Teardown: Harbor Freight $10 Drillmaster angle grinder review and shootout 

I've had one of this for about 3 years, i'm a mechanic and i've used it to grind off balljoint rivets and some other parts for $10 they do a good job.

hey these 10 dollar HF grinders have lasted me years and I use them more than my Dewalt.

Do more of these harbor freight tools tear downs. these are really interesting

I've owned a couple of these for years. I wasn't expecting much in the way of reliability, to be honest but they just keep on going! Value for money? You bet!

I would like to thank you for doing such a great job. Your video comparison and breakdown was by far one of the best videos of this type that I've seen on RU-vid. I like the way you give a point by point comparison of the two grinders explaining the differences, you point out the way that HF is able to keep the costs down, and you explain what a more expensive grinder would offer. I also like the fact that you stay on the subject matter without getting into a lot of superfluous commentary, there's no distractions, simply...you did a very professional job. I look forward to watching your other videos.

this is a fantastic video glad to know I got the best 1 with the switch on top, I put a ton of grease on the gears, I never force the wheel, I made a metal safety Sheild to cover both sides, I always use goggles, face Sheild, heavy gloves, grind where sparks going away from me, best $10 I ever spent, I also bought the $15 drill master Nicole cadium battery drill it keeps a charge for months, I separate the battery from the drill when I am not using it, I also took the tightening wrench and tied it to the plug end so to reduce turning on the grinder by accident, this is a very powerful but can be dangerous tool, I also put a sanding disk on the 1/4 thick grinder and grinded the wood of a sticking door down in literally seconds, I also never over tighten the disk tightener, I also store it in a clear plastic bag, this has to be the best tear down video I have ever seen

I have 3 of these, one with a grinder, one with a flap sanding disk and one with a cutting wheel. Love them. Saves a ton of time. You got yourself a new subscriber

I bought a 60625 after watching this and used it with HFT's polycarbide wheel to remove rust from steel. Worked great. I have a bunch of grinders on which I have mounted different wheels and brushes to save time. At 10 bucks I've begun giving these things away to friends. If you don't expect heavy duty performance they are terrific. "Horses for courses." Thanks for the tear-down.

Thank you for this video. Had to go to 3 different HF stores to find the 60625. I think it will be worth it.

Thank you for a great tear down video. I'd especially like to thank you for keeping your language clean- I can show these to my young son and daughter without fear of those little sponges picking up certain catch phrases.

Thank you SO much for doing this video. Usually I don't pay attention to the model number at Harbor Freight but you really opened my eyes. I went to buy my first angle grinder but was trying to educate myself first. Glad I came across this video. When I got to the store to buy one they had 2 boxes underneath the shelf. The first one I pulled out was the inferior model. When I pulled out the second box I was delighted to see the model I truly wanted. Whew! Thanks for all you do.

I just bought one and am taking it back. It is the one on the right with the side switch, which is so hard to turn on with just a thumb I'd be afraid I'd cut off a finger getting it running. I only have 5-6 cuts to make on the top rail of a downed chain link fence. Going to check out the 24 buck one you mentioned. Hiring a fence guy would probably cost me 150 bucks. Even a $24 grinder is cheaper than that! Thanks for the vid!

Very nice comparison!! I never would have thought there was that many differences!! Also I don't think most people are even aware that there are multiple part numbers for the same item on a lot of Harbor Freight tools.

I've got another variation of that model here, mine is marked model 95578. It most resembles your 60625 model. Both were bought right around the time these were first released for $9.99. Both have been used fairly hard over the years with no issues other than some grease leakage around the front gear box screws. Surprisingly, its only got a tiny 1x1.5" model label on the bottom of the tool opposite the power switch. The label fell off both tools almost instantly and is now affixed to the owners manual in the box it came in in the tool room. When I first bought them, I didn't expect much, but they've survived well over the years along side many better grinders. They were bought to be disposable for a particular job, I never expected either one to still be here 8 or so years later. Best of all, they don't tend to disappear like the better tools do. If they did, I'm only out $10. I have never had any power issues with either one. Both are used for mostly cutting thin diamond plate and sheet metal. If used as intended, they perform fine for a 4.3 amp tool. The only grinder I ever had fail was a DeWalt which had an armature failure (short).

I've used these for years. I will never buy anything else. Never have they let me down (I have 2 of them). They cut and function as well as anything I have ever used.

Thank you for awesome teardown. I bought only 60625 not the other one because of what you discovered in tear down.

Like the people like you, who let the data talk, instead of a personal opinion. Very well done.

"The same but different"... dang! Jolly Good Show. Thanks so much. Cheers.

