Types of Angle Grinders, Discs, and Attachments

If you’ve ever cut metal pipes, polished wood, or shaped tiles, you already know an angle grinder. It is used to cut, grind, polish, and smooth many things. But with many types of grinders, discs, and attachments available one can easily get confused about which one to buy. This guide explains exactly which grinder and disc to use for each kind of job, whether it’s a small home project or construction work.

Types of Angle Grinders, Discs, and Attachments: A Simple Guide for Indian Users

Introduction

If you’ve ever walked into a hardware shop in India or scrolled through power tools online, you’ve probably seen angle grinders listed right next to drills and saws. They may look small, but they’re highly powerful tools. An angle grinder is useful for a welder, carpenter, mason, plumber, or just someone who enjoys fixing things at home. It makes life much easier.

It can cut, grind, sand, polish, sharpen, and clean different materials like metal, wood, concrete, and stone, all depending on what disc or attachment you use.

Let’s take a closer look at the types of angle grinders available in India, and the different discs and attachments you can use with them.

Types of Angle Grinders

Angle grinders come in different shapes and power capacities. The right one for you depends on the kind of work you plan to do.

1. Corded Angle Grinders

These are most commonly used in India. These are easy to use, all you have to do is plug them into a power socket and they’re good to go.
Pros: Steady power, replacement parts are easy to obtain.
Ideal for: Workshops and construction sites.

Brands like Bosch, Dewalt, and Yuri offer affordable and durable corded versions.

2. Cordless Angle Grinders

These have rechargeable batteries hence give the freedom to move around.
Pros: Portable and great for remote job sites.
Cons: Limited runtime since the battery drains quickly during heavy work.
Best for: On-site maintenance, car workshops, and small household repairs.

Always keep an extra battery charged, especially for outdoor tasks.

3. Pneumatic Angle Grinders

These are powered by compressed air and are mostly used in industrial settings like automobile workshops or metal factories.
Pros: Light in weight and powerful.
Cons: Requires air compressor and proper maintenance.
Ideal for:  Comprehensive fabrication or automotive industries.

4. Mini Angle Grinders

Small and lightweight, most suitable for smaller jobs.
Pros: Easily manageable, used for polishing, cutting tiles, or small repairs.
Ideal for: Home uses or tasks that include fine detailing.

Common Indian buyers prefer models with 4-inch or 5-inch discs for their balance of size, safety, and versatility.

Types of Angle Grinder Discs

What really makes an angle grinder so useful is the kind of disc you put on it, that’s where all the action happens.

Every disc is made for a particular job, and picking the right one not only gives you better results but also keeps you safe while working.

1. Cutting Discs

Cutting discs are thin, round discs.  These are used for slicing metal pipes, steel bars, and also tiles easily.

General Uses: Cutting metal pipes, bolts, or iron frames for grills or gates.
Avoid it for grinding.

2. Grinding Discs

These are thicker. Help smooth uneven surfaces or remove welds.
Common Uses: You can use them for things like smoothing weld joints, scraping off rust or old paint, or shaping metal edges neatly.

If you work with metal frequently, this disc is a must-have.

3. Flap Discs

These have layered sandpaper-like flaps. Mainly used for polishing, smoothing, and blending.
Common Uses: Finishing metal furniture, polishing wood edges, and preparing surfaces for painting.

They work well when you want a neat, polished finish.

4. Wire Brush and Wire Cup Discs

These discs have tough steel wires for scraping off rust, corrosion, and old paint from metal surfaces.

Common Uses: Repairing metal gates, cleaning grills, or removing old paint layers.
Ideal for reusing or refurbishing old metal furniture.

5. Diamond Cutting Blades

Created for cutting stone, marble, granite, and concrete.
Common Uses: Cutting tiles, masonry, or any stonework.

6. Sanding Discs

Used for work that involves wood and also for preparing surfaces for painting.
Common Uses: Smoothing rough, uneven edges, preparing walls for painting, or plywood sanding.

7. Polishing Pads

These soft, foam-based attachments are used for buffing and shining surfaces.
Common Uses: Polishing car surfaces, stainless steel, or stone floors.
Combine them with polishing compounds for the best shine.

Attachments You Should Know About

Aside from discs, several attachments can expand what your angle grinder can do.

1. Backing Pads

Used to hold sanding or polishing discs firmly in place. These are made of rubber or plastic.

2. Cutting Guards

These come with the grinder. Cutting guards help protect from sparks and debris that can be dangerous.

3. Dust Shroud

If you’re cutting or grinding indoors, a dust shroud can help. Connect it to a vacuum cleaner, and the workspace stays cleaner.

4. Handle Attachments

Almost all grinders come with a side handle. Always attach it as it helps you keep control, especially during heavy-duty cutting.

The Right Grinder and Disc Combination

Safety Tips 

1. Always wear safety gear —goggles, gloves, and ear protection.
2. Use the correct disc for the job — never mix cutting and grinding discs.
3. Check the disc before use — cracked or damaged discs can shatter.
4. Don’t use too much pressure — allow the tool do the work.
5. Avoid loose clothing — it can get caught in the tool.
6. Unplug or remove the battery before changing discs.

Final Thoughts

An angle grinder is one of those tools that helps no matter how small or big the job is, whether cutting, grinding, or polishing with ease and precision. Just select the right disc or attachment, and follow safety rules. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which size of angle grinder is best for home use?

A 4-inch or 5-inch grinder is perfect for most household projects. It’s small but still powerful enough to cut, grind, or polish materials around the house.

2. What disc should I use to cut tiles or marble?

Use a diamond cutting blade. It’s made to handle stone, marble, granite, and concrete without wearing out quickly. Just make sure to wear a mask and goggles when working with stone.

3. How do I remove rust or paint with an angle grinder?

Use an attachment like a wire brush disc or wire cup brush. These are great for cleaning metal gates, rods, or old furniture. They scrub away rust and old paint easily.