Pneumatic angle grinders (also known as “air angle grinders”) have become very popular these days. Compared to common electric models, the best pneumatic angle grinders are safer, easier to use, and more durable. On top of all, they may even offer better cutting power for the price.
In this article, let’s run through a list of 7 top-rated air angle grinders. See for yourself if any of them catches your eyes!
Contents
- Top 7 Best Pneumatic Angle Grinders 2022
- In-depth 7 Top Rated Pneumatic Angle Grinder Reviews
- 1. Chicago Pneumatic CP7545B 4.5″ Angle Grinder – Best Overall
- 2. Ingersoll Rand 3445MAX Right Angle Air Grinder 4 1/2″ – Runner Up
- 3. Chicago Pneumatic CP854 Heavy Duty – Best 4 in. Air Angle Grinder
- 4. Chicago Pneumatic 5-inch Angle Air Grinder – Very high performance
- 5. Jet JAT-467, 7-Inch Industrial Pneumatic Angle Grinder – Best industrial-grade
- 6. Si Fang Pneumatic 2-Inch Mini Air Angle Grinder – Best for light duty
- 7. Chicago Pneumatic 4″ Extended Air Angle Grinder – Best long reach pneumatic angle grinder
- FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Final Words
Top 7 Best Pneumatic Angle Grinders 2022
| Product Image | Product Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
  | Chicago Pneumatic CP7545B 4.5" Angle Grinder | Best Overall | See latest Price |
  | Ingersoll Rand 3445MAX Right Angle Air Grinder 4 1/2" | Runner Up | See latest Price |
  | Chicago Pneumatic CP854 Heavy Duty | Best 4 in. Air Angle Grinder | See latest Price |
  | Chicago Pneumatic 5-inch Angle Air Grinder | Very high performance | See latest Price |
  | Jet JAT-467, 7-Inch Industrial Pneumatic Angle Grinder | Best industrial-grade | See latest Price |
  | Si Fang Pneumatic 2-Inch Mini Air Angle Grinder | Best for light duty | See latest Price |
  | Chicago Pneumatic 4" Extended Air Angle Grinder | Best long reach pneumatic angle grinder | See latest Price |
In-depth 7 Top Rated Pneumatic Angle Grinder Reviews
1. Chicago Pneumatic CP7545B 4.5″ Angle Grinder – Best Overall
Specs:
- Weight: 5.44 Pounds
- Size: 4 ½ inch
- Dimensions: 12.91 x 7.36 x 4.29 inches
- Free speed: 12,000 RPM
Chicago Pneumatic – a top-rated American-made grinder brand – touted the CP7545B to be “one of the most powerful angle grinders in its class available”. It is a pretty bold claim. However, it doesn’t mean that they’re wrong. This model is objectively among the best pneumatic grinders you can get right now.
This air-powered angle grinder is rated at 884 watts and accepts 4.5-inch wheels. People who have used it hands-on have attested to the CP7545B’s strong cutting performance. When pushed to the limit, the grinder can achieve a no-load speed of 12,000 RPM, which is well on par with heavy-duty electric angle grinders.
Do note that the high performance of the grinder comes with a cost: noise. If you want a quiet model, this probably isn’t the best choice. It’s loud enough that if you’re expected to work with it for long periods, it’s best that you wear your earplugs.
I’m also very pleased with its design. Reinforced bevel gears and governed motor mean the grinder can last for a very long time with minimal maintenance. The wheel rotative guard is adjustable and made from steel.
The handle is designed in such a way that both left-handed and right-handed people can use it. As it’s padded, the grip is comfortable.
You can find the air exhaust in the rear and the air inlet can be flexibly rotated 360°.
Pros
- High performance
- Comfortable and ergonomics design with ambidextrous handle
- Reinforced design for greater durability
Cons
- Noisy
2. Ingersoll Rand 3445MAX Right Angle Air Grinder 4 1/2″ – Runner Up
Specs:
- Weight: 3.5 lbs
- Size: 4.5 inch
- Dimensions: 9.61 x 5.83 x 3.94 inches
- Speed: 12,000 RPM
Ingersoll Rand is a brand that’s been pumping out high-quality power tools for more than a century. You can count on them to deliver a good pneumatic angle grinder.
And delivered they did, second only to the Chicago Pneumatic CP7545B is the Ingersoll Rand 3445MAX.
The grinder has a 0.88-horsepower motor that can clock a no-load speed of up to 12,000 RPM. Within the motor is a governor which can keep speed and overall performance consistent even when under load. These specs allow the 3445MAX to comfortably handle tough assignments, ranging from cutting to sanding and polishing.
This model I have here accepts 4½-inch wheels. But, if you want, there’s also a 5-inch version available.
