Power grinders are a very versatile and extremely useful set of tools. While many are familiar with some of the more common types of grinders, such as die grinders and angle grinders, there are actually many different types of power grinders, each with different capabilities and uses. Some of the most common uses for power grinders include sanding rough surfaces, sharpening blades, and removing materials like paint or varnish. However, these uses are really just a small part of what these multi-purpose tools are capable of, and any DIYer, hobbyist, or home improvement enthusiast can benefit from owning a reliable power grinder or two.
Unfortunately, power tools are expensive. Pneumatic tools like air grinders tend to be more expensive than simple hand tools, so many people choose not to invest in these devices. Luckily, not all air grinders are expensive. Known for its great deals on tools, Harbor Freight is a great place to buy affordable tools, including air grinders. The store carries everything from DIY tools to quality equipment for the home gardener, and offers clear pricing plans based on the quality of the products. We checked out the site and found six affordable air grinders suitable for a variety of hobbies and projects. We chose them based on price, product features, and user reviews. So, from sanders to belt sanders, here are six affordable air grinders you can find at Harbor Freight.
Straight grinders are one of the simplest and most common types of electric grinders. They are common items in the toolboxes of all types of professionals and hobbyists, and their main uses include polishing rough surfaces, sanding, buffing, and stripping. Grinders are similar to rotary tools in that they operate using a grinding wheel attached to the end of a rotating spindle, but they are more powerful and versatile than basic rotary tools.
Available from Harbor Freight, the Central Pneumatic ¼-inch Compact Air Grinder is an affordable addition to any professional or hobbyist’s toolbox. The tool’s compact design makes it ideal for use in tight quarters and confined spaces, and the rear exhaust port is designed to keep chips and dust out of your face while the grinder is in operation. It features a ball bearing design to withstand harsh conditions and a lightweight cast aluminum body for durability. The paddle-type trigger makes it easy to operate, even in tough work environments, and the overall weight of the product is less than one pound, helping to eliminate fatigue during extended use. The Central Compact Air Grinder is priced at $19.99 and has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on over 250 customer reviews.
An angle grinder is a combination of a regular angle grinder and a standard angle grinder. While angle grinders are often used for cutting materials or polishing, grinding and sanding, angle grinders are better suited for deburring, polishing and grinding than for cutting. Why use an angle grinder instead of a regular angle grinder? Sometimes it is impossible to achieve the correct positioning with a standard angle grinder. Additionally, angle grinders are more convenient to use when polishing and grinding flat surfaces with certain types of attachments. While standard angle grinders are ideal for use with a conical attachment, angle grinders are generally better suited for use with a flat polishing wheel.
The McGraw ¼-inch Angle Grinder is a great choice for do-it-yourselfers or those working in the industry. This tool features a ¼-horsepower motor capable of reaching speeds of up to 20,000 RPM, allowing you to tackle a variety of projects and tasks with ease. Its durable cast-aluminum body can withstand tough work conditions, and its compact size allows you to tackle projects in tight spaces where other equipment might not fit. The tool features a front exhaust that keeps dust and debris out of your face, and a comfortable grip that reduces vibration and fatigue during long periods of use. The McGraw Angle Grinder costs $24.99 and has a 4.8 out of 5-star rating based on nearly 100 Harbor Freight customer reviews.
Belt grinders are very useful tools, but they are less well known than machines like angle grinders and straight grinders. The main uses for belt grinders are sharpening and making knives and other blades, removing burrs from items like pipes, and polishing various surfaces. They work by using a long, thin sanding belt attached to a motor, and while many are stationary, you can also find portable belt grinders for a variety of projects and tasks.
