Angle Grinder

My church had sidewalk cracks causing a trip hazard.  The sidewalk needed to be replaced or at least ground to be even.  I check into renting a cement grinder and was told it would be $60 for a half day.  I saw a Harbor Freight Advertisement indicating they had one for $15 and a diamond grinding cup for concrete for $55.    The low amp motor was a plus since it would work using my 800 watt power inverter for remote sites.    

The Chicago Electric 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder has 6 amp motor with a cast aluminum gear housing delivering up to 12,000 RPM.  The grinder uses a paddle type on/off switch.  The auxiliary handle can be positioned on either side of grinder.  The arbor wrench used with the recessed spindle lock allows for easy removal of the nut adapter to change grinding and cutter wheels.  There was a spare set of motor brushes in the box.  

The Diamond Segmented Turbo Cup Wheel is designed for use with 4-1/2 in. angle grinders with a max speed of less than 13,000 RPM.  The 14 segment turbo design for grinding and leveling concrete, concrete coating, thin set, mortar, and masonry.  It can work wet or dry.  Electricity and water do not mix so I have always used it dry and wear a dust mask.  

When I purchased the angle grinder I have always considered it to be a disposable tool, but that was in 2019.  I have since added cutoff wheels, wire brush and couple grinding wheels with different grits.   It is still working in 2025.   Not a daily use item but when handy when I need to cut or grind metal.  

Thoughts and Hacks

1. The angle grinder is a no frills get a specific job done tool.

2. The spare motor brushes nice thought but have not used.    

3. The price was right.  When it dies I will buy another one, but it has not died.

4. Not the kind of tool you want to use multiple hours per day but meets my needs when I need an angle grinder as a hobbyist.