Elevate Your Woodworking With the Best Die Grinders. Battery powered die grinder

Elevate Your Woodworking With the Best Die Grinders

If one thing’s for certain, a handyman’s favorite tools are the ones that occupy minimal space and offer maximum value. Such multifunctional tools come in handy for various tasks and are compatible across multiple surfaces. A die grinder is the perfect example of this, making it a versatile tool for handypersons, hobbyists, and DIYers alike.

They have various uses that rule out the possibility of lying in the toolkit collecting dust. Whether you want to fabricate metal or polish and carve wood, a die grinder will come in handy in all cases.

However, choosing a die grinder can be a daunting task if you are unaware of the product specifications. To simplify your search, we have reviewed our favorite die grinders in 2023 and compiled a detailed buyer’s guide.

Finding Your Next Die Grinder: A Buyer’s Guide

Buying a die grinder is no easy task, mainly if you have never purchased one before and it is your first experience. The presence of so many models with varying specifications also makes the job much harder.

Now that you have gone through our top-rated picks, we have compiled a detailed buying guide with all the information you require to choose the best tool for your use.

What Are the Benefits of Purchasing a Die Grinder?

Die grinders are powerful handheld tools extensively used in polishing, grinding, and ending different materials ranging from plastic, wood, and even metal. They are essential components of toolkits for professional and home uses due to the various benefits and purposes.

Polishing surfaces

Sanding down surfaces manually is an ordeal that not only leads to fatigue but is also inadequate for tight and closed-off spaces. Die grinders offer a convenient way of polishing and sanding surfaces, reaching the closed-off and constricted spaces with ease. Whether it is a matter of finishing off woodworking surfaces or polishing metal surfaces, die grinders come in handy for all.

Rust removal

The rusting of metal surfaces exposed to the environment is a common phenomenon. However, the process of getting rid of the rust is no less than a nightmare. Die grinders offer a convenient manner for removing the rust from exposed surfaces.

Types of Die Grinder

Die grinders are primarily divided on the type of power source. The following are the types of die grinders available on the market.

Pneumatic die grinder

As suggested by the name, the pneumatically powered die grinders are powered through an air compressor. The pneumatic die grinders are heavy-duty tools and can be extensively used for professional purposes. However, these machines tend to generate a lot of noise pollution.

Apart from its downsides, this variation tends to be more budget-friendly.

Electric die grinder

The electric die grinders are corded variants that are supplied power through the constantly plugged-in cord. They are more convenient when compared to pneumatic ones as there is no requirement for air compressors.

NEW Milwaukee M18 FUEL Braking Die Grinders

A constant source of power supply can be challenging to maneuver. Once established, there is a continuous supply of power without interruption.

One downside is that the electric die grinders tend to be expensive.

Battery-powered die grinder

While some battery-powered die grinders require a cord, some are cordless variants equipped with a rechargeable battery. Although they are great in terms of portability, the battery may run out quicker than expected and cause interruptions in operation.

Factors to Consider When Purchasing Die Grinder?

Choosing tools is a tricky job, and budget is not the only factor one must consider while deciding on purchasing one. A few factors worth considering when purchasing a die grinder include the following.

Collet size

The collet size of a die grinder determines the attachments for the tools and is heavily influenced by the purpose of the use of the die grinder. While many different collet sizes are available, a ¼ inch collet size is generally the most commonly acquired collet size as it works to expand the tool’s utility.

The angle of the collet

Based on the angulation, there are two main types of die grinders: a right-angle die grinder and a linear die grinder. The right angles ones have the collect positioned at 90 degrees while the linear ones have a 0-degree angulation.

Thus, while the choice is really a matter of personal preference right-angle die grinders are relatively popular due to their ability to reach constricted spaces.

Size of the die grinder

The size of the die grinder is also an important consideration. A large die grinder is difficult to operate and hard to carry for long periods. A compact die grinder is a more feasible option.

