95578 4 1/2" grinder

[dugndeep]

I had a Harbor freight coupon for the 95578 grinder for $9.99 a burning a hole in my pocket and about to expire on 1-30-11 so I figured I had better get there and pick one up.I got a 4 1/2" grinder that I bought at harbor freight about 7 years ago that still works just as good as the day I bought it,I hope this one does the same.I'm going to put a cup brush on this one and leave it so I can clean metal and welds with it instead of having to use bench grinder with a wire wheel on it.It's a little smaller sized than my other one,maybe it will be a little easier on the hands to use.I put a little thin cut-off wheel on it just to see how it works.As for quality,time will tell.

[tackit]

I have doubts the grinders electricals can survive a cup brush unless it's only going to be used occasionally, 4.3 amp motor is not big.

I got rid of a 5 amp metabo because a 4 1/2" grinding wheel would bog it down when I asked it to dig.

[Jack Olsen]

Didn't someone recently do a tear down on one of these? If I'm remembering right, they'd made some improvements. I have 5 of the older heavy duty HF ones, and have never had a problem.

[Bob the Welder]

With a 4.3 amp motor and being sold at Harbor Freight, it probably has a Walt Disney cartoon character as a trade mark.

[dugndeep]

I took it apart to make sure it had enough grease,I added a little more to make sure.I added some loctite to the screw threads so they don't back out.
It's not made to ride on,these thing's will last forever if you don't abuse them but so what if it dies,i'm out 10 bucks.Try the flap disc first.

[dugndeep]

I got rid of a 5 amp metabo because a 4 1/2" grinding wheel would bog it down when I asked it to dig.


I got a 15 amp 9" grinder for diggin

[dugndeep]

It will handle this 3" twisted cup brush with ease.:cool2:

[LawsonWeldingLLC]

I know someone who has a box about 24 x 24 by 10 inches deep full of the orange ones if u need parts , my makita's are still running strong lol if u get a chance goto fastenal and price there blackstone flap discs , they are 4.30 here at my local fastenal , and there a hell of alot better then those black n deckers just a thought

[tackit]

For $10 it's not a big deal... good luck with it.

My favorite grinder is my 11 amp 5" Hitachi with a rat tail handle. I run 6" metabo? flap wheels and a 6" power brush on it. It's smaller over all size and lighter weight keeps the heavier 3 HP 7" Hitachi on the shelf.

[jsm11]

Nice score....

With that said, when I'm leaning on metal it better disappear fast.
I'm using Dewalt's I believe 14 amp with the pistol grip.
Was like $130 and 4.5 inch.

The difference is night and day.

[dugndeep]

How do you report a spammer on here?

shatacizsaicy might be a spammer.

Don't need no stinkin watch:nono:

[prop-doctor]

click on the little triangle to the right next to post number
to report spammmmmmmR

[Frank Chloupek]

Spammer gone bye-bye.

[Billdacat]

If that is an HF wire cup...you better watch out; you will poke your eye out.
HF wheels and cups are freaking dangerous. :dizzy:

I bought an HF 4.5 in pneumatic grinder for working on wet ground; not a lot of balls but it's not bad considering the price. ~$25
BTW: Are the internal gears made of metal?

[dugndeep]

Harbor freight is having a blowout sale the 14th thru the 17th,they have this very same grinder for $9.99,might go buy two more so I can put different wheels on them.
They have metal gears and that cup brush is at tractor supply
I just don't see paying over $100 for a 4 1/2" grinder like a metabo.They almost look identical.

[Bob the Welder]

By dugndeep;

I just don't see paying over $100 for a 4 1/2" grinder like a metabo.They almost look identical.

Until you use them, then the difference will become readily apparent!

[PapaLion]

Makita makes 4 1/2" AC and DC for use by the SA200 folks... IMHO Bulletproof and available at HD.

[dugndeep]

Check out this wood carver blade for a 4 1/2" angle grinder.Says it's good for cutting holes in wood flooring & walls and just general wood carving or sculpting.Never seen one like this before.Just like a chain saw blade for an angle grinder.

[moeh1]

I have one of these, it is actually a chainsaw chain sandwiched between two presssed washers. Awesome tool for shaping wood, logs, etc.

[dugndeep]

I put a thin cut-off wheel on my new grinder to try it out and I really like it.It has a rubber like feel and is easy to grip.Just the right size to hold in your hand plus the rubber coating makes it easy to grip.

[dugndeep]

I would like to get this guide and try out on cutting sheet materials.

[dugndeep]

I got some really good bearings that will fit this grinder,debating whether to replace them or not.I know these bearings are alot better than the one's that come in the grinder,looks like another kitchen table project.:laugh: I love to tinker

[gsport]

how can you go wrong for $10.00... i think i have 4 or 5 of them, all with different wheels.... figure if one fails, i'll cut off the cord and make an extension cord out of it.. lol

[dugndeep]

I put a few knurling's in the outer wheel flange with a dremel and a thin cut-off wheel.It makes wheel changes so much faster.

