Q: What disc size should I choose for general DIY and light trade work?

115mm is the right choice for most general-purpose use. It covers cutting tiles, grinding welds, removing rust, and shaping metal — the tasks that make up the vast majority of DIY and light trade jobs. A 125mm disc gives you marginally more cutting depth and is increasingly common on professional sites, but the difference is modest. Only step up to 180mm or 230mm if you're regularly cutting thick steel sections or large masonry blocks; the extra size brings extra weight and more aggressive kickback risk.

Question 1

What disc size should I choose for general DIY and light trade work?

Accepted Answer

115mm is the right choice for most general-purpose use. It covers cutting tiles, grinding welds, removing rust, and shaping metal — the tasks that make up the vast majority of DIY and light trade jobs. A 125mm disc gives you marginally more cutting depth and is increasingly common on professional sites, but the difference is modest. Only step up to 180mm or 230mm if you're regularly cutting thick steel sections or large masonry blocks; the extra size brings extra weight and more aggressive kickback risk.

Question 2

Is a cordless angle grinder as powerful as a corded one?

Accepted Answer

For most tasks, a good 18V cordless grinder is now close enough that the difference rarely matters in practice. Models like the DeWALT DCG406N-XJ and Bosch GWX 18V-10 deliver genuine cutting performance on steel and masonry. Where corded tools still have the edge is sustained heavy-duty use — long cutting sessions where battery depletion and heat build-up in a cordless motor become real factors. If you're doing occasional to moderate work, go cordless for the convenience. If you're running the grinder hard for hours at a time, a corded model is more reliable.

Question 3

What does 'sold as body only' mean, and should I avoid these listings?

Accepted Answer

'Body only' or 'bare tool' means the grinder is sold without a battery or charger. You should absolutely not avoid these — in fact, if you already own tools in the same battery ecosystem (Bosch 18V, Makita LXT, DeWALT XR), buying bare tool is the smarter move. You save a significant amount compared to a kit version, and you use batteries you already own. Only buy a kit (with battery and charger) if you're starting from scratch with no compatible batteries.

Question 4

Are budget angle grinders from Draper or Einhell worth buying, or are they a false economy?

Accepted Answer

They're worth buying for occasional, light-duty use — but they're a false economy for regular work. The Draper 56457 at around 32 £ is a functional tool for cutting the odd tile or removing surface rust a few times a year. Under sustained load, budget motors run hot, vibration levels are higher, and the lack of soft-start puts more stress on the disc at startup. For anyone using a grinder more than a few times a month, spending more to reach the 63 £–104 £ bracket buys you meaningfully better build quality and safety features.

Question 5

What safety features should I insist on when buying an angle grinder in 2026?

Accepted Answer

As a minimum: an adjustable guard, a spindle lock, and a deadman (paddle) switch. These three features address the most common causes of angle grinder injuries — flying debris, unsafe disc changes, and loss of control. Soft-start technology is strongly recommended on top of these, as it prevents the violent torque jolt at startup that can cause kickback. Anti-vibration systems matter too if you're using the tool for extended periods; chronic hand-arm vibration syndrome is a recognised occupational hazard, and the Health and Safety Executive has specific guidance on daily vibration exposure limits.

Question 6

Does the M14 spindle thread matter when choosing an angle grinder?

Accepted Answer

Yes — M14 is the universal standard, and you should stick to it. The vast majority of abrasive discs, flap wheels, wire cups, and cutting wheels sold in the UK are designed for M14 threads. A grinder with a proprietary spindle system locks you into the manufacturer's own accessories, which are typically more expensive and less widely available. All the major brands — Bosch, Makita, DeWALT, Metabo — use M14 on their standard models, so this is only a concern with very cheap or obscure tools.

Question 7

How do I compare angle grinder prices effectively across UK retailers?

Accepted Answer

Check multiple retailers simultaneously rather than buying from the first result you find. Prices for the same model can vary significantly between Amazon.co.uk, Screwfix, Toolstation, Currys, and specialist tool retailers — and promotional pricing during Black Friday or January sales can shift things further. Using a price comparison tool like MagicPrices lets you see all available offers for a specific model in one place, including whether a bare-tool listing is genuinely cheaper than a kit once you account for battery costs.

Angle Grinders Price Comparison

Angle Grinders price comparison UK