9557NB 115mm 840W angle grinder
The 9557NB is a corded angle grinder manufactured by Makita.
The machine is powered by a 840 watt brushed electric motor. Depending on the region it is sold in the cord has an appropriate power plug and voltage rating for 120 and 230 volt outlets.
Information on Makita's USA website states that the 9557NB has an "AC/DC slide switch for use with alternative power source" but the manual does not state what alternative power sources and DC voltages are supported.
Despite it being still being listed a newer version with additional safety features exists; the 9557NBR.
Exterior
The body is barrel shaped with black rubber on the back and ventilation inlets on the sides.
The middle part is Makita teal colored plastic with a black slide switch that is used to activate the machine.
The front of the machine is the gear housing and is made out of aluminium. It has ventilation outlets on top and a black spindle lock button.
There is also an indented arrow that indicates the turning direction. There are threaded holes on each side to attach the side handle.
The gear housing can be unscrewed from the body and attached in four different positions. This is mostly useful for turning the body upside down to put the slide switch on the other side.
On the bottom of the gear housing is a 14 mm spindle or 5/8" in countries where that is more common. The disc is held in place with a lock nut for which a wrench is needed to loosen and tighten it.
Safety
As far as as safety is concerned this machine is very basic. The body is double insulated against electric shocks and the machine comes with a wheel guard. However these safety features are found on every Makita angle grinder.
Besides this there is no soft start, restart protection, kickback protection, clutch or brake. However with 840 watt and a 115 mm disc any kickback would be less severe than with more powerful machines.