Adjustable speed

It is common for users to opt for the die grinder with the highest speed and performance. However, an adjustable speed is a better feature as it allows to control and change the speed of the die grinder based on the surface and material. Using the same speed on metal and plywood surfaces would lead to positive outcomes, but it will be overkill for plywood.

Thus, adjustable speed is a highly desirable feature.

Ergonomic design

A die grinder is a handheld tool, making it important for it to be ergonomic. A rubberized coating can help make the die grinder easier to grip by reducing the impact of the operation of the die grinder.

Warranty

Die grinders are more like investments for your toolkit and a reasonable warranty period offers safety on your investment. While one year warranty is lucrative, an extended warranty is always a better option.

Safety Features in a Die Grinder

As goes with most heavy-duty products, die grinders come with a meaningful use hazard. Thus, there are strict guidelines related to safety when dealing with die grinders.

There are a few features that make the operation of die grinders and to ensure that your tool is safe to use it’s important to cross-check for these features.

Air vents

The air vents on the die grinder, especially those designed to drive the dust away from the user, are great for safety as they help keep the visual field clear.

Safety lock

The safety lock feature prevents the automatic start-up of the die grinders. While this equipment can make the operation inconvenient, it enhances the safety factor and makes the die grinder safe for use even in the presence of children.

Temperature adjustment

Some dies grinder tend to generate a lot of heat during operation, adversely affecting the process and the longevity of the die grinder. Thus, a die grinder with a heat dissipation function is a lot safer to use.

A die grinder that overheats can bring harm to both yourself and the device.

Milwaukee 2486-20 M12 FUEL 1/4″ Straight Die Grinder

The M12 FUEL 1/4″ Straight Die Grinder is designed to replace pneumatic die grinders. The die grinder provides you with up to.3 HP performance to outperform pneumatic die grinders by 20%. The M12 inline die grinder features 3-Mode speed control and aHand Tools responsive variable-speed trigger giving you unmatched control with your most common accessories. The cordless die grinder provides you with greater access and mobility, eliminating the frustrations of hoses and compressors.

• 20% Power Than Pneumatic
• 0.3 HP Motor Output
• 3-MODE SPEED CONTROL
• Greater Mobility and Access
• Optimum performance with 2″ Accessories
• Dial in the right max RPM for safer operation
• Variable speed trigger
• No air hoses, compressors, or daily maintenance
• Increased cost savings over pneumatic power
• Compact tool size allows access in tight spaces
• POWERSTATE Brushless Motor Technology
• M12 REDLITHIUM Battery Technology
• Part of the M12 System

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Is Milwaukee’s Cordless Die-Grinder it’s Best Tool?

Milwaukee tools burst on the cordless tools market with… a die-grinder. Wait, that isn’t what happened. Actually Milwaukee burst on the scene with its high-torque M18 cordless impact wrench, but is the highly touted 2767-20 the company’s best cordless tool or is it actually the much lesser known M12 Die-Grinder?

In this post I’m going to introduce you to one of my all time favorite tools in the repair shop and lay out some of the pro’s and con’s of the Milwaukee M12 2485-20 right angle die-grinder. I’m also going to tell you from first hand experience with the Milwaukee die grinder what you can use it for, how well it works as a cut off tool, what the battery life is like and also explain the warranty on the 2485-20 die grinder.

Whats Special About Milwaukee’s M12 Die Grinder?

When I first discovered the M12 Milwaukee cordless die grinder on Amazon, I was a skeptic but the idea of having a portable die grinder/cut off tool without the hassle of an air hose was far too appealing for the tool side of my brain to ignore. I already owned several of Milwaukee’s M12 and M18 cordless tools and lights, so I knew that disappointment was not common when buying Milwaukee tools. With the high quality of all the Milwaukee tools I had purchased up to this point, I had a reasonable expectation of how good the M12 die grinder would be.

