In a wide variety of metalworking and fabrication work, an electric angle grinder is a common tool of the trade. And now with innovative advances in tool design and battery technology, even more trades are discovering the many uses for angle grinders. Cut-off wheels and grinding wheels are often used with angle grinders, and this guide will help you select the proper wheel for your application. For simplicity, the information provided here is referring to wheels from 4" to 9" in size.
Common Wheel Styles
The two most common styles of wheel are the Type 1 straight wheel and the Type 27 depressed center wheel. Type 1 wheels are intended for cut-off applications, while Type 27 can be used for cut-off and grinding applications.
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- The first specification to consider is the diameter of the disc, which should match the size specifications of the grinder itself. Some grinders are given more than one possible size, such as 7" - 9" for example.
- The next factor to consider is the arbor hole size. Discs are available with either a 5/8" or 7/8" arbor hole or a 5/8-11 threaded arbor.
- You'll then need to determine the type of material you'll be working on. Are you working on aluminum, steel, stainless steel, or masonry? The workpiece material generally dictates what abrasive material the disc should be composed of.
- Finally, what is the intended operation for the disc? Are you cutting, doing light notching/side grinding, or are you surface grinding? The application will help determine what thickness the wheel should be. The following two charts will provide you with information on abrasive material and disc thickness, based on workpiece material and intended operation.
Matching Material to Abrasive
| Workpiece Material | Abrasive |
| Carbon steel and various ferrous metals | Aluminum Oxide |
| Stainless steel and various pipeline ferrous metals | Zirconia Alumina/Zirconium Aluminum Oxide |
| Iron, stainless steel and exotic alloys | Ceramic Aluminum Oxide/Ceramic Blends |
| Masonry, aluminum and other nonferrous metals | Silicon Carbide (some aluminum oxide wheels can be used for various nonferrous metals; check wheel specifications) |
NOTE: Always be sure the disc selected is rated for at least the same RPM as your tool or more.
Determine Cutting Wheel Thickness by Operation
| Operation | Wheel Thickness |
| Cutting | 0.040" - 0.090" |
| Cutting, notching, and light side grinding | ⅛" |
| Light to heavy-duty grinding on bottom/face of the wheel | ¼" |
Once you've finished with yourcut-off or grinding wheel,you can achieve an even finer finish with our selection ofgrinding cones and plugsto complete the job.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.
