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Angle grinder discs are universal and interchangeable, so it's possible to change them based on the job and the angle grinder model. However, since there are various types of discs, choosing the best fit can be quite challenging.
Even if you own the best angle grinder, changing the grinder discs from time to time is inevitable because they will wear down eventually.
An average angle grinding disc or blade usually lasts around two years, so you need to change it accordingly. Since these grinder discs are universal and interchangeable, you can easily change them based on your job requirements. There are different sizes and types of angle grinder discs, so read on!
What's an Angle Grinder?
Before discussing the different angle grinder discs and their universal quality, let's talk a bit more about the machine. Angle grinders, also called disc grinders, are portable power tools for polishing and grinding hard surfaces such as wood, metal, or concrete. They are pretty common in industries and workshops and widely used for construction, metalwork, and emergency rescues.
Depending on the angle grinder model, the power source might vary, such as compressed air, electric motor, or petrol engine. That said, the handheld cordless variant is commonly used in practical applications for its easy portability. You can also consider the following qualities while looking for the best angle grinder:
- Power source
- Motor power
- RPM
- Arbor size
Furthermore, the disc size will largely determine the choice of the angle grinder. The two most common sizes are - 4.5 inches and 9 inches. These discs are universal and interchangeable, so you can use them with any grinder model and change them based on your job requirements. It's best to use the larger discs for heavy-duty tasks, while the smaller discs are more suitable for delicate applications.
What Are Different Types of Angle Grinders?
There are different types of angle grinders designed for different applications. You must understand their structural and functional differences to choose the most suitable option. Not to mention, the choice of your angle grinder disc will greatly vary depending on the functions of these different angle grinder models.
1. Cordless Angle Grinders
These angle grinders are highly versatile and can be used in industrial and residential applications. Since they do not require any power outlets, you can easily carry them anywhere you want without hassle.
These grinders are handy for performing grinding tasks while on a scaffold or ladder because you need not worry about tripping on trailing electrical wires. However, choose cordless grinders with powerful and high-capacity batteries to prevent the machine from running out of juice in the middle of your work.
2. Corded Angle Grinders
You'll need a nearby power outlet to use a corded angle grinder because, as you can imagine, it requires an electrical power source to work. The corded variants are much more lightweight than the cordless versions because the latter comes with batteries.
Furthermore, you can fit large and small grinding discs with most corded angle grinders. However, choose a grinder with a smaller disc if you want to use the machine for minor cutting or grinding jobs regularly. You should also consider a corded model's ergonomic design and vibration control before purchasing it.
3. Pneumatic Angle Grinders
Pneumatic angle grinders are the perfect combination of durability and performance and are ideal for shaping or cutting metal workpieces and working on metal surfaces. These are used for light-duty tasks requiring intricate details and precisions.
Moreover, pneumatic angle grinders work with compressed air as their power source and come with air compressor units. They are perfect for high-precision jobs and are significantly more lightweight than any other angle grinder variants. On top of this, some pneumatic angle grinders have throttle levers allowing superb performance control for technical jobs like speed grinding or feather edging.
4. Variable Speed Angle Grinders
As the name suggests, you can control the speed of the cutting or grinding discs in these angle grinders depending on your job requirements. Thus, these models are suitable for various tasks, from minor residential applications to heavy-duty commercial jobs.
For instance, you can set the disc on this angle grinder at a high RPM while performing any high-precision job allowing you to add intricate details. Some of these angle grinder models also feature paddle switches to better control the disc rotation speed.
5. Straight-Angle Grinders
The grinding wheel in a straight-angle grinder is set at 90 degrees, making it ideal for cutting or grinding sharp corners, inner surfaces, and outer edges.
All you have to do is change the grinding stones on the disc based on the surface and job requirements, and you'll be good to go. Not to mention, the unique wheel angle makes this grinder a much better choice than any standard angle grinder while working on sharp edges and tricky nooks and corners.
What Are the Different Types of Angle Grinder Discs?
Now that you know about the different types of angle grinders, it's time to discuss the types of grinder discs you can use for different tasks. You must know about the functions of these grinder discs, so you can choose the correct disc while using an angle grinder for residential or industrial applications.
1. Silicon Carbide Grinding Discs
These grinding discs are specially designed to work on metal surfaces allowing effortless cutting and shaping of metal pieces. Such discs allow easy removal of sharp metal materials without damaging the surface while grinding or cutting. Not to mention, these discs minimize the preparation time for the cutting process, so you can save a lot of time without the subsequent processing of the surface.
2. Cut-Off Grinding Discs
Cut-off grinding discs are your best bet if you want to work on hard materials, such as metal piping, bolts, rods, and rebars. Their cutting rim is made to withstand high friction without ruining the surface. This cut-off wheel can also sharpen metal surfaces during high-precision tasks. You can choose a specific disc size depending on your job requirements and grinder model.
3. Ceramic Sanding Disc
No one likes to look at old and peeling paints on their lawn furniture or house walls. The ceramic sanding disc makes it effortless to remove old paint and prepare the surface for a new paint job. These discs are also quite popular in woodwork projects because you can use them for coarse and fine sanding without much hassle.
4. Abrasive Wheels and Discs
As the name suggests, such grinding discs or wheels are made of an abrasive compound to seamlessly perform abrasion and grinding functions on rough and hard surfaces. An abrasive wheel or disc comes with two features:
- The abrasive grains: Allowing efficient cutting, sharpening, or grinding
- The abrasive bond: Combining and supporting the abrasive grains for the cutting process
They work quite well on stone or metals and can pair with different machine sizes. Even though the primary application of these discs is material removal, you can use them for the preparation and finishing of metal and stone surfaces.
5. Wire Brush Wheels
The wire wheels work exactly like a traditional wire brush but with much more power and efficiency. You can use a wire wheel on metal or masonry to remove rust or paint and prepare the surface. These wire wheels are also quite effective in removing burrs from rough-cut metal pieces.
6. Diamond Cutting Discs
If you're confused about choosing what angle grinder blade for concrete surfaces, the diamond disc can be your best choice because it is specially designed to work on granite, concrete, masonry, and tiles. These discs and wheels have small diamonds fixed in their cutting rim, allowing you to cut through solid concrete surfaces effortlessly.
However, you must select the appropriate disc sizes depending on your power tool model and cutting technique. You can select a small diamond disc around 4.5 inches if you have smaller grinders for minor DIY household applications. These diamond discs are also suitable for wet and dry cutting.
7. Aluminum Oxide Grinding Wheels
Wood is much softer and more brittle than metal, stone, or concrete surfaces, so you have to use a specific type of grinding wheel while cutting or grinding wood. These oxide-based aluminum wheels and discs are ideal for woodwork projects and cutting crumbly materials, such as cutting boards, without damaging the surface.
8. Flap Discs
A flap disc works almost like a wire brush but comes with flaps instead of wires. The flaps allow a seamless combination of the welding beads with the metal disc for effortless cutting and grinding.
Angle Grinder Blades Final Thoughts
The best and most effortless way to cut or grind hard surfaces, such as metal, concrete, stone, or wood, is to use an angle grinder. Whether you're working on a DIY household project or a large-scale industrial project, you can choose any angle grinder model and grinding disc to get the job done.
The choice of the grinding disc will largely depend on your job requirements and the material you're working on. Diamond discs are undoubtedly the most durable and sharpest among all grinder discs and work well on concrete and masonry.
But since angle grinding discs are interchangeable and universal, you can consider using other discs of different sizes to cut or grind different materials. Whichever grinder disc or power tool you choose, read through the safety features to avoid any serious injury.