(If you’d like to see a Short video of the Milwaukee M12 Cordless Die Grinder in action, you can watch it on my YouTube channel.)

I figured I could use the portable die grinder for cleaning gaskets and mating surfaces, grinding out burrs and other similar jobs. I had the idea of purchasing a cut off arbor along with it, so I grabbed a 3” cut off wheel and mandrel that would fit the M12 2485-20 on Amazon also. (The tool is recommended for a 2” maximum, but 3 inch cut off wheels work just fine.) I didn’t really expect the Milwaukee cordless die grinder to be capable of cutting through much in terms of steel, but I figured it would be handy in certain scenarios in the repair shop to buy one.

Upon receiving my new Milwaukee right angle die-grinder, I put it to use almost instantly. Obviously having just bought it off Amazon, I was anxious to find a reason to test out the 2485-20. Here are the benefits I noticed after using the Milwaukee die grinder for a few months on everything from surfaces to cutting through exhaust pipe, sway bar links and other pieces of light steel.

Highly-Powered and High RPM

One of the most obvious benefits of a cordless die grinder would be high power and RPM without the inconvenience of an air hose. Don’t get me wrong, pneumatic tools will always be king in terms of sheer power, but the Milwaukee M12 die grinder is proof that cordless tools can carry a lot of power and speed also. With a max speed just shy of 25,000 RPM, the M12 die grinder is faster than some pneumatic die grinders and compares favorably to many of the air grinders out there. In fact, compared to this Ingersoll-Rand 1/4” die grinder, the M12 cordless tops out at a 5,000 RPM higher speed. Of course there are much higher powered pneumatic die grinders on the market, but the point is the 2485-20 from Milwaukee has plenty of power and will do pretty much anything an air powered die-grinder will do in an auto repair shop.

Portability/Cordless and Battery Powered

Obviously the most important benefit of the cordless M12 Milwaukee 2485-20 is the portability of a battery powered die-grinder versus a pneumatic version that requires hoses and an air compressor. With a.3 HP motor output, the cordless right angle die-grinder gives you three speeds and enough power to clean gaskets, clean up mating surfaces and even cut through exhaust pipe with ease. In fact, Milwaukee introduced a straight 1/4” die grinder also, you can check that one out here.

What’s not Good About the Milwaukee M12 Die-Grinder?

Are there any downsides to the Milwaukee M12 cordless die-grinder? With all of the awesome benefits of a cordless die-grinder, surely there must be something about the Milwaukee 2485-20 that’s worth complaining about, right? Here’s the one potential disadvantage to using the M12 cordless die-grinder, but with it I will also give you the remedy to fix the problem.

Battery Life of the Milwaukee Cordless Die-Grinder

Due to the high power and speed of the Milwaukee cordless die-grinder, battery life is somewhat of an issue. Using the standard 2.0 amp hour batteries that come with most of Milwaukee’s M12 kits is not the best option for the die-grinder. In my own personal experience with the M12 die grinder, I found that with steady use cleaning surfaces I could get around 40-45 minutes out of a fully charged 2.0 amp hour M12 battery. When I used the die grinder as a cutting wheel to cut through exhaust pipe, etc. that battery life was cut drastically down to probably 20-30 minutes.

Which Battery Should You Use With Milwaukee’s Die-Grinder?

If you want to get the best results out of your Milwaukee M12 cordless die-grinder it is important that you buy a battery to match its horsepower. My best results with the Milwaukee die-grinder came after I bought a 6.0 Ah XC Extended 48-11-2460 battery on Amazon. Although the 6.0 Ah M12 batteries are relatively expensive, they are worth the money and have the benefit of being compatible with other Milwaukee M12 tools like the extended reach cordless ratchet.

If you aren’t comfortable or able to afford the price of a 6.0 Ah M12 battery, there are generic options on the internet and specifically Amazon carries a wide variety of “aftermarket” or knock-off Milwaukee batteries. You can read a post I did regarding “counterfeit” Milwaukee batteries if you’d like. Or if you want to check out some of the best quality aftermarket M12 batteries on Amazon, you can click the link below and check out a set of whopping 9.0 Ah generic M12 batteries.

