Die grinders are very small, but they can work on early every project you complete from the most simple to the most complex.
The best die grinders on the market are those that provide you with enough power to smooth over any surface.
You expect these devices to cut very deep across soft materials, polish hard materials, and cut the grooves that are needed for your latest design.
Reading die grinder reviews helps you choose the right products, and you will find that each of the items on this list brings you a different level of power, a different type of grind, and a different way to hold and manage the device.
Top 10 Best Die Grinders
- Milwaukee 2784-20 M18 Die Grinder
- DEWALT DCG426B Variable Speed Die Grinder
- Ingersoll Rand 5102MAX Air Die Grinder
- Makita GD0601 Die Grinder
- Astro Pneumatic Tool 219 ONYX Die Grinder
- Metabo GE 950 G Plus Die Grinder
- Chicago Pneumatic CP872 Air Die Grinder
- PROSHI Mini Angle Air Die Grinder
- Neiko 30062A Air Die Grinder
- WORKPAD WP02110 Air Die Grinder
Die Grinder Reviews
The reviews below should show you how each of these products will help you with the various cuts and grooves you must make.
You know the purpose of buying a new die grinder in your house, and you must match your purposes up with the device.
A buyer’s guide will follow that lets you know what you are looking for. Take your time when choosing these devices.
Grinders should come with attachments that make them easier to use, and your grinder should be powered in a way that is most beneficial to you.
Some grinders have a heavy cable that you plug into the wall. Other grinders have rechargeable batteries. It all depends on what you think best for your workspace.
1. Milwaukee 2784-20 M18 Die Grinder
Specifications:
- Brand: Milwaukee
- Model: 2784-20
- Weight: 3.05 lbs
- Tool Type: Cordless
- Power Source: Battery
- Voltage: 18 V
- Brushless motor
- Warranty: Five Year
Milwaukee made their 1/4 die grinder with a rechargeable battery that is easy to remove and replace.
This tiny device is easy to move around all the different spots on your new projects, and it still provides the high speeds you need.
The device comes with a standard-sized collar, and it is very short so that you can fit it into tight spots.
The brushless power state motor can move so fast that you can polish even the smoothest surface.
You can easily change attachments on the locking collar because it takes just one turn to tighten.
The device has a simple power button that you can slide back and forth to get the power that you need.
You can change your grip on the handle when you need to reach difficult areas, and the device is designed to lie flat on a table or work surface without rolling away like other devices in the same category.
What we like
- Variable speed
- 10X longer tool life
- Designed to deliver corded performance
- Highest level of protection
- Longer battery life
What we don’t like
- Little slower than corded models
2. DEWALT DCG426B Variable Speed Die Grinder
Specifications:
- Brand: Dewalt
- Model: DCG426B
- Weight: 3.95 lbs
- Tool Type: Cordless
- Power Source: Battery
- Voltage: 20 V
- Brushless motor
- LED light at nose
- Variable speed control switch
- Multiple handle grasping points
- Warranty: Three year
The Dewalt cordless die grinder is the largest grinder on this list, and it provides the maximum amount of power that anyone could get from a die grinder.
It has an adjustable speed trigger, and it allows you to grip the device any way you want.
You can adjust from the lightest grind to the most power possible, and you can remove/replace the rechargeable batteries as you are working.
LED lights on the body of the device give you light to work by so that you are not trying to position a flashlight at the same time.
The brushless motor requires no brush changes and no service, and the body of the device is covered in durable plastic.
There are rubber grips that make it safer to handle, locking collar on the device holds all your attachments in place with no trouble.
This product is backed by a 3-year warranty, and it is very light so that you can carry it anywhere you need without feeling as though it is hard to handle.
What we like
- Brushless motor
- LED light for work area
- Variable speed control settings
- Multiple grasping points
What we don’t like
- Expensive
3. Ingersoll Rand 5102MAX Air Die Grinder
Specifications:
- Brand: Ingersoll Rand
- Model: 5102MAX
- Weight: 1.41 lbs
- Power Source: Pneumatic powered
- Air Consumption: 6 CFM
- 0.4 hp air motor
- Speed RPM: 20,000
Ingersoll Rand has created a lightweight die grinder that you can wield in any situation.
This is a good die grinder when you have little physical dexterity, and it will work when you do not have the energy to carry around a heavy tool to all your work sites.
The device comes with a simple rechargeable battery, and it is small enough that it fits into any space where you are working.
This is a good home device that you might teach your kids with.
The device does not come with any attachments, but it will accept all the attachments that you have found over the years.
The company stands behind its products, and the device is easy to use for hours at a time because the brushless motor needs no service at all.
The lightweight design is good for people who collect tools, and it will sit in your toolbox without weighing you down.
