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Hitachi
Hitachi G12SR3 4-1/2" 6-Amp Angle Grinder with 5 Abrasive Wheels - Hitachi
Makita
Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder with Aluminum Case - Makita

Side by Side Comparison of: Hitachi vs Makita

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Hitachi http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51xNJxPrIeL._SL160_.jpg
Hitachi G12SR3 4-1/2" 6-Amp Angle Grinder with 5 Abrasive Wheels - Hitachi
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Makita http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41rpmtPufOL._SL160_.jpg
Makita 9557PBX1 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder with Aluminum Case - Makita
Rating info
eComparisons Score
eComparisons ScoreThe "Comparison Score" Is calculated based on the average number of times this item was compared with other items in this category by our users
9.2
9
User Rating (Amazon)
User Rating (Amazon)

Five Star Reviews:

77%
Solid Performance
November 25, 2015
Was looking for a moderate priced grinder for sporadic use after having poor luck with cheaper units. Put this one to the test this year cutting steel rod with abrasion blades and marking concrete cuts with a diamond blade. The unit feels solid and has performed well throughout all applications. Hitachi appears to offer good value. Also very happy with a Hitachi cordless drill purchase and considering purchasing another one.
Simple and tough
March 23, 2015
The good: Fairly inexpensive for a good quality tool. It had held up to a little under a year of use and abuse without a problem.The odd: Not really sure why the handle is angled the way it is. Sometimes it gets in the way a little bit, but I've always been able to angle it one way or another to do what I need to do.I've used this to strip linings out of 55 gallon drums, cut 1/8" steel and sheet metal roofing, and grind rust and paint off cars and truck beds. Hasn't shown any signs of wear yet, works just as well as the first day I used it.
Excellent value
January 22, 2015
I thought this angle grinder is outstanding for the price, it's a great tool and comes with a case and 5 grinding disks. Check out my video review at.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQ7n1gZ5NnA
Perfect Shade Tree Grinder
June 2, 2014
I have reddish-brown trim on my 11 year-old Subaru which, in every respect, is a 1) paid for and 2) virtuously maintenance free. This grinder makes short work of cutting away rotten metal and bringing the surrounding sheet metal to a blemish-free finish. Applying NAPA's Fiber Strand Plus body filler on an appropriately sized sheet of wax paper and wrapping that over the leading and trailing rear wheel body openings renders a plausible, if utilitarian, look. Several sandings ( don't use grinder ! ) and recoats will be required. Flat sheet metal won't require wax paper application - just apply directly.At any rate, this is a wonderful grinder - the one blade I've used has many more years of life. Vibration - negligible. Very tolerable loudness.
Very Well Made
March 6, 2014
I bought this to replace a similar but different brand name grinder that failed. The Hitachi is about the same size, but appears to be much better made. Fit and finish is much better than my old one. This is a very handy tool for grinding rust, welds, and rough-finishing metal parts and brackets. Larger grinders are too big and heavy to use for any length of time, and corded tools never need to swap batteries in the middle of a project. I am very pleased with this purchase.
Great Price
February 4, 2014
Harbor Freight No-Name-O or Hitachi? That's what it gets down to here. Grinders take a terrible beating and there's nothing pretty about them. At 6 amps, this one is at the lower end of the power cut to be good enough.
82%
Sweet little package.
August 23, 2017
Ordered this grinder package a week ago. Very impressed with the additional/included grinding wheels and brush. Came tightly packaged inside the carrying case. Styrofoam cutouts inside the case to hold the grinder and extra discs. Used the grinder a few times to cut out a several aluminum fence posts and cleaned a rusty lawnmower blade. Very, very happy so far. Expecting to use the grinder a lot in our home demolition and rehab business.
Highly Recommend
May 13, 2016
Haven't had the opportunity to use this too much but so far it seems really good. The grinder is easy to control and operate. I easily cut through some emt tubing i had laying around in my garage and the cutting guard it comes with really helped keep metal shards from flying everywhere. All the extras really put this tool over the top. This Makita replaced a brand new Milwaukee that cost just as much but didn't have any of the extras and was hard to control due to switch placement.
Makita 9557PBX1 (4.5", 7.5A, 10,000 RPM) - Great Grinder. Great Value. Great Case.
July 4, 2015
I wanted to clear up the confusion as to what exactly is included.
It comes with:

(1) 9557PB angle grinder
(1) Side Handle Grip
(1) Type-27 guard
(1) Type-1 guard
(5) Makita Grinding Discs for steel/stainless
(1) Makita Diamond Blade
plus owner's manual and the case of course.

