Cordless Grinders

About Cordless Grinders

Cordless grinders have transformed metalworking, fabrication, and surface preparation by delivering professional-grade performance without the constraints of mains cables. Whether you're cutting through steel on scaffolding, grinding welds in a workshop, or preparing surfaces for finishing work, modern battery-powered grinders provide the power and runtime that rivals traditional 240v corded models. Tooled-Up.com stocks an extensive selection from leading manufacturers including Bosch Professional, Makita, DeWalt, and Einhell, ensuring tradespeople and DIY enthusiasts can find the right tool for any application—from heavy-duty site work to precision finishing tasks.

The category encompasses two distinct tool types: cordless angle grinders and cordless die grinders. Angle grinders handle demanding cutting, grinding, and surface preparation work with disc sizes ranging from compact 76mm models to versatile 115mm and 125mm variants. These tools are essential for metalworkers, welders, fabricators, and general construction professionals. Die grinders, by contrast, offer precision grinding, polishing, and deburring capabilities in confined spaces. Their straight or angled compact bodies make them ideal for detailed metalwork, mould finishing, automotive repairs, and any application where control and access matter more than aggressive material removal.

Advances in brushless motor technology and high-capacity lithium-ion battery systems have elevated cordless grinders to professional standard. The Tooled-Up range includes models featuring electronic kickback control, paddle switches for enhanced safety, tool-free disc changing systems like Bosch's X-LOCK, and intelligent motor protection that maximises both performance and battery life. Whether you're an experienced fabricator requiring consistent power throughout extended grinding sessions or a contractor needing portability for remote site work, today's cordless grinders deliver the robust build quality and advanced features demanded by UK tradespeople.

Jargon Buster

• Brushless Motor: An electronically controlled motor design without carbon brushes, offering approximately 30% longer runtime, reduced maintenance requirements, increased power efficiency, and extended tool lifespan compared to traditional brushed motors. Now standard on professional-grade cordless grinders.
• Ah (Ampere-hours): A measurement of battery capacity indicating how much charge the battery can store. Higher Ah ratings (such as 5.0Ah versus 2.0Ah) provide longer operating time between charges, though they also increase battery weight. Professional users typically opt for 4.0Ah-6.0Ah batteries for demanding site work.
• X-LOCK: Bosch's innovative quick-change wheel mounting system that enables tool-free disc changes in seconds with a simple twist-and-pull mechanism, eliminating the need for spanners and significantly reducing changeover time on busy construction sites.
• Disc Diameter: The size of the grinding or cutting disc that the tool accepts, measured in millimetres (76mm, 115mm, 125mm). Larger discs provide deeper cutting depth and greater surface coverage but require more powerful motors and add weight to the tool.
• No-Load Speed (RPM): The maximum rotational speed of the disc when the tool operates without load, measured in revolutions per minute. Professional angle grinders typically operate between 8,000-11,000 RPM, whilst die grinders can reach 20,000+ RPM for precision finishing work.
• Electronic Kickback Control: An advanced safety feature that monitors tool movement and automatically shuts down the motor if sudden rotation is detected, protecting the operator from injury if the disc binds or catches during operation—particularly valuable when working in awkward positions.

Who Uses Cordless Grinders?

• Welders and Fabricators: Grinding welds flush, preparing joints, removing slag, cutting metal components, and blending surfaces in workshops and on construction sites
• Steel Erectors and Metalworkers: Cutting and shaping structural steel, preparing surfaces for welding, removing burrs, and making adjustments during installation work at height
• General Builders and Contractors: Cutting metal fixings, removing old fasteners, preparing surfaces, general site metalwork tasks, and modification work where mains power isn't accessible
• Plumbers and Heating Engineers: Cutting pipework, removing corroded fittings, preparing surfaces for welding or bonding, and modifying brackets and supports
• Motor Vehicle Technicians: Removing rusted bolts, cutting exhaust systems, grinding bodywork, precision deburring with die grinders, and automotive restoration projects
• Stone Masons and Tile Fitters: Cutting and shaping materials when equipped with appropriate diamond discs for masonry and tile applications
• Maintenance Engineers: Equipment repair, component modification, removing corrosion, general workshop grinding tasks, and emergency breakdown repairs
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home renovation projects, metalwork hobbies, garden fabrication, automotive restoration, and general property maintenance requiring metal cutting or grinding

How to Choose the Right Cordless Grinders

Disc Size and Application: Begin by considering your typical tasks. For heavy-duty site work, cutting thick metal, and general fabrication, a 115mm or 125mm angle grinder provides the power and depth of cut required for professional applications. Compact 76mm models offer improved manoeuvrability in tight spaces and reduced weight for overhead work, whilst die grinders excel at precision work, deburring, polishing, and applications where control matters more than aggressive material removal rate.

