Concord Carpenter

Ridgid R1005 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder

By Ethan Bickford on Tool Reviews

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Ridgid R1005 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder with Slim Grip

Angle grinders are one of those tools that almost every tradesman has.  Some use them more often than others. As a remodeler I find they’re a necessity for cleaning up and grinding concrete, cutting nails and screws off, and otherwise cutting and grinding metal and masonry.

Everyone needs one

The Ridgid R1005 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder  is a solid grinder with some nice unique features.

First impression

The first thing I noticed when I picked up the Ridgid R1005 is the small diameter of the grip area. I really like the smaller grip on this tool it’s more comfortable and feels like you’ve got a lot more control and a firm grip especially with the abundance of rubber over-mold. The guard features a really easy to use tool-less adjustment.

Features

• The SlimGrip design provides maximum comfort for extended use
• Powerful 7 Amp Motor
• Maximum control with grip closer to grinder head
• Lock-on Button – for ease of continuous use
• Tool-free guard changes – allows user to conveniently and quickly rotate guard to 6 locked positions
• Three Position Auxiliary Side Handle – for added versatility
• Spindle Lock – for easy wheel changes
• 4 1/2” capacity
• Balanced design – for ease of use
• Replaceable Brushes – easy and convenient

Specifications

• Input 7 Amps
• No Load Spee 10,000 RPM
• Spindle Thread Size 5/8″ x 11″
• Tool Weight 4.7 lbs

 In use

I used the Ridgid R1005 4-1/2 Inch Angle Grinder  to grind the heads off of concrete nails, to grind down some concrete, before putting up a ledger board and a few other basic metal and concrete cutting and grinding tasks. It’s got good power and speed and doesn’t bog down much at all when grinding concrete. Feels on par with other grinders I’ve used with the same motor amperage.

The R1005 is trigger actuated which is a little different from other grinders I’ve used that are either thumb or paddle switch activated. I found it to be a nice change. However I’m a lefty and I found that the thumb actuated trigger lock is decidedly not left handed friendly as it’s location on the left side of the tool makes it awkward to reach for me.

On the up side the smaller grip diameter is more comfortable in the hand than most grinders out there. The side handle is cast plastic and has three mounting options one on top of the motor housing in line with the arbor, and the usual options on either side. The guard is very easy to adjust or remove if needed. I also found is that there is part of the plastic housing just above the trigger that prevents use of some dust shrouds when surface grinding. Otherwise the ergonomics and overall ease of use are great!

Overall

The R1005 has decent power and like many Ridgid tools is a great value for the money. However I would encourage lefties and those who use angle grinders with either hand or in occasionally awkward positions to look elsewhere due to the non-ambidextrous placement of the trigger lock. Otherwise the reduced size of the handle and ease of use of the tool-less guard make this a well thought out tool that’s also a great deal. If you’re looking for a general use grinder give the Ridgid R1005 a look.