When it comes to tools around a workshop, a die grinder is the jack of all trades. It allows you to switch between various tasks by switching seamlessly between a wide variety of bits.
Your best bet would be a good die grinder that does a couple of jobs really well and has good durability.
However, deciding on the best die grinder on the market may not be such an easy task. There are plenty of them that come in many variations. But to narrow it down, I’ve made a list of the best choices and drew a comparison between their pros and cons.
The 7 Best Die Grinders for 2021
1. WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit
If you want a die grinder with extreme flexibility, then WEN 2305 Rotary Tool provides the answer with its range of variable speed ranging from 8,000 RPM to 30,000 RPM with a simple turn of a knob.
You can use it to drill, cut, polish, trim, sand, design, and so much more. And you can do so by the simple change of attachments.
Moreover, it comes with a diverse package that provides a wide variety of discs and bits to allow you to meet the needs of any project you are working on. It’s equipped with additional accessories, with even more than 80 different ones.
The WEN 2305 Rotary Tool being really light weighing only 3.5 pounds allows you to execute intricate and very delicate designs with much ease, giving you the ability to carve small and complex designs into glass, plastic wood, steel, and much more.
Finally, this die grinder also has an onboard spindle lock for quick tool changing.
Pros:
- The WEN 2305 Rotary tool kit’s price is lower than other rotary tools on the market
- Comfortable to work with because of its lightweight
- Users are able to get the most out of the tool thanks to its attachments
- Features a powerful motor
- Operates very quietly
Cons:
- Some users have complained that their devices sometimes got overheated.
- Requires to be oiled on a regular basis
Bottom Line:
I’d highly recommend the WEN 2305 kit for anyone who’s a DIY enthusiast looking to progress and advance to a professional level. It’s accurate, versatile, and very efficient.
2. Ingersoll Rand 301B Air Angle
The Ingersoll Rand 301B gives you easy access to tight and narrow spots thanks to its right-angle configuration, so you can grind, break sharp edges, deburr, port, and polish virtually anywhere. The Ingersoll Rand 301B Air Angle Die Grinder comes with a 0.25 HP motor that delivers a free speed of 21,000 RPM.
Moreover, it has a strong aluminum housing that withstands tough operating conditions.
Its balance is improved by its durable ball-bearing construction. The ball-bearing construction also minimizes the vibrations and ensures a longer life for your die grinder.
The Ingersoll Rand 301B has a small frame with dimensions of 5.3 x 1.3 x 2.9 inches, and it weighs approximately 1.1 pounds.
With such a lightweight and compact tool design, this grinder is perfect if you are going to be working in tight small spaces.
It’s also a good choice if you have smaller hands as you would be able to wield this tool with much more ease than you would be able to use other die grinders.
However, having a smaller frame has a cost on the motor, meaning that this tool comes with less power than most of the tools available.
Pros:
- Perfect for tight spaces and users with small hands
- Lightweight
- Reliable air die grinder
Cons:
- Weaker motor
- Too small if you have big hands
Bottom Line:
Economical, ideal for general-purpose grinding, and long-lasting, the Ingersoll Rand 301B air die grinder offers a variety of beneficial features in one compact package.
3. BLACK+DECKER RTX-6
The BLACK+DECKER RTX-6 rotary tool has three speeds, flip-lock spindle, a universal collet, a powerful motor, and a package full of accessories you will certainly find useful.
Moreover, it’s designed to be perfect for various functions such as cutting, sanding, grinding, carving, cleaning, engraving, polishing, sharpening, drilling, drywall cutouts, smoothing, shaping, slotting, and removing rust and corrosion.
One of its most impressive features is the three-speed setting. You have the option to choose between 12,000 rpm, 24,000 rpm, and 30,000 RPM.
Its motor is a powerful 2-ampere motor and has double the power and torque of its competitors. This allows you to get your job done quickly and efficiently.
It also ensures that the materials you’re working with will never get bogged down.
Additionally, the flip-lock spindle lock feature is a proprietary locking mechanism. This feature facilitates the change of tools for you. All that is required of you is just to flip of the lock.
You get 26 accessories with the BLACK+DECKER RTX-6 rotary tool enabling you to do different jobs. The grinder also has a universal collet which means that it can fit a wide range of tool heads from small sizes of 1/32 to larger sizes of 1/8.
