Angle Grinder Vs Die Grinder – Detailed Comparison

Power tools make your life so much easier and cut your total labor time with their power and incredible speeds. Angle grinder and die grinder are those tools that aren’t much talked about but offer many uses.

Both the tools are grinders, however, there are many differences between them, which we are sure many people don’t know. Read this article “ Angle grinder Vs. Die grinder” to know the basic difference between the two.

Angle Grinder Vs Die Grinder – Detailed Comparison

Before we dig into the comparison, let us look at what an angle grinder actually is because many people don’t even know about this tool.

What Is An Angle Grinder?

An angle grinder is a hand-held power tool often corded or sometimes battery operated. It is also known as a disc grinder or simply grinder. An angle grinder can accommodate different types of discs or blades that offer multiple uses.

For instance, the angle grinder is used to buff different surfaces and cut through hard and light objects such as metal, wood, plastic, and many more. In addition to that, an angle grinder is also used to sand and polish the top surface of any object. Not only that but this power tool also can be used to strip paint off the surface of any objects. However, angle grinders are mainly used for metalworking because they are equipped with powerful motors. Also check out the difference between Angle Grinders and sanders.

What Is Die Grinder?

A die grinder on the other hand is a small handheld power tool, often electrically powered. You can also find battery-operated or compressed air-powered die grinders. They are basically used for precise grinding works such as polishing metal. It consists of a spindle on top of it which holds the main cutting or grinding tool. The motor runs the grinding bit at a high speed, the worker can easily hold the die grinding to carry out the precision work.

A die grinder is a versatile tool that can be used to carry out multiple tasks. For instance, you can use this powerful tool to cut metal or sensitive objects such as PVC, or wood. Other than that, you can also sand, buff, strip or hone different materials. Die grinders also play a vital role in jewelry making when the right attachment is installed with it.

Difference Between Angle Grinder And Die Grinder

The purpose of both the power tools is more or less the same. However, they are not entirely the same tools. The main difference between the two arises in the size, power, and work taken from them.

An angle grinder is bigger in size with more powerful motors installed in it. On the other hand, the die grinder is a small handheld tool that is used for small grinding, cutting, or sanding purposes.

Let us look at some factors in which they can be distinguished from each other.

1. Design And Size

The main difference, as we have discussed earlier, is in the design and size of these power tools. An angle grinder is larger in size compared to a die grinder. They are equipped with discs that rotate on spindles. The disc is attached to the grinder at right angles, and you can use it for cutting, grinding, polishing, buffing, and sanding purposes.

On the other hand, the die grinder is smaller in size, and the cutting bit is attached in line with the grinder. You can easily hold the grinder in one hand when you are working. The die grinder is lightweight and comes with several attachments. They are used to sand, buff, and polish smaller metals. Die grinders are for minor precision metalworking as they have less powerful motors as compared to the angle grinders.

2. Motor Power

If you look at the motor power, the angle grinder stands at the top. Due to their bigger size, they hold bigger motors. It is because the angle grinders are used for large-scale projects such as cutting larger metal objects, or wood. It requires a more powerful motor and higher speed to cut through tougher objects like stone, metal, and hardwood. The angle grinder comes with motors ranging from 1.5 to 5 HP which offers enough power to cut through tougher objects.

On the other hand, the die grinders are used for minor precision work, therefore, they are smaller in size. Due to their small size, they accommodate smaller motors that are less than 1 HP. It is because the die grinders do not need high-powered motors because they aren’t used to carry out large-scale projects. Instead, they are used for shear cutting, such as cutting minor wires, and jewelry making.

3. Precision

The die grinder is the winner when it comes to precision. Due to their smaller size and better control, the die grinder is better for precision cutting. You can easily hold it in one hand to have better control over your work.

On the other hand, angle grinders are used for general cutting or polishing of heavier and stubborn objects. Due to their large size, and heavyweight they aren’t as precise as the die grinders. Also, Check out the review of Aircat Die Grinder.

5. Versatility

Both the power tools are versatile because they accommodate various attachments with them. However, if we do the comparison, die grinders are more versatile than angle grinders. Die grinder is compatible with a wide variety of attachments, from smaller to larger, to wider, to narrower. It can be used to carry out versatile projects such as minor cutting, polishing, buffing, and sanding. On the other hand, the angle grinder is less versatile than the die grinder. The reason is that they are compatible with a large number of discs.

6. Size Of Working Area

Due to the large-sized disc of the angle grinder, they can cut through large surface areas. For instance, you can easily cut a large-sized metal easily using the angle grinder. However, the die grinders can only deal with smaller objects and can work on smaller surface areas. For instance, you can use a die grinder on curved surfaces for minor works because an angle grinder cannot reach nooks and crannies. If you are looking for the best angle grinder or die grinder, we have listed below the top ones.

Best Angle Grinder – Dewalt DCG412B 20V MAX*

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Best Die Grinder – DEWALT 20V MAX* Die Grinder

FAQs about Angle and Die Grinders

What is a die grinder?

A die grinder is a small handheld power tool, which can easily be held in one hand. It is electrically operated and sometimes operated through compressed air. The die grinder is equipped with a motor that rotates the spindle at a very high speed. You attach the grinding bits with the spindle to use it for precision work such as small-sized metal cutting, buffing, polishing, and sanding.

Is an angle grinder a dangerous tool?

Every tool that is operated through electricity can be dangerous if not handled properly. Besides, you need to have proper skills to handle the angle grinder because it comes with a cutting disc which can cause serious injuries. You should always wear protective gloves and goggles while working with an angle grinder.

Which one is more powerful, angle grinder or die grinder?

Angle grinders are equipped with more powerful motors with horsepower ranging from 1.5 HP to 5 HP. It is because they are meant for larger projects. On the other hand, the die grinders come with motors with less than 1 HP. It is because they are meant for precision work and smaller projects so they don’t require powerful motors.

Final Thoughts on Angle Grinder Vs Die Grinder

Angle grinders and die grinders are two useful tools in carpentry and metalworks. They are power tools that can be used for multitudes of purposes. Angle grinders are more powerful with larger motors, whereas die grinders are less powerful with smaller motors for precision metal cutting. This article angle grinder vs. die grinder will help you understand the basic difference between the two power tools.