What we like
- Powerful motor
- Lightweight but durable
- Low profile throttle lever
- Cheaper
What we don’t like
- Stop button in an odd place
4. Makita GD0601 Die Grinder
Specifications:
- Brand: Makita
- Model: GD0601
- Weight: 3.7 lbs
- Tool Type: Corded
- Power Source: Electric powered
- Voltage: 120 V
- 3.5 AMP motor
- Control Type:On/Off
- Slim barrel for grasping
- Warranty: One year
Makita has created a small and functional die grinder with a long cable that plugs into the wall.
You can release all the slack in the cable as you get in position to work, and you can arrange your many accessories to work on smaller projects.
The Makita has a tiny locking collar that will hold all the attachment you have accumulated, and you can grip this device easily with just one hand for fine movements.
The device offers speeds up to 25,000 RPM so that you can polish or grind at the highest possible level.
You can grab this device anywhere that you want, and it will not tarnish because of the way it has been painted.
The immense amount of heat created by the tiny motor is vented through special slats, and the device handle gives you many grip options as you reach for the power button.
You can adjust the speed on this device, and you can see clearly because this device is small enough that it does not get in the way.
The device comes with a one-year warranty that protects your investment.
What we like
- Powerful motor
- Wide range of application
- Easy to handle
- Cheap
What we don’t like
- Not a variable speed grinder
5. Astro Pneumatic Tool 219 ONYX Die Grinder
Specifications:
- Brand: Astro Pneumatic Tool
- Model: 219
- Weight: 0.8 lbs (Straight) & 1.2lbs (angle)
- Power Source: Pneumatic powered
- Motor: 1/3hp
- Brushless motor
- Air Consumption: 3cfm
- Air Pressure: 90-120psi
The Astro 219 Onyx comes with feathering control that makes it easy for you to adjust the power while you are cleaning up any surface.
The power control that you get out of this device is helpful because you have total control.
The device is very small, and it is very light due to the hollow design.
The 3-piece set comes with the case and attachments that you need, and you can complete any project when you sit down with all the tools that come in this kit.
The company stands behind their products, and they have many more attachments that you might like to purchase in the future.
The device has a brushless motor that will never break down or need service, and it revs up to 25,000 RPM so that you get the best cut or polish depending on the demands of the job.
The carrying case makes it easy for you to travel with this device, and it can hide away until you need it again.
Astro even added a rear vent that directs all the exhaust from the device away from you as you are working.
This vent prevents burns, and it helps to avoid any uncomfortable airflow on your face.
What we like
- Great quality
- Powerful motor
- Rib textured handle
- Lightweight
- Rear exhaust air flow system
What we don’t like
- Bit light on power
6. Metabo GE 950 G Plus Die Grinder
Specifications:
- Brand: Metabo
- Model: GE 950 G Plus
- Weight: 3.7 lbs
- Tool Type: Corded
- Power Source: Electric powered
- Voltage: 120 V
- Brushless motor
- Variable speed control
- Warranty: One Year
Metabo made a grinder that is much more serious than standard grinders because it comes with a handle that gives you both leverage and complete control.
However, this device also comes with such a powerful motor that you can cut anything with this machine.
The device is so strong that it can work for you in all situations, and it could even cut large items that most grinders could not handle.
You can plug into the wall to get power for your device, and it has a special trigger that allows you to adjust the amount of power that you are using.
The grinder is so heavy that you feel as though you have a bit more leverage than normal, and you might prefer to buy this grinder when you work on heavy industrial projects.
This company does stand behind its products, and they give you this grinder with a carrying case that allows you to store all your attachments along with the device.
What we like
- High quality and powerful
- Thermal safety shutdown
- Variable speed control
What we don’t like
- Very Expensive
7. Chicago Pneumatic CP872 Air Die Grinder
Specifications:
- Brand: Chicago Pneumatic
- Model: CP872
- Weight: 1.26 lbs
- Tool Type: Pneumatic
- Power Source: Pneumatic powered
- Air consumption: 13 cfm
- Rear exhaust
- Warranty: One Year
This tiny device is the personal grinder that you need when you are working on models or woodworking projects at home.
It has a simple collar that is easy to adjust, and it comes with a locking throttle so that it cannot start up accidentally.
You can use any attachment you want on this device, and it is light enough that you can use it in any settings you like.
The Chicago Air has a stand that allows you to set aside the device and hold up your material to the attachment.
You get a brushless motor that will not need service, and it vents air in the back so that you do not have any hot air blowing in your face.
This device fits in its own carrying case, and the rechargeable battery is easy to replace as you run out of power.
What we like
- Durable but lightweight
- Rear exhaust
- Adjustable speed regulator
- Cheapest
What we don’t like
- No cons
Die Grinder Buyer’s Guide: Things to consider
Every die grinder you see during your search should be checked for a few features that will make it functional for you to use.
Power Source:
The best die grinders have a rechargeable battery that you can charge in a couple of hours.
You need a device that comes with more than one battery so you can exchange batteries during a long workday.
Grinders that have a plug should have a long cable that is easy to move around as you work.
Speed Settings:
The grinders should have settings that allow you to change speeds, and they need a chuck at the top of the device that allows you to move your attachments up and down.