The construction of the grinder is very good. The body is made from tough materials that I have no doubt would be able to withstand a lot of abuse. But the most notable part of the design is the slim handle, which does a great job at reducing fatigue compared to bulkier models.
One complaint that people have about the 3445MAX is that it’s very difficult to change out the grinding wheel. You need to have a lot of tools at hand and read carefully through the instruction manual to even know where to begin.
Other than that, it’s an excellent pneumatic angle grinder that’s worth a try!
Pros
- High performance
- High-quality construction
- The handle is effective at reducing fatigue
Cons
- Changing out the grinding wheel is difficult
3. Chicago Pneumatic CP854 Heavy Duty – Best 4 in. Air Angle Grinder
Specs:
- Weight: 3.75 Pounds
- Size: 4 inch
- Dimensions: 10.2 x 5.5 x 4 inches
- Speed: 13,000 RPM
If you need something that has even higher performance than the CP7545B, Chicago Pneumatic has the CP854 on offer.
This model features a stronger motor that can attain a no-load speed of up to 13,000 RPM. At this speed, you can use the grinder for heavy-duty tasks such as stone working or metal cutting easily.
To improve longevity, Chicago Pneumatic has also given the CP854 spiral bevel gearing. It can significantly extend the lifespan of the grinder.
The grinder accepts 4-inch wheels, but you can also opt for a 5-inch version if you need. It has a 3/8-inch-24 spindle thread.
Besides the more powerful motor, there are many other differences that make the CP854 stand out from its sibling.
First, the body is made from a lightweight aluminum alloy instead of plastic. As a result, this grinder is going to last significantly longer and can handle greater impacts and stresses. Second, to make the grinder more usable in tight spaces, the dead handle is removable.
Of course, the use of a bigger motor and a metal body will show up on the scale. While the CP7545B weighs only 3.5 pounds, this model weighs 3.75 pounds. It’s quite surprising that this grinder isn’t heavier.
I only recommend this angle grinder to professional workmen and craftspeople. For one thing, this is an expensive item. Plus, it’s a powerful grinder. Unless you have to work with it day in and day out, you don’t need to spend so much money on such a grinder.
Instead, for beginners, we recommend something a bit more affordable like the Central Pneumatic 4-inch pneumatic angle grinder. Though it has a lower speed (10,000 RPM), it’s a great fit for people who don’t need an industrial grinder.
Pros
- Professional-grade performance
- Durable aluminum alloy housing
- Design suitable for use in tight spaces
- Relatively lightweight
Cons
- No specific complaint
4. Chicago Pneumatic 5-inch Angle Air Grinder – Very high performance
Specs:
- Weight: 4.2 pounds
- Size: 5 inch
- Speed: 12000 RPM
If the Chicago Pneumatic CP7545B’s 4.5-inch wheel is too small for you, try out the company’s 5-inch angle air grinder.
Like its name suggests, it accepts 5-inch grinding wheels. The 2.3-horsepower motor can attain a no-load speed of up to 12,000 RPM. Combined with a larger grinding wheel, you will be able to do heavier workloads quicker with this grinder than the CP7545B.
All of the notable features found on the CP7545B are also available in this model, such as the bevel gears and governed motor. You’ll also get a keyless adjustable wheel rotative guard made from steel.
The body of the grinder is made from plastic. For extra comfort and ease of use, the main grip and the side handle are both rubberized.
Note that this grinder is substantially heavier than the CP7545B, weighing up to 4.2 pounds.
Pros
- Accepts 5-inch grinding wheel
- High performance
- Design has many great features
- Great ergonomics and comfort
Cons
- Heavy
5. Jet JAT-467, 7-Inch Industrial Pneumatic Angle Grinder – Best industrial-grade
Specs:
- Weight: 5.5 Pounds
- Size: 7 inch
- Dimensions: 11 x 9.25 x 4.25 inches
- Speed: 7600 RPM
For those who require a true industrial-grade angle grinder, the Jet JAT-467 is one of the best on the market.
This pneumatic grinder has a variable speed motor. So, you can adjust the speed to suit your needs from anywhere between 0 and 7,600 RPM.
It may sound as if the grinder’s a bit underpowered, considering how all of the previous models go above 10,000 RPM. But keep in mind that the JAT-467 is made for driving a large 7-inch grinding wheel. This speed is more than enough to take care of tough industrial assignments.
The grinder has bevel gears to control vibration and lengthen its lifespan. Of course, the motor is governed for better performance.
Like any other industrial tool, the JAT-467 is built strongly. You don’t have to baby it while you’re in the workshop. A throttle safety lock is built into the grinder to prevent accidental start-ups. The air exhaust to the side is adjustable. Lastly, the wheel guard can be adjusted to control the spark direction while you’re cutting.
