6.4.2015

Einhell is a long-established German tool brand but not yet well-known in the UK although apparently very popular and highly regarded in mainland Europe. Their Power X-Change range may be broadly compared in concept with those of other brands such as Makita, DeWalt etc as they are normally sold bare (without charger or battery), forming part of a 'system', and the cost of which may need to be taken into consideration. A standard battery and universal charger which supports all currently available battery packs can be purchased together as a kit. The range also includes a jig-saw, multi-sander, drills, a screwdriver as well as this angle grinder and equivalents of each of which may be found in other brands.More surprising inclusions are a lawn mower (two battery packs needed) and a grass trimmer but which will obviously be less portable than the remainder.Unlike some brands, Einhell use a universal voltage for all the tools in the range thus removing complications of deciding between one voltage range or another. The standard battery pack is 18V 1.5AH but they also offer a high power 3AH and a very heavy duty 5.2AH, all being Lithium-based but the 5.2AH may be less common or easily obtained. The two higher power power packs appear to be rather larger and presumably much heavier. Charge times are rapid, about 30 minutes with the standard battery but presumably longer with the high power modules. A fully-charged battery provides sufficient power for several hours of use, but will vary from tool to tool but will be always longer with the higher-power packs. Professional and serious users, especially those owning multiple tools from the range, may prefer to have a spare battery - one to use and the second on charge or ready for use, one of which may be heavy duty and which they could share between them.Current Einhell products feature bright red and silver-grey highlighting on certain parts and are mostly metal-housed although some portions can be plastic, as applies with this grinder and primarily on portions of its grips. Build quality appears to be to a high standard, which is what would normally be expected from German-designed products; as with most other electrical and electronic equipment, the grinder (and presumably everything else in the range) is Chinese-made. A battery (and charger) was not initially ordered but a kit was obtained locally when a possible loan from a neighbour failed to happen.The grinder uses the smaller and readily available 115mm-size grinding discs and accessories better suited to the occasional user, sold in types suited for use on metal or masonry, not supplied but also obtained locally. It features a soft-start trigger for a gentler build-up to maximum speed, a safety cut-out, and an 'air guide' system for improved cooling. The disc guard is easily adjusted for position and to suit different tasks or operating angles. As its side handle can be attached to either side or on top, it will allow left- and right-handed use as well as cover other situations. Both handles feature 'soft-grips' for a secure hand-hold, improved comfort, and to absorb some vibration.The tool comes part-disassembled with the disc guard and second handle unattached but take a few moments to affix. The included User Guide provides visual assistance for assembly. Its User and Safety Guides are both bulky but multi-language and the relevant English sections amount to a few pages in each instance. The safety instructions include advice about personal safety specifying the use of safety goggles, ear muffs and a face mask to minimise risk of particle damage as well as suitable gloves to further reduce vibration. Secondary protection issues for others, such as co-workers, assistants or family etc within the vicinity when the tool is used, are also covered.The grinder is relatively easy to use although it is surprisingly heavy even without its standard battery pack which confirms that its drive chain is all-metal and suggesting a longer life for the tool; the fact that it is said to be aluminium is worrying in that it is not usually associated with such uses. It coped with the protruding remains of a metal fence post very easily. Being fairly new to the brand and range - a couple of their drills were previously checked out and considered for purchase until gifted another - and to angle grinders, it is difficult to compare this with a similar tool of another brand.The price appears to be reasonable, although significantly more expensive than Einhell's mains powered alternative. The addition of a starter power kit will more than double the initial outlay required although can be avoided if other Power X-Change tools are currently owned. You will also need to allow for any grinding wheels and accessories, including safety provisions where they apply, which are not unduly expensive and widely available in various brands and qualities. The one thing not included, as they often are with many portable tools, is a custom fitted carry case but one could be rigged if needed.