Thought I really like AvE's reviews, it is refreshing to have one that isn't profanity laced! Very good review. I bought the 60625 for $10 and glad I selected the more beefy version. Thanks for posting the great review.

Man, what a great tool teardown and comparison. Who would have known that one of the sku's would be that much better on a $10 tool. Thanks!

Thanks for this video. There are a lot of reviews of this grinder but none of them mention this very important discrepancy.

I've used both the top switch and the side switch. The top never had any problems with the spindle lock, while the side had big problems with it.

thank you very much for an excellent thorough review video of these models! I would have never known there was a difference between serial numbers

Great comparison, was looking into getting one of these and have known for a while HFT makes slight improvements on newer items but will still manufacture the older ones. First realized this when I bought a small trailer, same model but sold with different item numbers. The other item sold with LED lighting and few other minor improvement. Then again when I bought a 90 amp welder, which had a terrible fan and weak feed motor. When I exchanged it I specifically looked for the other item# and noticed right away it was much better. Now I try to do my research because I rather have the improved version especially if I'm paying the same price.

I have several of these cheap Harbor Freight specials---that way you don't have to swap wheels. I opened one today and noticed it also didn't have a retaining ring. I can open another one at some point, but I don't think they 'forgot' that ring!

Found both at my local HF and purchased the 60625. There also a difference between their Cen-Tech multimeters. The older ones have a replaceable fuse and potentiometer for fine adjustment. Also found the old and new version again at my local HF. Thank you

I find it fascinating that they can even make a $10 grinder. But I like my Hitachi.

Straightforward, knowledgable, and very informative!!! Great!!! I'd love to see a Harbor Freight 3/8 and 1/2 socket and ratchet REAL tool test, if you can do that type of review. What I'd like to see is a strength test along with a review of the materials and workmanship. Meanwhile. I love your other videos!!!

Thanks for the details which are really helpful. I have just used two paper clip wires serves as a sort of "rebar" and JB BOND hoping to add some stiffness of the white flimsy switch lever.

Paid $8 for mine seven years ago and just went down on me. Never thought it would have lasted a month so I am very satisfied with the purchase

I've had the 60625 for over 4 years and it's stellar for $10. I've used it a lot for scrapping and auto work. I've had zero issues with it, aside from the guard doesn't stay tightened very well. I'd buy another, not sure if they still sell it as they're shifting into higher priced tools with pretend brand names. I miss the old harbor freight, I rarely go there now.

I got lucky and have the better of the two. Its been working great for years now. Thanks for your review.

I love my $10 grinder I have had it for about 3 years use it a lot during the summer sharpening my lawn mower blades and I work on cars all the time if I need to cut something off it works every time and also scrap a lot and if something is to long to fit on trailer I can cut it up and it has saved me a lot

Well done comparison. I just happened to get lucky when I purchased and got the better model. I only use it for light finishing. I’ve had it almost a year now- when it dies, I’ll plop down $10 for another one. I have the maroon Chicago Electric for cutoff wheels, and a Dewalt for heavy duty grinding. I’m too lazy to be switching out discs for different tasks.

Wow, $10. I can’t even get the bearings at the Hardware store for that price.

Excellent comparison of the 2 model numbers. Thanks.

Great to see you disassemble these. I can't get the rotor out of the housing. My version has a nut holding the pinion gear on, which I loosened, but it still won't pull down out of the housing. Any help appreciated. I am convert it to 12v and need to remove the brushed windings, and don't want to break the plastic fan by accident. btw, I do lots of fabrication and burn these up quickly. I tried more expensive ones and they fail just as quickly (I know I overheat them). I always buy one or two when on sale so I have a new spare one all the time.

I don't understand why your channel doesn't have 1M + subscribers

I am actually impressed! One really does, get more for his money, with higher ticket items when shopping at the Freight.

i love your videos. you have helped me decide to buy and not to buy different tools from hf in recent months. Thanks

the newer 60625 angle grinder it don't have the cast alunimum bearing retainer that the guard clamps to. as they changed that to a plastic piece now as well on the 60625 the gear housing don't have the side vents for the fan to exhaust the hot air for the motor. as i think the 60625 got downgraded a bit but won't be using this much the 69645 remains realatively unchanged

I really enjoy your tear down videos covering all the components and build quality. I'll probably pick up a 60625 dedicated to flap sanding based on this review. As an aside it's funny to me how you consistently refer to each grinder by the full model number, "TK-60625 why aren't you at your post?!"

I just took my two month old grinder apart. It had been overheating. It had the directional fan, but the tiny bearing. The crown gear was chewed up. I'm tossing this one in the trash. Gonna get a better one.

