Best Black+Decker Angle Grinder: The BDEG400, Plus Stronger Alternatives
Black+Decker keeps its angle grinder range deliberately simple. In the US, the corded 6-amp BDEG400 is the one model you will actually find on Amazon, so the real question is not "which Black+Decker grinder" but "is the BDEG400 enough for your work, and if not, what should you buy instead." Below is an honest look at the BDEG400 and the closest real alternatives at each step up.
Quick answer
For light home use, the Black+Decker BDEG400 is the pick: a 6-amp, 4-1/2 inch corded grinder with a spindle lock and a two-position side handle. If you plan to cut rebar, thick steel or masonry for more than a few minutes at a time, step up to a heavier corded grinder such as the DeWalt DWE402 (11 amp). Black+Decker does not sell a 20V MAX cordless angle grinder in the US, so cordless buyers will be moving to another battery platform.
Why trust ToolBuyerHub
- Compared on published specs (amps, RPM, disc size)
- Corded vs cordless trade-offs explained
- Common themes from owner reviews
- Build quality & warranty checked
- Brand lineup verified, not assumed
- No fake hands-on claims
Research updated August 2026.
Black+Decker BDEG400
The only current Black+Decker angle grinder in the US, and a sensible light-duty buy.
| Product | Best For | Key Spec | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Black+Decker BDEG400 | Light home DIY | 6 Amp, 4-1/2 inch corded | 4.5 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| DeWalt DWE402 | Heavy cutting & grinding | 11 Amp, 4-1/2 inch corded | 4.7 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| Makita 9557PBX1 | Long grinding sessions | 7.5 Amp, 4-1/2 inch corded | 4.6 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| DeWalt DCG413B | Cordless work | 20V MAX brushless, 4-1/2 inch | 4.5 / 5 | Check Amazon |
| Craftsman CMEG100 | Tight budget | 6 Amp, 4-1/2 inch corded | 4.3 / 5 | Check Amazon |
Black+Decker BDEG400
Best Black+Decker OptionPros
- Spindle lock makes disc changes quick
- Two-position side handle for either hand
- Metal gear case, light for its class
Cons
- 6 amps is modest next to pro grinders
- No variable speed, no paddle switch
- No cordless version in the Black+Decker range
The BDEG400 is Black+Decker's 4-1/2 inch corded grinder and the model most people mean when they search for a Black+Decker angle grinder. The 6-amp motor spins at 10,000 RPM with no load, which is enough for rust removal, deburring, sharpening mower blades, cutting bolts and light masonry work with the right disc. A metal gear case and a side handle that mounts on either side are the two features that matter most day to day.
Where it runs out of road is sustained load. Cutting rebar or thick steel plate is possible, but the motor slows noticeably and heats up if you push it, which is normal for a 6-amp tool. Treat it as an occasional-use grinder rather than a shop workhorse and it holds up fine. The switch is a simple slide lock-on, so plan your grip before you start a cut.
DeWalt DWE402
Best Step Up (Corded)Pros
- 11-amp motor holds speed under load
- Paddle switch releases if you drop it
- Tool-free guard adjustment
Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than the BDEG400
- Costs meaningfully more
If the BDEG400 is bogging down on your work, this is the honest upgrade rather than another budget grinder. The DWE402 runs an 11-amp motor at 11,000 RPM, and the extra headroom is what you feel when cutting rebar, angle iron or paving slabs. It also uses a dust ejection system that pushes debris away from the motor, which matters if you grind masonry.
The paddle switch is the other real difference. It has to be held down to run, so the wheel stops the moment you let go or lose grip. On a tool spinning an abrasive disc at 11,000 RPM, that is a safety feature worth paying for.
Makita 9557PBX1
Best for Long SessionsPros
- Slim barrel grip, comfortable for long runs
- Labyrinth construction keeps dust out of bearings
- Kit version ships with a case and wheels
Cons
- Less raw power than the 11-amp DeWalt
- Guard adjustment needs a wrench on some units
The 9557PBX1 sits between the Black+Decker and the DeWalt: 7.5 amps, 11,000 RPM, and a notably slim body that is easier to hold steady with two hands for extended grinding. Makita's sealed construction is the reason this model keeps showing up in shops years after purchase, since grinding dust is what kills cheap grinders.
The X1 kit designation means it comes as a set with a carry case and a starter selection of wheels, which removes the usual first-day trip back to the store for consumables.
DeWalt DCG413B
Best CordlessPros
- No cord for roof, fence and vehicle work
- Brushless motor, electronic brake, kickback brake
- Runs on the wide DeWalt 20V MAX battery range
Cons
- Sold as a bare tool, battery and charger extra
- Cutting discs eat battery quickly
Black+Decker has no cordless angle grinder in its US 20V MAX line, so there is no in-brand cordless option to recommend. If you need one, the DCG413B is the mainstream choice: a brushless 4-1/2 inch grinder at 9,000 RPM with an electronic brake that stops the wheel fast when you release the paddle.
