Makita XAG09Z Grinder Reviewed: Still Worth It?

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🔧 Specification Section

• Model: Makita XAG09Z

• Tool Type: Cordless angle grinder (cut-off and grinding)

• Battery Platform: 18V LXT® Lithium-Ion (battery not included)

• Motor Type: Brushless

• Wheel Diameter: Accepts 4-1/2" to 5" wheels

• Speed: 8,500 RPM (no-load)

• Spindle Thread: 5/8"-11

• Technology:

  • Automatic Speed Change™ (adjusts speed/torque under load)

  • AFT® (Active Feedback-sensing Technology) – stops motor during bind-up

  • Electric brake – stops blade in about 2 seconds

• Weight: Approximately 5.7 lbs with battery

• Length: 14-1/4 inches

• Features: Soft start, anti-restart protection, tool-less guard adjustment, side handle, efficient cooling system

✅ Advantages and ❌ Disadvantages

✅ Advantages

1. Cordless Freedom
   Not being tied to an outlet is a major convenience, especially when working on roofs, decks, or remote job sites.

2. Excellent Safety Features
   The combination of electric brake, soft start, and AFT technology makes this grinder very user-friendly and much safer than many others in its class.

3. Brushless Motor Efficiency
   The brushless motor runs cooler, provides more power, and extends battery life — a must-have for demanding grinding or cutting tasks.

4. Durable Build
   The Makita build quality is excellent. This tool is rugged, well-balanced, and built to withstand job site abuse.

5. Consistent Performance
   With 8,500 RPM and torque-optimizing tech, the grinder performs smoothly on a variety of materials — from metal pipes to tile, concrete, and even thick plastic.

6. Works with Existing Makita Batteries
   For users already on the LXT battery platform, this tool is a smart addition to their collection.

❌ Disadvantages

1. Battery-Heavy Usage
   Under heavy load or continuous grinding, battery runtime becomes a limitation. For tasks like cutting masonry or steel, expect to swap batteries frequently.

2. Not the Lightest Tool
   While reasonably compact, the combined weight with a 5Ah battery can cause fatigue during extended overhead or angle work.

3. Tool-Only Purchase
   Batteries and charger are sold separately, which adds cost if you’re not already invested in the Makita system.

4. Not Ideal for Industrial Grinding
   For full-time welders or industrial users, a corded or higher-voltage grinder will still outperform this model in power and runtime.

🧰 Our Review

We found the Makita XAG09Z to be a reliable and powerful cordless grinder that fits perfectly into a mid- to high-end home workshop. It excels at general-purpose tasks like cutting rebar, trimming metal flashing, grinding welds, and even making plunge cuts in tiles or concrete blocks.

The performance is smooth and consistent, especially with the Auto Speed Change feature adjusting torque in real time. The electric brake is surprisingly responsive, bringing the disc to a full stop in just a couple of seconds — a feature we appreciated, especially when switching between tasks or adjusting materials.

Battery life was decent during lighter tasks, such as grinding rust or shaping wood with a flap disc. However, when cutting heavy materials like steel or masonry, the tool drained a 5Ah battery fairly quickly. Having multiple batteries on hand is almost essential for demanding jobs.

Overall, we think this is a smart investment for hobbyists, contractors, or workshop owners who already use Makita tools and batteries. The XAG09Z offers a blend of power, safety, and portability that justifies its price for most users.

🗣️ Other Customers’ Reviews

Most users praise the XAG09Z for its smooth operation, powerful motor, and responsive safety features. Many report that it holds up well over years of use, even in tough construction or plumbing jobs. One user noted that they’ve used the grinder to cut through tile, PVC, and even concrete on a regular basis without mechanical issues.

Some users pointed out that they had to swap batteries more frequently than expected during high-intensity jobs, such as cutting thick steel rods or large tiles. Others mentioned that while it doesn’t replace a corded grinder for extended tasks, it handles most day-to-day cutting and grinding needs exceptionally well.

There were also reports of minor wear over time — one user shared that after a few years of heavy use, they needed to insert a shim behind the rotor to address slight rubbing. Still, this was seen more as a mark of durability than a flaw, given the tool’s long lifespan under tough conditions.

✅ Final Verdict: Is It Worth It?

Yes — if you need a dependable, high-performing cordless grinder and already use Makita 18V tools, the XAG09Z is absolutely worth it. It’s well-built, safe to operate, and delivers more than enough power for most workshop or job site applications. For occasional users or general DIYers, it might be overkill, but if you do a fair amount of metal or tile work, it’s a solid investment.

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