Corded or cordless angle grinder?

A small repair away from a socket and hours of cutting at the bench put very different demands on a grinder. The choice is about the job, not a slogan on a box.

Where cordless changes the job

Mobility reduces the need to route an extension lead around a vehicle or across a building site. A battery platform can be convenient when the rest of the team already uses it. That does not mean the runtime or performance will be identical across machines and batteries.

Where a cord still makes sense

For uninterrupted work at a fixed bench, a mains-powered machine removes battery swaps from the workflow. Evaluate the actual model: disc size, mass, duty, braking and guarding may matter more than the presence of a cord.

What the specification sheet tells you

Bosch lists the GWS 18V-15 PSC cordless grinder with a 125 mm disc, 18 V battery and several protective features. Bosch describes a 1,500 W corded-equivalent performance level under its own test framework; that is a manufacturer comparison, not our independent result. Other cordless grinders have different specifications, so neither “cordless is weak” nor “cordless is always enough” is a sound general claim.

The checks we would make

Write down the task first: cutting or grinding, material, disc diameter, available power, time between breaks and whether dust extraction is needed. Then compare the guard and correct accessory, brake, kickback control, tool weight including battery, battery replacement cost and local service support. Never fit a disc whose rated maximum speed is below the machine speed.

No imaginary winner

We have not measured battery runtime, cut depth or removal rate ourselves. This comparison is a method for choosing what to test or buy, not a verdict about any brand.

Angle grinders can cause serious injury. Follow the manufacturer instructions, guarding, disc selection, PPE and applicable safety rules in your location.