Unsurprisingly, this is a pretty heavy grinder at 5.5 pounds. Nevertheless, for the sort of performance it offers, it’s acceptable.
My only gripe with it is that it’s pretty expensive, but you get what you paid for.
Pros
- Powerful performance suitable for industrial applications
- Strong design
- Many safety mechanisms
Cons
- No specific complaint
6. Si Fang Pneumatic 2-Inch Mini Air Angle Grinder – Best for light duty
Specs:
- Weight: 1.63 pounds
- Size: 2 inch
- Dimensions: 7.91 x 3.62 x 2.05 inches
- Speed: 15,000 RPM
If you need an affordable, small pneumatic angle grinder, the Si Fang 2-inch air grinder should be placed high on your shopping list.
Since it uses a small 2-inch grinding wheel, the in-built motor can achieve speed up to 15,000 RPM. It’s an impressive little grinder that can handle jobs like cutting through thin metal, carving wood, and other light-caliber tasks.
A steel guard protects you from the fast-spinning wheel and the grinder can be safely operated through a push switch on the handle. The wheel can be easily taken off and reinstalled with a small wrench.
The real selling point of this air angle grinder is its small size. If you have to work in tight spaces like the car or the attic, it makes for an excellent companion.
Plus, the fact that it costs less than $100 helps a lot with its saleability.
Pros
- Small and compact design
- Affordable
- Decent performance for its size
Cons
- Will only ever be useful for light-duty tasks
7. Chicago Pneumatic 4″ Extended Air Angle Grinder – Best long reach pneumatic angle grinder
Specs:
- Weight: 3.7 pounds
- Size: 4 inch
- Speed: 13,500 RPM
This long-reach grinder is capable of delivering 13,500 RPM with its 1-horsepower motor. So, you can use it for the most challenging of workloads.
The governed motor will help it maintain performance under load. Meanwhile, the reinforced bevel gears will reduce vibration and protect the grinder from wear and tear.
The housing as well as the wheel guard is made from high-quality machined steel. You can handle it as roughly as you can, but it will still hold up fine.
Despite being made of steel, the grinder is pretty lightweight at 3.5-3.7 pounds.
The only downside that I can see to this grinder is its high cost. You should only purchase this grinder if you really need its power.
Pros
- Industrial-grade performance
- Durable housing and wheel guard made from machined steel
- Lightweight
- Long reach
Cons
- No specific complaint
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
1. What is a pneumatic angle grinder?
A pneumatic angle grinder (or an “air angle grinder”) drives the grinding wheel using compressed air instead of an electric motor. There are many benefits to this design.
Since you don’t have to deal with electricity, pneumatic tools are safer.
They’re generally more versatile, especially if you have other pneumatic tools in your workshop. A single air compressor can drive multiple pneumatic tools at once.
Last but not least, pneumatic tools last longer than electric tools on average. With proper maintenance, they can easily last for decades.
2. What is a pneumatic grinder used for?
It has the same function as a normal electric angle grinder. You can use a pneumatic one to cut through wood panes, sand down metal, or finish stone surfaces.
Basically, anything that you can do with an electric angle grinder, you can do with a comparable air-driven grinder.
3. What is the difference between a pneumatic grinder and an electric grinder?
The key difference lies in the way that they’re powered.
Like we said, a pneumatic grinder uses compressed air to speed up the grinding wheel. Meanwhile, an electric one uses an electric motor to induce spin.
4. How to use a pneumatic angle grinder?
First, the grinder has to be fed compressed air from a tank. The first time you purchase a grinder, it will usually come with a specialized hose that you can use to connect your grinder to the tank.
Once that’s done, all you have to do next is to depress the trigger on the grinder and the wheel will spin up.
5. Do air angle grinders need oil?
Any kind of grinder will require lubrication. If you don’t, the gears will seize up and eventually become worn out. You can lubricate the gear by dropping a little bit of oil through the air inlet. Then, connect the grinder to your air supply and run it for a few minutes to let the oil circulate through the machine.
You may also need to grease up a few parts within the tool head. The manufacturer will typically have specific instructions in the manual.
6. Which brand angle grinder is best?
Other than Chicago Pneumatic, Jet, Si Fang, and Ingersoll Rand which we just mentioned, there are many other brands of note on the market that you should check out, too.
A few famous names are Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Metabo, and Craftsman. But for pneumatic angle grinders specifically, Chicago Pneumatic is often considered to be the best of the best.
Final Words
A pneumatic angle grinder is often considered by many to be an essential work tool due to its high performance and versatility.
In today’s article, I found the Chicago Pneumatic CP7545B 4.5″ to be the best pneumatic angle grinder. For the performance, design, and features it offers, I think the asking price is quite a bargain. Most people, professionals included, are going to be quite happy with this model.