The case is aluminum with zinc coated hardware and latches. They should rust in no time. I spray nuts and bolts on floor jack and other zinc hardware to not rust, but I don't want to lube up these latches - I'd never be able to open the case. Oh well - better than a cardboard box.

The case has eggcrate foam on the lid and tougher rubberized foam with cut outs for the tools and individual cutouts for each disc. Great protection for fragile wheels. Another thing I like is that the lid does not fully open. It goes a little past vertical and stops preventing damage to lid after a thousand times of throwing the lid open and it hitting the floor.

This is my first Makita (M*lwaukee and R*dgid fan-boy here). It's a great value and works great. It ate through a Br*nks R70 disc-lock without blinking. Its small size allowed me to maneuver behind the weirdly shaped lock (enclosed hasp) butted up against a corner and melt through the lock one-handed. I have a 7-inch R*dg*d angle grinder that has waaay more power and lethality, but simply would not have been able to complete this job due to it's size. Another testament to having the right tool for the job. In this case, smaller is better. I'll admit it doesn't have the power of the big boys, but i'm not cutting through foundation or 2" plate. I'm also not melting extension cords or flipping breakers every few minutes.

The included grinding wheels can handle mild steel as well as stainless and hold up way better than the Horrible Freight discs. Included discs must be precision balanced because the tool runs so smooth with these. The brand-new grinder and small diameter probably has something to do with that.

It has paddle-switch operation (dead-man's) with lock-off and it can lock-on with a push button near base of paddle. Nice feature. Overall this grinder is definitely another great addition to my toolbox and wish I had it sooner. I might buy another one. It's a great tool and I would expect nothing less than the best from an industry leader in tool manufacturing.

I haven't switched teams from M*lwaukee yet, but this little gem has definitely grabbed my attention.

P.S. Wear a face shield if you like your vision. Safety glasses alone won't cut it. Wear both. With gloves and long sleeves.
A must have for around the house / Grinding or Wire Wheel
December 17, 2012
I do autobody work for a living (30+years). If you are going to use a grinder every day I suggest pneumatic tools. Yes, with everyday use electronic tools will wear out quicker than pneumatic tools because they are subject to more heat and have sealed bearings. With pneumatic tools not only does the air keep them cool but you can oil them before use, as you should. If you dont have a compressor then this is a good grinder to use because of a few reasons. I purchased this for grinding welds as I can put more pressure on it without it slowing down like pneumatic grinders do. Electric grinders offer a constant speed to get a more accurate finish, and this is importand for grinding welds that will not be covered with a filler or seam sealer. But before I brought it to my shop I used it at home for a few things. I am so happy with it Im thinking of getting another one so I can keep it at home for small projects. I dont have to run my compressor at home to grind anymore. I purchased a Dewalt wire wheel (3 different types) so I can use this to remove rust on outside furniture, lawn equipment or just about anything. It does even a nicer job with a wire wheel for removing rust. The paddle switich is the safest way to go and its not to large of a grinder so you can maneuver it around small spaces. It is a small price to pay for much satisfaction. This tool does a real nice job and I would recomend it to anyone.
Best 7 Amp Grinder
November 10, 2012
I had a hard time deciding whether I needed this and as a result spent a lot of time here and at Home Depot researching this.

Angle grinders are simple tools. All the major manufacturers basically offer slight variation of the same design. For 4.5" grinders you're basically choosing these things:

Switch: Thumb/paddle/trigger switch, locking/non-locking
Motor: Usually 7/7.5A (~3.5lbs) or 10/11A (~4.5lbs)
Miscellaneous: Tool-less guard adjustment etc
Price

That's about it. The closest competitors that I saw were the milwaikee 6130-33 and Dewalt D28110. Both of these have locking thumb switches. I thought milwaukee's switch is too small and flimsy feeling but I like the easily adjustable guard. The Dewalt has a larger and sturdier feeling switch but is heavier for a 7 Amp grinder at 4.1lbs.

