No workshop can do without an angle grinder. However, this tool is intended for cutting and polishing, it is also widely used for sharpening blades. In this article, I explain how to select the best angle grinder for sharpening mower blades, which features affect the result and review the most popular brands.
Contents
Top 5 Best Angle Grinder for Sharpening Mower Blades
- Makita XAG04Z ― Top Pick
- Metabo HPT Angle Grinder ―Runner Up
- All American Sharpener Model 5005 ― Great Value
- Makita 9557PBX1
- BOSCH 1375A
Makita XAG04Z: Best Grinder for Fine Works
Makita is a famous worldwide Japanese brand known for the reliable quality and durability of its instruments. The model I selected for myself is Makita XAG04Z – a cordless angle grinder that suits a wide range of materials and tasks, including sharpening blades. The main advantage is the speed change technology: Makita XAG04Z automatically adjusts speed during operation to ensure the most effective use of power. Spiral bevel gears support smooth rotations and provide the most effective use of power.
For more safety, Makita XAG04Z provides active feedback-sensing technology, which shuts down the motor if the wheel accidentally stops. Another feature that ensures a long lifetime is a system for conditions monitoring that prevents overloading, over-discharging, and overheating. A brushless motor also reduces temperature, preventing malfunctions in the long run. This instrument is run by an 18V Lithium-Ion system, providing high mobility. It charges fast enough, so you don’t have to wait long to continue the work. Finally, it is a very convenient tool to handle thanks to its low weight (4.8 pounds) and soft rubberized grip.
Makita XAG04Z easily copes with various materials, from plastic to concrete. Its 5″ ultra-thin cut-off wheel ensures accurate cuts and suits sharpening blades.
- Automatic speed change technology;
- Spiral bevel gears support smooth rotations;
- System for conditions monitoring for prevents overloading.
- Battery systems might not suit well for intense work.
Metabo HPT Angle Grinder: Set With Five Wheels
Metabo HPT angle grinder set includes a 4 1/2″ angle grinder, five grinding wheels, and a carrying case. This set contains all the essentials you need to start working right away and handle most of the tasks. The angle grinder has a 6.2 AMP motor that provides 980W of max output power, required for tough grinding jobs. The instrument spins the wheel at 12,000 RPM speed, close to the maximum for angle grinders. The spine lock allows changing discs with no effort.
I recommend this model for its lightweight and maneuverability, which make the Metabo HPT angle grinder suitable for fine work like sharpening blades. It weighs only 4 pounds, creating minimal tension in arms and preventing quick fatigue. For more convenience, this item features a removable forward-canted grip you can attach to both sides. This detail makes Metabo HPT suitable for both right-handed and left-handed users.
- Apart from the angle grinder, the set includes five grinding wheels and a carrying case;
- Light weight prevents fatigue and allows fine work;
- High speed (12000 RPM);
- Spine lock allows changing discs with no effort.
- The grinding wheel might get loose over time.
All American Sharpener Model 5005: Set to Start Right Away
All American Sharpener Model 5005 is a kit produced by a small business that I always recommend support. This set contains everything you need to start working right away: a Drill Master 4-1/2-inch angle grinder and a 24-grit grinding wheel. It also includes adapter pins to attach a grinder to the sharpener assembly. Model 5005 features a spindle lock that allows easy change of wheels. It is an easy-to-operate tool that can sharpen blades at angles between 15 and 45 degrees.
- Spindle lock that allows easy change of wheels;
- Includes adapter pins;
- Easy to assemble.
- Some John Deere lawn mower blades may not work with Model 5005.
Makita 9557PBX1: Grinder for AC/DC Switching
Unlike the first item on this list, Makita 9557PBX1 is a corded tool. It has a 7.5 AMP motor that provides a smooth start and a decent steady speed of 11,000 RPM. This instrument allows switching between AC and DC and uses all the available power sources. Makita is famous for its durability, and 9557PBX1 is no exception. The tool features motor protection that is essential for the long life of any equipment. Apart from that, a protective zig-zig varnish protects the mechanism from dust and debris no one can avoid during work sessions. This model weighs 4.5 pounds, which is a bit more than the previous one. Makita 9557PBX1 is an ergonomic tool whose main feature is an extra-large paddle switch. This detail makes holding and operating more comfortable, directly increasing your safety.
- Provides smooth start and decent steady speed of 11,000 RPM;
- Allows using all available power sources by AC/DC switching;
- Dust and debris protection;
- Has an extra large paddle switch for comfortable holding.
- The locking mechanism might be a bit loose.
