Q: Do I need a special disc for cutting stainless steel?

Yes — you need an Inox-rated disc specifically formulated for stainless steel. Standard aluminium oxide discs leave iron particles embedded in the cut surface, which causes rust spots and compromises the corrosion resistance of the material. Bosch's Standard for Inox range and PFERD's stainless-specific discs are both well-regarded options. The price difference over a standard disc is minimal compared to the cost of ruining a stainless workpiece.

Question 1

What disc diameter do I need for my angle grinder?

Accepted Answer

The disc diameter must match your grinder's specification exactly — fitting an oversized disc is a serious safety risk. The most common sizes are 115mm and 125mm for compact grinders, and 230mm for large grinders. Check the label on your grinder or its manual; the maximum disc size is always stated. Using a smaller disc than the guard is designed for is generally safe, but never exceed the maximum.

Question 2

Can I use a cutting disc for grinding?

Accepted Answer

No — and this is one of the most dangerous mistakes you can make with an angle grinder. Cutting discs are thin (typically 1.0mm–1.6mm) and designed to be loaded axially, not laterally. Applying sideways grinding pressure to a cutting disc can cause it to shatter at speed. Always use a proper grinding disc (4mm–6mm thick) or a flap disc for surface grinding and material removal.

Question 3

Do I need a special disc for cutting stainless steel?

Accepted Answer

Yes — you need an Inox-rated disc specifically formulated for stainless steel. Standard aluminium oxide discs leave iron particles embedded in the cut surface, which causes rust spots and compromises the corrosion resistance of the material. Bosch's Standard for Inox range and PFERD's stainless-specific discs are both well-regarded options. The price difference over a standard disc is minimal compared to the cost of ruining a stainless workpiece.

Question 4

What does the RPM rating on a disc actually mean, and why does it matter?

Accepted Answer

The maximum RPM rating is the highest rotational speed at which the disc can safely operate. If your grinder's no-load speed exceeds this figure, the disc can fail catastrophically — disintegrating at speed and causing serious injury. Always check your grinder's RPM against the disc's rated maximum before fitting. Reputable brands like Bosch, Makita, and DeWALT print this clearly on every disc; if you can't find the figure, don't use the disc.

Question 5

Are cheap unbranded angle grinder discs worth the risk?

Accepted Answer

Generally, no — and this is the one area of power tool accessories where we'd strongly advise against cutting corners. Unbranded discs frequently lack proper CE marking, carry vague or absent RPM ratings, and use inferior reinforcement mesh that doesn't meet EN 12413 standards. At the speeds an angle grinder operates, a disc failure isn't a minor inconvenience — it's a trip to A&E. Bosch's entry-level discs start from 1 £, which makes the safety argument for going branded very easy to make.

Question 6

What is a flap disc and when should I use one instead of a grinding disc?

Accepted Answer

A flap disc consists of overlapping abrasive flaps arranged radially around a central hub, and it's the right choice when you need a smoother finish rather than aggressive material removal. They're ideal for blending welds, removing mill scale, and surface preparation before painting or coating. Compared to a standard grinding disc, a flap disc cuts cooler, lasts longer, and leaves a far better surface finish — though it costs more per unit. For finishing work on fabricated metalwork, a flap disc is almost always the better tool.

Question 7

Is it worth buying Bosch X-LOCK discs if my grinder doesn't support X-LOCK?

Accepted Answer

No — X-LOCK discs require a compatible X-LOCK spindle and cannot be safely used on standard M14 threaded grinders without an adapter. The X-LOCK system's main benefit is tool-free disc changes, which is genuinely useful on site but irrelevant if your machine doesn't support it. Check your grinder's spindle type before purchasing; most Bosch X-LOCK discs are clearly labelled, and standard alternatives are available at comparable prices.

Angle Grinder Accessories Price Comparison

Bosch 2 608 619 264 angle grinder accessory Cutting disc

Bosch 2 608 619 263 angle grinder accessory Cutting disc

Bosch 2 608 619 257 angle grinder accessory Cutting disc

Bosch 2 608 619 255 angle grinder accessory Cutting disc

Bosch 2 608 619 254 angle grinder accessory Cutting disc

Bosch 2 608 619 252 angle grinder accessory Cutting disc

LENOX 2030866 angle grinder accessory Cutting disc

LENOX 2030865 angle grinder accessory Cutting disc

Bosch EXPERT CARBIDE MULTI WHEEL Cutting disc

Makita D-70758 angle grinder accessory

Bosch 2 608 900 533 angle grinder accessory Cutting disc

Bosch 2 608 900 532 angle grinder accessory Cutting disc

Makita E-05670 angle grinder accessory

DeWALT 125X22MM EXTREME RUNTIME DIAMOND WHEEL

Makita D-18770-10 angle grinder accessory

Bosch EXPERT CARBIDE MULTI WHEEL Cutting disc

Bosch EXPERT MULTIMATERIAL X-LOCK Cutting disc

Makita D-18770-100 angle grinder accessory

DeWALT DT42335TZ-QZ angle grinder accessory Cutting disc

Yato YT-6023 angle grinder accessory

Makita D-66070 angle grinder accessory

Angle Grinder Accessories Price Comparison