Must-Have Die Grinders for Every Toolbox

person operating a dark gray die grinder — Ingersoll Rand

Die grinders are commonly used for metalworking, to rework dies, polish metal, remove rust, sharpen blades and even smooth out surfaces. Like most rotary tools, die grinders spin at a high speed to remove material from your workpiece, be it metal, plastic, or wood.

What Should You Consider in a Die Grinder?

With any power tool, safety should be a top priority. Die grinders also have different attachments to accomplish different tasks, so consider the material you will be working with before purchasing this tool. Some die grinders come with impact resistance and safety locks to prevent accidents. Electric die grinders need to be plugged into an outlet, but cordless ones need to spend time charging.

Best Overall: Ingersoll Rand 3101G Edge Series Air Angle Die Grinder

black and silver die grinder — Ingersoll Rand

This die grinder is built with an ergonomic grip and a self-locking level throttle. Perfect for tough jobs, this power tool is sturdy and lightweight and features a 1/3-horsepower motor. The compressed-air-powered tool works well for grinding, porting, polishing, deburring, and weld breaking.

Best Overall

Ingersoll Rand 3101G Air Die Grinder Edge Series – 1/4", Heavy Duty, Right Angle, Ergonomic Grip, Ball Bearing Construction, Lightweight Tool, Black

Die grinder with ergonomic grip meant for tough jobs.

Best for Professionals: Jet Jat-481 Extended Die Grinder

long black die grinder with red and silver accents — Jet

A fully upgraded die grinder, this one horsepower motor provides heavy-duty power for tough industrial environments. This tool is impact resistant to reduce user fatigue and tool weight. The extended design helps get into tough areas and the speed throttle ramp is varied. It includes a safety lock to prevent accidental engagement. Additional safety feature includes the 360-degree rotating air inlet to keep the air hose tangle-free.

Best for Professionals

JET JAT-481, 1/4-Inch Extended Pneumatic Die Grinder (505481)

A heavy-duty die grinder for tough environments, with an extended design.

Best for Budget: PROSHI 1/4-Inch Angle Air Die Grinder

silver die grinder with several accessories — PROSHI

Made from lightweight aluminum, this die grinder has a 90-degree head for flexibility to reach tight or angled grinding. The variable-speed throttle builds up to maximum RPM and has a built-in air regulator for speed control. A powerful tool, the PROSHI die grinder is a compact size and is suitable for precision machining and more.

Best For Budget

PROSHI 1/4-Inch Angle Air Die Grinder, Mini Air Angle Die Grinder, pneumatic angle die grinder, 90 Degree Angled Air Die Grinder, Edge Series Air Angle Die Grinder, Polished color

A compact and lightweight die grinder with a flexible head and variable speeds.

Also Consider: Ingersoll Rand 308B Air Straight Die Grinder

black, silver, and black die grinder — Ingersoll Rand

A general-purpose die grinder tool, this machine is designed for a variety of uses. The construction is ball bearing, for longer tool life and has a self-locking throttle lever. Its gear life is extending by the built-in lubricating wick. Accidental start-up is prevented with a safety-lock throttle lever. Built for comfort, the ergonomic build allows it to be used with ease.

Also Consider

Ingersoll Rand 308B Air Straight Die Grinder, 1/4", 25,000 RPM, 0.33 HP, Ball Bearing Construction, Safety Lock, Composite Housing, Lightweight Power Tool, Gray

A standard die grinder built for long life and comfort for easy use.

For the craft or metal worker, a die grinder is a versatile tool to have in your toolkit.