Pros:
- Multiple tool heads
- Universal collet
- Carry-around bag increases portability
- Three-speed setting
Cons:
- The RTX-B package is similar with a slightly lower price
- Lacks good quality control
Bottom Line:
If you are someone who frequently works with various metals, you will find the BLACK+DECKER RTX-6 rotary tool to be really useful. With a powerful motor and variable speeds, it’ll efficiently tackle any job no matter how tough.
4. Makita GD0601 Electric Die Grinder
The Makita GD0601 is engineered with a powerful AC/DC motor that provides a fixed speed of 25,000 RPM, all with compact body design. You can toggle the AC/DC switch to use it with alternative power sources.
A slide switch that turns the unit on or off is conveniently located on the grinder’s body. Combining all of these features with the powerful motor makes the Makita GD0601 ideal for quite a large range of grinding tasks.
It’s built with an industrial motor of 3.5 amperes housed with front and rear air vents to make sure it never overheats and cooler running under continuous use, extending the grinder’s life.
Also contributing to extending the grinder’s life is the motor protection feature that protects the motor from debris. Moreover, the motor and bearing are sealed with a labyrinth construction, creating a complex set of channels.
The armature is also sealed by a protective zig-zag varnish that creates a barrier under rotation, effectively preventing contamination.
Pros:
- Very lightweight
- Ergonomic grips
- Easy to use
Cons:
- Difficult to use for users with larger hands
- Fixed speed
Bottom Line:
The Makita GD0601 is a ¼-inch die grinder that combines power and speed with a motor protection feature that improves its grinding performance. If you’re looking for something light and easy to use, this one’s definitely the grinder for you.
5. DEWALT DWMT70783 Straight
Carrying the manufacturer name DeWalt, The DWMT70783 Die Grinder is sure to be a die grinder that combines both high quality and great power.
With a 25,000 RPM operating speed and compatibility with both a 1/4 -inch and ⅛-inch collet, this grinder gives you versatility and strength.
It features a body made of hard aluminum designed for higher durability.
Moreover, a touch control system is also featured, making operations easier and more intuitive..
As for the safety features, it features a safety throttle lever system. DeWalt DWMT70783 Straight Die Grinder directs all the exhaust produced away from the tool using its rear air exhaust system.
An ergonomically designed cushion grip is included as a feature in this grinder design, which enables you to work with it for extended periods.
This unit is definitely highly recommended for all users, thanks to the power and quality it delivers.
Pros:
- Provides great power
- A convenient paddle switch
- Perfect handling of professional grinding
Cons:
- Ergonomics aren’t really great
- Fixed speed
- A bit bulky
Bottom Line:
There are many die grinders in the market, but what makes the DeWalt DWMT70783 Die Grinder stand out is its extreme versatility and ability to deliver a huge range of functions at a price that doesn’t break the bank.
6. Chicago Pneumatic CP860 Air
The Chicago Pneumatic CP860 Air a heavy-duty tool yet a lightweight one -which is a huge advantage.
The lightweight design is achieved by a frame with dimensions of 4 x 3 x 8 inches and a weight of 1.26 pounds.
The motor is energy-efficient and is 0.5 HP, so it can offer a top speed of 24,000 RPM and it comes with a ¼ inch collet.
One thing that the Chicago Pneumatic CP860 Air opposes other air grinders from its class is how the model has a handle with a squared design, this makes the model extra secure for the user’s grip, increasing his safety.
The trigger is also adjustable to the task, and beneath it, a throttle brake is installed. The burr position is set at a zero degree, qualifying the grinder for cutting heavy metals since you can replace the standard drill burr with a circular saw.
Moreover, the gas exhaust is positioned at the back, eliminating the need to worry about spark dispersion or dust blowout while you are working with metal.
To make operation more convenient, the built-in regulator automatically matches the speed to the task you are doing.
The only problem with the CP860 is that the exhaust vent is placed oddly, instead of blowing out the front it blows back towards the user.
Pros:
- Powerful motor
- Speed is adjustable
- Really lightweight
Cons:
- The exhaust placement is odd
Bottom Line:
The Chicago Pneumatic CP860 Air is an extremely popular choice for engineers and professional machinist. It’s a great choice for porting and relieving engines, high-speed polishing, grinding, and cleaning tire moldings.
7. Milwaukee 2460-20 M12
The Milwaukee brand is extremely unique and the Milwaukee 2460-20 M12 is a great example of the perfected products that are provided by this company.
The Milwaukee 2460-20 M12 is a very powerful model and one of the fastest rotating models on the market, providing speed that reaches a maximum of 32,000 RPM.