Voltage and Battery Platform: Most professional cordless grinders operate on 18V battery systems, offering the optimal balance of power and runtime for demanding metalworking applications. If you already own cordless tools from Makita, Bosch, DeWalt, or other major manufacturers, staying within the same battery platform allows you to share batteries and chargers across your tool collection, representing significant cost savings. Some manufacturers also offer 12V compact models for lighter-duty work, whilst Bosch's BITURBO range pushes 18V performance to rival traditional 240v corded tools. The battery compatibility available at Tooled-Up means you can build a comprehensive cordless tool kit without multiplying chargers and battery types.

Motor Technology: Brushless motors are now standard in professional-grade cordless grinders and represent worthwhile investment. They deliver approximately 30% longer runtime per charge, require no brush replacement maintenance, generate less heat during operation, and provide more power compared to brushed equivalents. Models from Bosch Professional, Makita, and DeWalt feature intelligent motor control that adjusts power delivery based on load, maximising both cutting performance and battery efficiency.

Safety and Control Features: Professional tools should include features like anti-kickback protection, soft-start motors to prevent sudden torque on startup, and electronic motor protection against overload conditions. Paddle switches provide better control and can be operated whilst wearing gloves, whilst tool-free guards allow quick adjustment for different cutting or grinding angles without requiring spanners. Consider models with vibration reduction technology if you regularly undertake extended grinding sessions, as this reduces operator fatigue and helps ensure compliance with HSE guidelines on hand-arm vibration exposure.

Build Quality and Brand Reputation: For daily professional use, invest in established trade brands like Makita, Bosch Professional, or DeWalt that offer robust metal gear construction, comprehensive warranties, and readily available spare parts across the UK. Einhell provides good value for occasional users and DIY applications, whilst brands like Draper sit in the mid-range for light trade use. Consider the availability of batteries and chargers when selecting your platform, as these will determine long-term running costs.

Popular Accessories

• Cutting Discs: Thin metal cutting discs (typically 1mm-3mm thick) for clean cuts through steel, stainless steel, and non-ferrous metals. Stock various sizes to match your grinder's disc diameter and keep spares for busy site work.
• Grinding Discs: Thicker discs (6mm+) designed for aggressive material removal, weld preparation, and surface grinding. Available in various grit grades for different metal types and finish requirements.
• Flap Discs: Layered abrasive discs that combine grinding and finishing in one operation, ideal for blending welds, preparing surfaces for painting or coating, and achieving consistent surface finishes.
• Wire Brushes and Cups: For removing rust, paint, scale, and corrosion from metal surfaces. Available in crimped or twisted wire configurations for different aggression levels and surface preparation requirements.
• Diamond Cutting Discs: Essential for cutting stone, concrete, tiles, and masonry materials. Ensure your grinder has adequate power output for these demanding applications and check the disc's maximum RPM rating.
• Additional Batteries and Chargers: High-capacity batteries (4.0Ah-6.0Ah) extend working time between charges, whilst rapid chargers minimise downtime on busy sites. Professional users typically keep multiple batteries on rotation.
• Carry Cases and Storage: Purpose-designed cases protect your investment during transport and keep batteries, charger, and accessories organised alongside the tool, essential for mobile tradespeople.
• Auxiliary Handles: Additional side handles provide improved control and reduce operator fatigue during extended use, particularly beneficial with larger 125mm grinders.

Safety Information

Personal Protective Equipment: Always wear approved safety glasses or a full face shield when operating grinders, as high-speed disc fragments and material particles pose serious eye injury risks. Use hearing protection, as grinders typically exceed 85dB during operation. Heavy-duty work gloves protect hands from sharp edges and heat generated during grinding, whilst steel toe-capped boots guard against dropped tools or cut materials. For extended grinding sessions, HSE guidance recommends respiratory protection to prevent inhalation of metal particles and dust, particularly when working with stainless steel or galvanised materials.

