Grinders

About Grinders

Grinders are indispensable power tools for cutting, grinding, polishing, and shaping a vast range of materials including metal, stone, concrete, and masonry. From professional workshops and construction sites to home garages, these versatile machines use high-speed rotating abrasive discs to tackle everything from preparing welds and cutting steel to sharpening tools and finishing metalwork. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive range of grinders from leading brands including Makita, DeWalt, Milwaukee, Bosch, and Fein.

Our grinder category encompasses angle grinders for versatile cutting and grinding, bench grinders for workshop-based sharpening, cordless grinders offering maximum site mobility, die grinders for precision work in confined spaces, and straight grinders for heavy-duty material removal. Modern innovations like brushless motors, electronic speed control, and anti-vibration systems have significantly improved both performance and operator comfort, whilst cordless lithium-ion technology now rivals corded 240v models for power and reliability.

Applications

Grinders are essential across numerous trades and industries:

• Welders and Fabricators: Preparing joints, grinding welds, cutting metal stock, and finishing metalwork
• Construction Workers and Builders: Cutting concrete blocks, paving slabs, brick, and masonry materials on site
• Metalworkers and Engineers: Precision grinding, deburring, and shaping components in manufacturing environments
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Cutting pipework, removing corroded fixtures, and surface preparation
• Automotive Technicians: Removing paint and rust, cutting panels, and grinding welds during vehicle repairs
• Stonemasons and Tilers: Cutting and shaping natural stone, tiles, and masonry
• Tool and Die Makers: Sharpening cutting tools, drills, and chisels using bench grinders
• DIY Enthusiasts: General cutting, grinding, and finishing tasks for home improvements

Choosing The Right Grinders

Type of Grinder: Angle grinders offer maximum versatility for cutting and grinding both metal and masonry. Bench grinders suit permanent workshop stations for sharpening and finishing. Cordless models provide unmatched mobility for site work, whilst die and straight grinders serve specialised applications.

Disc Size: For angle grinders, 115mm models provide excellent manoeuvrability for light to medium-duty tasks. 125mm grinders balance power and control for general professional use, whilst 230mm grinders deliver maximum cutting depth but require more experience to handle safely.

Power Source: Corded 240v grinders deliver consistent power for extended heavy-duty workshop use. Cordless models using 18V or higher voltage batteries provide freedom of movement on site but require battery management.

Safety Features: Prioritise anti-restart protection, dead man's switches, adjustable guards, and soft-start functionality. Vibration reduction systems protect against hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) during prolonged use, crucial for meeting HSE guidelines.

Safety Information

Always wear appropriate PPE including safety goggles or face shields, hearing protection, and FFP2/FFP3 dust masks. Never remove safety guards or use damaged discs. Check discs are rated for speeds exceeding your grinder's maximum RPM, and never use cutting discs for grinding or vice versa. Be aware of HAVS risks when using grinders regularly—modern anti-vibration systems significantly reduce exposure. Position yourself to the side of the grinder, maintain a firm two-handed grip, and secure workpieces properly. Ensure adequate ventilation when working indoors to prevent harmful dust accumulation, particularly when cutting masonry materials that produce respirable crystalline silica.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between grinding discs and cutting discs?

Grinding discs are thicker (typically 6mm) with depressed centres, designed to withstand side pressure for grinding applications. Cutting discs are much thinner (1-3mm) and must only be used at 90-degree angles—using them for grinding will cause dangerous shattering. Always use the correct disc type for your application.

Do I need a cordless or corded grinder?

Corded 240v grinders from MyToolShed.co.uk provide unlimited runtime and consistent power for workshop and extended heavy-duty use. Cordless grinders offer unmatched portability for site work without mains access and eliminate cable trip hazards. Many professionals own both types for different scenarios, particularly if they've already invested in a specific battery platform like Makita, DeWalt, or Milwaukee.

What size angle grinder should I choose?

For general DIY and light trade work, 115mm grinders offer the best balance of manoeuvrability, control, and capability. Professional metalworkers often prefer 125mm models for additional power and cutting depth whilst maintaining good control. Only choose 230mm grinders if you regularly require maximum cutting depth for heavy structural steel work, as they're considerably heavier and more demanding to handle safely.