Skil 8 Amp 5 IN. Corded Angle Grinder

Why I picked it up

I reached for this Skil 5-inch grinder to handle some straightforward metal work and surface prep around the shop: knocking down welds, chasing rust off a trailer frame, and trimming a few stubborn bolts and brackets. I wanted something compact and easy to control for general-purpose use, not a heavy, all-day production grinder. On paper, the 8-amp motor and 12,000 RPM speed put it squarely in the light-duty to mid-duty category, which is exactly where most home and DIY tasks live.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the box, the grinder includes a grinding disc, a side handle with onboard wrench storage, and a wrench for the flange nut. It’s a simple kit, but it gets you started immediately. The tool-free guard is a welcome touch; I could dial in the guard position quickly depending on whether I was grinding or making a cut. The Type 27 guard covers typical depressed-center grinding wheels and flap discs, which are the accessories I use most.

At 4.85 pounds and about 14 inches long, the tool feels lean and manageable. The soft rubber overmold keeps your grip secure, even with gloves on, and the overall balance is good—head-heavy enough to stay planted on the work, but not so much that it fights you on edge work. Fit and finish are on par with what I expect from a reliable homeowner-grade tool: nothing flashy, just straightforward, functional build quality.

Ergonomics and controls

The three-position side handle threads into either side or the top of the gear housing. For grinding and flap-disc work, I preferred the top position—it let me flatten welds without craning my wrist. For cutting, I liked the handle on the left, which kept my off-hand clear of the debris path. The handle also hides the included wrench, which is one of those small conveniences that pay off the tenth time you don’t have to hunt for a spanner.

The paddle switch is exactly what I want on a grinder. It’s easy to feather with your fingers, and the safety lock prevents accidental starts when you set the tool down or pick it up. The lock isn’t fussy; it’s a natural movement once you’ve used it for a few minutes. I found the switch engagement consistent with gloves, and I never had a surprise start. That inspires confidence.

Power and performance

With an 8-amp motor spinning at 12,000 RPM, the grinder is clearly aimed at general-purpose tasks. That’s not a knock—it does those jobs well. On mild-steel angle and plate, a standard grinding disc made quick work of welds without bogging down as long as I didn’t lean on it. It’s happiest with a moderate feed rate. Push too hard and you’ll hear it ask you to back off, but keep your pressure steady and it maintains speed and removes material at a satisfying pace.

For rust and paint removal, I switched to a 60- or 80-grit flap disc. The high RPM helps the disc stay cutting, and the tool’s light weight makes it easy to keep consistent contact over a wide surface. On a trailer frame, I prepped several feet at a time. The motor stayed consistent and the head got warm but not troubling. Cutting 1/8- and 3/16-inch steel with a bonded cut-off wheel was similarly drama-free; just let the wheel do the work and mind your guard position.

This grinder isn’t a masonry specialist, but with the right wheel it can score pavers or trim a tile. There’s no dust collection shroud, so I’d reserve those tasks for outdoor use and be mindful of airborne dust. For stainless or delicate materials, the fixed high speed limits your control compared to a variable-speed model, but for everyday steel jobs it’s not an issue.

Accessory changes and guard adjustments

Guard adjustments are tool-free: flip the lever, rotate the guard, lock it down. It’s quick enough that I found myself repositioning frequently to keep sparks and swarf directed away from me and the workpiece. That’s exactly how it should be—safety features get used when they’re fast.

Changing wheels is straightforward with the included wrench. Onboard storage in the handle means the wrench is always there when you need it. It’s a small detail that prevents a surprising amount of downtime. As always, unplug the tool before you touch the wheel or flanges.

Heat, noise, and vibration

Most 5-inch grinders in this class are loud and a bit buzzy; this one is no exception. Hearing and eye protection are a must, and a face shield is wise for cutting and aggressive stock removal. Vibration levels are well controlled for an 8-amp unit. The rubber grip and balanced head help keep the chatter out of your forearms, and I didn’t notice tingling fingers after several longer sessions.

Heat management is respectable. Running the tool for extended stretches—intermittent grinding and cutting over a few hours—left the gear housing warm and the body slightly warm near the vents. I gave it occasional breaks while swapping wheels or repositioning workpieces, and it never felt like it was approaching its thermal limit. If your days involve heavy beveling or constant pressure on thick material, you’ll want a higher-amperage grinder. But for the kind of jobs most DIYers do, this one keeps up.

Where it fits best

• Surface prep: Rust and paint removal on frames, gates, and brackets with flap discs or wire accessories.
• Light fabrication: Cleaning up welds, breaking edges, shaping brackets, and grinding bevels on mild steel.
• Cutting: Trimming bolts, angle, and thin plate with a 5-inch cut-off wheel.
• Masonry odds and ends: Occasional paver scoring outdoors with the right wheel, accepting the dust trade-offs.

The 5-inch wheel size strikes a nice balance between control and productivity. You don’t get the deep cuts or brute removal of a 7-inch grinder, but it’s far more maneuverable and less fatiguing.

What could be better

• No variable speed: For polishing, stainless finishing, or wire brushing thin material, lower RPM helps control heat and spatter. Fixed 12,000 RPM limits that versatility.
• Power headroom: The 8-amp motor is tuned for general tasks. It does very well within that scope, but if you routinely grind heavy bevels or cut thick stock, a 10–13 amp grinder will feel noticeably stronger and stall less if you lean on it.
• Dust control: There’s no provision for a dust shroud. That’s normal at this price tier, but worth noting if you plan masonry work.

None of these are dealbreakers for its target user. They’re more about picking the right grinder for your workload.

Maintenance and durability

Keep the vents clear, blow out dust after dirty jobs, and inspect your wheels and flanges regularly. The guard mechanism held its tension throughout my use, and the switch stayed crisp. The cord jacket (always a wear point on grinders) remained supple and unscuffed after dragging across metal edges and a concrete floor. I’d expect the tool to hold up well with regular home use and occasional longer projects, provided you don’t try to make it a production grinder.

Safety notes

The paddle switch with a safety lock is a smart design for preventing accidental starts, and the guard is easy to keep in the right place. Even so, grinders demand attention: always use the guard, match wheel speed ratings to 12,000 RPM, and wear appropriate PPE. The tool invites confidence; keep your technique disciplined.

Bottom line

I like this Skil grinder for what it is: a compact, comfortable, and straightforward 5-inch grinder that covers the bulk of day-to-day DIY and shop tasks without fuss. It’s easy to control, the guard and handle setup adapt quickly to different jobs, and the onboard wrench storage is the kind of simple convenience that keeps work moving. The 8-amp motor has enough punch for grinding, flap-disc work, and light cutting, and it holds up well over extended sessions with sensible technique.

Recommendation: I recommend this grinder for homeowners, DIYers, and light fabrication work where control, convenience, and a manageable weight matter more than maximum power. If you need variable speed for finishing or you routinely push grinders hard in heavy steel, step up to a higher-amperage, variable-speed model. For the rest of us prepping metal, cleaning up welds, and making occasional cuts, this Skil 5-inch grinder is a dependable and user-friendly choice.