It’s a cordless model, which means it uses batteries, and the ones it uses are Milwaukee’s 12V batteries.
Its collet is the standard size of 1/8 inch, providing you with the option to match other brand’s accessories on your unit rather than limiting you to Milwaukee’s attachments exclusively.
Finally, the Milwaukee 2460-20 M12 is 5.4 x 13.3 x 2.5 inches, and it is slightly over a pound weighing 1.15 pounds. This makes it one of the most lightweight grinders on the market.
Pros:
- High Versatility
- Easy to use
- Durable
- Powerful MotorLong-life batteries
Cons:
- Fixed speed
- No extra accessories
Bottom Line:
It is a tool designed for long life as it withstands pressures, is durable, and is one of the most user-friendly grinders on the market. If you don’t require a lot of grinder accessories and want a durable tool that can withstand pressures, this user-friendly tool would suit you well.
How to Pick a Die Grinder?
When it’s time to pick a die grinder that suits your needs, there are a couple of things that you should look for, and these are as follows:
Corded vs. Cordless
This matter is more of a personal preference thing. If you prefer continuous running time and know you’ll be working in a place with an electric outlet, go for a corded model.
However, if you’re looking for portability and want to work from any location with ease, go for a cordless one.
Speed Control
Variable speed control is a marvelous advantage because it enables the air die grinders to be used for a variety of different purposes. Whether you are looking for die grinders to drill metal or softer things, the ability to have precise speed control will give you the right accuracy of cutting.
If you’re working with soft surfaces such as wood boards, you should look for ones with lower rates. Contrarily, harder surfaces need quicker speeds.
Durability
One important factor to consider when you are selecting the best pneumatic grinder tools is the durability of the tool. Die grinders are designed to be high-torque, high-speed cutting tools that can cut through steel and other materials. However, you want to make sure that they can easily withstand the process without breaking or wearing out too quickly. This may not be an issue if you only use them occasionally but could become a problem if they are used regularly. It’s best to find something durable that will last for years to come!
As a general recommendation, stay away from plastic bodies and stick to die grinders with aluminum castings.
User Friendliness and Convenience to use (Size and Shape)
Another factor to consider when deciding what right die grinder to buy is how convenient it is to use. Die grinders can be quite cumbersome because they have a lot of power and weight. In order to get the best use out of it, you need to be able to operate it smoothly and effortlessly. If that’s not possible for you, then you may want to consider another option.
I always recommend going for a die grinder with a suitable length, lightweight design, and a low center of gravity – this will allow you the best control possible while operating the device. This way, you’ll also be able to avoid arm fatigue and other problems.
Revolutions Per Minute (RPM)
Before you purchase die grinders, you need to consider the revolutions per minute (RPM). The best die grinder with a high RPM will be able to cut through materials more quickly. This may be a good thing if you are looking for a die grinder that can operate quickly or if you work on larger projects. However, if the die grinders with low RPMs are adequate for your project needs and speed requirements, then it would be best to stick with those.
In order to maximize the effectiveness of the die grinders that have high RPMs, I always recommend going for the die grinder that has a durable design and can withstand heavy-duty use. Die grinders with lower RPMs may also be more suitable for smaller projects.
Compressor/Tank Size
This will depend on your specific needs and budget. For example, die grinders with smaller tanks are more affordable but may not provide enough power for larger projects requiring stronger die grinders. The best die grinder for you will depend on how much power you need, your project size, or frequency, among other factors.
For die grinder tools that are frequently used for maintenance, die grinders with small tanks might be best so they don’t overheat while working in full capacity. If best die grinder tools operate intermittently or require less power, then it may be best to go with a compressor tank
Overall, check the motor horsepower (hp), air volume output (CFM), and air pressure (psi), before buying. You will find them printed on the tank’s label. These ratings are important if you’re going to go for a pneumatic die grinder. You should make sure that your grinder can provide enough CFM or pressure level at the appropriate PSI.
Collet Angle
A collet angle is an angle formed by the longitudinal axis of a drill and the edge of the hole. This angle is expressed in degrees (°). You have to pick the right angle die grinder for you. It’s classified into 2 categories:
- 90- degree angles: It is the metalworker’s favorite tool. It can be used on all types of surfaces and it has replaceable heads, making them ideal for roughing out an object before finishing with finer tools or sandpaper. Some welders also find they’re useful in reaching difficult areas that are otherwise inaccessible because of their large cutting area at head height – perfect when you want to make sure nothing gets missed!
