When it comes to selecting the right power tool, you need to look past technical jargon and marketing talk. Ryobi has consistantly provided good value and reliability in their lineup of cordless tools that is part of the One+ family. Sometimes you will have the option to purchase a couple different models of one particular tool.
In this case, you have angle grinder. One will feature a more traditional brushed motor while other is brushless. Depending off what you’ll use it for the difference in performance may be noticeable, although cost will not vary much at all.
The motor are under significant stress with an angle grinder. If you’re cutting through thick masonry or even steel, this thing really puts the motor to work. You don’t want to be using one that gets weak partway through the cut, it’s not only a danger but it’s going to mess up your cut.
Knowing what goes into these motors will help you choose proper tool for your needs. Ryobi starter grinders come stock with a brushed motor. A brushless version are also available if you want to step up from this entry-level model.
Choosing Between Brushed And Brushless Ryobi Grinders
Brushed Motor Basics and Repairs
The brushed motor use carbon brushes that rub against spinning commutator. This process delivers electrical current to the motor’s windings. Its simplicity make it easy to repair and not very expensive to produce.
If your brushes gets worn out you can easily swap them yourself for a few bucks and a screw driver. It’s simple, tough and functional without any need for technical know-how. But there’s a catch: longevity vs. It is about efficiency.
Because of the carbon brushes, there’s a lot of spark and friction happening that burns off some energy in form of heat. That means over time, the brushes will wear down, reducing power the tool can deliver. You won’t necessarily see day-to-day effects from this, but if you’ve got a 3-year-old brushed grinder, it’s not spinning quite like it did on day one.
For your occasional weekend project, it’s not normaly an issue. You’re using the tool enough to make it dirty but not enough to wear the motor out by the time the battery tech goes obsolete. Brushless motors removes the physical contact altogether.
Brushless Motor Efficiency and Benefits
The Ryobi brushless angle grinder is controlled by electronic sensors that control how much current flow to the stator. There are no physical parts touching the rotor as magnetic field pushes the rotor around. That means increased efficiency, less heat, and less friction.
The result is a motor wasting less energy fighting its own insides. This allows for more runtime out of the same 18-volt battery. It also mean more consistent power throughout the entire run.
It also have a longer lifespan because it is so efficient. The price point is the sticking point for most DIY-ers. You’re looking at roughly $20 to $30 extra for a brushless model compared than their brushed versions.
Cost and Value Comparison
If you use it a few times a year to take off some rust spot on a bike frame, that price difference might not be worth it to you. It’ll probably outlast your desire to do it anyway. But if you’re doing metal work frequently, building decks, running a little job site etc., the brushless one ends up paying for itself because of reliability and battery life.
Battery Compatibility and Performance
The choice comes down heavily to battery compatibility. You will find that both types of motor runs on your existing Ryobi One+ batteries. That twenty amp-hour high-capacity battery makes even a brushed grinder feel like it has plenty of grunt and hides some of the inefficiency of brushes and motor design.
However, a two amp-hour small battery cannot pump a brushless motor very long at all, even if it is efficient. So if you want to keep running same batteries, match the tool to your battery and then you don’t need to purchase additional batteries. Brushless motors also has a few subtler perks: No more noise and vibration.
Without brushes, there is no friction or sparks from the motor. This results in a smoother, quieter running motor. When you’re doing a lot of grinding it will save your hand.
You’ll notice you don’t get as tired and have more control of the spinning disk. Holding onto something going at ten thousand RPMs takes skill and control. So which one do I choose?
Final Verdict and Recommendation
It depends on what you plan to do with it. If you plan to use it lightly or just once in a while, or if you want something that won’t cost as much, go for the brushed. If you require the most in performance: smoothness of operation, long run times, and durability, go for the brushless.
Both are good tools from a trusted line-up in One+. Whichever you decide, there you have it.