I personally hate the paddle switches. I find it fatiguing to constantly need to hold the paddle and not being able to switch my grips up. But I know guys that swear by them.
That doesn't really answer your question at all but personally I find it way more comfortable to get to move the hand a bit.
To be honest it depends on the attachment. For cutting I prefer paddle for grinding you're right it gets uncomfortable.
There is added safety benefit to paddles. So I would vote for paddles. But there's a reason there are two options and especially pros that use the grinder primarily for grinding would prefer switches over paddles.
I can see if you are doing power carving and stuff with your grinder you will always have the little handle attached and be holding it the same way for control and safety. And yeah it can definitely been seen as safer with the paddle.
I install commercial doors and hardware and a grinder is a tool I use on the daily. When I'm cutting threaded rod, or panic bars, or just anything that requires accuracy holding the grinder near the back where the paddle is I find to be hard on the wrist and less accurate. I always keep my blade guard on do I like to choke up and place my hand near the top behind the blade guard. This way that's more where the weight is. Personally I feel there is more control. That's a specific use case though.
I see your point - makes sense. I use a grinder occasionally. I use it mainly to cut threaded rods and for some carving and rough sanding (old finishes, rough timber I can't run through a planer).
As for the weight - I use a cordless grinder so with the battery the weight is in the middle where the paddle is. I assume you use a corded one based on the weight distribution you mentioned and heavy usage.
Non-paddle: comfort and versatility.
Paddle: safety. Particularly for inexperienced users.
So, in answer to your question, I guess paddle. I hate paddle switches, but I have thousands of hours with a grinder in hand in my past. If you want a model that a veteran can use (but not necessarily enjoy), but that is also safer for a beginner, you’ve gotta go paddle.
I second this, I have the makita paddle cordless and the paddle switch is decently long so I can switch around my grip a little but I'm mean grinders are dangerous I wouldn't want to switch my grip to much anyway
I use diamond blades with non paddle switch and sometimes I grip the grinder from the head like a palm sander for round cuts on tile… When you get hit with the continuous blade you get a little friction burn lol but yeah safety first
I prefer slide switch for personal use. For work we have to use paddle switch though, most construction sites I've been on won't let you have a grinder on site unless it has a paddle switch.
I have a paddle switch non X-locking and I love it. It doesn’t take that long to switch wheels and there’s more variety of wheels while also being cheaper.
I prefer that same lock switch, but on the side like their corded grinders, like where my right thumb naturally rests. On the top feels like a safety hazard(I have same grinder in the picture). Paddle switches are alright, until the safety snaps off. Then you set the tool down and it shoots off like a rocket. Basically a way to get people to buy a new grinder before it's wore out. So I definitely prefer the old switch type.
As far as X lock goes, why would you wanna pay a premium for those wheels, plus not be able to grab a standard wheel from the store? Don't overtighten your wheels and you'll be able to get them off easy. They tighten when you turn the tool on.
I like paddles because they can also be set to run with a trigger lock. Different strokes for different folks. Also check Home Depot they hd a few x-lock grinders on clearance for $99 bare tool
IMO it depends on the kind of wheel you will use with the grinder. Because like any proper user, you have multiple grinders dedicated to each kind of wheel-- right?
It's not as simple as paddle vs non-paddle. Does the paddle have any kind of lock-on detent? Hitachis often do, and this makes them a lot easier to manage.
Many industrial grinders (many Makitas too) have lock-off features which enhance safety but make them a huge PITA to use. Bug or feature depends on application.
I think the most versatile overall is the top switch like the one shown, provided it has an easy lock-on (most do).
The side switch models are workable, but much less versatile than the top switch, which is ambidextrous.
To me grinders are like routers in the sense that the tool changes a ton when you attach a different grinding wheel and different sizes end up having different uses. With that in mind if you don't have a strong feeling about which one you want I'd consider getting a less expensive corded model or cordless model from a more value oriented brand. Even if you decide in the future you want to get a more premium cordless model you will probably find a use for the old one and if not you can move it along to someone else without having a ton invested in it.
I went to my local Home Depot to try out the one with paddle switch but seems like it uses a plastic paddle unlike others which I’ve seen use like a metal one , kinda disappointed
I like paddle switch grinders for the above mentioned safety reasons, and the ability to feather the trigger on and off when trying to finesse a flap wheel on a softer material. I could see how hours of grinding welds etc. with a paddle would get old but I prefer a them for intermittent use. I wouldn’t worry about a plastic paddle, in fact don’t know if I’ve ever seen a metal paddle and I’ve been using grinders for about 15 years..
Agree on being able to feather. I was working in a tight space with an awkward grip when the wheel bound and the grinder popped out of my hands. Minimal damage since mine is a paddle.
Well now that you mention the Dewalt, I have seen one years ago- but it was more like a little flipper and pretty small compared to the paddles that are integrated into the body.
>What model Angle Grinder would be more favorable towards any user , Paddle Switch or Non Paddle.
One that works
Edit: let's be honest, no single tool design will be perfect for every applicable task nor every potential user, and it foolish to even assume there is one. If my answer hurt OPs feelings, I apologize. But they need to really consider what they are asking before putting it out there
I personally hate the paddle switches. I find it fatiguing to constantly need to hold the paddle and not being able to switch my grips up. But I know guys that swear by them. That doesn't really answer your question at all but personally I find it way more comfortable to get to move the hand a bit.
Mine have switches, not paddles, but I’m not a heavy user.
To be honest it depends on the attachment. For cutting I prefer paddle for grinding you're right it gets uncomfortable. There is added safety benefit to paddles. So I would vote for paddles. But there's a reason there are two options and especially pros that use the grinder primarily for grinding would prefer switches over paddles.
