Metabo WP 13-150 Quick 12-Amp Angle Grinder Offers Power, Performance, and Convenience
Metabo makes some of the best angle grinders on the planet, and they have a huge range to choose from. Nowadays, with the rise of cordless tools, corded tools like the Metabo WP 13-150 Quick 12-Amp Angle Grinder often get forgotten or written off as obsolete. However, nothing could be further from the truth, and I’m going to show you why!
Pros
- Durable build with Metabo LongLife Motor
- Low-vibration side handle
- Restart protection
- Overload protection
- Tool-free wheel changes
- Torque-limiting clutch
- Generous 8-foot power cord
Cons
- No way to adjust the speed (available on the WEV 15-150 HT)
- No wheel brake
- People with smaller hands may not like the grip diameter
Metabo WP 13-150 Quick 12-Amp Angle Grinder Performance
- No-Load Speed: 10,000 RPMs
- Max Torque: 33.6 in-lbs
- Amperage: 12 amps
- Arbor: 5/8 in.
Power Level
Metabo has an impressive range of 6-inch grinders, ranging from 12 amps to 14.5 amps. The Metabo WP 13-150 Quick angle grinder is on the lower side of the range with 12-amp corded power and a top speed of 10,000 RPMs.
At the heart of the tool is Metabo’s LongLife Motor. This motor delivers more torque than previous models and a higher overload capacity. The patented motor features an unobstructed rear air intake and epoxy-coated copper windings for improved cooling and durability.
There’s also the S-automatic torque-limiting clutch that helps minimize kickback if you happen to bind up your grinder wheel.
Additionally, you can rotate the entire gear housing left and right 90° to accommodate a variety of hand positions (including left-hand use) and specialized cutting tasks. This will change the disc orientation to a vertical position, rather that horizontal. Rotating the gear housing allows for a more natural grip position when cutting rebar, sheet goods, or when working on a flat surface.
Even though this model falls on the lower end of Metabo’s power spectrum, don’t let that fool you. This grinder has more than enough power to get you through tough jobs without bogging down, and can easily cut through moderate steel with ease.
Tool-Free Disc Changes
The ‘Quick’ in its name comes from Metabo’s tool-free M-Quick lock nut system, which allows for fast wheel changes. Instead of using a traditional spanner wrench, you can tighten and remove the discs by hand.
The M-Quick nut features a knurled edge that offers some additional grip, even while wearing work gloves. It’s very similar to the Kwik-Lock version Hilti has available. The system has been tested extensively and provides a reliable and secure way to swap out accessories in seconds.
Want to see some tips about changing a grinder wheel without a spanner wrench? Of course you do!
Quick-Adjust Guard
One of my favorite features of this grinder is its tool-free quick-adjust guard. The guard is easy to install and adjust thanks to the quick-adjust lever. This lever allows you to quickly reposition the guard to fit various grinding or cutting applications, ensuring maximum visibility and protection while you work.
Going one step further, Metabo includes a removable plastic shroud for added protection during cutting tasks. The plastic shroud slips over the metal guard and helps prevent injury from flying debris in the case of a disc failure.
Hands-On Testing
Testing grinders is a little subjective because they really only perform two main tasks: material removal and metal cutting. Nevertheless, we set up a few cutting and grinding tasks so that we could get a feel for the overall performance level.
We started off grinding the finish off of some painted square steel tubing. The grinder handled the job effortlessly, removing material quickly and effectively. Even under heavy pressure, the motor maintained speed without any noticeable slowdown, showcasing its 33.6 in-lbs of torque.
Switching to a cutoff wheel, the grinder also performed well. Cutting through 1-inch steel tubing was smooth, and the tool’s power delivery remained consistent. It’s also worth noting that this grinder is more than capable of handling masonry applications. Just be sure to grab a dust shroud to avoid any harmful dust.
Corded Vs Cordless
Considering Metabo has a cordless 6-inch angle grinder, is this corded model the best way to go? You can settle that debate by asking one simple question—which do you prefer? The reality is that choosing the right grinder is completely dependent on your particular application.
Cordless models offer complete freedom to work wherever and whenever. Brushless motors and advanced electronics packages introduce features you won’t find on corded models. However, the high power draw of an angle grinder means that runtime is limited, so extra batteries are essential for bigger jobs. They’re also more expensive in most cases.
On the other hand, runtime is a non-issue for corded grinders, assuming you have a reliable power source. If you’re working exclusively in a shop or garage, a corded grinder may be more convenient, and you won’t have to contend with the added cost of batteries.
The issue of runtime is especially apparent when using larger discs because these require more power to maintain RPMs. This is where a corded grinder offers a distinct advantage.
Personally, I tend to prefer a corded grinder because it’s very rare that I’m working where I don’t have ready access to a power source. With that said, I’ll always grab my cordless grinder when I go out to work on equipment in my cow pastures. Doing so lets me leave the generator and extension cords back at the shop.
Like I said at the beginning of this conversation, choosing the right grinder is completely dependent on your unique application.
Metabo WP 13-150 Quick 12-Amp Angle Grinder Design Notes
- Model: Metabo WP 13-150 Quick
- Power Source: 120V AC
- Weight: 6.4 lbs
- Tool Length: 12.25 in.
- Cord Length: 8 ft.
- Trigger Style: Paddle
Size and Weight
The Metabo WP 13-150 Quick weighs 6.4 pounds, and the tool body measures 12.25 inches from tip to tail. This grinder features a barrel grip design with a large paddle switch trigger and a removable low-vibration side handle that can attach to either side of the gear housing.
Personally, I prefer a paddle switch trigger rather than a slide switch from a safety aspect. Additionally, the paddle switch runs the entire length of the grinder, giving you a variety of grip options while you work.
If you’re not a fan of the barrel grip design, Metabo does offer several “rat tail” models that have a slimmer grip and trigger.
Brake It Down
Initially, we expected this model to include a brake system like we’ve seen on most cordless grinders. However, after reviewing the fine print on the box, we discovered that only certain corded Metabo grinders include the brake feature. If a braking system is essential or required for your work, be sure to check the product labeling before purchasing, or consider upgrading to one of Metabo’s cordless models, like the WPB 18 LT BL 11-125.
Metabo WP 13-150 Quick 12-Amp Angle Grinder Price
The Metabo WP 13-150 Quick retails for $199 and comes with a 3-year limited warranty. There are also non-locking and slide switch versions available for the same price.
The Bottom Line
There’s no doubt the Metabo WP 13-150 Quick is a Pro-grade angle grinder with solid power, several features that make it more convenient to use, and the German-made quality we’re used to. The only hesitation for some might be the lack of a wheel brake, while others may want a model with adjustable speed. Metabo’s grinder line is deep, and those features are available on other models, along with 6-inch options that have even higher power levels. You’ll have to pay more for those, though. This model is the right choice If you’re after the best value Metabo offers in a 6-inch angle grinder.
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