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Best Air Die Grinders

Updated May 2023
Bottom line
Pros
Cons
Best of the Best
Ingersoll Rand Air Die Grinder
Ingersoll Rand
Air Die Grinder
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Solid Build
Bottom Line

A lightweight pneumatic angle die grinder with a fourth-inch collet capable of reaching 21,000 RPM.

Pros

A solid unit that is manufactured with durability in mind. It is constructed using a ball-bearing design to increase the grinder's lifespan while helping to reduce vibrations. The throttle features a safety lock to prevent accidental starting.

Cons

Although it is a matter of preference, it is important to note this tool has a front exhaust, which may or may not be to your liking.

Best Bang for the Buck
Neiko Right Angle Die Grinder
Neiko
Right Angle Die Grinder
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Easy to Use
Bottom Line

This compact and lightweight option is versatile enough for a wide variety of jobs.

Pros

The right angle allows the tool to get into harder-to-reach places. The grip fits in hand nicely and makes it easy to turn off and on. The 1/4" collet allows a large variety of attachments. It is very lightweight, which makes it easy to use for an extended period of time.

Cons

The lack of different speed options makes it a harder to use for certain projects.

DeWalt Straight Die Grinder
DeWalt
Die Grinder
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Trusted Brand
Bottom Line

This inexpensive option earns top marks for its long lifespan, ability to get into hard-to-reach places, and simple storage, according to our expert.

Pros

Aluminum body remains durable and easy to grip. Compact size allows access to tight areas while working. Proves to be a durable model that lasts through many uses. Lever lock mechanism is reliable.

Cons

Quite loud when in use.

Chicago Pneumatic 1/4" 90° Angled Air Die Grinder
Chicago Pneumatic
1/4" 90° Angled Air Die Grinder
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Simple Yet Solid
Bottom Line

This angled option is compact but mighty and fairly priced, says our expert.

Pros

Small design with some serious punch, given its high-powered nature. Ideal for automotive use. Vibrates minimally while in use. Durable enough to withstand daily use while still performing flawlessly. Quieter than other models.

Cons

Does not have composite handle, so may cause hand to get cold after extended use.

Astro Pneumatic Tool ONYX Die Grinder Kit
Astro
ONYX Pneumatic Die Grinder Kit
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Most Versatile
Bottom Line

A handy pneumatic die grinder kit featuring a fourth-inch straight die grinder, a fourth-inch angle die grinder, and a set of grinding bits.

Pros

The included tools in Astro's kit are quality pneumatic grinders that are capable of impressive power and speed. Both are compact, lightweight grinders with textured handles for a firmer grip. The design of the throttle allows for precision control.

Cons

The kit could benefit from a more durable collet wrench.

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We only make money if you purchase a product through our links, and all opinions about the products are our own. About BestReviews  
BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. We buy all products with our own funds, and we never accept free products from manufacturers.About BestReviews 
HOW WE TESTED

We recommend these products based on an intensive research process that's designed to cut through the noise and find the top products in this space. Guided by experts, we spend hours looking into the factors that matter, to bring you these selections.

30
Models
Considered
85
Consumers
Consulted
8
Hours
Researched
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Buying guide for Best air die grinders

Air die grinders are remarkably versatile tools. You’ll find them in garages and workshops everywhere, used for everything from shaping plastics to carving wood to polishing metal.

Air die grinders have no motor of their own — they’re powered by a compressor. That means the unit can be more compact and lighter while producing equivalent or greater power than its electric counterparts. There’s also less that can go wrong, which results in minimal maintenance.

Given the advantages, it’s no surprise that air die grinders are very popular, and manufacturers have responded with dozens of different models for you to choose from.

Content Image
The metal bodies of these devices can be uncomfortable (and cold) over long periods. Wearing gloves is recommended.

Key considerations

What air die grinders can do

Perhaps paradoxically, air die grinders (also called pneumatic grinders) owe much of their versatility to their simplicity. Basically, they're a tool with a head that rotates very fast, but because you can fit them with many different bits, they can be used to sculpt, cut, grind, or polish all kinds of materials.

That being the case, you’ll find them in the shops of professional woodworkers, engineers, auto technicians, welders, and a host of other trades and crafts. They’re also very affordable, which helps to make them suitable for people with home workshops that already have a compressor or who are thinking of investing in one.

Features

Almost all air die grinders have a similar design: a steel or aluminum body has a lever trigger/throttle on the side. It’s a simple and ergonomic design. You wrap your hand around it and squeeze. The only disadvantage is that it’s easy to operate accidentally, or when you put the tool down, and that could be dangerous. Good models have a safety lock to prevent this from happening.

Tool head

The tool head is either straight (in line with the body) or at a 90° angle. Which is the better choice very much depends on the work you need to do. An angled head can get into spaces a straight one might not, but the straight tool is often preferred for precision. If you can’t decide, or you think you need both, there are some very cost-effective twin-packs available.

