Best Electric & Pneumatic Angle Die Grinders

Review & Comparison, Last Update December 21, 2023
If you need a compact and mobile tool for buffing, a die grinder will suit the purpose. We've picked 5 best models to help you find the one to meet your specific needs. ...Read more ...Read less
Advertiser Disclosure
BEST 2024
PROS
CONS
OUR VERDICT
Type / Power
Power / Air pressure
Collet
No-load speed
Speed control
Length
Weight
Warranty
 
PROS

The slide switch prevents accidental starting and allows you to switch the tool on and off quickly.

CONS

The grinder is weighty.

OUR VERDICT

The Makita GD0601 will help you quickly debur any hard material, reaching for the distant spots with ease.  

detailed parameters
Type / Power

Electric

Power / Air pressure

3.5A

Collet

1/4"

No-load speed

25,000 RPM

Speed control

N/A

Length

14.12"

Weight

3.7 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

A high motor power allows working longer and faster.

CONS

The lock-on button is located awkwardly.

OUR VERDICT

This DeWALT die grinder will let you process the produce of metal, wood, and stone. Moreover, you'll be able to work in sessions thanks to the "push-release" switch.

detailed parameters
Type / Power

Electric

Power / Air pressure

4.2A

Collet

1/4"

No-load speed

25,000 RPM

Speed control

N/A

Length

14"

Weight

3.65 lbs

Warranty

3 years

PROS

Due to the low vibrations, the tool allows more accurate grinding and doesn't fatigue your hands.

CONS

The speed isn't that high.

OUR VERDICT

The Ingersoll Rand 301B is perfect for repair shops and car service stations where high output and lightness are essential for a long use.

detailed parameters
Type / Power

Pneumatic

Power / Air pressure

90 PSI

Collet

1/4"

No-load speed

21,000 RPM

Speed control

Yes

Length

5.27"

Weight

1.02 lbs

Warranty

1 year

PROS

Considering little air consumption, the DEWALT DWMT70783 is often used with air compressors. One of the best choices for at-home use.

CONS

Quite bulky for the tool of the kind.

OUR VERDICT

With the DWMT70783 you will be able to work longer and in awkward positions with no feeling of discomfort.

detailed parameters
Type / Power

Pneumatic

Power / Air pressure

90 PSI

Collet

1/4"

No-load speed

25,000 RPM

Speed control

Yes

Length

~6"

Weight

9 lbs

Warranty

3 years

PROS

The tool is petite and is easy to maneuver in tight places.

CONS

No speed control.

OUR VERDICT

It's a handy and light grinding tool that allows working fast and noiselessly. This is an important feature when choosing a power equipment.

detailed parameters
Type / Power

Pneumatic

Power / Air pressure

90 PSI

Collet

1/4"

No-load speed

22,500 RPM

Speed control

Yes

Length

4.88"

Weight

1 lbs

Warranty

1 year

X

This site is a free online resource that strives to offer helpful content and comparison features to its visitors. Please be advised that the operator of this site accepts advertising compensation from certain companies that appear on the site, and such compensation impacts the location and order in which the companies (and/or their products) are presented, and in some cases may also impact the scoring that is assigned to them. The scoring that appears on this site is determined by the site operator in its sole discretion, and should NOT be relied upon for accuracy purposes. In fact, Company/product listings on this page DO NOT imply endorsement by the site operator. Except as expressly set forth in our Terms of Use, all representations and warranties regarding the information presented on this page are disclaimed. The information which appears on this site is subject to change at any time. More info

Makita GD0601

Caring For A Motor

Let's start with the grinding machine by Makita. The GD0601 is a combination of plastic and aluminum with an electric motor inside. Right from the start, we'd like to note a special feature which is unique to many similar tools of the same kind. The Makita GD0601 features the system of channels that prevents the dust from getting inside the motor and bearings. Furthermore, the armature coil is sealed from the dirt with a protective zig-zag varnish that creates something akin a barrier when the tool starts to spin. Protecting the motor from the overheat, the manufacturer built in the vents on the front and on the rear of the tool. 

