Angle grinders, also referred to as disc cutters or side grinders, are power tools used for cleaning, cutting, grinding, and polishing materials. Because of the long list of jobs that you can do with an angle grinder, it can be an excellent addition to your toolbox. This post is a comprehensive buying guide to help you pick the best angle grinder for your workshop or do-it-yourself projects. 

What is an Angle Grinder?

An angle grinder is a versatile tool that you can use for cutting or grinding materials such as metal and tile, among others. They use a small wheel or disc that spins at a very high rate, between 8000 RPM and 11000 RPM, enabling it to grind or cut a workpiece. 

The head of the angle grinder can be changed when it wears off and the tool features a guard and a handle that allows you to work with both hands. Depending on the angle grinder you select, it might be possible to use a sanding disk, allowing it to work as a sander. 

Like other power tools, it is important to take precautions when using angle grinders for personal safety. For example, you should always use the right personal protective equipment when working on professional or DIY projects. Particularly, you should wear safety goggles, ear muffs, dust masks, hand gloves and overall. 

What to Look for When Buying an Angle Grinder

Here are the top features and design attributes to look for when buying an angle grinder:

Disc Diameter 

This is perhaps the most important component to check when selecting an angle grinder. The larger the disc, the bigger the cutting depth will be. In most cases, angle grinders designed with bigger discs, 4" (100mm) to 9" (230mm), tend to be more powerful. However, those with smaller discs are easier to work with. The main challenge of using angle grinders with smaller discs is that they wear pretty fast, requiring a replacement. 

Wattage and Speed 

Wattage provides the grinder with the power to cut or grind the material that you will be working on. If you will be using the grinder to cut or grind tough materials, such as iron and steel, a model with higher wattage would be a good option. Therefore, it will be a good idea to start by reviewing the type of work to be done.

When checking the wattage, it is also crucial to look deeper at the speed of the tool. If you want to use the grinder to handle a variety of jobs, some that require very high speeds and others lower speeds, go for the model that allows speed variation. At lower speeds, you will be able to use the grinder for more delicate jobs. However, grinders with variable speeds are likely to be more expensive compared to those with fixed speeds. 

Power Source 

Another crucial aspect that you must factor when buying a grinder is the power source. If your working area is around the power mains, a corded angle grinder will be okay. However, you should grab a cordless grinder if the project is located away from the electricity mains. A grinder with brushless motors will also be more powerful because it has fewer parts to wear out compared to another one using brushed motors. 

Protection Features

Any power tool, including angle grinders, that feature moving parts, can be dangerous, and it is very important only to pick the model with good safety features. So, what should you look for in an angle grinder when it comes to safety?

1. Slow start design that allows the grinder to start slowly and increase to full speed. 
2. An anti-kickback function that allows the grinder to cut out when bound up. 
3. Restart protection that prevents the tool from starting if overheated or left on. 
4. Paddle switch that ensures the tool only works when held with two hands. 

This post has demonstrated that an angle grinder can be an important item to add to your toolkit because of its diverse applications. Therefore, think of the model that fits your job well and is easy to repair. Some of the top brands with revered angle grinders include DeWalt, Bosch, Milwaukee, Bosch, Makita, Metabo, and SKIL.