A good angle grinder is an essential item in everybody’s toolkit. From grinding and cutting metal to shaping stone and carving wood, an angle grinder is incredibly versatile. It’s useful for both professional workmen and the average family handyman alike.
In this Makita 9557PBX1 review, I will be showcasing one of the most prominent angle grinders on the market at the moment – the titular Makita 9557PBX.
About Makita Angle Grinders
Makita is a Japanese power tool manufacturer that’s trusted by thousands worldwide. The company’s products are known not just for their rugged design, but also for high performance.
Additionally, Makita is also a brand that innovates. Their products – particularly, their power grinders – have many unique features that set Makita apart from competitors.
So, if you’re looking for a new angle grinder, this is a good place to start your search.
Makita 9557PBX1 Review: Key Features
7.5-amp Motor
The Makita 9557PBX1 angle grinder comes equipped with a 7.5-amp motor that can provide a no-load speed of up to 11,000 RPM. Compared to other grinders in the same price range, the grinder offers exceptional power. Most models in the 9557PBX1’s pricing range and size only offer around 8,000 to 9,000 RPM.
This angle grinder will do the trick for DIY-ers and for people who only ever need a tool for the occasional home renovation here and there. Don’t expect it to be able to handle heavy-duty jobs like cutting through the foundation or a 2-inch steel plate.
To improve efficiency and heat management, the 9557PBX1 features tightly-wound coil wires. Unfortunately, the coil wires don’t seem to be very effective.
There have been many reports of the 9557PBX1 running so hot to the point smoke wafted from out of the vent. As such, pay close attention to thermal management issues with this angle grinder.
4-½-inch Grinding Wheel & Spindle Lock
It accepts 4-½-inch grinding wheels. This is the average size for a residential-grade electric grinder tool. While it won’t be able to handle heavy-duty work, more precise, light-duty work will be fine.
The 9557PBX1 has a 5/8-11 UNC spindle, which allows you to quickly change out the wheel. Apply pressure and you will be able to detach the wheel. This isn’t necessarily a good thing, though. While it’s quick, the lack of a blade lock makes this design a bit unsecured.
AC/DC Power
Depending on the location and nature of your job, you can flexibly change between AC and DC power at any time you’d like. You can quickly and easily switch between either power setting with just the push of a button.
Intuitive Paddle Switch
The angle grinder can be activated with a paddle switch located on the underside of the machine.
Notably, the 9557PBX1 paddle switch is a lot larger than the switches found in other models in Makita’s portfolio. It makes this particular model a lot easier and more intuitive to use. You can focus on the job at hand rather than having to actively think about controlling the grinder.
The paddle switch also has a lock-on feature for you to keep the angle grinder working without having to press down onto the switch.
Solid, Compact Design
Like most Makita angle grinders, the 9557PBX1 also comes with a rugged casing. The grinder’s main body is made from lightweight, impact-resistant plastic. A metallic casing is at the front of the grinder, protecting the gearbox. The bearing has an all-ball design to further improve the durability of the grinder.
Although this isn’t exactly an industrial angle grinder, the 9557PBX1 is built well enough for professional usage. It’s durable enough to handle the rigors of a professional work site.
The construction quality of the grinder is deemed to be decent.
The design is relatively compact. You will be able to maneuver the grinder in tight spaces without too many issues. At 4.5 pounds, it is also light enough that you can comfortably move between jobs.
Comfortable Side Handle
The barrel grip is quite sleek at 2 ½-inch. It improves comfort significantly and will allow you to work for long periods without feeling the effect of fatigue. Since it is so small and fits right in the hand, the handle is also more comfortable to hold than models with thicker handles.
It’s quite easy to assemble. You can attach the handle to either side of the tool, making it ambidextrous.
Inner Protective Mechanism
Since the angle grinder is expected to work in some very dirty environments, it’s at risk of ingesting a lot of dust and dirt. If they were to get into the inner mechanisms of the grinder, they would cause havoc and eventually break it.
Makita thought ahead and put a lot of protective measures into the 9557PBX1. There is a “labyrinth construction”, which is composed of many complicated channels inside of the grinder. They prevent contamination from getting in.
Additionally, there is a zig-zag varnish seal to further prevent dirt and dust from infiltrating the grinder.
These smart designs improve the longevity of the grinder significantly. As a matter of fact, it’s one of the reasons why Makita’s tools are known to be able to last for years.
Steel Blade Guard
Guarding the grinding wheel is a rotatable blade guard. Other than protecting you from injuries if something were to happen to the blade, the guard also deflects sparks as you work. From our observations, the guard has a good spark deflection rate.
Check more: Makita 9557PB Grinder Review
What I Like About Makita 9557PBX1
- Decent performance for its class with 7.5-amp motor
- Can switch between AC and DC power flexibly
- Versatile 4-½-inch wheel
- Solid, ergonomics design
- Durable construction with inner protective mechanisms
- Good blade guard with excellent spark deflection ability
What I Don’t Like About Makita 9557PBX1
- Runs hot, bad overheat protection system
- Doesn’t have a variable speed setting
- The blade change system isn’t very secure as it doesn’t have a lock
Review Summary
The Makita 9557PBX1 is going to be a solid purchase for people who don’t require a lot out of their angle grinder. In other words, people like DIY-ers and residential users who only need a grinder to cut a few odd objects and materials here and there.
The 9557PBX1 isn’t going to fare very well in professional settings due to its relatively low performance (compared to pro-grade angle grinders).
Overall, if you’re part of the crowd that the 9557PBX1 is built for, this Makita 9557PBX1 review will have done its job and introduced a decent option. On the other hand, if you need something with a bit more power, we got other higher-tier angle grinders for you to look through!