I weld as a hobby aanduse it to grind down my weld and clean them up. I've had my habor fright grinder for a little over a year now and it still works great. I orginally bought it because I was in a pinch and needed one quick and figured I'd use it until it breaks. It hasn't broke and when it does I'll go grab another one lol

They may have switched to plastic on the gear case cover or are painting it black now. At least on the 60625 I bought today 11-24-17. I dug out as much grease as I could, looks like lard, and replaced with a decent Valvoline synthetic. Also picked up the new Hercules, will do a re-grease on that with a even better grade tomorrow. Both of these are just backups anyway to my Makita and Dewalt, but cheap enough to keep laying around.

I bought a HF 7amp Bauer grinder and it worked just fine but I regret not buying the dewalt 7amp grinder. The gaurd on the bauer is a cheap design. The quick release on the dewalt alone is worth the price difference

Very nice video. I was pleasantly surprised by these when I bought one. Lasted for quite a few startups but the brushes failed pretty quick. Replacement brushes cost about as much as a whole new grinder, if I could find another $10 coupon that is...

Actually these sold last month at a special rate of $5 along with about four other power tools. I missed out because I was on a trip that weekend and could not find a HF near me. Darned. I wanted to buy another one of these little grinders. I have the 60625. I wonder which one they were selling for $5. I will look out for that sale again. I hope soon. The one I have works fine. I don't over work it and don't use it for very large jobs. I have the heftier one for larger jobs. Very good video and comparison. I especially like the details of manufacturing you were able to give.

why some people have HF lasting years and others have them breaking the same day. all about which lot number you get, Ive been very careful since I noticed a big difference in the quick clamps.

I own a custom motorcycle shop and I have like 12 of em with different disc's on em just to save time now I know which ones to get

1st time here. Great info. I have a bunch of HF stuff. Wondered why they have so many items #s for the same item. Never thought about them being made by different manufacturers or having different quality levels. Thanks for the enlightenment.

I recommend you take the head apart and make sure the gears are greased well. My gears were dry and the grease was in the corners.

I had the outer plastic housing on one of these melt because the damn thing ran so hot. Even a 30$ Craftsman grinder is amazing quality in comparison.

Another teardowns - The HB - 3/8 in. Professional Impact Air Ratchet Wrench (Item # 68426) , Item # 47214, Item #60631. I purchase the Central Pneumatic - Item#47214 last night for 13.99 plus tax.

Now that HF owns the factories and tooling, there won't be any differences.

I have two of the 60625, and other than having to fix a cord on one, they both work just fine, for $9 you have a grinder that will cut through just about any thing you throw at it, you can abuse it, and who cares if it breaks.

Simply put I love your videos, extremely helpful and educational.

I bought a 60625 and was used for few minutes the body warm to touch, then the next day I just ran it for about minute, the body is still cold but it is stop working, not running at all. Then I exchanged it to the 69645 but not using it yet. Cheap price so can't compare to the good brand.

I got the 60625 on a one day coupon for Christmas eve for $5. Can't complain. I've turned it on once and ground something with it, so I think it's paid for itself. An extra set of brushes in the box seems a bit disconcerting, plus I think for a $5 grinder it's not really worth the time to change them. If it burns up it burns up, throw it away and get another.

Mine stopped about five minutes, wore gloves, so I didn't realize how hot it was getting. Just stopped and was smoking, Taking it back tomorrow.

I got the one with the switch on top it’s the beefed up one I guess but I weld and have really good expensive grinders but wanted another just for my wire wheel and I have had it about 2 weeks now and it works really good I know what I bought and treat it as such but it’s been handling everything I throw at it even put a regular disk for grinding and it was fine it likes to skip a little more then better top brand grinders do but it works in a pinch but as for the wire wheel it works perfect for me and it’s not super strong witch is good because I don’t want such a aggressive wire wheel on my welds but still dose the job really well so I’m happy and for 10$ I can’t complain but I also know I bought a 10) grinder and I don’t expect it to do what my 200$ one dose

I'm really surprised in the differences in them.

I like the 25 better but was able to rotate the 45 head on the body to put the switch on top which is what i really liked about the 25. I have not used the 45 in This configuration yet but like it.

Good comparison I have the #60625 and. I have seen this as low as 7.99

Why does this sound like a news clip...I'm only 45 seconds in and thought I was watching the news. Dude got that anchor voice down

I just picked up a new 60625 and sadly the cover plate for the gear case is now plastic.

I bought one of the "45" models recently but had a coupon so only paid (if memory serves) $7.99 with a coupon. I have no illusions about this being a high quality grinder, but I bought it just for occasional light use.