The Central Pneumatic ⅜-inch Belt Sander from Harbor Freight is surprisingly affordable and a handy addition to any toolbox. Designed for hard-to-reach areas, the Central Pneumatic Belt Sander features a long, ⅜-inch wide sanding belt, making it the perfect tool for deburring hard-to-reach areas and finishing surfaces on a variety of projects. It features a 360-degree, multi-position sanding belt and a high-speed motor that can spin at up to 18,000 feet per minute. The tool is made from a durable, die-cast aluminum body for reliable, long-lasting performance, and the petal-style throttle is easy to control and operate. It features a built-in regulator and an easy-to-adjust belt mechanism, and its price of $24.99 makes it a great choice for both professionals and amateurs. The product has received high marks from Seaport Freight customers, earning a rating of 4.1 out of 5 stars based on over 350 user reviews.
The Jitterbug Orbital Sander is another lesser-known electric sander. Many people are familiar with standard orbital sanders and cylindrical sanders that have a rotating eccentric rotor. Jitterbug orbital sanders are similar to standard orbital sanders, but they are typically rectangular in shape rather than circular like regular random orbital sanders, and they use an irregular motion to avoid leaving lines and swirls on your project. They are often used to finish surfaces on items like furniture or countertops, as well as for auto body repair work.
For those who do auto body work, woodworking, or other hobbies and tasks, consider the Central Pneumatic Jitterbug Orbital Sander from Harbor Freight. The tool is marketed as the ideal tool for finishing automotive body panels and furniture trim. It features a vibration-free design for fatigue-free operation and delivers speeds up to 9,400 RPM. The compact handle design allows you to work in hard-to-reach places, and the lever trigger allows for easy, precise control. Featuring a built-in regulator and fully shielded radial bearings, this tool is built to last and perform reliably. The Central Pneumatic Jitterbug Sander is priced at $39.99 and has a 4.2 out of 5 star rating based on nearly 150 Harbor Freight customer reviews.
Because of the name, we often think of an electric grinder as a powerful tool used to remove material and smooth surfaces. While grinding is certainly one of the primary uses of these devices, it is not the only use for these tools. As mentioned above, electric grinders come in a wide range of different functions, and one of the most common additional uses for electric grinders and sanders is polishing. Polishing is different from sanding. While the purpose of grinding is to remove material or smooth out a rough surface, polishing is much more gentle and aims to make an already smooth surface even shinier.
Designed for tasks like polishing car paint, as well as a variety of hobbies and projects, the Central Pneumatic 3-inch Air Polisher Kit is a great choice for home mechanics, DIY enthusiasts, and anyone who enjoys a hands-on side hustle. Ideal for polishing car bodies, this kit includes an air-powered polisher with an ergonomic pistol grip, two foam polishing pads, and a wool polishing pad to help you with weekend car washes and a variety of other tasks. The tool features a rear exhaust port and a compact motor. The hook-and-loop mounting mechanism makes changing polishing pads quick and easy, and the 1.53-pound weight makes the unit easy to use, even for long periods of use. The Central Pneumatic Air Polisher Kit costs $29.99 and has a rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars based on nearly 300 user reviews.
Random orbit sanders are a popular type of electric sander. They are typically circular in shape and move in an irregular, erratic motion to avoid leaving marks on your project. They are ideal for refinishing surfaces in woodworking projects and can be used for a variety of purposes, from sanding countertops to removing old paint and polishing finished products (depending on the attachments).
The McGraw 6-Inch Random Orbital Air Sander is a relatively new product from Harbor Freight that would be a great addition to any DIY toolbox. This small orbital tool features a 3/32-inch orbital pattern that is ideal for fine, detailed finishing. The product description states that it will not leave streaks or marks on your project, making this tool ideal for any job that requires a smooth, shiny finish. The tool features an ergonomic handle for added comfort during long work sessions, and the lightweight body prevents arm and wrist fatigue during long sanding sessions. The tool features an adjustable speed control to help you improve and control your work, and the rotating exhaust port helps keep dust and debris out of your face. The McGraw Random Orbital Sander is priced at $39.99 and has a 4.5 out of 5 star rating based on various verified purchases from Harbor Freight customers.