[rundogs]

I have that guide Dug,its well worth it.I cut the ends off of a reciever hitch and made a three point hitch for my tractor.Like cutting plywood!

[billyons]

I have 2 of the Drill Master 4 1/2" grinders and a Bosch. The Drill Master's have worked flawlessly for 18 months and counting. The quality is not up to the Bosch's standard, but they keep working regardless. I would buy them again when the time comes. I have noticed the Drill Master's seem identical to the Neiko brand.

I also have a HF cordless grinder and I am very surprised with the torque it has and how long the battery lasts.

I guess these should be on the HF that do not suck list.

[jakeru]

I posted some pics, review, and mods of this grinder later down in this thread:
http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=45620&highlight=grinder&page=2

I wish I had a grinder with variable RPM, so I could turn down the speed for more delicate metal cleaning operations, such as using scotch brite discs or plastic impregnated wheels to clean aluminum oxides, or even wire wheel brushes. You really don't need or even want > 10k RPM for that kind of application. Does anyone know if I can add one something in line to the power plug to control the grinder speed?

[dugndeep]

I got 2 more coupons to use before 5/23/11 so I'm going to go and get 2 more of these grinders and put different wheels or brushes on them so I won't have to keep changin them out.I don't believe they will stay at $10 dollars much longer.

[Swamp rat]

I hpe you have better luck than i did - bought one like yours and groung two tack welds off and it will do absolutly nothing now. Gonna try and bring it back and see what they say ?????

[dugndeep]

I hpe you have better luck than i did - bought one like yours and groung two tack welds off and it will do absolutly nothing now. Gonna try and bring it back and see what they say ?????


Sounds like you might have a connection that has come loose or the brushes aren't right.I would definitely be taking it back.

[Swamp rat]

I hope you have better luck than i did with the Drill Master - bought one used it to grind two tack welds and it will do nothing now. Gonna try to bring it back and see what they say??????

[California]

They're used to seeing them come back. They will simply give you another. No big deal.

I have used two of them for several years intermittent use without problems. But I think for a tool this cheap, it is better suited to put a cup brush on one and an edge brush on an other, which is how I use them.

To really grind with, the next step up ($18) is a little underpowered but seems better built.

For pro use you want a grinder that draws at least double the 4.5 amps that these run on. And probably better quality stones, to stand up to the extra force that the better grinder can tolerate without bogging down.

[Rog02]

I posted some pics, review, and mods of this grinder later down in this thread:
http://weldingweb.com/showthread.php?t=45620&highlight=grinder&page=2

I wish I had a grinder with variable RPM, so I could turn down the speed for more delicate metal cleaning operations, such as using scotch brite discs or plastic impregnated wheels to clean aluminum oxides, or even wire wheel brushes. You really don't need or even want > 10k RPM for that kind of application. Does anyone know if I can add one something in line to the power plug to control the grinder speed?

I got an old foot pedal from a sewing machine and wired it for a speed controller. I use it on my Bosch die grinder and have used it on these HF grinders. It works for brush type motors only.

Nice thing is having the on off at your toe as well.

[umahunter]

i just dont see buying an expensive grinder again ive got an orange grinder that has out lasted 2 dewalt's and a bosch ive cut concrete stucco tile steel aluminum brick etc and its still going:cool2:

[nadogail]

I have two of those $9.99 grinders, one did not survive heavy use with a cup brush, it goes back to the store this week. The other spins a flap disc very well. The insurance the store sells should keep me in grinders for the next 2 years.

[papaharley03]

I just bought the $29 paddle switch 4 1/2 grinder last week. It ran for several hours with momentary stops to check metal removal on the work piece. I made sure to feel the exhaust air coming off the internal cooling fan and it never even got warm. I was using the HF 36 flap wheel for the most part, and then the 24 grit grinding wheel. This sucker works well so far. It is a bit noisy in the drive train, but I don't mind as long as the tool exhaust air is staying cool, then I know I'm not overloading it.

I've had their standard black model auto darkening helmet for a few years and it works good. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they had a replacement pack of the plastic, outer lens shields for it in the store.

Just picked up the better quality 1/2 drill yesterday and with a 20% off coupon, I bought the 9.99 two year no questions asked warranty. We'll see how that unit holds up.

[Huckxc]

Nice score....

With that said, when I'm leaning on metal it better disappear fast.
I'm using Dewalt's I believe 14 amp with the pistol grip.
Was like $130 and 4.5 inch.

The difference is night and day.

I just got one of these grinders...
13 amp ac/dc
4.5 - 5"
$132.00
They sell these on ebay and list them at 5'' - 6''
I like the pistol grip, locking button, dust ejection system and the quick release for the guard (which is now off).
:gunsfirin

[dugndeep]

I got a different handle that come off a skil angle grinder that holds the spanner wrench and put on mine.Alot better and more comfortable handle plus it holds the wrench.

