Best Die Grinders - Top Picks, Reviews & Complete Buying Guide
by Scott Miller Updated on
When the models of die grinders are in question, the majority of people would look for a tool that would do well what is expected and would not cost too much.
You do not need a tool that does everything, so it might be difficult to decide which die grinder is right for you when shopping online.
Manufacturers usually make their product descriptions ideal so as to make the sale.
In order not to be fooled, we suggest you read our reviews of some of the best die grinders on the market and become a well-informed buyer.
The best of the best is the Makita GD0601 Electric Die Grinder.
The reason why it is our top pick is that it has one of the best designs and an extremely powerful motor.
You would expect the tool to be heavy with that motor power, but it is a surprisingly light tool.
The debris is put out of the internal chambers using an internal labyrinth construction and a zig-zag varnish that creates a barrier while the tool is on.
Users especially appreciate these features, as they improve the life of the tool.
It can also be used on either AC or DC current.
This is great because you can take the die grinder to the project.
The exhaust vents are designed so that they blow air away from you.
Among all the advantages, there is one downside to this tool.
It is not variable speed, meaning that you will not have the same degree of control you get out of other models.
The third position is for the model which is the best for the money option, and when die grinders are concerned it is taken by the Ingersoll Rand 301B Air Angle Die Griner.
The first thing we notice about this tool is that it is a smaller tool one, meaning it is good if you have small hands or if you need to work in small spaces.
Have in mind that with smaller size comes less power.
This tool is designed for smaller household tasks and it is a good tool to have around the house, but cannot be used for heavy duty projects.
If we have to mention its weaknesses, we have to say that this model is prone to vibrating which causes hand fatigue.
Still, you can get the Ingersoll Rand die grinder at fantastic price and there is no other grinder with this level of quality and power at this price point.
Going through our reviews probably have already made you more informed about what you should be looking for in a die grinder.
For those who have not still made a decision, we prepared this buyer’s guide with a lot of addition general information about bit grinders.
Which one is better: electric or pneumatic?
The question always asked is whether the electric model is better than pneumatic, or vice versa.
It is true that this is one of the biggest differences between various models of die grinders, but it cannot be stated which one is better.
They have almost equal power, as it depends on the design and quality of materials of each model, and not on the source.
The same level of mobility is what you can get from either of them, being that the electric models trail a power cable, while the pneumatic ones trail an air hose.
With electric models you will need a power source, and those units which have the ability to switch between AC and DC current are considered better and more useful as they can be used with both generators and batteries.
With pneumatic die grinders, you need have a compressor.
What you need to think about is that your compressor that can provide enough air pressure to keep the tool running.
There is a problem as compressor can stop and you need to wait for your compressor to refill if it is not large enough to stand the project.
For those who do not own a compressor, purchasing an electric die grinder is a better solution.
Is the ease of use significant?
If we speak about differences between different models of die grinders, we have to mention the ease of use.
The number one characteristic is whether the model vents its exhaust and in which direction.
After a long period of use, the exhaust can also be hot, and it can be very unpleasant if the exhaust blow air towards your body.
On the other hand, forward-facing vents could displace oil or shavings on the project that you are working on.
Which one you will get depends only on you.
Some people prefer forward-facing vents even though they can cause a mess and do not mind if the heat blows on them.
The ease of common operations is another characteristic that you should consider when buying a die grinder.
A safety that makes it more difficult to start the tool is something that some users like while other dislike.
This feature is useful if small children can reach your tools.
But, usually, people prefer a simple switch.
The size and weight play important roles when the ease of use is in question.
Heavy models combined with a project which takes time results in great hand fatigue and overall tiredness.
Lighter die grinders will be easier to move, but you can expect less power from them.
Last but not the least is how much each die grinder vibrates as you use it.
The vibration can make long-duration work very unpleasant and tiresome.
I think I got it, what are my options?
The first thing you have to have in mind when choosing a die grinder is to be sure that you get one that is going to get the job done.
The power is important and the majority of tools will have enough of it to get any job done, but some projects require more power and some users want the job to go quicker..
You should also thing about the access to power outlets or an air compressor, depending on what kind of tool you are planning to buy.
If you can use both versions, which one is more convenient for you to use.
There are so many questions to ask yourself prior to purchase one model.
We suggest you do not focus on getting the most expensive or cheapest model, but take a look at requirements you have and find the die grinder that best meets your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion we can just repeat what is already said.
The best tool you can get is the Makita GD0601 Electric Die Grinder.
You will not regret this purchase as the tool is featuring a great design and more than enough power to get the job done.
The Chicago Pneumatic CP860 Air is the lightest models, with adjustable speed which makes it worth consideration.
The Ingersoll Rand 301B Air Angle Die Grinder is not for industrial use, but it can do well the tasks ar0ound the house.
The DEWALT DWMT70783 Straight Die Grinder is powerful, but cheap, meaning that the quality and durability is questionable.
The last one is the Omni High Speed 92820 model with lots of problems.
We hope that our reviews and our buyer’s guide provide you with useful information related to die grinders and that now you are sure that you can make a good choice.