This tool has what I think is the ideal switch for a grinder - paddle switch. It runs the entire length of the tool so it doesn't limit how you can hold it but means that anytime you let go the tool is going to stop. It has a small latch, positioned in the middle that must be flipped before the paddle switch turns the tool on. This becomes natural after a few uses and prevents the tool from coming on accidentally when you put it down. Thumb switches by contrast, either require you to hold the tool in a very specific way, or force you to reach for the switch to turn it off. For a hand tool this powerful that's not ideal.

So far I've only used it once to help a friend with rust on his car but given Makita's solid reputation (close or equal to Dewalt/Milwaukee) I expect this tool to last for a long time. On top of that of course, it includes a great case, 5 grinding disks and the diamond cutter. All round I think this is the best angle grinder out there.

Four Star Reviews:

16%
Comes with a case and grinding wheels
February 14, 2016
The grinder itself is nice. I like the fact that it comes with its own case and some grinding wheels
but not perfect, my other cheap grinder comes with much easier ...
November 3, 2015
only 40 bucks. it is cheap yet well made. but not perfect, my other cheap grinder comes with much easier adjustable dust guide. this hitach you have to use screw driver to do it. And it is bit heavy for a 6amp grinder.
Works great. I wanted something to replace the real cheap ...
June 27, 2015
Works great. I wanted something to replace the real cheap angle grinder that I used with a wire brush wheel. It is not the best nor the most powerful but it works great. I am considering buying another one. This one comes with a case, spanner and five metal grinding wheels.
Decent grinder
January 9, 2015
This is not as light and easy to use as some of the pricier grinders, but for me it makes a great spare. Power is adequate. It's just a little clunky. Power cord is stiff and the rough cut gears are a little noisy, but it't a good solid tool. If you kill it cutting abrasive stone or concrete, it's not a big loss
This tool is a little thicker than I'd like. I wish it had tool-free blade and guard ...
December 6, 2014
This tool is a little thicker than I'd like. I wish it had tool-free blade and guard changing mechanisms. But for the price it feels very solid and powerful. I suspect it will last me a long time.
quality tool
September 13, 2013
out of the box it is obvious that it is a quality product. I have suckered myself into buying cheap tools more times than I care to admit. this is not one of those times. easy to change wheels ,good power & balance. the reason for the four? I don't like the fat handle but I don't see this as a major issue.
11%
nice case and the extra blades is a bonus
January 11, 2017
The only reason I did not give this a 5 star is because of the paddle switch safety latch and the paddle switch. The safety takes a little time getting used too, on how to release the paddle switch. The paddle switch is a little awkward when using the grinder for longer periods of time. I was using this to cut out the old wall tile and cement from the walls of my bathroom. The grinder took a beating and was used hard and no problem, nice case and the extra blades is a bonus.
Runs hot
August 4, 2016
Great grinder with great accessories. Bought mine to grind down the frame of my truck with a wire wheel. Got about 10% of the way (20mins of constant grinding) until I noticed the grinder getting very HOT but i kept going. Eventually I started to see smoke come from the vent area on the grinder. Let it cool down for an hour and it still seemed to work. Not sure if this is normal or not.
needed a grinder at work and honestly it does the job just fine too so I would recommend it to a beginning ...
April 12, 2016
Honestly bought it for the case, needed a grinder at work and honestly it does the job just fine too so I would recommend it to a beginning to med carpenter. You will always need another one in the trade
This is not Shibui.
April 5, 2014
The tool itself is the usual Makita quality but they seem to be slipping on the small important points.

First of all, this package looks like a great deal because there's a case included. Not quite. If you take the assembled tool with handle, as shown in the photos, IT CAN'T FIT IN THE CASE. You have to remove the handle and stow it separately and then assemble it back on every time. Really? They couldn't have made the case two inches wider, to fit the assembled tool?

Then there's that case again. Every slot in it is full. If you want to add a wire brush or wire cup to the case, or a couple of extra blades? You can't, there's no room at all. This is a bargain--but you'll still need to go out and buy a bigger case if you want to keep anything else in it. Or keep the tool assembled.

