Cutting and grinding discs

Cutting and grinding discs for angle grinders and similar power tools, suited to tradespeople, metalworkers and home renovators. Our range of over 20 products covers discs for cutting and for grinding from Bosch, Makita, Metabo, DeWalt and Ryobi, so you can match the disc to the material and the job in hand.

How to choose cutting and grinding discs

Material. Discs are built for specific materials, such as ordinary steel, stainless steel, stone or concrete. A disc for mild steel clogs and wears quickly on stainless, and a metal disc is not suitable for masonry. Stainless work usually calls for a disc marked as iron-free, so the cut does not leave rust-prone particles behind.

Cutting or grinding. Cutting discs are thin, often around 1 mm, and are made for slicing through bars, pipes, profiles and sheet. Grinding discs are much thicker and are made for removing material, smoothing welds and shaping edges. Never grind on the side of a thin cutting disc, because it is not built to take sideways force and can break.

Diameter and bore. The disc must fit your grinder and its guard. Small angle grinders commonly take 115 mm or 125 mm discs, while larger models use 230 mm. Most discs have a 22.23 mm centre hole, but check the markings before you buy.

Maximum speed. Every disc carries a maximum operating speed in rpm, and it must be at least as high as the speed of your tool. Smaller discs generally spin faster than large ones, so a disc that is safe on a 230 mm grinder is not automatically safe on a small, high-speed model.

Thickness and wear. Thinner discs cut faster and remove less material, but they wear down quicker. Thicker discs last longer and feel steadier on rough work, though they cut more slowly and need more power from the tool.

Cutting and grinding disc brands we carry

• Bosch: the largest share of our range, and known for making both power tools and abrasive accessories, with discs sold in separate lines for metal, stainless steel and stone.
• Makita: a Japanese manufacturer best known for its cordless tool systems, and its discs are designed to pair with its own grinders.
• Metabo: a German brand with a long history in angle grinders and metalworking tools, which makes its discs a natural match for those machines.
• DeWalt: a professional tool brand widely used on building sites, offering discs for site work with metal and masonry.
• Ryobi: known for its ONE+ cordless system aimed at home users and DIY projects, with discs to suit its smaller grinders.

Also in our range: Blaupunkt.

Cutting and grinding discs FAQ

What is the difference between a cutting disc and a grinding disc?

A cutting disc is thin and made to slice through material, while a grinding disc is thick and made to remove material from a surface or edge. The two are not interchangeable. Using a cutting disc for grinding puts sideways force on a disc that is not designed for it.

What size disc do I need for my angle grinder?

Use the disc diameter stated in your grinder's manual or on its guard, most commonly 115 mm, 125 mm or 230 mm. The centre hole must also fit the spindle, typically 22.23 mm. Never fit a larger disc than the guard and tool are rated for.

Can one disc cut both metal and stone?

Usually not. Metal discs and stone or concrete discs use different abrasive materials, and each performs poorly on the other's material. Some multi-purpose discs exist, but for regular work a disc made for the specific material cuts faster and lasts longer.

When should I replace a cutting or grinding disc?

Replace a disc as soon as it is cracked, chipped, visibly warped or worn down close to the flange. A disc that cuts slowly, glazes over or vibrates should also be changed. Discs that have been dropped or stored damp should not be used, as hidden damage can cause them to break at speed.