Disc Selection and Inspection: Only use discs rated for speeds equal to or exceeding your grinder's maximum RPM—this information is clearly marked on both tool and disc packaging. Never use damaged, cracked, or chipped discs, and inspect all discs carefully before fitting. Ensure discs are appropriate for the material being worked—metal cutting discs must not be used on masonry and vice versa. Always allow new discs to run at full speed for 30 seconds before applying to the workpiece, ensuring they're properly seated and balanced.

Safe Operating Practices: Ensure the workpiece is securely clamped or supported before starting work. Position yourself so that if the disc binds or breaks, neither the tool nor fragments will strike your body. Never remove or adjust the guard—it's designed to deflect sparks and fragments away from the operator and is a legal requirement under UK health and safety legislation. Maintain a firm two-handed grip and never operate one-handed. Allow the tool to reach full speed before contacting the workpiece, and never force the grinder—let the disc do the work at its own pace.

Work Environment: Keep your working area well-ventilated, as grinding produces metal dust and fumes that can be harmful when inhaled. Be mindful of sparks when working near flammable materials, and keep a suitable fire extinguisher nearby when working on construction sites. Ensure bystanders maintain a safe distance and wear appropriate PPE if they must remain in the area. Always check for hidden electrical cables, gas pipes, or water pipes before cutting into walls or structures, using a cable detector where necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long will a cordless grinder run on a single battery charge?
Runtime depends on battery capacity (Ah rating), the material being worked, and how aggressively you're using the tool. With a 5.0Ah battery on an 18V brushless grinder, expect approximately 20-40 cuts through 3mm steel bar or 30-45 minutes of continuous grinding under moderate load. High-capacity 6.0Ah batteries can extend this by 20-30%. Professional users typically keep multiple batteries on rotation, with one charging whilst another is in use, ensuring minimal downtime throughout the working day. Harder materials like stainless steel will reduce runtime compared to mild steel.

Can I use my existing cordless tool batteries with a new grinder?
Yes, provided you stay within the same manufacturer's battery platform. Makita 18V batteries work across their entire cordless range, as do Bosch Professional, DeWalt, Milwaukee, and other major brands. This battery compatibility represents significant cost savings, as you can purchase the tool as a bare unit without batteries or charger, reducing initial investment. However, batteries are not interchangeable between different manufacturers, so if you're starting fresh, consider which battery platform offers the range of tools you'll need in future—including drills, impact drivers, saws, and other cordless equipment.

Are cordless grinders powerful enough for professional use?
Modern brushless cordless grinders from professional brands absolutely match 240v corded equivalents for most metalworking applications. Bosch's BITURBO technology, Makita's brushless systems, and DeWalt's high-performance platforms deliver comparable power output to traditional mains-powered models. Where cordless models excel is in site work without generator access, working at height on scaffolding, and applications where cable management is problematic or dangerous. For continuous heavy-duty workshop grinding over extended periods, some professionals still prefer corded tools to avoid battery rotation, but for the vast majority of trade applications, today's 18V cordless grinders are more than capable of meeting professional demands.

What's the difference between an angle grinder and a die grinder?
Angle grinders feature the motor mounted at 90 degrees to the disc, creating a side-handle tool ideal for cutting, grinding large surfaces, and heavy material removal with disc sizes from 76mm to 125mm. Die grinders have the motor in-line with the grinding bit, creating a pencil-shaped tool perfect for precision work, reaching into confined spaces, deburring edges, and detailed shaping work on components. Die grinders typically operate at higher speeds (20,000+ RPM) but remove less material per pass, whilst angle grinders offer more aggressive material removal but less precision control. Most metal fabrication workshops and busy tradespeople benefit from having both types available for different applications.

Do I need electronic kickback control on a cordless grinder?
Electronic kickback control significantly enhances operator safety, particularly for less experienced users or when working in awkward positions where maintaining full control is challenging. If the disc binds or catches unexpectedly—common when cutting through material or when the disc edge catches a workpiece edge—the system detects the sudden deceleration and immediately shuts down the motor, preventing the tool from being wrenched from your hands. Whilst not legally required under UK regulations, it's strongly recommended for professional use and is now standard on most premium cordless grinders from Bosch, Makita, and DeWalt. Combined with proper technique, appropriate PPE, and correct disc selection, these electronic protection systems substantially reduce the risk of injuries associated with grinder kickback incidents on site.