BOSCH 1375A: Durable Grinder With Epoxy Coating
BOSCH 1375A is the lightest item on this list. It weighs less than 4 pounds, which makes it extra maneuverable and suitable for fine work. However, it is no less powerful than other angle grinders: a 6-AMP motor produces 11,000 RPM. Thanks to its spindle, you can attach all the most popular accessories you might need.
The epoxy coating protects the tool from dust and abrasive debris that scatters from any surface you are working with and ensures durability. Moreover, a sealed switch prevents the powder from damaging the switch mechanism. For more safety, this tool is equipped with Bosch’s Service Minder Brush System that prevents overload and stops the motor when it needs maintenance before it gets broken.
- Bosch’s Service Minder Brush System prevents overload;
- Epoxy coating protects the tool from dust and abrasive debris;
- Sealed switch prevents the powder from damaging the switch mechanism.
- The gearbox area might get hot during long use.
Buyer’s Guide Angle Grinder for Sharpening Mower Blades
Sharpening mower blades with an angle grinder is the easiest way to keep them in their best condition. To learn how to do it right, consider the parameters of this tool.
Power source
As well as any other tool, angle grinders are divided into corded and cordless. The main difference is the cases these types are used in.
Corded angle grinders tend to be more reliable and durable since uninterrupted work requires more margin of safety.
Cordless instruments are usually chosen for their mobility, yet they might need to be more solid. Moreover, you always have to wait for a battery to charge or carry a reserved one.
Accuracy
The quality of the tool is as important as the user’s experience and technique. A number of wheel properties affect cut accuracy, and its thickness is a critical detail. Precise work requires thin discs, so the more accurate work you need to do, the thicker your wheel should be.1” and ½” wheels suit sharpening mower blades the best.
Blade
When you aim to make an angle grinder sharpen lawn mower blades, notice what material it is made of and select a suitable angle grinder sharpening disc. The material of the wheel and its grit directly affect the result you will get. Use a vitrified aluminum oxide grinder disc for steel blades, while silicon carbide wheels work best with nonferrous materials.
Safety
A blade that spins at high speed is a possible cause of injuries. To prevent them, never neglect reading the instruction, learn specific features your tool has, and always follow general safety rules.
- Give preference to a grinder with a cut-off or dead-man switch. These systems stop the wheel as soon as a finger touches it.
- Never remove guards.
- Match the type of disc with the material you are working with to prevent damage and kickbacks.
Disc speed
Angle grinder speed is counted in revolutions per minute (RPM) and varies from 2,000 RPM to 13,000 RPM. These characteristic affects the range of materials you can effectively work with and your safety.
- You need a lot of power and high speed to cope with such hard materials as concrete. High decency makes carving harder, so high speed is the only way to finish the task as fast as possible.
- Soft materials like wood require low speed since they create low resistance. Thus, you can lose control easily and spoil the piece you are working with. The same logic concerns accurate tasks like sharpening mower blades – fewer revolutions ensure a better result.
FAQ on Using an Angle Grinder
The best way to sum up the information is to move to practical questions. Here are the three most widespread questions people face when using an angle grinder to sharpen mower blades.
Can you sharpen lawn mower blades with angle grinder?
Yes, you can use an angle grinder to keep your lawn mower in working condition. This is the fastest and most effective way to sharpen the blades.
What angle grinder is best for sharpening mower blades?
Makita is perceived as the best manufacturer of instruments. I advise XAG04Z for sharpening mower blades since this model handles fine work better than any other.
How to sharpen mower blades with angle grinder?
Take the blade off the lawn mower and fix it. Align a wheel to the blade at 45 degrees and run it from one age to another. After you finish, switch the side and repeat.
Keeping Your Blades Sharp With a Grinder
An angle grinder is a multipurpose tool to finish a wide range of household tasks, including sharpening mower blades. The disc is the most important detail that affects the result. Consider its thickness, the material it is made of, and the blade material you need to sharpen.
Are you looking for a grinder for a particular task? Which parameters matter to you? Please share your thoughts.
Best angle grinder for sharpening mower blades – comparison table
| Name | Speed (RPM) | Power source | Safety and durability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Makita XAG04Z | Automatic speed change technology | 18V Lithium-Ion system | System for conditions monitoring. |
| Metabo HPT Angle Grinder | 12,000 | Corded | ― |
| All American Sharpener Model 5005 | 10,000 | Corded | ― |
| Makita 9557PBX1 | 11,000 | Corded | Motor protection, zig-zig varnish protection. |
| BOSCH 1375A | 11,000 | Corded | Bosch’s Service Minder Brush System, epoxy coating, sealed switch. |
“A good tool stays with you for many years and choosing carefully ensures the job is done right, your work is neat, and the tool is always a pleasure to use”