And then there are the blade guards on the tool. You'll need a #2 Philips to swap them, and that's not included. Sure, I've got those, but why not include a cheap one to keep stowed with the tool? Or better yet, why not stamp the collet tool with a bit that could be used for this job? That would make for one less tool to find and stow, a real no-brainer.

Makita, I expect much better of you! This is not "shibui" this is...shamefully unconsidered design.

Then there's the matter of the tool itself. I checked with Makita-US phone support, because there's no indication of whether this tool takes 5/8" arbor wheels or also takes 7/8"arbor wheels. They said very clearly, 5/8" accessories and wheels ONLY.

Nope. The manual shows that both can be used, simply by reversing the inserts. REALLY? They couldn't figure that out up front? There are so many less expensive wheels that take 7/8" blades, guys.

So, nice try, but disappointing in the details. There are a lot of nice grinders out there, some need no tools to change the blades or move the guard. I thought this would be a nice PACKAGE but if that's what you're looking for, keep looking.
Great little grinder, just don't buy from CPO Makita
July 17, 2009
This paddle switch grinder is a step up from the cheap ones you will find at places like Home Depot. It has enough power and is easy to use. Our company goes through a lot of grinders, as we work on concrete only where they take a beating and suffer under the conditions. This grinder is better than most, while affordably priced. The metal case is cool, too.

On a side note, DO NOT buy any equipment here from "CPO Makita", as they are nothing but a bunch of crooked re-sellers pushing defective equipment that they refuse to return or replace. Buyer beware - they stole from me with no remorse whatsoever, and they managed to keep my feedback off the web page, thus this oddly placed warning! Please be careful. I've never had a problem with items purchased directly from Amazon!

Three Star Reviews:

4%
Hitachi was rated as one the best grinders.
June 8, 2016
Thought I would use this product from time to time, but so far I have not used it. Hitachi was rated as one the best grinders.
Worth the money
February 3, 2016
I have been a contractor, pressman and industrail mechanic so tools are important to me. I normally buy high quality tools only as I can justify the costs based on the lifetime use. I bought this grinder to cut stone on my fireplace for a modification I was doing. To my surprise for the amperage and price this unit is really worth more than it costs. A real value.
The tool is AWESOME!.
June 22, 2015
The case had the wrong slide pieces to lock it. so i only have one side that closes the case. The tool is AWESOME!... mess up at the packing plant i guess..
Three Stars
December 20, 2014
It's not bad for an inexpensive grinder
It is not lightweight, still too heavy for extended time use.
August 6, 2014
It is not lightweight, still too heavy for extended time use. Even without the protective metal case and handle bar, I don't think it is just 3.1 lbs as stated.
Pretty good
March 19, 2014
Good grinder but does not work with flat disks. Nice carry case and 5 grinding disks included with the grinder.
1%
Three Stars
February 26, 2017
Excellent grinder, carrying case had a circular crack in it about 5" long
Three Stars
January 17, 2016
Lasted 11 months. Built 3 trailers and 1 metal building. You judge
Everything else was fine except for the casing
December 16, 2014
Received this item with the casing having been damaged. A crack appears on the casing.
I really bought this because of having the casing to go with the grinder accessories.
Everything else was fine except for the casing.
I don't know how long will it last in the casing because of moving from site to site.
Poor packaging.
Satisfactory
February 9, 2013
I primarily purchased this grinder to cut stainless steel hoses and it works just fine. The only negative issue I have is the safety trigger, it could have been angled better.
Excellent grinder after repair
January 31, 2009
The grinder side handle would not fit into either side. I had to use a tap to clean out the threads before the handles would fit. The semi-circular protector over the wheel had to be bent with a pair of pliers to be installed. It will not hold a metal cutting wheel without getting a spacer to put on the shaft. The nut will not tighten far enough to hold it. The switch is very good, good safety feature. It has plenty of power and light weight feel.

