Makita XAG20Z 18V LXT BL 4-1/2”/ 5" Paddle Cutoff/Angle Grinder

I bought this grinder to replace a 15-year-old Makita battery grinder that I wore out. I like the paddle handle, the safety lock on the paddle is a bit fiddly but it's a good safety idea. The variable speed is helpful, it's easy to change the wheels/brushes with the spanner wrench and the tool has good ergonomics. it's brushless and feels solid in my hands.It has enough power for smaller jobs. If I need to get serious, I pull out my 120v Metabo grinder because NO battery grinder has the same power as a 120v model, especially a top brand grinder.I bought an extra spanner wrench and lock nut set for about $12 because if the OEM ones grow legs, you're sort of screwed.I like this tool for quick jobs. I used it today with a vitreous cut off wheel to make an adjustment on a wheeled base for my fireproof shop garbage can dolly. Worked great.If you're serious about your tools, get a battery grinder like this AND a corded version of whatever brand your prefer.

Needed for some metal and masonry work. Already had the Makita family batteries so decision was an easy one. Love the variable speed feature. Tool and proper discs made fast work of both jobs.Peace

Works great. Plenty of power.

Makita has made a lot of improvements over previous models with this one. I put this thing through it's paces and it has handled everything I could throw at it perfectly.The brake works great and allows you to work faster, you're never sitting around waiting for the wheel to spin down. Speed control works well and is very useful. Ergonomics are well thought out and the weight of the tool is well balanced, it feels comfortable to hold for longer periods of time.This model has the paddle switch which is safer than lock on switches on other models, but this may come down to personal preference.No AWS on this model, if you need AWS get the XAG21ZU. Makita does make some good dust collection shrouds to go with these grinders.

Picking my first 18-volt tool was a BIG decision since it meant committing to one brand of tools since batteries are not interchangeable between brands. After careful evaluation I committed to the Makita 18v line of tools based on my 20+ years experience with my old Makita 9.6v drills and jigsaw which are still workhorses. My final decision came after reading an incredible review of the Makita Oscillating MultiTool (XMT03) which is the first 18-volt tool in the Makita line that I purchased (in 2019).Once committed to the Makita line in mid-2019, I started buying tools as I needed them. I selected this Makita 4-1/2”/ 5" Paddle Cutoff/Angle Grinder (XAG20Z) after researching all the available models on the MakitaTools.com website and comparing their various features. I like the paddle switch (trigger style) rather than the slide switch (on/off) button for convenience and SAFETY since you have to keep the paddle switch depressed to operate while the slide switch stays on even if you drop it.Great Tool and works with all standard cut-off wheels, brushes, grinding wheels, etc on the market that fit standard 5/8" arbor.

Only thing that isn't super evident from pics, it's a VERY long tool, and the variable speed dial set up adds even more to the length. I do wish it was quit a bit shorter. Other than that, A+ makita quality as you would expect

Speed control, for me, is a must. Makes this a much more versatile tool. The brake is also really helpful. It's a shame there's a $60 premium for this model over the "dumb" one, but I think it's money well spent. I also prefer paddle switches since I find the toggle switch kinda unsafe and unnerving to use.With a battery, it's a pretty long tool! Feels pretty well balanced. I kinda wish there was a third screw hole for the handle on the top of the gear housing like my old Dewalt has, for when you're cutting, but not a huge deal.Again, the variable speed is a must. Using wire wheels at full speed scares the hell out of me.

Unlike most of my other cordless LXT tools, I still now and then reach for one of my corded grinders. Depends on the job. There's really nothing the XAG20 won't do, just that one of my corded grinders is a beast and it still sees a fair amount of use. The XAG20 has some nice features though, like the ramped start and the brake. For many jobs it is plenty powerful and fast enough. I'd be fine if it was my only grinder and it has become the first one I reach for generally.