Is the Milwaukee Die-Grinder Brushless?

Because I know you are wondering, and you should be wondering if the Milwaukee die-grinder is brushless, right? Well luckily, but not surprisingly the answer is yes. The 2485-20 Milwaukee uses a.3 HP POWERSTATE brushless motor.

How are the Reviews on Milwaukee’s Die-Grinder?

As with all of the reviews and tool introductions I give you, I’m also going to take a dive into the ratings and reviews surrounding the cordless Milwaukee die-grinder. It’s not enough to give you my sole opinion. You want to know if the Milwaukee die grinder is worth buying, right? You want to be sure the newest style of die grinder isn’t junk and going to sit on your tool box. You want to hear what other auto techs and even DIY mechanics are saying about the 2485-20. Here it is.

According to verified buyers on Amazon, Google and YouTube, the results of how good the 2485-20 performs is not surprising to me because I have used the cordless die grinder in a shop. First, I’ll talk about the ratings and reviews on Amazon because that’s where most people are buying Milwaukee cordless tools in 2023.

Amazon Rating and Reviews

Even having used the die-grinder, I was still a little bit shocked but definitely impressed that the Milwaukee cordless die-grinder holds a 4.7 out of 5 among 1,324 global ratings! It’s not like a few people are rating the tool, that’s over 1,000 people- 99% of which are likely verified buyers. Speaking of that, what are some of these verified buyers actually saying about the Milwaukee 2485-20?

Don’t forget. Consumers in 2023 are no longer scared to tell you what they really think about the Milwaukee die-grinder right in the product listing. Now as I expected, most of the 4 and 5 star reviews were based around the price and efficiency of a cordless die-grinder. Here’s what “steel” (5 star verified buyer) said on Amazon,

As advertised. Easier for small jobs than hauling out an air hose. Already had many M12 tools and batteries. Hopefully it will last.

On the flip side, there were a few 1 star reviews that seemed to center around the Milwaukee die-grinder “cutting out” if the user puts too much pressure on it. This could be a battery issue, user error an actual tool defect. I have not experienced cutting out or stopping with my cordless die-grinder. Here’s what “Scherp” had to say in his/her one-star review.

Chokes out very easy. I bought it thinking it would replace my air grinder. This tool chokes out with very little pressure applied. I would not buy again.

No disrespect to Scherp, but I don’t think the Milwaukee 2485-20 was designed to replace a pneumatic die grinder. Instead, I feel like the cordless die grinder is a much more convenient option and great supplement to a pneumatic die grinder for those bigger jobs that battery operated just won’t cut it.

YouTube Reviews

Based on the hours of YouTube reviews on the Milwaukee 2485-20 cordless die grinder that I found myself watching, I am confident that most techs and tradesman in general agree with me. The Milwaukee M12 cordless die grinder is an enormous step away from air hoses and toward convenient, portable tool options. Heck, this guy goes as far as to say that the M12 die grinder is an “air killer”. So the consensus appears to be that the 2485-20 is a high-quality and very important tool in any techs tool box.

Milwaukee Warranty and Return Policy

I know that I have covered the warranty and return policy on Milwaukee tools quite extensively in other posts. I’m still going to talk about it a little bit here. Do power tools differ from hand tool warranty’s? Where can I return a Milwaukee cordless tool? Is it free? These are all questions you might have. So here are the answers.

Standard guarantee against defect and imperfections is offered by Milwaukee for five years on cordless power tools. What this means is that for five years after the time of purchase, Milwaukee will repair or replace any power tool that was broken during normal working conditions. One thing to consider though, in most cases Milwaukee does require proof of purchase or tool registration, so to be safe it’s a good idea to keep it.

