SKIL 9296-01 7.5-Amp 4-1/2-Inch Paddle Switch Angle Grinder

I'm quite pleased with the Skil 7.5A paddle switch angle grinder. Just ordered my second one, as you can never have enough angle grinders around.I didn't think the third position for the handle (sticking directly out the top) would be of any use, but it turns out to be quite handy when you're using a cutoff wheel in the vertical position. I was cutting some expanded metal lying flat on a work bench, and the handle coming out the top worked out great.I'm a fan of paddle switches, and I don't like lock-on switches. I have a healthy fear of what an angle grinder can do if it gets away from you or gets tangled up in something, so I want it to turn off the moment it comes out of my hands.The tool-free adjustment of the guard seems to work pretty well. Storage of the wrench in the handle it an interesting idea, but i can't remember the last time I actually used an angle grinder wrench. I hand tighten the wheel so I can remove it by hand later. The wrench fell out of the handle once, so it remains to be seen whether I'll keep it in there or just put it in my accessories box.The shock mount on the handle is another interesting feature in theory, but I'm not sure I can really tell the difference.All in all, it hits the right price/power point for me. 7.5A is powerful enough for my needs as a hobbyist metalworker, and the price is definitely attractive. I know some folks treat angle grinders as though they were consumables--just have a bunch on hand and throw them away when they die. I don't want to buy a collection of super-cheap HF angle grinders, but at the same time I couldn't possibly justify something like a Metabo.Two of these Skils, together with my old Craftsman (also a 7.5A), should keep me going for a while.

I own a number of power tools (I have a preponderance of Dewalt) but this was my first experience with Skil tools. I bought this mainly to create a small (47 sq. ft) triangular paver patio behind my house, wedged between the house and a sidewalk. This grinder helped me transform a thousand pounds of concrete cobblestone pavers into the base for my new catio. I was tempted to get a $15 job from Harbor Freight to cut the pavers but decided to upgrade to this Skil saw for a great price. Went through two Dewalt Diamond blades in a couple of days (I would also recommend these); I had to shape most of the pavers to fit. I like the super-comfortable handle of this grinder, which not only holds the chuck to remove blades but can be moved into 3 different positions to get at something from every angle. Since I have small hands for a woman, I was worried the bulk of it would be like grasping a tree limb, and it is thick but not overly taxing on the hands nor too heavy, and I was going at this patio for 10 hours a day. Best to use earplugs and always eye protection of course. I especially like the paddle switch, eliminating the concern of slicing through something wrong if my hand should slip off the trigger. The removable wheel guard kept debris and sparks out of my face and let me set the grinder down quickly while it was spinning to a stop. Next I'll be using it to cut off screw tips from the tool cabinet I built.

Kind of early to write a proper review for this angle grinder, so I'll just state what i do know about it. For the money skill is hard to beat for performance though i can't say much about their cordless drills, they aren't all that great. However when it comes to their cord angle grinders they are pretty tuff, I've owned one before and it was a work horse, I'm expecting the same performance out of this one. Unlike my other grinder, this one has the paddle switch which is a major upgrade, a bigger motor, and overall bigger in size than the other one i had, so it should give me years of sevice. I've got a major project I'm starting on here soon and when I'm done I'll update this review based on my first hand experience with this grinder, let everyone know how it worked out. I will state this, if you're looking for a light weight grinder you might wanna look for something else, a few hours of working with this thing might just wear you out, it's pretty heavy for a hand held tool. I hope i don't fatigue myself too much on my up coming project, I've got a lot of cutting to get done.

I haven't used it much yet, but it feels solid, and I like the way the disk changing tool stores in the handle. But most importantly, when you buy disks, you need to buy disks for a 7/8" arbor, not 5/8." I'm surprised no one said this in the answers. The arbor is 5/8," but the backing flange and nut have a boss that clamps into the hole of the disk, which must be 7/8." The disk that came with the tool says 7/8" right on it! For some reason, they tell you not to use a cutting disk. This seems to be some type of disclaimer. No one would buy this if you couldn't use a cutting disk in it.

There are a ton of tools that fit this bill, but the ergonomics of this one are just, as a whole package, better than the competition. The longer cord, very nice. The vibration isolating handle, very nice. The placement of the paddle, and the fact that it auto shuts off if released, very nice. The auto shut off is especially appreciated the moment you turn one of these on, they are much more powerful and dangerous than their small size and ease of handling suggest. The key also fits in the handle, so it's always there, never lost. Some others have one or two of these things, but this one has it all, and power, and sturdy build, and a competitive price. If you're in the market, this one is the one to get.

I purchased this grinder a few months ago to make wooden bowls and sculptures from some wind-felled alder trees in my yard. Since then I've used it exclusively for power carving and it's performed beyond it's price tag and my expectations. I've put it through 20+ hours of power carving in 2 to 3 hour sessions where the grinder is in almost continuous use. It's never gotten hot or bound up despite the abuse. The paddle switch is easy to use while at the same time giving me the peace of mind that I won't switch it on by accident. The on board tool storage is a great feature as is the three handle positions. This is a great tool and you can't beat the price.

Works great for cutting tiles, just what I needed.

LOVE THE GRINDER SAFE TO USE WITH THE SWITCH

good work