It’s so darn hard to find a power tool that’s both compact and powerful these days, but the Makita 9557PBX1 angle grinder does exactly that. Although small in size, this device packs enough punch to nail both big projects and small DIY tasks, making this Makita angle grinder one of the best angle grinders that you can get no matter your level of expertise as a handyman.
Build Quality and Durability
Everything in the Makita Angle grinder is designed with longevity in mind. For starters, the tool features labyrinth construction that protects the motor from harmful particles, such as dust and debris. Additionally, the grinder comes with a protective zig-zig varnish, which seals and protects the armature itself from dirt and debris.
The angle grinder itself is not the only durably-constructed part, as the packaging is equally durable and can protect the tool efficiently. The packaging includes egg-crate foam on the lid along with rubberized foam that holds the central unit in place, thus guaranteeing that no harm will touch your power tool when delivered.
It’s worth noting that the packaging contains everything you need to start using the tool right away, including the central unit, five 4-1/2” grinding wheels, cut-off and grinding wheel guards, and a Diamond Blade from Makita that’s ergonomically engineered to provide constant contact with the material for smoother cuts.
The included discs aren’t the best around, but they’re more than enough for simple tasks, which is the case for most included wheels in angle grinders. If you’re planning to tackle big projects, you might want to consider getting new discs.
Power and Speed
Packing a powerful 7.5-amp motor capable of delivering a no-load speed of 11,000 RPM, the Makita 9557PBX1 Angle Grinder can shear through steel, aluminum, fiberglass, and any stubborn material with ease. You can easily switch between AC and DC depending on your power need, which is a nice touch that you don’t often find in power tools.
Unfortunately, the speed cannot be adjusted in this angle grinder. Is that a bad thing, though?
Not necessarily.
The fact that this Makita angle grinder offers one speed means that using the machine is easy as pie. The straightforward operation makes this tool suitable for both novice and experienced metalworkers, as you don’t need to break into a cold sweat every time you change the material or the task at hand thinking about which speed and setting you should choose.
Supported Disc Size
The Makita angle grinder can take 4.5-inch discs, which is the standard and most commonly-used wheel size that you can find today. Although angle grinder discs can go up to 9 inches in diameter, bigger sizes are more suitable for massive, heavy-duty projects, whereas 4.5-inch wheels are more than enough for small to medium cutting tasks.
Handle and Comfort
Power, durability, and comfort don’t usually go together in power tools, but the Makita is an exception. Thanks to the extra-large paddle switch and the lock-on/off feature, you can enjoy a comfortable, continuous, and seamless operation no matter what you’re cutting, grinding, or cleaning with this device.
Warranty
Makita covers the 9557PBX1 angle grinder with a one-year limited warranty, which isn’t impressive, to be honest, but isn’t bad either.
Makita Angle Grinder Review – Pros and Cons
Pros
- Labyrinth construction that protects the interiors from dust
- Powerful motor capable of delivering 11,000 RPM
- Comfortable and safe to use
Cons
- No speed settings
Verdict
The Makita 9557PBX1 is what you’d call an all-in-one angle grinder. It’s easy to use, powerful, and durable. Advanced users may find the one-speed setting inconvenient, but that shouldn’t be a deal breaker for most metalworkers.
1 thought on “Makita Angle Grinder Review”