Review of Makita GD0601

Noiseless Operation

Now, let's cover some of the key capabilities of the tool. The Makita GD0601 is powered by a 3.5A motor and delivers the speed of 25,000 RPM. This speed is constant, therefore, the tool is suitable for handling only hard materials. Should you need to buff weld joints, polish surfaces or cut burrs on workpieces, the Makita GD0601 will cope with the task. It's worth saying that any power tool, when used at a high speed, entails noisy operation. So, the norm noise level to expect will make around 73 dBa. As for the capacity, the Makita's collet will take the bits up to 1/4" in diameter and can be fitted with the cutting wheels of up to 1-1/2" in diameter. This angle die grinder comes with two wrenches for handling the collet and fixing attachments.

Makita GD0601 in the use

Reaching Every Spot

Speaking of the convenience features, we'd like to mention its narrow grip with a removable rubber casing. So, if you work without a side handle, it's advisable to keep this casing on to have a better grip on the tool and protect your hands from the generated heat after long use. In addition, we'd like to note a paddle switch which is typical of angle grinders. To trigger the tool, you should slightly push the switch and then slide it. When doing this way, you will protect yourself from injuries that can be caused by accidental starting. The Makita GD0601 is pretty long and is a good fit for reaching narrow and awkward places. The weight of the tool, though, isn't big at all and makes 3.7 lbs only. 

On a whole, this grinding machine can be recommended to all users needing to process and enhance home articles. It will also suit those handymen for whom electric power supply won't be an issue. 

Detailed review of Makita GD0601

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $124.00
Stock In stock
ASIN B001ASC73E

 

DEWALT DWE4887

You Will Pick It Out From the Crowd

When going through electric-powered die grinders to make this review, we couldn't go pass the DWE4887, a power tool from the renowned manufacturer that DIYers all over the world can pick out of the thousands due to its brand black and yellow design and excellent power characteristics. Like you'd expect from a rotary tool, the DWE4887 features a switch with a lock-off button. When using the tool at high speeds, this is really important to avoid accidental triggering and prevent serious injuries. 

Review of DEWALT DWE4887

NON-STOP OPERATION

As for the performance characteristics, the speed of the spindle works at the constant 25,000 RPM speed. This means it is suitable only for working with metal, stone work and hardwood. If you decide to grind softer materials, it may easily fuse and ruin them, so better not. Powered by a 4.2A motor, the DWE4887 die grinder boasts pretty long operation time and can work almost continuously without stops. The collet here is compatible with the bits up to 1/4" and can take all grinding attachments within 1-1/2". Just like most die grinders, this one comes with two wrenches for the collet.

DEWALT DWE4887 in the use

Push and Hold!

Let's examine the convenience features. The first thing you will notice is the button near the paddle switch which, as we've mentioned before, locks the switch, preventing the tool from unexpected starting. This way, you can either fix it for continuous grinding or keep pushing it for brief jobs. A good thing about the DWE4887 is that it works equally well from both AC and DC current. This comes especially handy for those who use power generators. What's more, despite rather high power, the model is pretty light, weighing only 3.65 lbs. The overall length of the tool is 14" and it's enough for reaching cavities and distant work spots. 

We presume that this model can become a great option for a household use like touchups of cut or welder metalware, as well as for buffing hard materials with attachments up to 1-1/2".

Detailed review of DEWALT DWE4887

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $137.69
Stock In stock
ASIN B00P888CCM

 

Ingersoll Rand 301B

Reduced Vibrations

The Ingersoll Rand 301B is a pneumatic machine designed for commercial use. An all-aluminum body and ball-bearing design determine the tool's high load bearing capacity, heavy-duty use and the reduced level of vibrations. As you've probably noticed, the spindle is positioned at the angle convenient for handling different surfaces and work spots. And, unlike straight models, this angled die grinder works for tight places much better.