If you’re not sure how to warranty an M12 or M18 Milwaukee tool, you can head over to this warranty and return page to get the ball rolling.

What do we Know About Milwaukee’s Die Grinder?

I think we came into this post maybe with little knowledge of the 2485-20 cordless die grinder from Milwaukee. After all, it’s likely you landed on my Milwaukee 2485-20 review because you wanted more information on the cordless die grinder. In this post, I hope I did a good enough job of providing you that and answering the questions you had about Milwaukee’s die-grinder. I gave you reviews, advice and warranty information. Don’t underestimate this free information!

Author- John Green

If you purchase through my website, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. All posts are well researched and meant to find you better tools at a cheaper price.

The Best Die Grinder, According to 9,000 Customer Reviews

Welcome to the Thomas guide to the best die grinders 2023. Thomas has been connecting North American industrial buyers and suppliers for more than 120 years. When you purchase products through our independent recommendations, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Grinders are multifunctional electric or battery-powered items of equipment used on a wide range of building materials. General grinders are used for sawing, cutting, sanding, and brushing, due to the sheer force they exert on the material. Die grinders, on the other hand, obtain their cutting strength through high speed, rather than physical force.

Despite their horsepower rating of ⅓ or less, these tools can work at such fast speeds that they can accomplish detailed work, for which they are famous. Whereas most grinders are traditionally used for metalworking, die grinders have a variety of other DIY applications, including jewelry making, crafts, and any other hobby where a small-scale cutting or grinding tool is necessary.

On a professional level, if you are a car mechanic, welder, or body shop technician, you will also benefit from having a die grinder in your arsenal for detailing work. The buyer’s guide provided below aims to aid you in selecting the finest die grinder for your specific needs.

Here is a list of the best die grinders, followed by a buying guide to help you select the best die grinders.

Thomas’ Top Picks for the Best Die Grinders 2023

To assist you in selecting the most appropriate die grinders for your needs, we’ve produced a list of the top die grinders currently on the market in each of the following categories.

Best Compact Die Grinder with Compressed Air: Ingersoll Rand 3107G Die Grinder | Buy Now

Best Heavy Duty Die Grinder: Makita GD0800C Die Grinder | Buy Now

Best Budget Die Grinder: WORKPRO Power Tools Air Die Grinder | Buy Now

Scroll down to read more about these best picks for the top die grinder, according to many happy customers.

listed in this article were as shown in US on amazon.com (USA) as of August 2022

Best Overall Die Grinder—DeWALT DCG426B

The DeWALT DCG426B is a 20-volt electric die grinder that produces 500 MWO and can handle grinding discs up to 33 mm in diameter. The brushless motor is powered by the same batteries and charger as any other 20V MAX tool from the brand. The lack of a power cord and its lightweight design make it convenient to carry and use for extended periods of time.

A powerful led light is positioned on the nose of the tool to improve visibility, the motor is shielded from debris by a mesh cover and, because of the dual-position convenient paddle switch, the handle may be gripped in a number of ways.

One satisfied customer wrote, “Ditching a cord, having an LED light, and adjustable speed? Holy smokes. Genius. The variable speed is extremely nice when you just have some light touch-ups in a tight spot. You don’t have to worry about grabbing and bouncing around all over the place.” They also commented that the battery life lasts all day on a 5AH for regular use.

Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 5 inches

Weight: 3.36 lbs

Best Cordless Die Grinder—Dremel 8220-2/28

The Dremel 8220-2/28 set is a 30-piece kit, which includes the cordless die rotary tool, a 565 multi-purpose cutting kit attachment, an A550 shield attachment, 28 Dremel accessories, two 2.0 Ah, 12-volt lithium-ion batteries, a charger, a plastic storage case, and an accessory case. The patented EZ Twist Nose Cap makes accessory changes fast and easy without the need for a wrench, and this unit is compatible with the whole range of accessories from Dremel.

