Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
For those of you in the know about the quick convenience that the X-Lock System provides, or for anyone who just gets excited about advances in angle grinder technology, prepare to get jazzed. Makita has announced a line of angle grinders that use X-Lock accessories.
Our first experience with this technology came from seeing the Bosch X-Lock grinder at World of Concrete. X-Lock is an accessory locking mechanism that is integrated into the gear housing for tool-free accessory changes. It includes a click-mount and pull-release lever. Combined, they make changing out wheels and accessories up to 5 times faster than traditional threaded lock-nuts. Not only does it eliminate looking for a wrench when you need to change out a wheel, but it also eliminates the possibility of over- or under-tightening the threaded lock spindles.
Additionally, X-Lock wheels are backward compatible with standard 7/8″ arbors. This means that you can generally buy one set of accessories for use with all of the grinders on site.
It should be noted, however, that the Makita X-Lock Grinders will only work with X-Lock accessories.
In addition to the wheel change system, Makita X-Lock angle grinders have been designed with faster grinding in mind. Both cordless models use a brushless motor that provides 8,500 RPM. Spiral bevel gears deliver smoother rotations and a more efficient transfer of energy for more consistent grinding.
In addition, both of the 18V X-Lock angle grinders feature the following technology:
The Makita XAG26 18V LXT Cordless X-Lock Angle Grinder features a paddle switch. It tackles your small angle grinder work with solid performance, intelligent design, and the convenience of an X-Lock interface. We tested this tool on a variety of cutting, grinding, and polishing applications. The brushless motor did a nice job of keeping the RPMs high as we cut notches out of 3/8-inch angle iron and it was able to quickly grind down problem areas. Where it really shined—literally—was how quickly it cleaned up our angle iron with a wire cup brush and flap disk.
We also liked the electric brake which did indeed stop the grinder wheel in less than 2 seconds.
Nearly identical to the XAG25 above, the Makita XAG25 cordless angle grinder uses a locking switch instead of the paddle. Aside from that, it lacks the electric brake present on the paddle switch model. It has the same 8500 RPM wheel speed and supports both 4-1/2 and 5-inch cutting and grinding wheels, flap discs, etc.
The Makita GA4570 corded angle grinder offers a 7.5-amp motor with an AC/DC slide switch that allows use with alternative power sources. Makita designed this compact tool with a 2-1/2″ diameter barrel. And, for durability, it uses a ball-bearing design and metal gear housing, plus a series of protective seals and varnish-sealed armature.
You can grab these Makita X-Lock grinders now at Acme Tools, Amazon, or The Home Depot. The Makita cordless X-Lock grinders include a 3-year warranty, while the corded model comes with a 1-year warranty.
Makita will also release a range of X-Lock accessories. These will include diamond blades, grinding wheels, cut-off wheels, flap discs, and wire abrasives.
For more information about the Makita X-Lock Grinders, as well as a full listing of X-Lock accessories, visit Makita by clicking here.
When he doesn't have his hands on tools himself, Chris is often the man behind the camera lens making the rest of the team look good. In his free time, you might find Chris with his nose jammed in a book, or tearing out his remaining hair while watching Liverpool FC. He enjoys his faith, family, friends, and the Oxford comma.
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I just figured it out. For the price of ONE of these, I can buy a dozen el-cheapo ones and put a different wheel on each. Oh, and the wheels are about 1/12 the price of the X-Lock ones,too.
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros