Z offer similar features to their wired counterparts, but with the freedom of wireless use.

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Comparison between market models

Source: [4]

They started with small, low-power radials, but today they cover a very wide range. [5]

BrandModelVoltageMotorMax RPMDisc diameterElectronic brakeKickbackApprox. weight.Observations
BoschGWS 18V-LI18 V4 poles11,000115 mmNoNo2.3 kgEquivalent to 800 W wired
BoschGWS 12V-7612 VBrushless19,50076 mmNoNo0.5 kgUltra compact
BoschGWX 18V-15 PSC18 VBITURBO11,000125 mmYeahYeah2.7 kgX-LOCK, speed control
MakitaDGA45218 VWith brushes11,000115 mmNoNo2.3 kgClassic LXT model
MakitaDGA513Z18 VBrushless8,500125 mmYeahYeah2.5 kgCruise control, AVT
MakitaDGA900Z36 VBrushless7,800230 mmYeahYeah5.4 kgDouble battery, industrial use
DeWaltDCG405N18 VBrushless9,000125 mmYeahYeah1.74 kgXR, compact and powerful
DeWaltDCG41854 VBrushless9,000125 mmYeahYeah2.2 kgFLEXVOLT, high performance
EinhellTE-AG 18/115 Li18 VWith brushes8,500115 mmNoNo1.2 kgLight, economical
EinhellAXXIO 18/12518 VBrushless8,500125 mmNoYeah1.4 kgProfessional, PurePower engine
WorxWX80020 VBrushless8,600115 mmYeahYeah1.9 kgCompact, PowerShare
WorxWX812L20 VBrushless8,500115 mmYeahYeah1.8 kgNitro, anti-kickback
BrandModelVoltageDisc diameterMax cut at 90°
MakitaHS301DSAE12 V85 mm25 mm
BoschGKS 18V-5718 V165 mm57 mm
DeWaltDCS570N18 V184 mm64 mm
MetaboKS 18 LTX 66 BL18 V165 mm66 mm

Technical notes

Disc table for cordless grinders (76–125 mm)

Diameter (mm)Usual compatibilityAvailable disc typesCommon applications
76 mmCompact mini grindersFine cut, multi-material, metalLight repairs, automotive
85 mmBosch GWS 12V, Makita 12VCutting metal, ceramic, diamondElectrical installations, plumbing
100 mmSome 12–14.4 VCutting, roughing, turbo diamondCeramic cutting, DIY
115 mmStandard in 18 VAll types: cutting, roughing, diamond, flapConstruction, renovations, carpentry
125 mmStandard in 18–21 VAll types + special discs (brush, polishing)Professional work, metallurgy, masonry

Battery pack technology

Battery packs require battery balancing, which is a technique that maximizes a battery's ability to have all of its energy available for use and increases battery longevity. [6] Typically, a battery regulator is a device built into the battery pack that performs battery balancing. [7] Most modern cordless drills use lithium-ion batteries which offer: [8]

ManufacturerModelVoltageCapacity (Ah)BMS typeObservations
BoschPBA 12V 2.5Ah12V2.5ExternalHome use, Power for All system
BoschGBA 18V 5.0Ah18V5.0InternalProfessional, CoolPack technology
BoschProCORE 18V 8.0Ah18V8.0InternalHigh energy density, smart BMS
MakitaBL1021B12V2.0ExternalCXT Series, Compact
MakitaBL1850B18V5.0InternalLXT Series, with charge indicator
MakitaBL404040V4.0InternalXGT Series, Battery-Machine Digital Communication
DeWaltDCB12412V3.0ExternalXR Compact, light professional use
DeWaltDCB18418V5.0InternalXR Li-Ion, compatible with the entire 18V range
DeWaltDCB54618V / 54V6.0InternalFLEXVOLT, dual voltage, smart BMS

Internal architecture of battery packs

The nominal voltage of a battery pack is determined by the number of 3.7 V cell subgroups connected in series. Each subgroup can be made up of one or more cells in parallel, which increases the capacity (Ah) of the pack. [9]

Structural typology according to voltage
Nominal voltageNumber of 3.7V subgroups in seriesExample of modelsBMSComment
3.7 V1USB Power BanksNot requiredThe cells are in parallel; a 3.7 V → 5 V DC-DC converter is used.
10.8–12 V3Black&Decker BL1510, Makita BL1013, Bosch BAT411 (PS31)External2 intermediate sockets for BMS on the charger
14,4–16 V4Makita BL1415GExternal3 intermediate sockets; BMS normally in the charger
18–21 V5Makita BL1850B, Bosch SM31 (GSR 1800-LI)Internal4 intermediate sockets; with integrated BMS

The presence of intermediate taps in the pack's wiring allows the BMS (internal or located in the charger) to monitor and balance the state of charge of each group of cells. This balancing is essential in series configurations, since the cells do not balance themselves automatically as they do in parallel. Some low-cost designs use diodes to limit cell imbalance, although this technique offers limited protection and may reduce the battery's lifespan. [10]

Power packs => % Charge vs. Volt

% load3.7 V pack10.1 V pack14.8 V pack18 V pack21 V pack
100%4.2 V12.6 V16.8 V21.0 V25.2 V
75%3.9 V11.7 V15.6 V19.5 V23.1 V
50%3.7 V10.8 V14.4 V18.0 V21.0 V
25%3.5 V10.0 V13.2 V16.5 V18.9 V

Applications

As for its practical applications, it is frequently used in the assembly of metal structures or furniture, the installation of elements such as shelves, curtains or supports, and the preparation of surfaces by roughing. Some models also allow drilling holes in materials such as wood, plastic or masonry, as long as suitable discs and accessories are used.

Security

Safety in use is a priority aspect in its design. Many cordless radial grinders are equipped with ergonomic handles coated with non-slip material, electronic overload and overheat protection systems, and an electronic brake that stops the rotation of the disc when the trigger is released. The inclusion of LED light in certain models also allows for precise work in poorly lit areas.

See also

References

  1. Li, Curtain (2024-03-22). "What Are Angle Grinders Used For And How Choosing Between Corded and Cordless". ONEVAN. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  2. Tools 2011 Spring. Asianproducts.com. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  3. Henke, Michael (January 2009), "Nachgefragt: Warum heißen Winkelschleifer "Flex"" (PDF), Fliesen und Platten, Köln: Verlagsgesellschaft Rudolf Müller, p. 45, retrieved 16 January 2014
  4. "Elegimos el Mejor Amoladoras De Batería de España". TOProducts.es (in Spanish). 2025-07-30. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  5. "Top 5 Herramientas: Las mejores amoladoras inalámbricas". CajónHerramientas (in Spanish). 2019-09-27. Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  6. Wen, Sihua (2009). "Cell balancing buys extra run time and battery life" (PDF). Analog Applications Journal.
  7. "Battery Management and Monitoring Systems BMS". www.mpoweruk.com. Retrieved 2024-01-12.
  8. Diao, Weiping; et al. (2017). "Active battery cell equalization based on residual available energy maximization". Applied Energy. doi:10.1016/j.apenergy.2017.07.137.
  9. "Cell Balancing Design Guidelines" (PDF). Retrieved 2025-07-30.
  10. "What is Battery Balancing and Does Your System Need It?". Cadence System Analysis. 2022-09-07. Retrieved 2025-07-30.

Literature