Review of Ingersoll Rand 301B

"Hungry" Machine

The power of the Ingersoll Rand 301B angle die grinder totally depends on the supplied air pressure and may reach up to 90 psi. Thus,  the machine is able to run at 21,000 RPM sufficient for buffing wood and metal. To start removing the burrs, though, you will need to install the bits up to 1/4" in diameter. That's what the collet can take. And that's actually the same number for the capacity of the air intake valve. Mind that all pneumatic tools tend to consume air quite fast. The Ingersoll Rand 301B takes 6 CFM of air on average but this figure may grow up to 24 CFM under higher loads. We should also add that air-operated machines are quite noisy; the sound level of the grinder is 105 dBa.

Ingersoll Rand 301B in the use

A Practical Solution

Covering convenience features, we'd like to note an all-metal throttle lever with a spring loaded lock to prevent the tool from accident triggering. When you press the lever, the lock folds up and returns automatically when the lever is released. Another advantage of the Ingersoll Rand 301B is that its body isn't prone to chopping or peeling and will look intact for many years of use. Given that the tool isn't equipped with a motor, its weight is also incredibly small, only 1.02 lbs. The total length is 5.27".

This die grinder will be useful for large polishing projects. It may also come handy for those, working in fairly big workshops, garages, etc. 

Detailed review of Ingersoll Rand 301B

Additional Info

    Manufacturer

Last updated price $53.71
Stock In stock
ASIN B008JYRDEU

 

DEWALT DWMT70783

Plastic or Metal?

In addition to electric tools, DeWalt is manufacturing air-powered equipment. The DWMT70783 is a great example. Casting a quick look at the tool, it's easy to think it's all made of plastic. Yet, you couldn't be further from the truth. The black body that looks plastic is nothing more but painted heavy-duty aluminum with a rubber pad for a firmer grip on the tool. Similar to other grinders, this model has a trigger with a self-locking mechanism. Thus, the trigger can be pushed only when the lock is put down. On the other hand, the trigger should be pressed as long as the tool works, which may be inconvenient. Taking into account that the spindle here is straight, we'd recommend the DWMT70783 for those projects where an angle grinder is just too big.

Review of DEWALT DWMT70783

Incredibly Saving...

To operate this grinder, you need an air compressor that delivers at least 90 psi to provide the speed of 25,000 RPM. The machine is faster than some pneumatic models but is less expensive. Still, DeWALT has always attracted customers with top quality products and affordable prices. The grinder is fitted with a 1/4" collet and the air intake valve of the same diameter. By the way, the average air consumption is within 2.2 CFM which isn't a lot at all, considering the high-performance specs. The manufacturer recommends using the hoses at least 3/8" in diameter.

DEWALT DWMT70783 in the use

...And Lightweight

As for the convenience of use, you get a variable speed control, adjustable with a screwdriver. Might sound like a lot of work but not when you try it. Still, the advantages of using a grinder with a spindle speed are worth a little bit of effort. With the DeWalt grinder, you will be able to handle all types of materials, from hard metals to fragile organic glass and plastic. The option to use the tool on low settings will let you perform more accurate grinding. Backed by 3 years manufacturer warranty, this DeWalk DWMT70783 offers you robust performance, quality design and long service life.  

Detailed review of DEWALT DWMT70783

Additional Info

User Manual     Manufacturer

Last updated price $48.99
Stock In stock
ASIN B00OK3TX38

 

Chicago Pneumatic CP875

Down With Rubber!

The Chicago CP875 is a powerful pneumatic die grinder from one of the leading USA producers of air-operated machinery. What we liked about this tool is its robust aluminum design, containing no other compounds. You will find here neither plastic inserts nor rubberized pads. The tool features an all-metal construction. With that said, we'd recommend you to wear some rubberized gloves for a firmer grip. As seen from the picture, the Chicago CP875 is an angled die grinder that can be used for buffing and polishing almost all surfaces and anywhere.