28.4.2015

Okay, I know I got this on Vine but I do know about tools. I'm a marine engineer and currently work as an upgrade engineer for BP modifying offshore construction vessels.Now, battery powered tools have revolutionised hand portable gear, mostly drills and drivers. And that's for a good reason and why I can't give this five stars. Torque.Electrically voltage is proportional to torque. In other words more voltage more torque and that's what's needed for a disc grinder/cutter. A drill has a relatively small diameter therefore does not have the same stopping force as a larger diameter disc. And 18v does not give a lot of torque and does need a lot of amps when forced hard.Now,in the spirit of testing this I decided to give it a proper go on something tough, so I found an old bit or granite 19mm - 3/4" thick and fitted a bum basic diamond disc and give it a go to see how far it got before the battery collapsed.I got about 200mm along the granite before the battery ran out of juice. Not a huge distance but given that this is a battery driven tool not too bad. However, truth be told, for many operations you would need a disc grinder for there simply isn't enough grunt or life to make this a full on replacement for a mains powered grinder. It is in reality one of those tools that you have around for the quick cut on say, an exhaust pipe or a small bracket without having to drag out a cable and find a socket somewhere. I also guess it adds a degree of safety when working somewhere where you might get wet, for instance cutting a small water pipe that may or may not be entirely dry. If you want to do heavy work such as cutting tiles or granite where you will need to apply a bit of force, it will trip out on overload. See my point about volts vs torque. This issue applies to any manufacturer of these tools however.How does it compare to Makita, DeWalt etc? The same to be honest. I have a Makita Pro multi-tool and a DeWalt (which is in fact Black and Decker) drill and the quality is easily the same. Plastic is of the same standard and the switches and fittings are also similar in standard. I would not hesitate to recommend Einhell at all on these grounds.The handle can be screwed into either side of the grinder for righties and lefties and into the top if you are using this to cut a line horizontally. A neat touch is the fact that the nut spanner fits into the handle securely, thus not ending up lost like most of them do after a few weeks of use.Now, bear in mind that this is a bare tool and like all LiON tools of decent quality, the truth is that the battery is the expensive bit now. That's why manufacturers try to get you to buy into their system because once you have a battery or two, like DSLR camera lenses you end up in their system because it becomes prohibitive to swap around. The battery I used was a 1.5Ahr one and is in reality as low as you can go. You really need to be looking at double that for decent life and power.In the end you need to look at the full range of tools to decide which maker to buy into. I'd say that Einhell is equivalent to the Ryobi 1+ system which I have a whole bunch of and cannot praise enough for value for money against quality. However, whilst I do see Einhell as a real option for battery tools a battery grinder is simply too compromised compared to a mains one to be true replacement. It's a useful extra in reality or something for a person who very occasionally picks one up.

14.4.2015

If you don't already have an Einhell device you will need to buy a battery and charger. You are looking at around low £50 mark for a lower powered battery, but it is only a few £ more for a slightly higher capacity battery, so it makes sense to go with the higher capacity. I have the drill and the battery is fully interchangeable.Some assembly is required. I don't know why I mention this because if your weren't a keen DIYer, you probably wouldn't be buying this, so sticking the handle and shield on will pose you no problem!This is a very robust machine and a heavy little chunk. The battery offers a little counterbalance in the hand - depending on how you are holding it.

17.5.2015

Firstly I must mention that this review is for the grinder only. To complete this review I have used a 1.5 AH battery which is sold separately.First impressions of this device are very positive. It feels well made and not in any way cheap or plastic. It feels and looks like a professional tool, which does mean that some aspects are functional and not necessarily pretty. The unit is very easy to assemble, just needing the disk guard and additional support handle attaching, both of which require no tools. The additional support handle can be positioned on both sides of the unit (good for lefties) and on the top so provides great flexibility.

