Classic cars forum & vehicle restoration.

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

I remember a similar topic not very long ago.

Recently I have been doing some serious bodywork.. What a pain changing the disc to cutting, grinding, flap, steel brush all the time. Then I worked out what to do.

I already knew Argos did one for less than £20 and when I was in B&Q I noticed they have a cheapo at about £16. Now neither of these tools will last a lifetime but at that price I now have three grinders all set up for different job.

Each is getting a chance to cool down regularly so that should extend their life.

Twenty years ago these things cost a fortune and weighed a ton. I'n't life brilliant?!

pigtin · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 1879 Location: Herne Bay

I've had one of these cheap grinders for years, seems indestructible. Had hours and hours of hard use and I haven't even needed the spare brushes provided.
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D4B · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 2083 Location: Hampshire UK

Yes I know exactly where you are coming from with the irritation
of keep changing between cutting disc, grinding disc and wire brush
attachments..........

I love your plan of three grinders all set up for a different job Cool

I am on my third cheapie Clarke grinder now.... you know when they are
about to give up as they start to vibrate more than usual!! I think it
is the wire wheel that destroys them the quickest...

I'm off out in the garage now to see if I can find 3 grinders

Cheers
Steve

ukdave2002 · Joined: 23 Nov 2007 Posts: 4231 Location: South Cheshire

I was talking to a chap who is a buyer for a large tool retail store, nearly all these tools from simple grinders to cnc milling
machines are made in china, and the cost has plummeted in recent years. However he was saying that they expect costs to rise this year as wages in china increase and the cost of steel goes up. It may be a good time to buy.....

Dave

JC T ONE · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1139 Location: Denmark

I bought 2 new Bosch, and had the grinder disc on one, and the cutting disc on the other.
they lasted 2 & a half Mini restoration, plus half a Volvo.
Then they both packed in Rolling Eyes

now I just buy the cheap ones.
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bob2 · Joined: 06 Dec 2007 Posts: 1728 Location: Malta

I have bought some Skill tools in the past and though cheapish found them to be very good quality, of course they are made in china but still very good!!

welshrover · Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 326

i bought a cheapy grinder from tatton park show about 15 years ago cost me a fiver still going strong today . i also bought a bosch one around 1987 time £ 70.00 then, long gone now it lasted about three years . Confused

JC T ONE · Joined: 30 Oct 2008 Posts: 1139 Location: Denmark

colwyn500 · Joined: 21 Oct 2012 Posts: 1745 Location: Nairn, Scotland

Update regarding B&Q grinder.
DO NOT BUY.

I must admit it's not had an easy week, but this is still its first week and the wires are coming out of the back. It must be unable to take normal pulling and twisting because I haven't misused it; I would tell you if I had.

So it's going back tomorrow.

The Argos one still motoring well.

welshrover · Joined: 09 Aug 2011 Posts: 326

baconsdozen · Joined: 03 Dec 2007 Posts: 1119 Location: Under the car.

A long while ago I bought a cheap Silverline angle grinder.Some of their stuff does leave a bit to be desired in terms of quality but this has been used and abused ever since.The only thing thats gone wrong is the hold button to lock it whilst changing discs and the switch is a bit stiff.
To be fair if it now packed up totally and ended up in the bin it would still have earned its keep a few times over.
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D4B · Joined: 28 Dec 2010 Posts: 2083 Location: Hampshire UK

Another Clarke CAG22 angle grinder lost it's drive on me last week, it was new
in January this year. However (and perhaps contrary to previous advice)
I took it back to Machine Mart and they exchanged it for a new one....

Bearing in mind it only cost about £20, good service I reckon Smile

Lets see how long this one lasts......

MikeEdwards · Joined: 25 May 2011 Posts: 2701 Location: South Cheshire

I recently got a Draper 600w grinder from the local Wilko a few weeks ago for £18, which has been pretty good so far (only about 4-5 weeks) and is a bit quieter than my others. Popped in today for something else, they're £19.80 now!

pogo · Joined: 01 Feb 2013 Posts: 51 Location: Limousin. France

Are 'Energiser' tools available in the UK?

Here in France, I have bought quite a few energiser tools (black and dark blue), and bearing in mind I an using them on VERY heavy duty work, like cutting and knocking through 1/2 meter wide granite walls, none have failed on me. I bought a large 250mm cutter/ angle grinder for €50, and its cut through numerous stones, and the €50 breaker drill has been on the go for 2 days in a row now , as well as loads of previous work.
Highly recommeneded if you can get them.

Paul
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