In the last year, Greenworks has released an all-new line of 24V tools aimed squarely at Pros who don’t want, or need, to drop top dollar on tools to get the job done right. We’ve spent some time putting them to the test to see how they stand up to other Pro-grade tools we use. Today, I’m pivoting to the metal side of things and taking a closer look at the Greenworks 24V Pro Angle Grinder—a tool with humble origins, but huge potential. Is it the right choice for you? Let’s find out!
Pros
- Excellent value
- Slim profile
- Three speed modes
- Tool-free guard adjustment
- Lightweight design
Cons
- No kit options
READ
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Greenworks 24V Pro Angle Grinder Performance
Speed and Power
The AG590 features a brushless motor with three speed settings: 4,500, 6,500, and 9,000 RPM. This range gives you more flexibility than a single-speed grinder, letting you choose a setting based on the material, accessory, and application.
For example, a lower speed can be useful when an application requires more finesse or less material removal, while the max 9,000 RPM mode gives you the ability to work a little quicker when needed.
The three-speed design is one of the more notable upgrades over their more basic single-speed DIY-focused grinder (AGD401). That added control can be helpful when switching between grinding and cutting applications or when you’re working with accessories or materials that call for different speeds.
Most of the Pro market’s variable-speed models tend to have more available settings. Many feature a dial that can have dozens of micro-steps, while others we’ve used have a 5-mode electronic selection.
Even though Greenworks has fewer speed settings, having a simpler low/medium/high interface actually makes things easier for most basic cutting and grinding tasks. There are certainly use cases in fabrication where you want more control to really dial in productivity and efficient use of your consumables, but most tradesmen don’t need it.
During my hands-on time with this grinder, I found that the power level was absolutely perfect. I was able to bear down on a scrap piece of angle iron with a grinding disc without any issues and never managed to stall the motor.
Now, is it the most powerful grinder I’ve ever used? No. But I believe it will suit your needs for the majority of common cutting and grinding tasks appropriate for a 4 1/2-inch grinder.
Greenworks 24V Pro Angle Grinder Design Notes
Size and Weight
The AG590 weighs in at 3.9 pounds as a bare tool, 5.6 pounds with a 4.0Ah battery, and measures 12 inches from end to end. Interestingly, these are very similar specs to the DeWalt Atomic DCG402, which is already a very small angle grinder.
Moreover, this is nearly identical to the ADG401, but the added bonus of the variable speed modes makes this a far more advantageous option. Also, don’t assume that what’s under the hood is identical. In developing the 24V Pro line, the product teams upgraded the components to handle the longer hours and tougher environments that tradesmen subject their tools to.
Ergonomics
Overall, I like the ergonomics of this angle grinder. While it follows the familiar shape of most popular models, the slimmer handle makes it more comfortable to grip, particularly for those with small to medium-sized hands. The lightly textured rubber overmold also feels good in the hand and helps absorb some of the vibration generated during grinding and cutting.
Tool-Free Guard Adjustment
Greenworks equips the AG590 with a tool-free adjustable wheel guard, which is a must-have feature for any Pro-focused grinder. Instead of reaching for a special wrench to reposition the guard, all you need to do is release the tensioning lever and position the guard to match the application.
This is an extremely convenient feature when moving between cutting and grinding tasks, where the guard position may need to change.
Along with the standard grinding guard, they also ship the AG590 with a removable plastic cutting guard for added safety.
Accessory Changes
Greenworks goes with a no-nonsense approach to wheel changes. Simply press down on the spindle lock and rotate the wheel by hand until it locks in place, then use the included spanner wrench to loosen the flange nut.
Additional Features
- 2-Position Side Handle: Quickly configure this grinder to fit your preferences and workflow
- Battery Compatibility: The AG590 is compatible with all Greenworks 24V batteries
Greenworks 24V Pro Angle Grinder Price
The Greenworks 24V Pro Angle Grinder retails for $79.97 as a bare tool and comes with a 5-year warranty. That’s a remarkable price for such a competent tool, especially if you’re working on a limited budget.
There aren’t any kit options available. Angle grinders aren’t usually the entry point for most cordless platforms, so that’s not a big deal considering how much more affordable the 24V Pro lineup is.
Also, note the connection to Walmart. Depending on where your closest store is, you can arrange delivery in less than an hour, including any accessories you need.
Should You Buy It?
The Greenworks 24V Pro AG590 brings several useful features to a compact cordless angle grinder. Its three-speed settings, tool-free guard adjustment, and two-position side handle make it a versatile option on paper for general cutting and grinding work.
The price is also very appealing for folks who already own Greenworks 24V batteries. Rather than paying for another battery and charger, you can add the AG590 to your arsenal and use it for metalwork, repairs, and surface prep. Even if you aren’t on the PowerAll 24V system yet, the attractive pricing makes jumping on it easier on your budget than most brands.
In my opinion, the feature set and price make the AG590 worth considering for folks looking for a capable cordless grinder without dropping a serious bundle.
But how does it compare to other Pro options?
Many premium brands, such as Milwaukee and Makita, anchor their small angle grinder lines with models that can use 4 1/2-inch or 5-inch wheels. They come with a step up in power and often speed, so you can definitely feel the difference.
However, when you compare Greenworks to dedicated 4 1/2-inch models, the power level is comparable. The biggest difference is that some have more top-end speed, which can make material removal faster. The major trade-off is that they’ll cost you more than twice as much.
Specs
- Model: Greenworks AG590
- Power Source: Greenworks 24V battery
- Max Speed: 9,000 RPM
- Trigger Type: Slide switch
- Weight: 3.9 lbs (bare tool), 5.6 lbs (w/4.0Ah battery)
- Tool Length: 12 in.