You won’t have to worry about it running out of power as you would with some other cordless die grinders because the battery reaches a full charge in just 60 minutes, and a second battery comes included in the set. Variable speed control (5,000-35,000 RPM) is operated from the easy-to-use ergonomic switch located on the side of the product.

Even professionals were impressed by this cordless die grinder, and one wrote, “This thing is powerful. Runs for a long time on battery charge.” Another happy customer added, “It seems to be quite sturdy with a strong, reliable motor.”

Dimensions: 4 x 13.75 x 9.28 inches

Weight: 2.1 lbs

Best Pneumatic Die Grinder—Chicago Pneumatic CP875 Angle Die Grinder

Although the attached air hose may not allow for portability, the Chicago Pneumatic CP875 sports a compact, solid aluminum housing and a built-in air regulator, which, along with its compact size, can handle most tough jobs in limited spaces. These pneumatic power tools are considered heavy-duty die grinders and are mainly used for rough cutting (not to be confused with cutoff tools).

Mirroring our sentiments exactly, one happy customer wrote of this tool, “This little die grinder has some serious cajones; far more than you would expect for the size.” Unlike other models, i.e., corded electric die grinders or battery-powered cordless die grinders, pneumatic tools achieve speed control with a twist throttle for precise cutting. The series also has a kit that comes with 13 grinding wheels’ accessories and a carrying case.

As one of the many happy customers summed up, “This particular Chicago Pneumatic grinder has been my go-to for years. My last one lasted me five years before it finally gave out, and that was with HEAVY usage, oiled daily, and greased at least once a month.” They also commended it for being lightweight (“compared to the ones my coworkers use”), compact (“small enough to where it fits comfortably in my small hands”) and quiet.

Dimensions: ‎4.2 x 7.5 x 2.6 inches

Weight: 1.1 lbs

Best Compact Die Grinder with Compressed Air—Ingersoll Rand 3107G

The Ingersoll Rand 3107G Edge Series is small and lightweight, weighing in at only one pound. It features a ball-bearing construction and is pretty sturdy, compact, and lightweight, allowing you to operate it anywhere with ease. It comes in straight and right-angle options, as well.

It runs on compressed air and has a ⅓ horsepower engine, a ¼.inch collet, a rear exhaust, and a self-locking throttle. Despite its small size, it has a high RPM of 27,000 that will blast through even the toughest jobs.

The curved grip provides better comfort and control, and the ergonomic design allows for superior torque precision, as well as increased productivity and safety, allowing you to use it all day without concern. Many customers commented on this tool’s high power, and compact design, and one wrote that it’s also “very convenient and perfect for sharpening a lawn mower blade.”

Dimensions: 9.5 x 6.25 x 1.75 inches

Weight: 1 lb

Best Right Angle Die Grinder—AIRCAT 6255

If you’re searching for a comfortable angle die grinder for those hard-to-reach spots, the Aircat 6255 has an angled head and ergonomic design that is made for working in difficult-to-reach areas. This tool is described as having good internal mechanics and has a 0.5 horsepower motor, and a free speed of 20,000 RPM.

This angle grinder features a unique silent technology that reduces vibration and noise levels (below 82dB) without lowering the working torque, making it ideal for working in a home environment. The AirCAT angle die grinder also has a feather trigger and a rear exhaust port design that safely directs air away from the user.

One customer, a novice, wrote that this angle grinder “is easy to handle. The trigger is the best of these types I’ve used with no false activations.” Another buyer, a professional mechanic with over 10 years of experience, agreed and wrote, “I love this Aircat angle die grinder… It is actually very easy to control your speed variety… The tool quality is built perfect; when you look at it, you know it’s not cheaply made.”