Some attachment is much more effective if they are farther away from the body of the device, but others need to be close so you have maximum control.
Easy to Use:
The grinder should have a handle that is easy to grasp, but it should not be so big that you feel you cannot make fine movements.
People who use die grinders need to know that they can make tiny movements that will create the proper cuts or smoothness.
You cannot polish a large surface if you cannot turn the device to catch the corners that often get missed.
Die grinders need a number of attachments that are needed for cutting, grinding, and smoothing.
You can get different sandpaper attachments that help you polish a surface from very coarse to very smooth.
You can get cutters in different widths, and you should look for polishing nubs that are easy to use on small surfaces.
Case:
Every die grinder should have a case that allows you to store the device, the attachments, and the batteries all in one place.
You need a carrying case that will close completely, and you might prefer something with a handle because the die grinder will be set up with all your other tools. This device is much more functional if it is portable.
Types of Die Grinders
A die grinder can be the most versatile tool that you own. However, you need to find a die grinder that is easy to use, you need to learn which style of grinder you need, and you should buy more than one if you do woodwork or construction work every day.
Each of the steps below explains how to use a die grinder, which style you should choose, and how to care for these devices. You can get a die grinder that is powered in unique ways, get the accessories you need, and carry the device with you for as long as you like.
The die grinder that you buy might be the thing that travels with you when you go from one job to another. People who do a lot of handyman work can use these die grinders because they can accomplish so many jobs so quickly.
If you have problems with any regular tool, you should move to the die grinder because it is much easier to manage as it fits in just one hand, but it gives you a lot of power.
Learn the uses of different types of die grinders-
Pneumatic die grinder
Pneumatic die grinders are powered by compressed air, and they attach to a canister that provides the air that is needed.
The best part of these devices is that you can replace the canister in seconds when you need more air.
There are many people who use these devices because they can easily adjust the amount of power they get.
The pneumatic device will spin at a very high rate, but it is not the most powerful device that you can buy.
You might buy one of these devices because it is the easiest to use. You are never tethered to the wall as you work, and you can go to any remote spot to cut or polish.
Using the Pneumatic die grinder involves the hiss of the air passing through the machine, and it will spin at the rate that you would prefer.
You can squeeze the trigger to feather the power, and you can release the closure to get a new canister in.
The device has a simple chuck that allows you to add any attachment that you would like.
This is a good device to use for cutting, or you can attach the polishing sander that will give you the best finish.
Electric die grinder
Electric die grinders use either a battery or a traditional plug.
They supply the largest amount of power because plugging directly into the wall gives you consistent power.
There are many people who would like to get one of these devices because they need the reliable power that they get from an outlet.
The electric die grinder comes with all the same attachments that any other die grinder would use, and it will never wain as you are trying to get your work done.
You cannot create consistent work if the power to the device changes over time. You might not always notice, but it does happen.
The electric die grinder has the same sort of trigger that you would get with any other device.
You can use this device in tight corners because the majority of them are so small, or you might choose one of the larger grinders because they have special handles that give you the leverage you need.
You could use a larger grinder to cut away the edges of a countertop, to trim a large piece of furniture, or to cut special holes in your newest project.
Straight vs Angle Die Grinder
Straight die grinder has more power and capability.
Angle die grinders allow you to cut at an angle on any surface.
They have a bending chuck that allows you to point your attachments where they should go, and you must use the same accessories you would use with every other die grinder.
You will find that you could use the angle grinder when you are trying to get the attachment to reach into a hidden place where the device does not fit.
Most people who are using the angle die grinder will find that bending at a specific angle helps them get work done, and they could even bend at an angle measured by a protractor on the device.
If you need to move to a 65 degree angle, you can do that.
You can use the angle die grinder just as you would any other machine.
However, the majority of angle die grinders will be electric because they need a constant source of power.
You often need to find an outlet that will give you enough space to the get to the place that you are working, or you need to find the proper angle that allows you access to the place where you are trying to work.
Final Verdict
The die grinders that you are using every day on your projects should be chosen based on the power and versatility they provide. These devices are supposed to give you a chance to cut away anything, grind the surface of one of your projects, or polish something that is nearly done.
You might need to get one of the larger grinders because you need a lot of power, or you could get something that is very easy to carry with you when you are trying to get work done during the day. The carrying case will hold all your accessories, and you can deploy the device any time that you like.
The die grinder reviews above show you all you need to know when it is time to buy your new die grinder. These grinders are multi-functional tools that you can use on any home or work project. The die grinder is often the thing you turn to because it is so versatile.
You should bring the grinder with you to ever new work site you visit, and you need one of these at home because it can be used to complete home repairs that are virtually impossible otherwise.
Buying a die grinder takes a bit of research so that you know what you are getting, but it will serve you well because it can polish anything, cut anything, and travel with you when you have tiny repairs to complete.
Nicholas Hammond says
Wonderful review with lots of information about grinder.
Thank you.
Bab Taalib says
Its our pleasure that you liked it.