Skil 4-1/2" Angle Grinder (9295-01)

If you occasionally work with metal or masonry, then you might be somewhat reluctant to fork over $250 to $300 for a professional grade angle grinder. But how does $40 sound? That's about the cost of a pizza and a couple of beers - and just as satisfying.

The Skil 4-1/2" Angle Grinder (9295-01) might not have all the bells and whistles that you would find on a professional tool, but it's no wussy either. The 6 amp motor generates 11,000 RPM and 17.7 in-lbs of maximum torque. Equipped with the right abrasive disc, that's enough speed and torque to handle any grinding tasks around the home or cottage, or in the home workshop. At just over 4-1/2 pounds it's none too heavy. The handle doesn't have any padding, which doesn't matter that much, as you really should be wearing gloves whenever you use this tool. The 9295-01 does come with a long, 8' flexible cord.

Wrench stores in the handle

Flick open the guard release to move the wheel guard

The head on the 9295-01 is made of cast aluminum, and the wheel guard is made of stamped steel. The body is made of 30% glass filled nylon. The removable side handle can be installed in one of three places - left or right side, or on top. You'll want to keep the handle on, as makes it easier to manipulate the grinder rather than gripping onto the body with both hands. The wrench used to remove the grinding wheel is conveniently stored in the handle. This is a great idea and I'd like to see it used on more power tools.

Wheel guard moves about 270°

Lock nut easily removes

The wheel guard can be rotated about 270°. The guard release feels a bit sloppy when you release it to move the guard, but it holds securely. The spindle lock is on top of the aluminum head. Flip the grinder upside down, press the lock with the thumb on one hand, and then use your other hand to twist off the lock nut with the supplied wrench. You can attach grinding wheels up to 4-1/2" diameter, wire wheels up to 4" and wire cup brushes to 3" diameter.

5/8" spindle accepts standard 4-1/2" wheels

Integrated on-off/lock-on switch

Skil uses a slide on-off spring loaded switch with a lock-on feature. You push the switch forward to turn the grinder on; while you maintain pressure on the switch the grinder runs. If you release the switch the grinder turns off. To activate the lock-on feature you slide the switch forward, and then press it downward so that the switch locks in place. To unlock the switch you simply press the rear part of the switch. While the switch works fine to turn the grinder on and off, I found the lock-on feature awkward to use. You have to apply quite a bit of pressure to engage the feature.

Pressing the switch downward to activate the lock-on feature is awkward

Switch in lock-on position

I used the 9295-01 to cut some rebar and some hollow 1" piping. I found the grinder easy to handle and difficult to stall. There is no need to apply a lot of pressure on the stock that you're grinding; let the grinding wheel do the work. It's also advisable to wear gloves, a dust mask, and eye protection whenever you use an angle grinder; it generates a lot of sparks and quite a bit of dust. And like any angle grinder, the 9295-01 is very loud (106 decibels, no load).

For occasional use, the 9295-01 provides good value in a competitively priced grinder.

Reviewed August 2010