Dimensions: 7.1 x 3.1 x 1.5 inches

Weight: 1.19 lbs

Best Extended Die Grinder—Berkling Tools BT 6321-7

Anyone looking for a professional tool for tight spaces and difficult-to-reach areas will appreciate the size and convenience of the Berkling BT 6321-7. This product line also offers 7- or 12-inch extensions, as well as a straight and right-angle grinder, so you can choose the one that best suits your needs. Its pneumatic 0.5 horsepower motor makes it perfect for difficult applications like porting, weld grinding, and edge smoothing.

For grip comfort and cool air insulation, this power tool incorporates a strong composite rubber over-molded lightweight aluminum casing. The Berkling die grinder is designed for high-speed grinding and also has an air regulator on the handle for convenient access and adjustment of the motor speed.

Customers agree that this is a powerful die grinder, good for detailing and heavy-duty work. “l successfully ground a rounded nut on a catalytic converter and the tool served the purpose,” wrote one auto mechanic. “I like the weight of it. It’s not too heavy for extended use, and it’s good at getting into places a normal length die grinder won’t reach.”

Top 5 Best Die Grinders 2023

Dimensions: 13.4 inches (L)

Weight: 2.87 lbs

Best Die Grinder for Tight Spaces—Astro ‎APT-218

The Astro APT-218 is an ⅛-inch pencil die grinder designed for heavy-duty work in confined spaces. Unlike most die grinders, its size (5.2 x 14.5 x 19.7 inches) allows it to fit into practically any space, without sacrificing its power, as it revolves at 56,000RPM.

Its powerful motor can handle cleaning dies, rotors, and brake pads, so you can use it both for heavy-duty work and finishing touches, thanks to its precision bearings. As with most pneumatic die grinders, simply twist the throttle mechanism for speed variety and smooth operation.

One customer who works in aviation praised these “professional” and “spectacular” grinders, and described, “They spool up, have torque, and will shear ⅛ cutters if you let them get away from you.” Another professional wrote that “it is much, much thinner than a Dremel… You hold it like a pencil, rather than a Maglite, which makes it a great tool… Also, it’s air-powered so you can slow your roll by adding a little pressure and let up when you’re ready to get on with it.”

Dimensions: 5.2 x 14.5 x 19.7 inches

Weight: 0.8 lbs

Best Heavy Duty Die Grinder—Makita GD0800C

The corded electric Makita GD0800C boasts a 6.6 AMP motor that can easily provide up to 28,000 RPM. The SJS technology in this straight die grinder is a mechanical brake that avoids harm to both the tool and the user by allowing the drive shaft to slide if the front grinding wheel is stopped by force.

This high-speed tool has a variable speed control dial that allows you to tailor the pace to the work at hand, ranging from 7,000 RPM to full speed. Soft start also reduces start-up reaction time, resulting in smoother starts and longer gear life. It also includes directional air-flow vents that divert the tool’s air output away from your face.

“In addition to its raw power, I also find the rigidity of the tool helps make even fine cuts more controllable,” wrote one happy customer, who also pointed out that it has a “multi-position removable side handle which adds greatly to the ease of controlling this workhorse.”

Dimensions: 5.43 x 17.91 x 3.66 inches

Weight: 3.5 lbs

Best Die Grinder Kit—Ingersoll Rand 307BK

The Ingersoll Rand 307BK die grinding set includes the 307B straight air die grinder, two wrenches, a 6mm collet, 10 abrasive stones in various shapes and sizes, and a plastic case to keep it all in. The die grinder has a maximum speed of 28,000 RPM and 0.3 horsepower, which, despite its small size, allows it to be used for deburring, polishing, porting, smoothing edges, and weld grinding.

This straight die grinder also has a narrow profile and, as the grinding head is in line with the tool body, it allows for reach through spaces where angle die grinders may not fit. You can also apply greater pressure on these tools and have more control over detailed work as it can exert up to 90 PSI.

It weighs a little more than the other die grinder from the same brand on this list, however, it’s still a lightweight tool. Many customers left rave reviews stating that they have been left satisfied with their purchase—especially considering the low price—as everything they needed could be found in this compact package.

