Lost and old friend today...

[thrashingcows]

Was cutting some metal with the old Dewalt and a cut-off wheel, the blade caught and sent the grinder across the shop floor, smashing and banging along the way. Smashed the blade up so went to spin it off but the blade lock would no longer work, and now there is a bunch of resistance and a nasty grinding noise when I turn the blade by hand.

Guess after 20+ years of faithful service it was the final drop that sent it on it's way to tool Valhalla.

So I need to pick up a new angle grinder...recommendations?

 

[Dr.Jass]

I have a Makita that's about 10 years old and still an absolute beast. It's a similar design to yours, but the gear case is metal. Were I buying now I'd probably look at one of their "rat-tail" designs. I'd probably still be looking at Makita, though... I've watched enough of AvE's "BOLTR" YouTube videos to appreciate their construction, and the fact that they're still an independent company, whereas DeWalt/Milwaukee/Ryobi and probably one or two others are all part of one large conglomerate now. Metabo is another excellent grinder, but they tend to be spendy.
When my Ryobi corded drill tanked last year, I ended up with a Hilti 1/2" replacement, based on his teardowns. I'm just tickled with it--it's built like a battleship. It wasn't inexpensive, but I don't like replacing tools much either.

 

[thrashingcows]

Thanks Doc. I stopped by a couple stores today to look at grinders but nothing caught my eye, I did like the Rat-Tail design though!

 

[Jester]

ouch. 20 years is pretty good, I don't think they make 'em like they used to. My power tools are mostly 'made in China' Ridgid tools, just register them within 90 days and you get a Lifetime Service Warranty, and battery exchanges. Cordless.

 

[thrashingcows]

Wow look at you reading the fine print and taking advantage of what is free to you as a consumer with just a minimum of effort...

 

[thrashingcows]

This evening I got the broken blade off and plugged it in and tried it...motor powered up but shaft would not turn, and I was sad. So shut it off and gave the head a whack on the bench and tried it again and now it works! No idea if this will last or fail again once there is a blade in place but it's a turning for now.