5108MAX Air Die Grinder, 25,000 RPM, 0.4 HP, 1/4" Collet, Rear Exhaust

Parfait

value for the money

satisfait

I bought this product because I figured that having a spindle lock for quick change-out would beat having two cheaper die grinders to carry around. I apparently missed the one other review saying that it didn't have it as advertised, and that it only applied to the 5102. Hopefully it proves to be worth it's in power and longevity, but I'm disappointed that the feature I spent the extra money for doesn't exist.

I needed both a straight grinder and an angle grinder, so I first ordered IR's Edge series, which are a fraction of the price of the Max series. Big mistake. The straight model had a trigger that was unusable. The safety latch was hard to manipulate, and the plunger was very sticky. The collet on the angle model was very difficult to get loose after only moderate tightening. In fact after the second try the smaller of the included wrenches bent. I returned both and ordered a 5102 angle grinder and a 5108 straight-shaft model. They are wonderful. The triggers are smooth and the safety latches easy to use. The shaft brake on the 5102 makes tool changes easy. I wish they could figure out a way to put that feature on the straight-shaft model. I used both of them all day yesterday blending machined aircraft parts at work, and these fine tools almost made the job fun.