Glad I happened to grab the xxx25 grinder! Lol so far with a few hours of use it's held it's own although not a real powerful unit of you lay into it putting some weight on it. Bought it for a cheap project to remove paint with a flap wheel.

Great comparison, informative content, Tool Teardowns - I would like to see a Harbor Freight Medium Barrel Air Impact Hammer comparison????

Great job. I was able to use my 20% off coupon so mine was around $7. 👍🏼

I like this video so much I NEVER sub with just one vid... until now!

the switch slide that you move with your thumb is junk hard to engage and after a few hours of use will not stay locked on and with gloves it is really a bitch after returning 3 of them i changed brands

Locking button is the achilles heel for HF tools - planned breakage.

Thank you very much for your video. It was nicely done and informative.

i have the one in the right and it has last 12 years so far.

I never knew that the Model Numbers on this example of the same priced Harbor Freight Angle Grinder. I always thought these different Model Numbers were just a different manufacturer but virtually the same Angle Grinder. Does this apply to all Harbor Freight Tools that are the same price in their flyer and have different Model Numbers? It’s always good to learn something new. Great video especially the differences between the same priced Angle Grinders. For light duty work. The better Quality Manufactured Angle Grinder would serve its purpose. The Lower Quality Angle Grinder, I definitely would not purchase. I don’t purchase any Harbor Freight Electric Powered Tools. After watching this video. I would consider purchasing the better quality Angle Grinder in this video for light duty grinding. I wouldn’t use it for long periods of time and as soon as I could feel it getting hit I would let it cool down before using it again.

For $10 you're lucky it even works.

I own 2 of them......for a backyard mechanic they do the job. I don't buse them and let the cutting wheel do the work. some of the bad reviews on these are from misuse.

I wonder how consistent the build is with the specific model numbers, from batch to batch. The stores usually don't have a selection of the multiple variants available but it's good to know which one to look for.

I was hoping you would show how to reassemble. I can't get the 69645 back together and after watching I assume its because the retaining ring is missing,

Love the 60625, other-one dislike... glad it has different buttons to distinguish them. I broke the pin on the other one I bough first time I used it and I was done with that model.

I have the old Orange paddle switch grinder over 10 years h.f.love it.how about a visit with the hvlp paint guns? again great presentation,talented work,Bravo!

I should confirm for you, the retaining clip (or lack thereof) on the 69645 is not a manufacturing defect. Thats the way they come from the factory. The one I have doesn't have it either.

excellent video, very informative and well done, thank you

Receptacles and power cords all use stamped steel/brass in their design so it must have some merit.

They are made better than a $10 bill thats for sure.

90% of my power and hand tools are from Harbor Freight. For me I use a lot of my Harbor Freight power tools. I do not use them that much. However I buy power tools at the best price I can for then when I need a power tool. I just use it and put it back till need it. I use the super coupon on every tool I buy at HF. I all so use the free item coupon. I have a lot of every free item they have. I have 30 blue taps. I can use once and put in the trash if I can not be reused. On thing I you never know when you needs one of the free items. I enjoy your Videos they do not talk over the head of the DIY person. Harbor Freight has to be something right for they have over 800 Stores. Every time I go to my HF there are a lot of shoppers in it.

thanks for the lesson and information. better stay away from that cheap product. safety to be considered also.

I have the 69645 and it has always worked well for me. I'm a light user however.

While I appreciate the 'higher quality' of my 60625, the switch ergonomics are horrible. The rear location prevents one-hand operation when properly gripping the unit, and mine bumps to 'off' way too easily. Also, whatever material they make the body from is very brittle - not at all like nylon! On mine, the plastic lug for the end-cover screw broke off. At least, I was able to fabricate a metal bracket for a different screw to re-secure that cover.

Theres a coupon for this for.... Wait for it... $5. The cut off wheel cost more then the tool.

What is the number of carbon brushes and where can I buy them? I can't find a spare part for

60625 it shall be.

Great review, they do tend to let the smoke out though.

Good review and good points made. I was leaning toward purchasing this 4.3 amp and knew out of the gate it was going to struggle vs. any higher amp grinder. But the smaller handle was an excellent point as well as the overall cheaper feel and sound. But for $10. How wrong can you go? Also, love the comparison between yours and your Dad’s philosophy. Much appreciated.

What is the number of carbon brushes and where can I buy them? I can't find a spare part for 60625

Nice video! Do you think you could do a tear down on the Chicago electric 7" 11amp heavy duty grinder? I just bought one and I would like to see if it is actually built well. Thanks!

I have the 60625 for the pass 3 years and I have beat the hell out it and still very good condition

Laughed when I saw that you used a piece of SKF cardboard as underlay for the bearing comparison ;)

very good video