Which 8A Bauer grinder, the trigger grip or the paddle switch? I got the trigger grip on sale a month ago. I like it so far, works great but I've run it for maybe three minutes. I did my usual "read four-star reviews until you find someone with Strong Opinions" trick, and this one sold me: Fine for light metal removal with a hard wheel I am a professional custom metal fabricator. I have purchased dozens of grinders in my career of 25 years. For the money, this is a quality unit intended for repetitive light stress use. The unit runs smooth and quiet, so smooth that I find myself going for the Bauer grinder because it has very minimal vibration on my hands. So quiet and smooth that it makes me wonder if it runs as high as 11,000 RPM. Wish I had a way to test it. A good indication of quality bearings and quality machines gears. The unit feels solid, may be a little heavy for its size. This style is shorter than the competitors grinders of the same style and size range. I have two issues with this particular model, first is it could use a higher quality plug, the prongs bend in the plastic usually easy. Second the trigger does not have a safety, so when you set it trigger side down on the edge of a table, the edge of the table can press the trigger in with the weight of the grinder and the hanging cord. I thought I should add, that I just purchased 6 pcs 4.5 inch Bauer angle grinders for a job I’m doing. After going to all the chain stores and checking out all of their angle grinders in my size range, the Bauer seems to have comparable quality with the name brands as far as construction. Time will tell if the internal components hold up. The rigidity of the spindle bearing movement with minimal backlash in the spindle gears along with the robust design of the cast aluminum head housing are the defining things that sold me. Hope this answers some questions for the fabricator with questions. Answer from efnord on reddit.com
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Harbor Freight
harborfreight.com › home › bauer
Bauer Grinders - Harbor Freight Tools
Find Your Local Harbor Freight Store · 21 Items · All Bauer · 21 Items · Best Match · Top Rated · Price Low · Price High · Bauer(21) Clearance(1) Please choose a rating · $0 - $50(16) $50 - $100(2) $100 - $200(3) 5/8 in. -11 UNC Spindle, 7/8 in. Adaptor(5) 5/8 in.
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Harbor Freight
harborfreight.com › home › power tools › grinders › angle grinders › 4-1/2 in. angle grinders
BAUER 8 Amp, 4-1/2 in. Trigger-Grip Angle Grinder
8 Amp, 4-1/2 in. Trigger-Grip Angle Grinder
The BAUER® 4-1/2 in. 8 Amp Angle Grinder features a trigger-grip design for comfort and control. The high-performance 8 amp motor delivers up to 11,000 RPM for fast material removal. The adjustable 2-position side handle and ergonomic slim body design with trigger switch provide maximum comfort during extended periods of grinding and cutting. A tool-free guard and spindle lock enable fast on-the-job wheel changes, minimizing downtime. This grinder is optimized for grinding, cutting, and shaping.
(4.8)
Price   $34.99
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/harborfreight › bauer for light-moderate professional use?
r/harborfreight on Reddit: Bauer for light-moderate professional use?
September 26, 2023 -

Asking specifically about the 8 amp angle grinder, and their abrasive cut off saw. I need to weld occasionally for work. It's not an all day, everyday thing- I work for the natural gas side of the utilities department in a small town's public works section. I am buying many of my own tools cause city Council has never had to do this kind of work, there are several of us who need angle grinders, and chop saws, I am the only welder, (there are other uses for grinders and chop saws apparently) and City Council's attitude is "we bought you guys one of each, why do you need more?" Anyhow, I am looking at Bauer grinders and chop saws to use for this. Summary: occasional pipeline welding and fabrication for my job. Where it's not all day everyday, I'm looking for affordable and good enough quality to do the job. Will Bauer work, or should I step it up to Hercules, or just eat the cost of buying really good Milwaukee gear?