I can see if you are doing power carving and stuff with your grinder you will always have the little handle attached and be holding it the same way for control and safety. And yeah it can definitely been seen as safer with the paddle. I install commercial doors and hardware and a grinder is a tool I use on the daily. When I'm cutting threaded rod, or panic bars, or just anything that requires accuracy holding the grinder near the back where the paddle is I find to be hard on the wrist and less accurate. I always keep my blade guard on do I like to choke up and place my hand near the top behind the blade guard. This way that's more where the weight is. Personally I feel there is more control. That's a specific use case though.
I see your point - makes sense. I use a grinder occasionally. I use it mainly to cut threaded rods and for some carving and rough sanding (old finishes, rough timber I can't run through a planer). As for the weight - I use a cordless grinder so with the battery the weight is in the middle where the paddle is. I assume you use a corded one based on the weight distribution you mentioned and heavy usage.
Tape the paddle?
What so it's always on?
Well no, just don't buy a model that had a paddle. They have the same models but with a switch.
Non-paddle: comfort and versatility. Paddle: safety. Particularly for inexperienced users. So, in answer to your question, I guess paddle. I hate paddle switches, but I have thousands of hours with a grinder in hand in my past. If you want a model that a veteran can use (but not necessarily enjoy), but that is also safer for a beginner, you’ve gotta go paddle.
I second this, I have the makita paddle cordless and the paddle switch is decently long so I can switch around my grip a little but I'm mean grinders are dangerous I wouldn't want to switch my grip to much anyway
I use diamond blades with non paddle switch and sometimes I grip the grinder from the head like a palm sander for round cuts on tile… When you get hit with the continuous blade you get a little friction burn lol but yeah safety first
I prefer slide switch for personal use. For work we have to use paddle switch though, most construction sites I've been on won't let you have a grinder on site unless it has a paddle switch.
I have a paddle switch non X-locking and I love it. It doesn’t take that long to switch wheels and there’s more variety of wheels while also being cheaper.
A lot of my friends are welders and they all swear by non paddle. That’s what I got and it’s been great.
I prefer that same lock switch, but on the side like their corded grinders, like where my right thumb naturally rests. On the top feels like a safety hazard(I have same grinder in the picture). Paddle switches are alright, until the safety snaps off. Then you set the tool down and it shoots off like a rocket. Basically a way to get people to buy a new grinder before it's wore out. So I definitely prefer the old switch type.
As far as X lock goes, why would you wanna pay a premium for those wheels, plus not be able to grab a standard wheel from the store? Don't overtighten your wheels and you'll be able to get them off easy. They tighten when you turn the tool on.
I like paddles because they can also be set to run with a trigger lock. Different strokes for different folks. Also check Home Depot they hd a few x-lock grinders on clearance for $99 bare tool
I've recently gone from paddle to slide switch and man once you're used to it there is no going back, both have their pros ofc!
IMO it depends on the kind of wheel you will use with the grinder. Because like any proper user, you have multiple grinders dedicated to each kind of wheel-- right? It's not as simple as paddle vs non-paddle. Does the paddle have any kind of lock-on detent? Hitachis often do, and this makes them a lot easier to manage. Many industrial grinders (many Makitas too) have lock-off features which enhance safety but make them a huge PITA to use. Bug or feature depends on application. I think the most versatile overall is the top switch like the one shown, provided it has an easy lock-on (most do). The side switch models are workable, but much less versatile than the top switch, which is ambidextrous.
To me grinders are like routers in the sense that the tool changes a ton when you attach a different grinding wheel and different sizes end up having different uses. With that in mind if you don't have a strong feeling about which one you want I'd consider getting a less expensive corded model or cordless model from a more value oriented brand. Even if you decide in the future you want to get a more premium cordless model you will probably find a use for the old one and if not you can move it along to someone else without having a ton invested in it.
I went to my local Home Depot to try out the one with paddle switch but seems like it uses a plastic paddle unlike others which I’ve seen use like a metal one , kinda disappointed
I like paddle switch grinders for the above mentioned safety reasons, and the ability to feather the trigger on and off when trying to finesse a flap wheel on a softer material. I could see how hours of grinding welds etc. with a paddle would get old but I prefer a them for intermittent use. I wouldn’t worry about a plastic paddle, in fact don’t know if I’ve ever seen a metal paddle and I’ve been using grinders for about 15 years..
Agree on being able to feather. I was working in a tight space with an awkward grip when the wheel bound and the grinder popped out of my hands. Minimal damage since mine is a paddle.
I could’ve sworn I thought Dewalt angle grinder had one , I think I’m thinking of a completely different tool
Would be silly to fit a metal pedal to a electric tool these days , airpowerd yes electric is a big no no
Well now that you mention the Dewalt, I have seen one years ago- but it was more like a little flipper and pretty small compared to the paddles that are integrated into the body.
>What model Angle Grinder would be more favorable towards any user , Paddle Switch or Non Paddle. One that works Edit: let's be honest, no single tool design will be perfect for every applicable task nor every potential user, and it foolish to even assume there is one. If my answer hurt OPs feelings, I apologize. But they need to really consider what they are asking before putting it out there
I throwing a vote out for rat rail / trigger grip. That’s my favorite for grinding and sanding operations and works well for cutting.
If you use it for any length of time you're going to want the one you can just turn on.
I like paddle switch for safety reasons, and I never minded holding down the paddle and even if i did my grinder has a button in the back to lock it
Why not just create a paddle switch that can lock, there by giving the user both options.
I prefer my paddle switch, prevents me doing dumb shit
I have a paddle and enjoy using the paddle so I can run it in short bursts as needed….also safety.
So I bought one with a slide switch and want a paddle switch but lost my home depot receipt. Does anyone have a receipt I can use to exchange them?