Motor with 11,000 RPM and 7.5 Amps of power.
Paddle Switches with no lock-on feature are preferred or required at many job sites.
Gear housing made of heavy-duty metal for increased toughness and durabilit.
Handle with a vibration-reducing mechanism and a wrench storage compartmen.
Guard that does not require a tool for quick adjustment.
Angle grinders have become more sophisticated as power tools have progressed in sophistication. While users applaud these technological advancements, safety professionals are growing increasingly concerned about their implications. Increased demand for non-locking paddle switch grinders, which can deliver twice the power in the same size tool, has been particularly pronounced in the manufacturing industry. The new SKIL 9296-01 non-locking paddle switch grinder is designed with the user’s safety in mind, and it automatically turns off when it is released or dropped. Instead of the locking slide power switch that is typically found on the top or side of a grinder, you’ll find the non-locking paddle power switch on the bottom of the SKIL 9296-01, right where you’ll be holding the tool while using it. As a result, the tool is only powered when you are ready to use it and is turned off automatically when you are finished. An additional feature on the SKIL 9296-01 grinder is a 3-position vibration-reducing handle that allows you to safely and comfortably hold onto the tool without excessive vibration, an 8-foot rubber cord that is not only more durable but also provides better maneuverability, on-tool wrench storage that keeps the blade wrench conveniently tucked into the handle so that is does not get lost, and a quick and simple tool-less guard adjustment that allows you to quickly and easily replace your grinder wheel. All of these features, as well as others, are built into the powerful SKIL 9296-01 7.5-amp grinder, which also happens to be less than 5-pounds in weight. Its light weight, combined with the vibration-reducing handle, helps to reduce user fatigue when grinding and sanding various materials, cleaning metals, sharpening blades, and other tasks are performed. The SKIL 9296-01 comes with one SSKIL 9296-01 paddle switch angle grinder, one metal grinding wheel, one anti-vibration side-assist handle, and one spanner wrench, among other accessories.
The handle feels sturdy, and the disk changing tool is conveniently stored in the handle. I haven’t used it much yet, but it seems to be of good quality. Most importantly, when purchasing disks, make certain that you purchase disks for a 7/8″ arbor rather than a 5/8. I’m surprised that no one mentioned this in the responses. The arbor is 5/8″ in diameter, but the backing flange and nut have a boss that clamps into the hole in the disk, which must be 7/8″ in diameter. The disk that came with the tool clearly states that it is 7/8″ in diameter. For some reason, they advise against using a cutting disk when cutting. A disclaimer of some sort appears to be in place here. It’s unlikely that anyone would purchase this if you couldn’t use a cutting disk in it.
