Die Grinder Vs Angle Grinder

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Die Grinder Vs. Angle Grinder: Which One is Right for You? I was confused about the differences between the two grinder models. Both can perform almost the same types of jobs, right?

Die grinders are great for small jobs that don’t require a lot of flexibility. They’re also perfect for crafts as they’re relatively fast and efficient.

Angle grinders, on the other hand, are great for bigger jobs that need precision and a high level of control. It is also used for crafts like car repairing or woodworking. But they take longer to complete and may be more challenging to use.

The die grinder and the angle grinder are two of the most common machines in a workshop. Both have their own advantages, but which one is best for your needs?

Read this article if you want to eliminate your confusion, like me, and find a suitable grinder according to your work types.

What is a Die Grinder?

A Die Grinder is a powerful grinding machine to grind various materials. It is technically the most powerful tool in the rotary tool family. The die grinder features a rotating spindle at the front of the grinder.

Besides the rotating spindle, it has a collet to hold a cutting bit. Here a grinding disc or sanding bit is attached, which rotates at a very high speed.

These attachments can smooth or remove excess materials from wood, plastic, etc.

The number of attachments you can use with die grinders is genuinely notable, and this enables the die grinder to perform many tasks.

I have tried different attachments and performed polishing, sanding, grinding, sharpening, honing, cutting, and deburring.

A die grinder can be powered using electricity or compressed air. The electric-powered die grinders are intended for home-around tasks. Conversely, the compressed-air powered grinders are suitable for jobs requiring portability.

Brief Overview of an Angle Grinder

The role of an angle grinder is relatively similar to die grinders. However, it has many distinctive features for referring to the angle grinder as a different power tool. An angle grinder is larger but still portable.

It is equipped with a fast-spinning disc at the front and rotates along the horizontal plane. An angle grinder also can perform several tasks with the proper disc attachments.

It comes in different power levels. Power angle grinders are typically faster and more powerful, while hand angle grinders are slower but easier to use.

Die Grinders Vs Angle Grinders

Are you stuck with deciding which of these two powerful tools to buy? Your decision should be based on what you use the tool for. To understand, you must understand their uses, similarities, and differences.

There are many similarities between the die and angle grinders, but also, from some aspects, they are entirely different. Let’s find the similarities and differences between the Die Grinders & Angle Grinders.

a. Appearance

There is a noticeable difference in angle and die grinders’ design. A die grinder is designed to work with cylindrical cutting bits. Its head is located parallel to the tool’s body. In some right-angled versions, it is positioned perpendicular to the tool. This configuration of the die grinder makes it capable of accessing tight spots.

Moreover, there is no side handle in the grinder’s body. You have to use one or both hands to operate this tool. Also, there is no safety guard in the die grinders. On the opposite, angle grinders work using thin abrasive discs.

The disc is positioned at the right angle to the tool’s body and attached to a rotating spindle. Here the front of the disc is used for polishing and grinding. The edge of the tool is used for cutting purposes.

There is a side handle mounted on top of the tool. It makes the grinder easy to hold and safe to use.

Perception: Angle grinder has a pretty complicated but functional design

b. Size (Dimensions and Weight)

Then the next visible difference between these grinders is their size. Although both are small and handheld tools, one is significantly larger than the other.

The angle grinder is larger and heavier than a die grinder. It has a larger motor which requires more space.

An angle grinder is generally 12-18 inches long and weighs between 12-20 pounds. Conversely, a die grinder ranges from 5-10 inches long and weighs between 10-11 pounds.

A die grinder is relatively lighter and smaller. It looks like screwdrivers and hence, can be held with one hand. So, it is comfortable to use and easier to control. On the other hand, an angle grinder requires both hands to operate.

c. Power

As just mentioned, an angle grinder is bigger than a die grinder. Hence, it can hold a much larger motor. A larger motor delivers more power. The small angle grinder (4 ½” angle grinder) comes with a 5-6-amp motor with around 1 HP.

The larger grinders (7″ angle grinders) have 13-15 HP with 4-5 HP motors. The bigger model delivers more power. Hence, they are suited for heavy-duty jobs. You can use angle grinders on thicker and larger metals.

However, the die grinders have less power compared to angle grinders. They come with a power level ranging between ¼ HP and ½ HP. So, die grinders are suitable for jobs requiring less power, such as polishing or mild grinding.

d. Speed

Because of the motor size, angle grinders can rotate at a slower rate compared to die grinders. An angle grinder with a 1 HP motor can rotate between 10000 and 12000rpm. Besides, a grinder with a 4-5 HP motor spins at 6000-8000 rpm. A die grinder spins at between 20000rpm and 30000rpm.

e. Source of Power

Angle grinders and die grinders can be distinguished based on how they are powered. A small number of die grinders are electrically-powered. Most die grinders use compressed air as their power source.

The compressed air-powered die grinders can rotate at high speeds, which is a plus.

Nonetheless, angle grinders are solely electric-powered. But, they come in corded and cordless variations.

Note: Angle grinders are electric-powered, but die grinders are electric and pneumatic

f. Precision of Work

Die grinders offer more precision because of their compact size and rapid speed. It requires tiny attachments like carbide burrs, point discs, and diamond head cutters for precision works.

On the other hand, angle grinders are larger and used for larger tasks.

g. Cut-off Ability

Angle grinders are possibly the safest tool to perform cutting tasks. It has a safety guard that prevents the shattered pieces of abrasive discs from spreading everywhere. Also, it makes cutting rigid materials like steel a lot easier.

Die grinders are ideal for performing small cutting tasks. They don’t have safety guards. So, you should use this tool for heavy-duty cutting jobs. Instead, a straight rotary tool with cut-off disc and safety guards would be the best choice.

h. Working Surface (Type and Size)

Angle grinders are designed to use on flat surfaces because of their flat cutting surface. They also work great on externally curved surfaces. Besides, angle grinders can cover a large surface area because of their large diameter disc.

Conversely, die grinders work great on internally curved surfaces. You can also use it on flat surfaces. A die grinder is perfect if you need to grind or polish holes. Like angle grinders, die grinders cannot perform well on larger surfaces.

Conclusion

Still cannot decide which one to choose? Let’s make things easier for you.

The angle grinder is best for you if you need to

• Perform a lot of cutting jobs on thick and rigid materials
• Operate on large surfaces
• Work faster where precision doesn’t matter
• Work in tight spots
• Perform a lot of rough grinding
• Remove rust or polish surfaces

On the contrary, opt for a die grinder if you need to:

• Work on different materials, from wood to metal
• Perform precision grinding jobs
• Perform cutting and polishing small workpieces
• Work with small tool bits
• Perform carving on woods

Preferably, we suggest having both the grinders in your arsenal. They are best for different jobs. Still, your selection should be based on your project type and personal preferences.

Whichever you choose, make sure to use safety gear.