[nadogail]

I have two

[coonhunter]

I have one of the orange ones from H.F. I'm in process building a pipe fence grinding rust off each post at the weld sight thats eight grinding spots per post I am two post away from finishing 350' post every nine ft. so thats a lot of spot grinding It's still kicking. I am not knocking other good grinders I have two Makita 4" grinders that have served me well but this little cheapie is not doing a bad job.

[SeanMurphy265]

I have been using one since November, the first one lasted about an hour, the second has worked like a champ. For the price I can't really complain.

[rundogs]

Couldn`t help myself, had to go out and get one.You`re right, thats the smoothest running grinder I`ve ever had.And it fit`s in your hand just right.A good one handed grinder.

[umahunter]

so far ive picked up 2 probably get another when another coupon shows up :waving:

[dugndeep]

Some are trying to sell them on ebay for $30

[Wolframore]

BTW... those coupons say limit 7... so you only need one coupon. I just grabbed two last weekend! Cut through some concrete pavers with a Husky diamond blade. Was working them very hard but survived. One runs smoother than the other... I would buy them again for $9.99. the diamond blade cost wayyy more!

[scot]

I have one that I killed trying to run it too hard and picked up another under warranty. Had a project coming up that required some heavy cutting so I went with the Skill from Lowes. It was a whopping $28 but seems to have about twice the power of the HF.

However the HF works great for grinding. And will cut fine but you really can't push into your metal much. I am still working on the 10 pack of cutting blades somehow so they have lasted a bit longer than expected.

[lazer]

i got the chicago electric model and very happy, just did a wheel well arch and already two cab mouns on an s10 and some bike stuff too
but i hope someone sees this question i jus got a die grinder half price because it needs a 1/4" collet, anyone know where or how easy it is to get, i didnt want to search that ? chicago electric
thanks

[Jim Stabe]

I have 5 or 6 HF 4 1/2" grinders (different wheels on each) that range from the cheapo Drill Master to the orange ones and the latest are the paddle switch model. I am using them constantly for the past 10 years and have yet to have one give up. I really like the paddle switch ones and will buy more if they ever go on sale.

[RangerDaleXp]

I have about 10 different grinders from HF, all are set up for different uses. The oldest one is about 12 years old and keeps going strong even after being dropped and breaking off the back of the motor cover. I taped it back on and it still works today. I did have one of the orange ones fail internally in the windings but was replaced with no problems at all.

I do after they get broke in change out the fish oil grease in the gear case and replace it with good mobile one grease:cool2:

[graniteguy]

I had a Harbor freight coupon for the 95578 grinder for $9.99 a burning a hole in my pocket and about to expire on 1-30-11 so I figured I had better get there and pick one up.I got a 4 1/2" grinder that I bought at harbor freight about 7 years ago that still works just as good as the day I bought it,I hope this one does the same.I'm going to put a cup brush on this one and leave it so I can clean metal and welds with it instead of having to use bench grinder with a wire wheel on it.It's a little smaller sized than my other one,maybe it will be a little easier on the hands to use.I put a little thin cut-off wheel on it just to see how it works.As for quality,time will tell.

Well, I usually have good luck with HF grinders. This one, however, not so much. I bought 3 cuz they were on sale for $9.99. 2 have gone to grinder heaven, only an hour or so use on each. The weak spot seems to be the brush holders/brushes. I did, however, recover their spindles for use in my drill press. Still a bargain, since precision 5/8-11 arbors are as much as $20 apiece. The little orange grinders, on the other hand, are a really good buy. I usually get a year or more of really hard use out of them. You just have to make sure to check the brushes and keep the brush caps tight. I've been eyeing HF's upper end 4.5 grinder. It pulls more amps, so should be more powerful. They're only about $10 bucks more when they're on sale (often) so I might pick one up to test. I usually don't like the paddle switch type, but this one claims to have a safety on it.

[heimbuckwelding]

i have found with harbor freight electrical items grinders, drills, things like that chicagoelectric brand holds up better than the drill master brand i bought a 7 in chicago electric grinder that i use every day and it works great have not had a problem with it yet but now that i type this tomarow i will be eating my words ....lol

[Zamdrang]

Mine lasted about 2 months, I used it for some light sanding and grinding on welding projects. It just went up in a a huge cloud of smoke and sparks, it was quite impressive...:) By the rattling inside I would say its a bearing that failed. I agree that its great it is so cheap and your only out 15 bucks, and I spent the extra 5 bucks for the replacement plan so I will get a new one, but... like many of you have said I wouldnt depend on it as your only grinder, I was right in the middle of a project and it left me high and dry. The cost of a better grinder is well worth it to me for reliability and looking back that's what I should have done in my situation. I'll replace it at HF but i'm also buying a better quality grinder. Cheap/replacement plan or not.... doesnt do you any good burned up and smoking.

[Niner7Tango]

If you lean into it and slow the RPM down, it will die quickly. If you let the wheel do the work without bogging it down, it will last (somewhat) longer.

--97T--