Dropped my grinder from the ladder today... and it still works?!

Hey folks, had a wild one today on a job. Was up on a 10-foot ladder cutting some ductwork with my DeWalt 4.5" angle grinder, lost my balance for a sec, and the thing went flying. Hit the concrete floor, bounced, and skidded under a workbench. I was sure it was toast—heard a nasty crack. Grabbed it, checked the cord, fired it up... and it's running smooth as ever! Just a few scratches on the housing. Anyone else have a grinder take a beating and keep going? Makes me wonder about build quality these days—some stuff is surprisingly tough.

Patty, that's nothing! Last winter, I left my old Makita grinder in the back of the truck overnight during a freeze. Froze solid, covered in ice. Next morning, I thawed it out with a heat gun, plugged it in, and it sparked up like it was brand new. Those Japanese motors are bulletproof. But hey, if it's a DeWalt, you got lucky—their newer models can be hit or miss. Pro tip: always check the brushes after a drop, even if it runs. Seen 'em wear uneven and burn out a week later.

Whoa, that's awesome! I'm just a DIYer on a tight budget, so I got a cheap Harbor Freight grinder last year. Dropped it off a sawhorse once, and the guard snapped right off. Still works, but it vibrates like crazy now—kinda scary to use. Maybe I should've spent more? Do you pros think it's worth paying extra for brands like DeWalt or Makita, or am I okay with budget stuff for light work?

Carl, for light DIY, a budget grinder might get you by, but if you're doing anything regular, invest in a mid-range one. My DeWalt's been through hell—rain, drops, you name it. But I've also seen cheap ones catch fire from overheating. If yours is vibrating, check the wheel balance or the spindle. Could be a simple fix. And Hank's right about the brushes; I'll pop mine open tonight just in case. Stay safe out there!

Carl, listen to Patty. If you're just doing occasional concrete patches or cutting rebar, a cheapo might last, but for anything more, it's false economy. I killed a no-name grinder in a month on a big job—smoked the bearings. Spent more on replacements than a good Makita costs. Check out Tool Discount Club's sale section; sometimes they have refurbs for half price. And Patty, glad your DeWalt survived—maybe they're stepping up their game!