Dimensions: 5 x 2 x 2 inches

Weight: 2.1 lbs

Best Budget Die Grinder—WORKPRO Air Die Grinder

For the budget-savvy novice or professional, WorkPro Air die grinder offers great value for money. This unit comes in both straight and right-angle die grinder options. These pneumatic models also feature two collets (¼ and ⅛ inches) and it also has a latch connected to the trigger mechanism that acts as a safety lock.

This budget option rotates at a maximum speed of 25,000 RPM, allowing for precise cutting, grinding, shaping, as well as sanding, and can withstand a maximum operating pressure of 90 PSI. It is lightweight yet sturdy and its ergonomic shape makes it perfect for extended one-handed use. The rear exhaust design produces less noise and keeps the exhaust out of your face.

Many pros using the tool left five-star reviews, and one customer, a professional who uses it daily, explained that even though “it is not as refined as some higher-priced brands, it is likely one of the best you can find in this price range.”

Dimensions: 17 x 10 x 5 inches

Weight: 0.73 lbs

The Best Die Grinders—Summary

To sum things up, if you are looking for an overall powerful die grinder that is portable and has many unique features, try the DeWALT DCG426B (US149.99, Amazon). On the other hand, if you prefer using tools with an air compressor, the Ingersoll Rand 307BK (US69, Amazon) 16-item kit is a stellar option.

For a more heavy-duty die grinder, the Makita GD0800C (US246.47, Amazon) boasts a powerful 6.6 AMP motor and can deliver up to 28,000 RPM (though it’s not intended for use with a cut-off wheel or as a cutoff tool).

Choosing the Best Die Grinder—Buying Guide

There are a few essential factors to consider before purchasing a die grinder that can meet your demands. It’s also worth noting that no matter how powerful a die grinder is, it is not advisable to use it with accessories for cut-off wheels or as a cutoff tool.

Die Grinder Considerations

These power tools are pretty straightforward, with a few options to pick from, and the end result is mostly determined by the type of tip used on the die grinder. Important factors to consider are the size, motor power, power source, and whether a straight or right-angle die grinder is more suitable for your needs.

Size

The appropriate size to purchase depends on the type of job at hand. Smaller ones are best for auto technicians since larger versions will likely not fit between the exhaust pipe and the car’s floor. The size of the tool may not be as important for welders, and generally grind components that are put flat on a workstation.

Motor Power

The power you require, like the size, is determined by the project. The motor power directly regulates the speed of the grinding wheels. Generally, the more powerful the tool, the harder it is to slow down while applying pressure. Auto mechanics who use a die grinder with accessories, such as a fibrous cutoff wheel, to cut bolts and grind off gaskets may get by with a less powerful model, but professional welders should opt for high-speed and more powerful models.

Straight vs. Right Angle Die Grinders

Angle grinders should not be confused with angled die grinders. Die grinders, whether right-angle or straight, are smaller and lighter than angle larger grinders, making them ideal for on-the-go use. But both kinds are essentially useful for the same purpose. Straight grinders might be more comfortable to work with on components that are above head, such as grinding an exhaust; while angled die grinders can fit easily into tighter spaces.

Power Source

Battery-powered cordless models are becoming popular, particularly among contractors working on remote job sites. The batteries on these units will need to be replaced often if you use the power tool for long periods. The battery pack also makes these cordless tools slightly bulkier and heavier than air-powered models.

If you own a high-quality air compressor, however, a pneumatic grinder may be the ideal option for you as you won’t have to worry about pneumatic ones running out of power. Corded electric models are also available and could be handy in a workshop, but they do have the limitation of a cord which could be an issue if working remotely.

We hope our review of the best die grinders has been helpful and you were able to pick the right die grinder or angle die grinders for your needs. For more suppliers of related products, including fasteners, socket wrenches, impact wrenches, small tools, and lug wrenches, consult our additional guides, or visit the Thomas Supplier Discovery Platform.

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