Expert Tip
When using a grinder, give yourself plenty of hose length. You don’t want to minimize performance or safety.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

Power

It can be difficult to assess power, and often figures aren’t easy to find. Sometimes the horsepower (hp) is given, but it doesn’t mean much when a 1/4 hp tool is quite powerful in these circumstances. The best indication is air consumption, given in cubic feet per minute (CFM). Generally, this runs from around 1.5 CFM for pencil-grip precision air grinders, to 6 CFM for heavy-duty models. For the technically minded, it’s not air pressure — which is probably a constant 90 pounds per square inch (psi) — it’s actual volume of air.

Speed

You’ll also get speed ratings, usually between 20,000 and 25,000 revolutions per minute (rpm) Precision types go higher. It’s important to note that this is “free speed,” in other words, without a bit attached, because the type of bit (and the material you’re working on) will make a huge difference to actual operating speed. That’s where the difference in CFM will make itself felt, with higher airflow providing increased drive.

Insulation

High rotational speeds can make air die grinders vibrate quite a lot. Not a problem if you’re only using one for short periods, but uncomfortable if you’re working with it all day. Some of the top models have rubber casings that provide insulation. With those that don’t, it’s worth checking customer feedback to see if real-world users think it’s a problem.

Collet

Most air die grinders have a 1/4-inch collet. The range of bits available is enormous. However, for delicate work, a bit with a 1/8-inch shank might be preferred. Some air grinders come with an optional 1/8-inch collet, but not all, and adapters may or may not be available, so this is actually quite an important factor.

Expert Tip
As with all power tools, secure loose clothing and long hair when using grinders.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

Exhaust valve

An exhaust valve is necessary to allow the air to escape. Where this is positioned is another point to consider. You don’t really want it in your face, but having fast-moving air blowing across the workpiece might be a problem. Having said that, for someone else, having the debris blown away could be a bonus!

Weight

Although none of these tools is particularly heavy, the weight is worth thinking about if you’re using one for long periods. It will also have a minor impact on maneuverability.

A note about safety

Compressed air doesn’t seem dangerous, but it can be lethal. If a tool is pressed against the skin, air can penetrate and cause an embolism — an air bubble in the bloodstream. If it reaches your heart, it can kill you.

Used properly, there isn’t any risk, but never mess around with these tools. Take the same precautions with an air die grinder that you would with any power tool. Wear gloves, safety glasses or a face shield, and respiratory protection appropriate to the task you’re performing. Compressors and die grinders can be noisy, so earplugs may also be needed.

Expert Tip
Use a bench vise if the project piece is not already secure.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

Accessories

Disc holder: Protool Roloc Disc Pad Holder
This is a cheap but indispensable tool for increasing the versatility of your air die grinder. A hard-wearing rubber pad with a 1/4-inch steel shank accepts 3-inch-diameter disposable sanding, grinding, and polishing pads. Screw-in fitting ensures you don’t get the fly-off problems associated with hook-and-loop pads. A 2-inch version is also available.

Mandrel: Weiler 56490 Mandrel for Type 1 Cutoff Wheels
Another low-cost accessory. Takes 3-inch aluminum oxide cutoff wheels used to slice through plastic, fiberglass, iron, and steel. Made of tough carbon steel, with a standard 1/4-inch shank, this mandrel accepts wheels from 1/16- to 1/4-inch thick.

Grinding burrs: Osidu Carbide Rotary File Set
Made from extremely hard tungsten carbide blanks, these high-quality burrs have a unique double-cut tooth angle that grinds metal and wood with remarkable efficiency and stays sharper longer. There are ten different shapes and sizes, each with a 1/4-inch shank, supplied in a convenient stand.

Air die grinder prices

Inexpensive

The cheapest air die grinders we found cost around $20. They offer useful features and adequate performance for the occasional user.

Expert Tip
As many of these tools do not have lock-off safety switches, use care when handling them, and be sure to cut the power when changing bits.
BestReviews Home Improvement and DIY Expert

Mid-range

Between $30 and $60, you’ll find a wide choice of durable, high-quality tools for home and trade use, including models from many of the industry’s leading names. Few users will need to spend more.

Expensive

Heavy-duty and specialized air die grinders can exceed $60 (long-reach models, for example), but of the dozens we looked at, only one tool topped $100.

Content Image
Auto enthusiasts will love an air die grinder. It can remove rust and old paint quickly and reach into areas where you’d never get the usual dual-action sander.

FAQ

Q. What’s the difference between an air die grinder and a rotary tool?

A. In a nutshell, performance. While they both do similar jobs in terms of providing drive for various rotating bits, a compressor-driven die grinder is much more powerful than the electrically powered rotary tools from Dremel and similar devices.

Q. What about the difference between an air die grinder and an angle grinder?

A. OK, the angle grinder is another step up in terms of power: rotary tool, die grinder, angle grinder, if you like. However, the angle grinder is limited to circular discs, and because of its high performance, mostly requires two hands to hold it. The die grinder is a more versatile tool, easier to control, and capable of greater precision.

Q. How do I know if my compressor is big enough to handle an air die grinder?

A. All these tools (in fact, all air-powered tools of any kind) should have a CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating, which is the amount of air they consume while operating. If your compressor matches or exceeds that figure, you’re good to go.

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