Getting the difference between most cutting tools is a bit difficult. For most people who have come across a cut-off tool and an angle grinder for the first time, for example, the issue is always on the difference between them. While making a choice between a cut off tool vs. angle grinder, it is essential to lay down the distinct characteristics for each.
Both of them are handheld power grinders and are usually used to cut and sharpen metals. The striking difference between them, however, is on the size of piecework that you want to cut or sharpen. The other variances include the orientation of the blade as well as the cutting disc on each.
If you are looking for the difference between the two cutting tools, here are some insights for you. This write up gives you a detailed comparison with key characteristics that may help you to choose the right tool.
What is A Cut Off Tool?
A cut off tool is one of the small and handheld tools used for sharpening or cutting metal workpieces. The tool has a disc that is fitted to its shaft perpendicularly, has a motor with less than 1-Hp, and is, therefore, not designed for cutting through thick volumes of materials. The tool is, therefore, more effective if used to cut thin metal pieces or tiny welding beads.
OUR TOP PICKS
1. Editor's Pick
- Reversible blade rotation for ultimate cutting control
- Powerstate Brushless Motor delivers maximum power and long motor life
- Redlink Plus intelligence provides optimized performance and overload protection
- An ergonomic grip provides the user optimized one-handed cutting control
2. Budget Pick
- Cuts through straps, hangers, exhaust systems, sheet metal, pipes and more an essential auto-body repair tool
- Powerful 3.5-amp motor
- No-load speed: 24,000 RPM
- Uses standard 3-in. cutoff discs
- Max cutting depth: 1 in.
3. Upgrade Pick
- Self-locking touch control trigger of the angle grinder is designed for ease of use
- Ergonimically designed cushion grip body of DEWALT grinder isolates user's hand as the unit gets cold from use
- Rear exhaust directs air away from the user for maximum comfort of DEWALT cut off tool
4. Good choice
- Reversible: This tool’s reversible function allows you to control the direction of the spark safely so you can use it in any direction.
- Comfort: Thanks to its composite housing’s insulation, this tool can be used for prolonged periods of time without worrying about cold outside air.
- Lightweight: Weighing 2.0 lbs, the 426 allows you to work longer and get the job done faster.
- Lock-Out Lever: This tool contains a unique system that prevents accidental throttle operation by utilising a spring-loaded latch that resets each time the lever is released.
- Control: The speed regulator knob gives you full control over the 426. Change speeds for different needs to ensure you get the job done right.
5. Also great
- Unique In-Line Design Provides Greater Control
- Positive control and lock-out throttle protection
- Adjustable protection guard
- Chrome plated steel spark guard
- Variable speed control
What a Cut Off Tool Can Do
A cut off tool mainly has a 3-inch cutting disc size. This makes it ideal for cutting through thinner pieces of metal or tiny welding beads. It is a compact tool and measures about 6 inches from the head to the bottom which allows it to fit into tight spots, even under the hood of a car.
A cut off tool can run on electric or battery power or air pressure. While an electric-powered one is larger and more reliable than the battery-powered one, a pneumatic version is the most powerful. The latter is mostly used for automotive jobs, for example, cutting mufflers, sheet metal, bolts, and hose clamps since it has more punch than the other two.
Electric cut off tools are mostly used for light-duty metalwork like cutting thin sheet metal and conduits.
What is An Angle Grinder?
An angle grinder, also called a disc grinder or side grinder is a handheld power tool, slightly bigger than a cut off tool. It is used for a wide range of applications where a smaller tool would not be efficient enough. It is designed with a large grinding disc (measures between 4 – 1/2 and 9 inches) which makes it efficient for heavy-duty applications.
OUR TOP PICKS
1. Editor's Pick
- Powerful 7.5 AMP motor for high output power in a more compact tool (only 4.5 pounds)
- Small diameter barrel grip (only 2 to 1/2 inches) for added comfort
- Labyrinth construction seals and protects the motor and bearings from dust and debris for longer tool life
- Lock on/off feature for continuous operation
- AC/DC switch for use with alternative power source
2. Budget Pick
- Metal gear case for durability and longer life
- 3 Position side handle provides added comfort and control
- Spindle lock for easy accessory changes
- Included Components: 4-1/2" Small angle grinder, Metal grinding wheel, Spanner wrench, Wheel Guard
- Narrow body for comfortable grip
3. Upgrade Pick
- COMPACT: weighing only 3.75 pounds, the grinder is compact and ideal for metal workers, vehicle fabricators, plumbers and other professionals who use grinders on a daily basis
- POWER: features a powerful 6.0 AMP motor to produce 11,000 no load rpm for professional cutting and grinding applications; the efficient motor was designed with an extremely small field diameter, letting the user grind or cut with ease
- COMFORT: offers a 2-position side auxiliary handle specifically designed to angle to a natural position for maximum operator comfort; the top handle of the angle grinder is also ergonomically designed
- CONVENIENT: features Bosch’s Service Minder Brush System to eliminate guesswork and stops the tool when preventative maintenance is required; A 5/8 inches to 11 inch spindle works with a wide array of sizes, mounting the most popular accessories
- DURABLE: features an epoxy coated design to protect the tool from abrasive debris; also designed with a sealed switch to keep dust and debris from entering the switch mechanism
4. Good choice
- 7.5-amp motor generates up to 11,000 disc rotations per minute
- Lightweight 4-pound body limits fatigue during long days on the job
- Arbor adapter allows for compatibility with both 5/8 and 7/8-inch arbor grinding wheels
- Reversible auxiliary handle attaches to both the left and right-hand side of the grinder
- Includes three grinding wheels, a compact carrying case, and a two-year warranty
5. Also great
No products found.
