Braking Grinder Vs Angle Grinder: Which Is Better For You?

Understanding the features of grinders always aids users in improving their working efficiency, particularly with braking grinders and angle grinders. Each machine serves a specific and necessary job in your toolbox.

However, many individuals can not tell the distinctions between a braking grinder vs angle grinder. This article describes each tool and the key differences between them. So, keep reading it to find out and select the best tool for yourself.

What Is A Braking Grinder?

As you may know, a braking grinder is a handy equipment for grinding, cutting, and surface preparation. Thanks to modern technology, braking grinders are becoming better in blades, anti-vibration properties, and safety. Customers can choose between corded and cordless braking grinders.

braking grinder
Source: Amazon.com

However, the cordless grinder remains the most popular due to ease of movement and the increased working space.

Braking grinders are built of robust, heavy metals to help the machine run more steadily. Furthermore, they are now created as free tools. It means that users may utilize Fixtec nuts to modify and replace the machine’s accessories without using wrenches, screwdrivers, or other devices. This feature enables construction employees to operate more efficiently on the job site, saving time and effort.

What Is An Angle Grinder?

The Angle Grinder is well-known as a large hand tool. To easily manage the equipment, users must use both hands. The machine’s ability to grind and polish materials is quite good. Besides, an angle grinder can also remove mortar and rust easily.

Black + Decker angle grinder

They are equipped with a high-speed revolving disc that serves as a cutting tool. The angle grinder disc is commonly mounted on the right side so that users may easily cut materials such as metal or wood with their angle grinder.

In general, an angle grinder is a multipurpose tool that you can store simply in the warehouse. It is not a must-have, but it comes in handy when needed.

Similarities Of Braking Grinders And Angle Grinders

Design

The design is the first similar point between a braking grinder and an angle grinder. They are designed to be heavy-duty power tools. Because they are all made of rugged, heavy metal, you must control the machine with two hands.

Power source

Both the braking grinder and the angle grinder are available in corded and cordless versions. It’s also understandable that both types of equipment run on electricity or batteries.

In particular, today’s braking grinders and angle grinders are all powered by lithium-ion batteries. This type of battery allows the device to last four times longer and give 20 percent more power.

Braking Grinder Vs Angle Grinder Comparison Table

Braking grinder Angle grinder
Design Made of heavy metal. Made of heavy metal.
Power source Electricity or Battery Electricity or Battery
Size & Weight Heavier Lighter
Function Grinding, surface preparation, cutting Cutting, trimming, polishing, grinding, sanding
Speed 3,500 RPM to 8,500 RPM 3,500 RPM to 20,000 RPM.
Safety Safer to use More dangerous to use
Price More expensive Cheaper

1. Weight

The size of the two varieties of braking grinder vs angle grinder is the first distinguishing aspect. Although both are technically hand tools that users must use with two hands, their weights are also different. A braking grinder is heavier than an angle grinder.

In practice, braking grinders usually weigh between 4.5 and 6.1 pounds. In contrast, angle grinders have decreased machine weight from 7 – 8 pounds to 3.75 pounds for a 4-1/2″ cutter machine.

2. Function

It wouldn’t be wrong to say that an angle grinder is an excellent tool for cutting, trimming, polishing, or sanding hard materials such as steel, bricks, etc. Besides, the angle grinder motor is potent and helpful in many situations when rated between 1.5 and 5 HP. For example, auxiliary solid power makes it simple to cut or smooth materials quickly.

Furthermore, angle grinders are intended to work with thin grinding discs positioned on a rotating shaft at right angles to the tool’s body. Users can use the disc side for grinding and polishing, while the disc’s outer side can be used for cutting.

On the other hand, a braking grinder has the highest sustained energy to finish the most challenging grinding, surface preparation, and cutting applications. Powerstate brushless motors are now commonly used in braking grinders. It increases the machine’s longevity and usability. As a result, the equipment can cut, trim, and grind on rigid surfaces such as iron, steel, and so on.

Cutting Tiles With An Angle Grinder
Cutting Tiles With An Angle Grinder

3. Speed

When comparing the speed of these two tools, the angle grinder reigns supreme. The oscillation speed of an angle grinder ranges from 6,500 RPM to 20,000 RPM.

At the same time, the braking grinder motor has speeds ranging from 3,500 RPM to 8,500 RPM. Users can vary the braking grinder’s speed up to 5 levels.

The difference in speed between the two devices may go unnoticed by users.

However, if you directly compare the speed of a similar attachment on both devices, you can notice that the angle grinder is significantly faster than the braking grinder. The higher the RMP, the more efficiently the tool can work with small carbide burrs, more precise and faster diamond tips.

4. Safety

Wear Safety Equipment

The truth is that high-speed grinders have a higher risk of wheel bursting. When they break, they can inflict severe injury, blindness, and even death. Therefore, a braking grinder is safer than an angle grinder.

The most severe angle grinder injuries are often described as recoil lacerations and lacerations from accessories (such as grinding discs and wheels) that break or shatter to become projectile. As a result, manufacturers equip the machine with a long grip for easy control and lower vibrations.

Meanwhile, the braking grinder has been upgraded and places a high value on safety. The capacity to pause the blade in under 2 seconds is a distinguishing feature of modern braking grinders. It stops cutting disks in 0.9s, flap disks in 1.3s, and grinding discs in 1.5s.

Furthermore, the braking grinder has an anti-shaking handle for the client’s convenience. Although it has several safety features, you must concentrate and grip the gadget with both hands when using it.

5. Price

Price is an entirely different scenario. In general, braking grinders are more expensive than angle grinders. For example, a cordless angle grinder 4-1/2″ from Milwaukee can cost around $155.69, while their cordless braking grinder M18 4-1/2 to 5″ can cost $219.31.

Braking Grinder Vs Angle Grinder: Which Is Better?

Each type of grinder has a distinct design, speed, and function features. However, angle grinders appear to be more suited for the new person.

Firstly, an angle grinder is lighter than a braking grinder and has an anti-shaking grip that fits nicely in hand. In addition, it works effectively on both flat and curved surfaces.

The machine also has several essential features, such as rough grinding, rebar cutting, and tile cutting. Furthermore, the machine’s polishing and sanding capabilities are excellent. Customers can also remove grout and rust.

Finally, the angle grinder is less expensive than the brake grinder. So, consider your needs and budget before choosing the perfect tool for you.

Final Words

This article gives basic information and assists readers in discerning between braking grinder vs angle grinder. The two types of machines are vastly different in function, weight, speed, safety, and price. I hope this post will help you in better understanding and selecting the correct tool for your work.

Please share this post with your friends and family if you find it beneficial. Also, don’t forget to return for additional helpful information.

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