- Linear die grinders (0-degree): With this version you get better control when cutting hard metals. An additional feature is the ability to be linked with small saws.
Collet Size
When selecting the best die grinder, the collet size is an important factor to think about. The best die grinder will have a collet size that suits the application best. For instance, if you are using the die grinder for heavy-duty applications, you should look for a die grinder with a larger collet size. On the other hand, if the die grinder tool is mostly used for light-duty applications, die grinders with smaller sizes are better.
If you’re not sure, pick the 1/4 inch size, as it’s the most common one.
Warranty
Having a warranty is an additional important feature. A company that is able to stand behind its products, surely are providing a high-quality one. It also makes you feel safe when purchasing.
Burrs and Extensions
Burrs and extensions are some of the best factors to consider when purchasing die grinders. The best type of die grinder is one that has a variety of extensions which increases versatility. You also need multiple types of burrs available. That’s why I recommended a 1/4 inch quarter size, it’s the most common and have a variety of extensions suitable for it .
FAQs
What is a pneumatic die grinder?
A die grinder tool is a rotary cutting tool used to cut or shape materials. It’s usually powered by compressed air. There is also other versions that use electricity as the main power source.
Can you use a die grinder to cut metal?
Yes, a die grinder can be a metal cutting tool. You can pretty much use it to cut anything from metals to plastics.
How can I use a drill as a die grinder?
You can use a drill as a die grinder with some adjustments. You will need to remove the chuck (a metal collar that holds the rotary tool bit) and replace it with an adapter made specifically for this particular task. Just fir the mandrel into the drill and you’re free to cut.
Is it safe to use a cut off wheel as a grinder wheel?
A die grinder is a tool used to grind metal. It looks similar to cut-off tools, but it has features that make them different from one another: they have guards so the user doesn’t get his hands or clothes stuck in between teeth. So never think about using a cut off wheel to cut metal, unless you’re planning to hurt yourself.
What are the Uses of Die Grinders?
These versatile tools have endless uses. It just depends on the strength of the motor and the kind of blade wheel you’re using. pneumatic die grinder work for:
- Sharpening and polishing metals (by metal cutting wheels) and metal tools such as shovels
- Cleaning metals
- Cutting steel and masonry
- Cutting tiles, stone, and concrete
- Sharpening edges
- Removing old mortar from bricks
Is there a difference between a die grinder and an angle grinder?
A die grinder is best for cutting, shaping, and smoothing. On the other hand, an angle grinder can be used for more aggressive jobs like edges, polishing, and surface finishing with stronger ceramic teeth.
A die grinder has a blade at the end of its rotating disk to cut materials which it spins at high speeds depending on the model. It’s best for detailed work like sharp corners or working within confined spaces. The best thing about this machine is its small size making it perfect for DIY tasks around the house or workshop. But most importantly, don’t use too much pressure as not only will you scrape/mark surfaces but also possibly overheat or even burn your material!
Are Dremel bits suitable for a die grinder?
Dremel bits are best used in a Dremel tool.
When it comes to the best die grinder tools, the answer is always “it depends.” While die grinders accept both the small bits and bigger cutters, if you’re using a 1/4 inch collet size, it won’t be suitable.
Is a Dremel and rotary tool the same?
A Dremel and rotary tool are different types of power tools with different applications. A Dremel can best be used for more delicate, detailed work such as engraving, etching and light carving whereas a rotary tool is best for more heavy-duty or abrasive jobs like shaping metal or wood.
However, where they overlap in capabilities is when both the rotary tool and the Dremel are used in a grinding mode to clean up rough edges on objects.
Electric vs. Pneumatic Die Grinders
The basic difference between the two variants is how they run. Electric die grinders obviously rely on an electric source to operate, whereas pneumatic ones rely on an air compressor.
Pneumatic die grinders can be a little stronger than electric die grinders, but the latter are more maneuverable and portable.
Final Thoughts
Each of the options on the list can be considered the best die grinder on the market, yet, there are some that are superior in multiple ways.
For example, the BLACK+DECKER RTX-6 2 Amp 3-Speed Rotary Tool with 30 Accessories and 2 Sp comes at an affordable price but also delivers three speeds that give you a high degree of versatility.
The DEWALT DWMT70783 Straight is the best choice for someone who’s looking for the most portable and lightweight option.
Finally, you should opt for the WEN 2305 Rotary Tool Kit with Flex Shaft if you’re looking for a very compact unit that is the most affordable.