AVID POWER Angle Grinder, 7.5-Amp 4-1/2 inch Electric Grinder Power Tools with Grinding and Cutting Wheels, Flap Disc and Auxiliary Handle for Cutting, Grinding, Polishing and Rust Removal - Red

Why I reached for this grinder

I keep a 4-1/2 inch grinder within arm’s reach because it’s one of the most versatile tools in a shop—cutting off bolts, cleaning up welds, knocking scale and rust, or blending edges before paint. I’ve been using the Avid Power grinder (model MW590) for the last stretch on metalwork, lot maintenance, and the odd automotive job, and it has earned a permanent spot on my pegboard. It’s not a brute-force, 13-amp beast meant for continuous heavy fabrication, but for a compact corded unit, it punches well above its price.

Build, ergonomics, and first impressions

The first thing I noticed is how slim and light the body feels. That matters more than spec sheets suggest; being able to choke up on the head and keep a secure grip reduces fatigue and improves control on delicate grinds. The rubberized areas aren’t cushy, but the overall form is comfortable and secure with gloves. The two-position side handle is simple and rigid—mounted either left or right, it gives enough leverage to manage kickback during cuts.

The protective guard is basic steel, shaped well for spark deflection, and covers enough of the wheel to feel confident while still letting you see your line. It doesn’t have the fastest tool-free adjustment I’ve used, but once set it stays put. The spindle lock is large and positive; paired with the included spanner, wheel changes are quick. I can swap from a cutoff wheel to a flap disc and be back on the work in under a minute.

Fit and finish are as expected at this price: clean castings, tight seams, and no rattles. The cord is average length and thickness; it’s flexible enough not to fight you, though I always loop it over my shoulder to keep it out of the path of sparks.

Power and performance

Under the hood is a 7.5-amp motor rated up to 12,000 RPM. In the real world, that translates into plenty of speed for 4-1/2 inch discs and adequate torque for most shop tasks:

• Cutting: I’ve used it to slice 1/8-inch angle iron, lop off rusted suspension hardware, and trim sheet steel. With a quality cutoff wheel, it maintains speed and doesn’t bog unless I lean on it too hard. Keep your feed rate moderate and you’ll get straight, spark-rich cuts without chatter.
• Grinding: Cleaning up welds and knocking back mill scale is where this grinder feels happiest. A 36–60 grit flap disc makes quick work of bead blending and chamfering edges. It’s controllable enough to avoid divots while still removing material quickly.
• Surface prep: For rust removal and paint prep, the included flap disc will get you started. I prefer a dedicated strip wheel or higher-quality flap discs for larger panels, but for smaller brackets and outdoor hardware, the Avid Power grinder paired with the included disc does just fine.

It’s important to set expectations: this is not a heavy-duty, all-day grinder. Under prolonged, high-pressure grinding (think heavy weld removal across long seams), it gets warm and you can feel the motor working. I had no shutdowns, but I gave it reasonable cool-down breaks and avoided burying the wheel. Used that way, it delivers consistent results without complaint.

Control and handling

Startup is brisk but not violent, and vibration is modest for a budget grinder. Balance is better than average; mounted with a thin cutoff wheel, it tracks straight with minimal wandering, and with a flap disc it’s easy to feather pressure for a clean, blended finish.

The power switch is a slide-on/lock-on style. It’s simple and reliable, but it’s also easy to actuate—more so than some pro grinders with a safety detent. I make a habit of checking the switch position before plugging in and unplugging the tool when swapping wheels. Spin-down takes a few seconds after releasing the switch, so I set it down gently and wait for the disc to stop before moving it.

Noise-wise, it’s loud in the way most 12k RPM grinders are loud. Hearing protection is a must. On the plus side, there’s no high-pitched whine or odd mechanical chatter; the gearbox feels tight, and the motor tone stays consistent under load.

Accessories and wheel changes

Out of the box you get grinding wheels, cutting wheels, a flap disc, the side handle, and a spanner. That’s enough to start cutting and grinding right away. The included abrasives are perfectly serviceable for light-to-moderate jobs. For critical cuts or if you’re planning a big project, I swap in name-brand cutoff wheels and flap discs—they cut straighter, last longer, and shed fewer sparks.

The spindle lock is large and positive, and the flange nut threads smoothly. Wheel changes are quick. The only thing I’d improve is a toolless guard adjust, but at this price point, the screw-secured guard is expected and solid.

Heat, longevity, and maintenance

In stop-and-go use—cut a bracket, grind a weld, prep a face—heat buildup is minimal. In sustained grinding, the head gets hot to the touch, which is typical for a small body grinder. I work in short stints, let the tool idle in free air for 20–30 seconds between heavy passes, and never had thermal fade. There’s nothing in the design that suggests fragility; the metal gear housing, tight bearings, and robust guard all lend confidence.

For maintenance, I blow it out with compressed air after dusty sessions and keep the vents clear. If you plan to use it heavily, periodic inspection of the brushes and a fresh dab of high-quality grease in the gearbox after many hours of operation will keep it running smoothly. The brush access isn’t the fastest, but it’s doable with standard hand tools.

Safety notes

• The guard coverage is good; don’t run it without the guard, and orient it to deflect sparks away from you.
• Always check the slide switch is in the off position before plugging in. Because it locks on, it can be accidentally left engaged.
• Wait for full stop before setting the grinder down. Spin-down takes a few seconds.
• Use quality wheels for critical cuts and stay within the wheel’s rated RPM.

None of these are unique to this grinder, but they matter more on compact, high-speed tools.

Where it fits

The Avid Power grinder sits squarely in the “capable budget workhorse” category. If you’re a homeowner, DIY fabricator, or an auto enthusiast who needs a reliable grinder for cutting brackets, cleaning welds, and general metalwork, it’s a smart choice. It’s also a good loaner or secondary grinder in a pro shop—keep a cutoff wheel on this one and a flap disc on your higher-amp grinder to avoid constant wheel swaps.

If you’re grinding hard all day—structural steel, heavy plate, or production weld removal—step up to a 10–13 amp corded unit or a high-end cordless with electronic clutch and better thermal management. The extra heft and torque matter for that workload.

What I liked

• Slim, lightweight body with a comfortable grip and solid two-position handle
• Plenty of speed and usable torque for common 4-1/2 inch grinder tasks
• Quick, positive spindle lock and straightforward wheel changes
• Inclusive kit that gets you working immediately
• Guard that stays put and provides good coverage

What I’d change

• The slide switch could use a stronger detent or safety to reduce accidental activation
• Spin-down is on the longer side; be mindful when setting it down
• It runs hot if pushed hard for long sessions—use reasonable duty cycles
• Instructions are basic; beginners may want a quick how-to on wheel types and guard positioning

Recommendation

I recommend the Avid Power grinder for users who want an affordable, capable 4-1/2 inch grinder for occasional to moderately frequent use. It’s comfortable, strong enough for real work, and the included accessories mean you can get started right out of the box. Treat it like the compact, high-speed tool it is—use quality abrasives, take sensible breaks on sustained grinding, and mind the slide switch—and it will deliver clean cuts and tidy grinds without drama. If your days are spent chewing through heavy welds or thick stock, invest in a higher-amp grinder; otherwise, this one hits a very practical sweet spot.