Makita DGA504Z Review

For years, the angle grinder was one of the last holdouts against the cordless revolution. The power demands of driving a 125 mm disc through steel seemed too great for battery technology, and the runtime needed for sustained grinding appeared beyond the reach of even the largest battery packs. That has changed. Modern brushless motors, high-capacity lithium-ion batteries, and efficient power electronics have brought the cordless 125 mm angle grinder into the professional mainstream. A tool like the Makita DGA504 delivers genuine grinding and cutting performance comparable to a corded machine, with the transformative advantage of complete freedom from power leads. For metal fabricators working across a large workshop, steel erectors on site, and maintenance technicians moving between locations, a cordless grinder eliminates the constant battle with extension leads, the trip hazards, and the time lost coiling and uncoiling cables. It does not replace the corded grinder for all-day continuous use — but for the majority of professional cutting and grinding tasks, it performs with an authority that finally matches the convenience of cordless.

Cordless 125 mm angle grinders on 18-volt platforms represent a genuine alternative to corded machines for professional use. The key enabling technologies are the brushless motor — which converts battery energy to mechanical power far more efficiently than a brushed motor, extending runtime and eliminating brush wear — and the high-capacity battery packs now available in the 5.0 and 6.0 Ah range. A cordless grinder's performance characteristics differ subtly from a corded one: the no-load speed is typically lower — around 8,500 RPM versus 11,000 — but the electronic control maintains this speed effectively under load, and the lower speed can actually be an advantage for disc life and cut quality. The ergonomic benefit is substantial: no power cord means no snagging on scaffold, no wrapping around the workpiece, and no trip hazard snaking across the workshop floor. The trade-off is runtime — a 5.0 Ah battery provides 15 to 30 minutes of continuous grinding depending on the load — but for the stop-start pattern of most professional work, a spare battery on charge provides effectively continuous operation.

This review examines an 18-volt brushless cordless 125 mm angle grinder from Makita, sold as a bare tool for users already invested in the brand's LXT battery platform. With an exceptional 7,200-plus reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars, we evaluate its real-world cutting and grinding performance compared to corded equivalents, battery runtime under load, build quality, and its value as a cordless alternative for professional metalworkers and fabricators.

The Makita DGA504Z is a cordless 125 mm angle grinder powered by Makita's 18-volt LXT battery platform, driven by a brushless motor delivering up to 8,500 RPM. The 'Z' designation indicates this is a bare tool — no battery, charger, or carry case is included. It is designed for users already invested in the Makita 18V LXT ecosystem who have batteries and chargers from other Makita tools. The grinder weighs 2.5 kg without battery — with a 5.0 Ah battery fitted, the all-up weight is approximately 3.2 kg. It accepts all standard 125 mm discs with a 22.23 mm bore.

The brushless motor is the heart of the tool's performance. Unlike a brushed motor where carbon brushes create friction, sparks, and wear, the brushless design uses electronic commutation to drive the rotor — resulting in higher efficiency, longer runtime from the same battery, no brush maintenance, and a motor that can be completely sealed against dust and debris. Makita's Automatic Torque Drive Technology adjusts the power delivery based on the load: at light loads, the motor runs efficiently to conserve battery; when the disc bites into material, the electronics increase torque to maintain speed. This is the cordless equivalent of the constant electronic control found on premium corded grinders. The 8,500 RPM no-load speed, while lower than a corded machine's 11,000 RPM, is sufficient for effective cutting and grinding — and the lower speed can actually extend disc life and improve control.

Ergonomically, the DGA504 is designed for the realities of cordless use. The slim grip diameter and well-balanced weight distribution allow comfortable one-handed operation — the tool does not feel nose-heavy despite the battery at the rear. The slide switch on the side can be locked on for extended use, and the anti-restart function prevents the tool from starting if a battery is inserted with the switch in the on position. The protective guard is tool-adjustable, and the spindle lock enables quick disc changes. The gear housing features labyrinth-type seals to protect the bearings from dust and debris — essential for a tool used in the same dusty environments as corded grinders. The tool is part of Makita's extensive 18V LXT system, sharing batteries and chargers with over 200 other Makita tools.

With over 7,200 customer reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5 stars, the DGA504 is one of the most-reviewed and highest-rated angle grinders — corded or cordless — on the market. This enormous body of user feedback provides exceptional statistical confidence in the tool's performance and reliability. Users consistently highlight the power-to-weight ratio, the convenience of cordless freedom, and the build quality. The main criticisms, which are relatively few given the rating, relate to runtime — continuous heavy grinding depletes a 5.0 Ah battery in 15 to 20 minutes — and the price of the bare tool, which at around £148 without batteries or charger represents a significant investment for users not already on the Makita LXT platform. For existing Makita 18V users, the bare-tool price is more palatable as they already own the batteries and charger.

The Makita DGA504 is the cordless angle grinder of choice for Makita 18V LXT users who need full-size 125 mm cutting and grinding capability without a power lead — ideal for mobile fabricators, on-site steel erectors, and maintenance technicians who work across multiple locations.