21.5.2016

This is a solid, well made tool at a reasonable price. While not having the power of a mains grinder, it is very useful for those small jobs where you can't be bothered dragging out an extension cable. If you use a 1mm cutting disc it will improve the cutting capacity of the grinder considerably . The grinder will accept a full range of cutting and grinding discs and wire brushes of the appropriate size. The safety overload feature is useful and prevents the grinder from being over stressed. The nature of the tool makes it power hungry, so you are better going for the 3 amp hour battery and, if you can afford it, buy two!On the occasions when I have needed to use the grinder it has performed well,

14.5.2015

Please note that this product does not come with the battery. You will have to buy this separately, however once you have purchased this it can be used with other cordless items in the Einhell range. Initially I was not overly impressed with the price of the angle grinder and the battery pack but having tried out the product I can see that actually the quality is really good, and I would consider buying other products in the range. Therefore it makes sense to have the one battery to use in them all.The actual angle grinder is cordless and easy to use. It has a handle that allows you to position it in three different ways. To turn it on you have to move the switch across before turning it on (a bit like a gear)

6.5.2015

I should state at the outset that if you buy this angle grinder you will have to allow for the additional expense of buying a battery and charger which almost doubles the price.I was unfamiliar with the Einhell brand so I probably didn't have the level of performance expectation that I might have had with a DeWalt or Makita power tool. That stated, I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the TE-AG 18's build quality and performance. To be honest I felt that despite it being relatively light in weight and very portable, it performed as well as a heavier mains - powered angle grinder. It uses 115mm discs. It has a soft start function which makes for ease of use and along with the easily adjusted disc guard is a welcome safety feature.

25.4.2015

My husband was pleased to receive this and his review is as follows.A good feature is the soft start in that it starts up very smoothly and with it also being light weight, I found it extremely easy to use in tight conditions.I have a few angle grinders that I regularly use both at work and at home and in comparison to other brands this does have some good design features. The handle which you can have in 3 positions is a good advantage to handling, strong safety with the overload cut out and the key which removes the disc is left in the grinder.This is linked to the rest of the Einhell range and therefore the battery is supplied separately. The battery charge time was quick but I found that it didn't last that long.

7.3.2021

Bought this to cut a thick metal sheet to size. Had a 2Ah battery from my hedge trimmer but discovered the 2Ah (or less) batteries dont produce enough power. Meant that the disk didnt turn fast enough or cut well so kept stopping. Ended up buying a 4Ah battery. Quite a difference. So much better. I think the negative reviews are mostly people using smaller capacity batteries. You need 3Ah or higher to get 900watts. Used a bosch disc. Glad I bought it as can use it without needing to be plugged in. Next up will be to remove a broken floor tile if I can find a good diamond disc.

25.3.2020

I have the brushed version of this grinder which Is Not a patch on this one.Unlike the brushed version the brushless does not stall at the slightest pressure and rotates much faster!The grinder is also lighter to handle due to the motor being smaller but yet with more power.I would advise the use of the highest amp batteries you can afford otherwise you will be charging them every couple of minutes!The handle stores the nut key which is also a good idea.

30.10.2019

Was worried by all the negative reviews but actually it works fine. I've just cut some galvanised steel tube 50mm dia x 3.5mm thick no problem at all, no stalling the battery still had charge!! Of course if you are heavy handed most tools will stall but I was tought to allow the tool to do the work that way your tools last longer and blades and disc cutters last as well, just saying!!

19.3.2021

I bought this along with a 2.5ah battery. And as some reviews have said, it was next to useless after a few minutes use and constantly cut out. Any slight pressure and it just cut out. So I bought two 4ah batteries and it is so much better. I can only assume those who are complaining about it cutting out are using low 'ah' batteries.If you buy this then get 4ah or over batteries!!

12.4.2016

I have bought other Einhell power tools, so I have three batteries in all. Well balanced and has cut easily through one inch thick slate. It has a safety feature in that if the blade 'catches' instead of spinning off and potentially injuring you it stops. It can be a bit annoying at first but actually sort of teaches you how to cut properly and safely. Well made and great value.

23.1.2018

Very happy with thisSoft start, handy, as I often have to use single handed, and have had others twist on me with the startup, and fiddly buttons.The button for this too is nice. Very happy overall.I use the 4Ah batt as recommended (apparently designed for this), or I would have bought the bigger batt.

16.10.2016

Very pleased with this grinder and for the money you really cant go wrong. Not as powerful as a mains operated grinder and things will take a little longer. Once you accept that and use it to its limitations it really is awesome tool. Highly recommended and would buy another one once this one wears out.

Einhell TE-AG 18 Li, Solo - Reviews

Info

Analysis

Detail