How an Angle Grinder Functions
The disc on an angle grinder is locked onto a spindle and sticks out in the direction of the trigger. The blade and the handle are parallel, and it also features a blade guard which protects the user's hands and fingers from accidental contact with the spinning disc.
The angle grinder features a more ergonomic design for maximum efficiency and comfortable handling. It is designed with a second handle which is movable from the left side to the right. The second handle offers a better grip and control when the tool is grinding and buffing.
The grinder can be used on a variety of materials including wood, metal, plastic, and mortal. Regardless of the work, therefore, it is a handy tool to have in your workshop.
Just like any rotary tool, the angle grinder is versatile enough to handle any task thrown at it. Talk of buffing a vehicle’s body, grinding mortar to prepare for tuckpointing, getting rid of pesky nails, cutting welding beads, eliminating rust, or finishing woodworking projects and the tool comes to your mind. It can also be used for cutting hose clamps, poles, beams, nuts, thick bars, and sheet metal in metalworking and automotive industries.
A significant advantage about an angle grinder is that you can disassemble and reassemble it swiftly. It is also easy to swap the attachments if you have a variety of uses. As such, you can remove a wood-cutting blade and replace it with another that can cut through bricks, masonry, or sharpen lawnmower blades.
Difference Between A Cut Off Tool Vs. An Angle Grinder
The Size of a Cut Off Tool Vs. An Angle Grinder
A cut off tool is considerably smaller which makes it fit to use even in tight and hard-to-reach spaces like beneath a car’s hood while an angle grinder is larger. The latter, as such, cannot be used on tight spots or where one needs to use just one hand.
A Cut Off Tools’ Power Vs. Angle Grinder’s Power
An angle grinder is much more powerful compared to a cut off tool. The grinder has motors that range between 3 – 7 horsepower. Conversely, a cut off tool is less powerful since it has a motor with a horsepower of up to 1-Hp.
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Uses of Cut Off Tools Vs. Angle Grinders
A cut off tool is mainly used for cutting surfaces. An angle grinder, conversely, is used for cutting, polishing, sharpening, and grinding purposes.
Operation
Each of the tools is operated differently. For the cut off tool, the user can comfortably use one hand since it is lightweight and small in design. The angle grinder, on its side, is operated using both hands as it’s a bit larger and requires a higher level of control.
Blade Position
The cut off tool’s blade is mounted on the drive shaft while the angle grinder has its cutting head at a specific angle to the drive shaft. This allows the angle grinder to perform its heavy-duty applications more efficiently.
Cutting Materials
Owing to its powerful nature, an angle grinder is used on a wider range of materials. It can be used on frozen bolts, bricks, masonry, metal, shovels, and sharpening lawn mower blades. It can also be used for eliminating rust, grinding motor, removing pesky nails, buffing vehicles’ bodies, and cutting welding beads.
A cut off tool, on the other hand, is used for lightweight applications. It is used for cutting thin metal pieces and tiny welding beads.
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Price Comparison Between A Cut Off Tool Vs. An Angle Grinder
The more versatility and added power the angle grinder has, the costlier it is. As for the cut off tool, it has less power and is used on a narrower range of materials which translates into low purchasing costs. A cut off tool’s blades are also considerably cheap.
Safety Precautions While Using A Cut Off Tool and An Angle Grinder
Regardless of the tool that you are using, it is critical that you maintain and observe the recommended safety procedures. When using either of these tools, you are sure to see flying debris or run into minor and major accidents. Therefore, it is important to:
- Wear the right or recommended protective gear like aprons and workshop gloves.
- Ensure your eyes are protected from sparks by using protective glasses.
- Wear nose masks to protect your lungs from dirt and dust particles.
- Ensure to have ear-protective workshop headphones to protect your eardrums from loud noise. An angle grinder, for instance, is believed to produce sound pressure levels and vibrations ranging between 91 and 103 dBA.
- Follow all the manufacturer’s instructions for every tool. Make sure to assemble and disassemble them following the user instructions given or reach out to an expert if need be.
- Never leave your tools unattended to or in an open place especially if you have young children as well as pets.
Cut Off Tool Vs. Angle Grinder: Which is Better?
Now that you have gone through the distinct characteristics of each tool, it is upon you to grab what meets your criteria. However, it is clear that the choice of tool here is dependent on the task that you have ahead. If you, for instance, need to cut through materials thicker than 3 inches, buff a vehicle’s body, grind a mortar to prepare it for tuckpointing, get rid of pesky nails, cut welding beads, eliminate rust, or finish woodworking projects an angle grinder will be your best asset. A cut off tool, on the other hand, will work effectively through tiny metal pieces or thin aluminum sheets.
Last update on 2024-04-05 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