Review of Chicago Pneumatic CP875

The Happy Medium

It's time to consider the capabilities of this model. Forced by a compressed air, the spindle gyrates at 22,500 RPM which is a medium rating. To operate properly, the pressure of the air fed to a grinder should be within 90 psi. This is a common requirement for a pneumatic tool, though. The collet is consistent with the bits up to 1/4" in diameter. This capacity is enough to use attachments for polishing and dressing. Furthermore, you can use small grinding wheels and bits for cutting fine metal parts or expanding holes. In any case, this kind of the tool is irreplaceable in your home workshop. Speaking of the air consumption, this machine consumes 11 CFM and this number can reach 22 CFM when the tool is used under higher loads. So, choosing the compressor, consider its output pressure to provide the required air flow.

Chicago Pneumatic CP875 in the use

Maneuverability is the Key

Now, we'll review the features of this grinder. The most obvious one is the lack of the speed control, which isn't typical of air-powered tools at all. This might seem rather strange at first, as you will need to adjust the speed by pushing the trigger. But as the time goes, you'll get used to it and won't consider as a problem. The length of 4.88" and 1 lbs of weight makes the Chicago CP875 very mobile. Even though we didn't find its operation loud, we'd still recommend you to wear some hearing protection. Working with power tools isn't quite safe, therefore you should take care of your health and play safe. 

Detailed review of Chicago Pneumatic CP875
Last updated price $56.15
Stock In stock
ASIN B0002SRORM

 

What is a Die Grinder

Anyone who has ever welded or cut metalware knows that metal surface isn't smooth and often requires the use of an angle grinder to buff it. Yet, in most cases, the problem isn't completely solved. If there are work spots at distant locations, an angled grinder simply won't reach them. Well, if that's the type of work you often need to do, we recommend you to purchase a special tool for this purpose, a die grinder. Looking similar to a screwdriver, this compact tool comes with a spindle spun either by air or electric power. The spindle holds a collet for abrasive and polishing attachments, cutting wheels, bits, etc. In this article, we will cover the main aspects one should consider when making a choice.

If you need a less powerful tool for delicate jobs, consider buying an engraver or one of the laser engravers that are designed for polishing, grinding, and engraving metal, wood and other materials.

Best Die Grinders

What Features to Compare

Type

There are two types of die grinders you can choose from: electric and pneumatic. If you need a tool for a household use, go for an electric model. It is easier-to-use than a pneumatic model and it doesn't require compressors. The downside is, electric tools, in general, weigh considerably more due to the electric motors. Performance-wise, pneumatic grinders definitely win. They can be used during a longer period of time without overheating and hence, they suit for industrial facilities better. Pneumatic grinders are pricier and need standalone air compressors, so they are quite noisy and bulky.

Performance

Once you decide on the type of the tool, consider its performance. Fist of all, learn the power specs. Speaking of electric models, the higher the amperage is, the more powerful the tool will be and the longer it will work without motor overheat. The power of pneumatic models is measured by the air pressure delivered from the compressors. Most professional grade grinders work at 90 psi but with different air consumption rates. So, it's important that you take these rates into consideration too. Check the collet capacity; most models come with 1/4" collets. The speed parameter is no less important and should be chosen according to the materials you need to handle. For processing plastic or organic glass, pick a model with 2,000 - 3,000 RPM speed. If you mostly work with wood, metal and stone, we recommend you to opt for a tool with at least 20,000 RPM speed or higher. 

Convenience of Use and Features

Any power tool should be convenient to use. If the grinder you choose appears to be too heavy, you won't be able to work with it for a prolonged period of time. Therefore, make sure to check its weight and size beforehand. In most cases, longer grinders are also much more convenient to operate than the shorter counterparts. Pay attention to the material of the body coating. Rubber-coated grinders will provide a more comfortable and reliable grip. Besides, rubber pads also dampen vibrations. Tools with a variable speed control will let you handle a greater variety of materials, while the lock-off button will ensure safety of use. A lot of manufacturers today supply their tools with convenient carrying cases. For those who work on construction sites and/or do contract jobs, the case will become a nice and useful addition. 


Sources:

Other reviews
Comments
0 Comments

Your comment was successfully sent

Error! Please try again later