Be realistic about runtime. Cordless grinders are for short cuts and touch-up grinding away from an outlet, not for hours of material removal. A 5.0 Ah pack is the sensible minimum if you plan to cut with it.
Craftsman CMEG100
Best Budget AlternativePros
- Same 6-amp class as the BDEG400
- Spindle lock and adjustable side handle
- Often the cheapest name-brand option
Cons
- No more power than the Black+Decker
- Light-duty only, like its rivals in this class
Craftsman sits under the same parent company as Black+Decker, and the CMEG100 is effectively the equivalent tool from the other badge: a 6-amp, 4-1/2 inch corded grinder with a spindle lock and a repositionable side handle. If one is on sale and the other is not, there is no strong technical reason to pay more.
Do not expect it to solve the power problem, though. It is in the same class as the BDEG400, so if the Black+Decker is too weak for your work, this will be too. Buy it on price, not on capability.
What to check before buying a Black+Decker angle grinder
Start with amperage, because it is the single number that predicts how the tool behaves under load. A 6-amp motor like the BDEG400 is fine for rust removal, sharpening and short cuts. Cutting rebar, thick plate or paving repeatedly wants 7.5 to 11 amps. Next, check the switch type: the BDEG400 uses a slide lock-on switch, while most pro-grade grinders use a paddle that stops the wheel the moment you let go. Finally, confirm the disc size. The 4-1/2 inch standard is what every hardware store stocks, and it gives roughly 1 inch of usable cutting depth once the guard is fitted.
One thing worth knowing: Black+Decker sells an angle grinder in the UK and Europe under model codes such as the G720 (an 820W, 115mm tool). That is a different product on a different voltage standard and it is not the US BDEG400, so do not use UK specs or reviews to judge the model you can actually buy on Amazon.com.
Mistakes to avoid when choosing an angle grinder
The most common error is buying on brand loyalty instead of load. People buy a 6-amp grinder for a job that needs an 11-amp one, then conclude the tool is faulty when it slows and smells hot. The second error is confusing tool types. Black+Decker's 20V MAX cordless range includes circular saws and reciprocating saws, but not a cordless angle grinder, and a 5-1/2 inch cordless circular saw is not a substitute for one. The third is disc mismatch: an abrasive metal cutting wheel will not survive concrete, and a masonry wheel will glaze on steel. Match the disc to the material, always fit the guard, and wear a face shield rather than just glasses.
FAQs
What is the best Black+Decker angle grinder for home use?
The BDEG400 is the only current Black+Decker angle grinder sold in the US, and it is a reasonable light-duty choice: 6 amps, 4-1/2 inch disc, 10,000 RPM, with a spindle lock.
Does Black+Decker make a cordless angle grinder?
Not in the US 20V MAX lineup. Black+Decker's cordless range covers drills, circular saws and reciprocating saws, so cordless grinder buyers need to look at another brand's battery platform.
Is the BDCCS20C an angle grinder?
No. The BDCCS20C is a Black+Decker 20V MAX 5-1/2 inch circular saw. It is designed for cutting wood along a straight line and cannot take grinding or abrasive cut-off discs.
Are Black+Decker angle grinders good quality?
For the price they are reliable for occasional DIY work. They are not built for daily professional use, and the 6-amp motor will slow under sustained heavy cutting.
Can I use a Black+Decker grinder to cut concrete?
Yes, with a diamond cutting disc rated for the tool's speed, for small jobs only. Cut in shallow passes, keep the guard on, and expect the 6-amp motor to need cooling breaks.
What size disc does the Black+Decker BDEG400 use?
It takes standard 4-1/2 inch discs on a 5/8 inch-11 spindle, which is the most widely stocked size in US hardware stores.
Does the BDEG400 have a spindle lock?
Yes. The spindle lock button holds the shaft so you can change discs with the supplied wrench alone.
What should I buy instead if the BDEG400 is not powerful enough?
Step up to a 7.5 to 11 amp corded grinder such as the Makita 9557PBX1 or the DeWalt DWE402. Both hold speed far better under load and use a paddle switch.
Can I use a wire wheel on a Black+Decker grinder?
Yes, a 4-1/2 inch wire wheel or cup brush rated at or above 10,000 RPM will fit. Keep the guard fitted, since wire strands do come loose in use.
Does Black+Decker make a variable speed angle grinder?
No. The BDEG400 runs at a fixed 10,000 RPM, and variable speed is generally found on higher-end grinders from other brands.
Our verdict
If you want a Black+Decker angle grinder, the BDEG400 is the choice, because it is the only one. It is genuinely fine for rust, sharpening and light cutting, and it is priced to match. If your projects involve rebar, structural steel or regular masonry cuts, do not buy a second 6-amp tool. Move to the 11-amp DeWalt DWE402, or the Makita 9557PBX1 if comfort over long sessions matters more than peak power. For cordless, you will be leaving the Black+Decker platform.