Top answer
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Which 8A Bauer grinder, the trigger grip or the paddle switch? I got the trigger grip on sale a month ago. I like it so far, works great but I've run it for maybe three minutes. I did my usual "read four-star reviews until you find someone with Strong Opinions" trick, and this one sold me: Fine for light metal removal with a hard wheel I am a professional custom metal fabricator. I have purchased dozens of grinders in my career of 25 years. For the money, this is a quality unit intended for repetitive light stress use. The unit runs smooth and quiet, so smooth that I find myself going for the Bauer grinder because it has very minimal vibration on my hands. So quiet and smooth that it makes me wonder if it runs as high as 11,000 RPM. Wish I had a way to test it. A good indication of quality bearings and quality machines gears. The unit feels solid, may be a little heavy for its size. This style is shorter than the competitors grinders of the same style and size range. I have two issues with this particular model, first is it could use a higher quality plug, the prongs bend in the plastic usually easy. Second the trigger does not have a safety, so when you set it trigger side down on the edge of a table, the edge of the table can press the trigger in with the weight of the grinder and the hanging cord. I thought I should add, that I just purchased 6 pcs 4.5 inch Bauer angle grinders for a job I’m doing. After going to all the chain stores and checking out all of their angle grinders in my size range, the Bauer seems to have comparable quality with the name brands as far as construction. Time will tell if the internal components hold up. The rigidity of the spindle bearing movement with minimal backlash in the spindle gears along with the robust design of the cast aluminum head housing are the defining things that sold me. Hope this answers some questions for the fabricator with questions.
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Check out CPO Outlet online. They sell factory reconditioned tools at a solid discount from all major brands including dewalt, Milwaukee, makita, bosch, etc. For pipeline welding I'd think you want something beefier than HF brands.
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Green Tractor Talk
greentractortalk.com › home › forums › the machine shed › tools & equipment
Bauer angle grinder | Green Tractor Talk
I have bought several inexpensive grinders from Harbor Freight, usually in the $15 to $30 range and they have all been worth what little I spent on them. Use a coupon and you'll save even more. ... Amazon has a Bosch grinder for $49 right now. I’d take that over the Bauer for similar money.
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Harbor Freight
harborfreight.com › home › power tools › grinders › angle grinders › 4-1/2 in. angle grinders
BAUER 8 Amp, 4-1/2 in. Paddle-Switch Angle Grinder
8 Amp, 4-1/2 in. Paddle-Switch Angle Grinder
The BAUER™ 8 Amp, 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder features a smooth no-lock paddle switch for control in tight spaces. The high-performance 8 amp motor delivers up to 11,500 RPM for fast material removal. The adjustable 2-position side handle, tool-free guard, and spindle lock enable fast on-the-job wheel changes, minimizing downtime. This grinder is optimized for grinding, cutting, and shaping.
(4.7)
Price   $34.99
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YouTube
youtube.com › watch
Harbor Freight Bauer 4-1/2" Angle Grinder Review - YouTube
Here's a review of Harbor Freights Bauer heavy duty line of price to Performance Tools. I do a general review do a couple of cut-off tests as well as take a ...
Published   August 30, 2019
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YouTube
youtube.com › hardcore fab
Bauer grinder from Harbor Freight review - YouTube
I've been needing a second grinder around the shop, much easier than switching back and forth on grinding discs and flap discs and wire wheels and cut discs....
Published   July 14, 2021
Views   13K
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Harbor Freight
harborfreight.com › home › power tools › grinders › angle grinders › 4-1/2 in. angle grinders
BAUER 7 Amp, 4-1/2 in. Slide-Switch Angle Grinder
7 Amp, 4-1/2 in. Slide-Switch Angle Grinder
The BAUER® 4-1/2 in. 7 Amp Angle Grinder was built for general grinding and cutting applications. The high-performance 7 amp motor delivers up to 11,000 RPM for fast material removal. The adjustable 2-position side handle and ergonomic slim body design with slide switch provide maximum comfort during extended periods of grinding and cutting. A tool-free guard and spindle lock provide fast on-the-job wheel changes, minimizing downtime. This grinder is optimized for grinding, cutting, and shaping.
(4.7)
Price   $29.99
Find elsewhere
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BobIsTheOilGuy
bobistheoilguy.com › home › forums › lubrication and general automotive › tool time
HF: Bauer Grinder Teardown/Analysis | BobIsTheOilGuy
July 21, 2019 - All I can say is that's the rare exception. It's always either the motor smokes or the switch goes. Usually the switch by 5x 1. They do work ok for the oddball one that has the wheel you rarely use but for your main grinders, nawwww💸💸💸.