Two Star Reviews:

1%
A sad little grinder.
November 19, 2016
This grinder has seen light use for just over a year, and it's starting to intermittently lose power. It's been used about 25 times for under 5 minutes each use. It's really a pitiful little thing.
Problems with unit.
August 19, 2009
The unit was purchased new. It makes an odd sound starting up.Used it for 5 minutes making light cuts in stone.IT cut however, the diamond blade stopped often enough that I think I need a more powerful grinder. I wasn't trying to make deep cuts but lightly cutting over multiple passes.The top plate that holds the blade has a channel where it connects to the spinning arbor. The channel deformed a little. Since this channel is not snug, the angular momentum of the turning shaft does not get translated efficiently to the blade.The fit should be snug.Case was fine and nice enough for me.5 disks were included that were all the same, metal grinding disks.Will probably return for something with more power.
1%
The lock nut wrench didn't make it into the kit ...
September 2, 2017
The lock nut wrench didn't make it into the kit. Check your kit when you get it! Will revise the review once I actually get to exercise the grinder.
It be nice to get replacement
April 28, 2017
burn out after 2nd used.It be nice to get replacement.
Missing the lock nut wrench
February 13, 2016
Great quality angle grinder. The aluminum case is very nice. However, mine came missing the lock nut wrench. I'm hoping they can ship me a lock nut wrench so I can give it 5 stars. I don't want to send the angle grinder back because I need it these next few days.
Short term tool only :(
December 25, 2014
Worked for a little over a year with average use. Then the gears just designated needless to say was very disappointed as I have another older model that has lasted me years. (again average use and I take care of my tools) When it worked it worked great but I was looking for something to last a while and after reading other reviews plus my own experience this tool does not last long.
Straight forward grinder but not reliable...warranty service is a hassle
September 22, 2010
I ordered this grinder for my brother in law for his birthday. It worked just fine like basically any other grinder. I bought a Makita because a name I thought would last. The grinder came with a one year warranty. After 8 months of very light use, my nephew is 15 years old and welds some things for his lawnmower, the main gear wore out. The warranty service line was helpful but when we took it in the local authorized repair center refused service saying it wasn't covered because it falls under abuse. We called Makita and they said to send it to their factory service center because they have greater leniency. Well a couple of weeks after sending it in I got a call with the same song and dance, it's not covered but we'll fix it for $33. After arguing for a while they did repair it but I ask you, if it fails within the warranty period isn't that either a defect in material or a defect in workmanship? All said and done the grinder works fine but is likely to break on you with any significant use.
Mine died after 30 minutes use
November 5, 2008
Amazon shipped quickly. The grinder is a comfortable size and weight. The paddle switch is easy to use and is a nice safety feature. I've used it now for 2 jobs but it suddenly died on the 2nd job - after no more than 30 minutes total combined use. I used it when it arrived to cut cabinet openings into Hardieboard (concrete board), a 20 minute job. I used it again two weeks later to cut three 18 in square concrete pavers in half. After 5-10 minutes use, it just stopped working while I cutting the 3rd paver. I now have to send it to a factory service center and I hope they replace it with a new one without a hassle.12/5/08I had this repaired under warranty. I was told by the factory-approved service ctr that the problem was a broken wire. No further problems since it's been serviced.

One Star Reviews:

2%
I bought 6 amper unit to remove sinset from by ...
December 3, 2015
I bought 6 amper unit to remove sinset from by kitchen floor. It burned out 5 minutes after the job. U nfortunately, I used it past 1 month of return policy. Junk and stay away!. Instead I bought Dewalt that was more expansive but it worked for 8 hours without getting warm.
Poor product Quality
February 17, 2015
I got a tool with a damaged armature. This shows a lack of quality control.
Good for 6weeks
December 9, 2014
Didn't last for much more than a month. Sent back for warranty but have heard nothing from company. Not happy, but will update if they honor warranty.
Very bad quality.
January 12, 2014
Used just one time and the engine stopped working, started with a odd sound and one minute later broken, is not a good product at all. I will return it.
Buy only for looks!!!
January 19, 2012
I bought this angle grinder for work as a welder and fitter. We usually only use grinders to grind off welds or smooth out burn marks. I figured this Hitachi would be an awesome tool for the job. I unboxed the grinder the day I got it and went to work. About half way through the work day, the oppertunity arose for me to test it out. After only 3 minutes of light grinding, this product went from 5 stars to 1. It did not burn up, I am a proffessional and know how to use tools properly (Follow the duty cycle). It lost more than half it's power and has a "thud" in it's rotation. Do not buy this product if you plan on actually using it. But if you want to show off this great looking paper weight, this grinder is for you.
5%
Very disappointed..
May 31, 2017
The first Makita I bought (about a month ago) lasted 2 weeks and stop working. It was replaced in 2 days (good service...) but unfortunately the second one I can't use it because it is imposible to remove the lock that holds the disk... Conclusion: Very disappointed....
One Star
October 1, 2016
lasted until april not good .
Lock button didn't work.
May 8, 2016
Lock button didn't work. Had to return.
Disappointing for Makita
April 27, 2015
I used this item no more than 5 times and the motor has burnt out already. I was doing some grinding with it and noticed it was getting very hot and then smoke started coming from inside and I could hear a crackling noise coming from inside so I quickly unplugged and and it continued to smoke. After in stopped and cooled off I plugged it back in and it did not work. Very Disappointing for a virtually brand new angle grinder.
bad switch maybe
April 26, 2013
when i get some time i'll probably take the grinder apart to see what the problem is, maybe i,ll see what exactly is going on.
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Pricing info
Old Price
Old Price
Price
Price
$69.55updated: Mar 18, 2020
from 2 sellers
$78.59updated: Mar 16, 2020
Features
Answered Questions
Answered Questions
Article Number
Article Number
0717709011892
0088381085847
Binding
Binding
Tools & Home Improvement
Tools & Home Improvement
Brand
Brand
Hitachi
Makita
Color
Color
Green
Teal
Currency
Currency
USD
USD
Formatted Price
Formatted Price
$86.79
$178.00
Height
Height
98.4 in
236.2 in
Length
Length
393.7 in
590.5 in
Manufacturer
Manufacturer
Hitachi
Makita
ManufacturerPartsWarrantyDescription
ManufacturerPartsWarrantyDescription
-
Parts
Model
Model
G12SR3
9557PBX1
MPN
MPN
G12SR3
9557PBX1
Number of Items
Number of Items
1
1
Number of Parts
Number of Parts
G12SR3
9557PBX1
Product Group
Product Group
Home Improvement
Home Improvement
Product Type
Product Type
TOOLS
TOOLS
Publisher
Publisher
Hitachi
Makita
Quantity
Quantity
1
1
Reviews
Reviews
Score
Score
9.2
9.4
Size
Size
Small
-
SKU
SKU
319627
B0010DHFTK
Studio
Studio
Hitachi
Makita
Warranty
Warranty
30-day satisfaction guarantee and 1-year warranty
1 year
Weight
Weight
10.9 oz
0.1 oz
Width
Width
98.4 in
393.7 in
Feature
Feature

Removable, forward-canted side handle for improved control and comfort for right and left-handed users

6 Amp motor with 400W of output power for tough grinding jobs

Trigger lock-on for comfortable, continuous operation

Extended life auto-stop carbon brushes for added motor durability

Compact and lightweight at 3.1lbs for greater control and maneuverability, especially in overhead application

Powerful 7.5 AMP motor for high output power in a more compact tool (only 4.5 lbs.)

Small diameter barrel grip (only 2-1/2"") for added comfort

Labyrinth construction seals and protects the motor and bearings from dust and debris for longer tool life

Lock-on/off feature for continuous operation

AC/DC switch for use with alternative power source

Protective zig-zig varnish seals the armature from dust and debris for longer tool life

Extra large paddle switch for comfortable operation

Thicker coil wires are wound more closely to reduce heat and energy loss

All-ball bearing design and metal gear housing for durability

(1) 4-1/2"" General Purpose Turbo Rim Diamond Blade A-94552

(5) 4-1/2"" 24 Grit Grinding Wheels 741423-0-1

Aluminum case

4 - 4 1/2 grinding wheels

Diamond wheel

metal gear housing

paddle switch

User Overview
  • Awesome suction

    I owned both vacuums. The Makita is lighter, easier to use, the battery does not keep popping out like in the Dyson (I hated having to keep hitting the battery and restart the vacuum) and the suction is comparable. I will have to buy the carpet nozzle to figure out the pet hair issue (the floor nozzle does not do a good job with pet hair). Dyson picks up the pet hair very well.
    Iva
    01545
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