Die Grinder Vs Angle Grinder 2023

Last Updated: March 10, 2023 by Simon Heth

Working without finesse and precision is like a cake sponge with no frosting. It seems as if the work is only done, but not perfectly done.

If you want to do your work with perfection, you need to have the right tool in your shed. For smaller and cramped jobs it becomes quite challenging to work precisely. For this purpose, die grinders are there.

Die grinders are more or less similar like angle grinders but they work more precisely then angle grinders.

Their uses are almost the same but they vary in the intensity of the job.

Check out our quick guide about Die Grinder vs Angle Grinder.

For your proper understating, we have compiled a detailed post that clearly explains the similarities and dissimilarities between these two power tools that are angle grinder and die grinder.

Die Grinder Vs Angle Grinder

What is Die Grinder?

Die grinders are handheld power tool which has rotating spindle where the collet holds the bit. There are many different types of bits which you can attach and use die grinder for different purposes.

In contrast, the angle grinder, die grinder rotates at a fairly greater speed.

Its rotation is powered by a motor that is of less than 1HP. This means you cannot operate it on long and heavy-duty projects.

Die grinders come in different sizes. You may find some die grinders that are too small that they can be easily fit onto the palm whereas other die grinders are so big that you need to use both hands to hold the machine.

Die grinders are more or less looks like angle grinder but instead of disk, they have a bit there.

Their cutting head is perpendicular to the drive shaft. You will find some die grinder with cutting head parallel to the drive shaft. The former type of die grinders looks like a traditional firearms pistol.

Also Read: Angle Grinder Vs Cut off Tool – the Real Differences

How Die Grinder Work?

Die grinder can be easily operated by a single hand. Thanks to its sleek, compact and lightweight design. It does not have any adjustable handle like an angle grinder. You will have to hold it from its body to operate.

They are called die grinders because of the fact that in the early days they were used to create the precise contours of dies or mold.

Usually, die grinders are operated by electric supply and compressed air. Pneumatic die grinders are the most used die grinders.

With the help of different types and sizes of bits, you can perform so many tasks with die grinders. They are comparatively lighter than angle grinders.

Related: How to Grind Concrete with Angle Grinder

Possible Uses of Die Grinder:

When it comes to precision, die grinder is a lifesaver tool. It can do many tasks, but for your ease, we have mentioned some general uses of die grinders which include:

Die grinder is a tool that is not less than any other power tool. It can efficiently perform your job in a precise fashion. They have bits of different sizes because of which you can take so many advantages from it. Because of its small bits and attachments, it can be used for adding finishing to your job.

The die grinder is used for small projects, you can also use it for a heavy-duty and large project but it will require infinite time, I repeat it, infinite time will be required by die grinder to perform any large job.

For instance, die grinder is a perfect tool to grind and polish the corner and skirting of the floor, but it will not be an appropriate tool to polish and grind the entire floor. For this purpose, an angle grinder is an ideal that will save time and energy.

Angle Grinder:

One of the most useful and versatile power tools that is Angle grinder.  You may also call it as disc grinder as it has a rotating disc in it which rotates with superb speed. The disc is backed by a powerful motor that varies from 3-7 HP. There are some brands which offer angle grinder with 3 HP motor whereas some offer 7 HP of motor.

Besides this, it has different disc sizes ranging from 4.5 inches to 9 inches. The larger disk is meant for performing heavy-duty jobs.

This handheld power tool is perfect to do numerous tasks such as grinding, polishing, cutting, sanding, and de-rusting. It’s a tool that you will mostly see at construction and renovation sites, as it’s an ideal tool for cutting steel, concrete, tiles, and many other different metals.

Because of its powerful motor and large disc size, they are quite heavier than die grinder.

Related: How to Cut Cast Iron Pipe with Angle Grinder

How Does it Work:

They are called angle grinder, just because of its cutting head is at a certain angle to the drive shaft. An angle grinder is a handheld tool that means you can operate it with your hands, but the point is, you need to use both hands while operating this device.

You will see every angle grinders comes with an adjustable side handle, which you can either adjust in two positions or three positions. Two means left and right whereas, by the three positions means, you have the freedom to install the handle on the top of the device as well.

Another hand can be used to hold the body of the tool.

Its powerful abrasive wheels have a protective guard which protects the tool from flying sparks, metal pieces, and other dust and debris.

You can do a variety of tasks with an angle grinder, but for this, you must have proper attachments with it. For instance, for cutting metal you must have an appropriate cutting disk, whereas, for grinding purposes, the right disk should be with you.

Angle grinders are powered by electric supply, such type of angle grinders are corded angle grinders, whereas there are other models of angle grinders that are operated by compress air or petrol. Some chargeable angle grinders are also there in the market.

Possible Uses:

An angle grinder is a multipurpose tool, you can do a lot more with an angle grinder. So for your proper understanding, here we have mentioned some general uses of angle grinder, that are as follow:

An angle grinder is a perfect tool for doing heavy-duty jobs. But when it comes to do finishing tasks by grinding or polishing corners or small congested spaces, here angle grinder cannot perform well. It’s all because of its large abrasive disc that cannot get access to the corners and cramped area.

So for this purpose, we have another tool that is die grinder.

Major Difference:

Well, if we compare both tools, we can conclude that both tools are quite effective and speedy. Both are handheld and power operated tools that can do multitudes of tasks by using different attachments.

Now the question arises which one is best, angle grinder or die grinder. So my answer to this question will be both are best in their own places. Choose by asking yourself:

Which type of work do you want to do?

Is this work a heavy-duty or lighter task?

Does your task require a high level of precision and accuracy?

If the work you want to do is a smaller task and needs to be done with great accuracy then die grinder will be the perfect choice for you. Die grinders are light power tools and are best for light jobs.

In contrast to this, if the work is heavy-duty and precision is not at all a big tension, then angle grinder is there to quench your thirst. Angle grinders are more powerful then die grinders.

Final Words:

Die grinders and angle grinders are both power rotary tool but the intensity of work makes them different. Just because of the small bit size you can choose die grinders for cutting, sharpening, polishing, grinding edges and cramped spaces.

I am sure this difference between die grinder and angle grinder will clear your mind that which tool is used for which task.

Whereas the same job can be done by angle grinder but its large disk will not get access to the congested spaces, therefore, you will not find accuracy and precision there.

It would not be wrong if I say that if you are using angle grinders for big projects, you will need die grinders for adding precision after angle grinder.