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Harbor Freight
harborfreight.com › home › power tools › grinders › angle grinders › 4-1/2 in. angle grinders
BAUER 20V Cordless, 4-1/2 in. Slide-Switch Angle Grinder
20V Cordless, 4-1/2 in. Slide-Switch Angle Grinder - Tool Only
The BAUER™ 20V Cordless, 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder delivers up to 7000 RPM to tackle most grinding applications. Powered by the BAUER™ lithium-ion battery system.
(4.4)
Price   $34.99
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Bauer
toolsbauer.com › home › bauer grinder
Bauer Grinder
April 17, 2025 - On Harbor Freight’s own site, the corded 4-1/2″ Bauer angle grinder consistently maintains a 4.5+ out of 5-star average rating across more than 2,000 reviews.
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Harbor Freight
harborfreight.com › home › power tools › grinders › angle grinders › 4-1/2 in. angle grinders
20V Brushless Cordless, 4-1/2 in. Slide Switch Angle Grinder - Tool Only
20V Brushless Cordless, 4-1/2 in. Slide Switch Angle Grinder - Tool Only
The BAUER™ 20V Brushless Cordless, 4-1/2 in. Angle Grinder delivers up to 10,500 RPM to tackle most grinding applications. Spindle lock for fast, easy wheel changes. This angle grinder is the ideal choice for metal grinding, shaping, and sanding. Powered by the BAUER™ lithium-ion battery system.
(4.6)
Price   $39.99
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Harbor Freight
harborfreight.com › home › power tools › grinders › bench grinders › 6 in. bench grinders
BAUER 6 in. Bench Grinder with LED Lights
6 in. Bench Grinder with LED Lights
The BAUER™ 6 in. Bench Grinder is designed for heavy duty performance. The 2.1 amp, 1/3 HP motor provides reliable operation that won't bog down. Equipped with ultrabright LED lights that illuminate your work space and dual spark shields to protect against debris.
(4.4)
Price   $49.99
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YouTube
youtube.com › live › HIC3ZBCjAa4
Tool Review: Bauer Paddle Trigger Angle Grinder - YouTube
Harbor Freight just came out with this paddle trigger 4.5 inch angle grinder from Bauer, so I decided to give it a try. Check out the full review! #HarborFre...
Published   July 10, 2020
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WoodBarter
woodbarter.com › forums › shop matters . . . . › tool reviews
Bauer 4 1/2" grinder. | WoodBarter
July 23, 2024 - Harbor freight has these on special for inside track members for $22. At that price I grabbed one, I can always use another grinder. It specs out pretty good too. I like the trigger style over the paddle type. But that's just a personal preference. I haven't had a chance to use it yet so I'll...
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WoodBarter
woodbarter.com › forums › general classified section › internet specials, discounts, & awesome deals
Harbor freight bauer 4 1/2" grinder. | WoodBarter
August 22, 2024 - Maybe the Bauer brand is better, but I had two of HFs first generation grinders. Both failed within a month. I won't buy any HF motor items anymore. With the exception of Predator gas engines. I've got a Makita that has bad bearings and two Dewalt.
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Harbor Freight
harborfreight.com › home › power tools › grinders › angle grinders › 7 in. angle grinders
BAUER 15 Amp, 7 in. Trigger-Grip Angle Grinder with 180 ...
15 Amp, 7 in. Trigger-Grip Angle Grinder with 180° Rotating Body
The BAUER® 15 Amp 7 in. Trigger-Grip Angle Grinder with 180° Rotating Body is built for versatility in general grinding and cutting applications. The 15 amp motor produces 8500 RPM for grinding, cutting, and metal shaping applications. The 180° rotating body locks in 3 positions that match with the job. This angle grinder is an ideal choice for metalworking and concrete preparation.
(4.6)
Price   $89.99
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Reddit
reddit.com › r/harborfreight › experiences with bauer tools so far?
r/harborfreight on Reddit: Experiences with Bauer tools so far?
September 17, 2017 -

I'm looking at starting a set of power tools, and it looks like Bauer is going to be the best for my needs. I am wondering what everyone's experiences with them are so far? Return rate?

Has anyone actually seen anything other than the drill and circular saw in store? I keep getting coupons for the cordless angle grinder and 1/2" Bauer impact, but they are not anywhere in my local store. The impact I am not too worried about, as I was eyeing up the Earthquake for that instead, but the grinder and reciprocating saw are two that I can't live without.

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TikTok
tiktok.com › flextech (@flextechms) | tiktok › quick review of the bauer 7in angle grinder! #bauer #anglegrinder #diy #concrete #toolreview #harborfreight #projectfarm @harbor freight
Quick review of the Bauer 7in Angle Grinder! #bauer #anglegrinder #diy #concrete #toolreview #harborfreight #projectfarm @Harbor Freight | TikTok
TikTok video from FlexTech (@flextechms): “Quick review of the Bauer 7in Angle Grinder! #bauer #anglegrinder #diy #concrete #toolreview #harborfreight #projectfarm @Harbor Freight”. Bauer 7in Angle Grinder!original sound - FlexTech.