In search of an angle grinder wheel that can cut metal parts and surfaces?
A metal cutoff wheel, also known as cutting wheel or cutting disc is the right tool for the job.
If you were unaware before now, working with the wrong type of angle grinder disc or using a sub-par cutting wheel can lead to catastrophic events. Plus, they won’t last or would take longer to cut through solid metal.
So, buying a quality cutoff wheel will not only save you from horrid scars but also help you cut metal fast and efficiently.
Without a doubt, that’s the kind of angle grinder disc you’d want to get.
In this light, I’ve compiled a list of the 5 best angle grinder wheels, some of which my colleagues and I have tested at some point. Also, I’ll reveal how you can shop for a quality cutting disc that works for you.
Page Contents
The Best Angle Grinder Wheels for Cutting Metal Are:
| Product | Details | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Dewalt DW8062 |  Our Top Pick | Check Current Price | |
| 2. Lenox Angle Grinder Diamond Edge Wheel |  | Check Current Price | |
| 3. Diablo Thin Kerf Metal Cut Off Wheel |  | Check Current Price | |
| 4. Makita D-20105 Cut Off Wheel |  | Check Current Price | |
| 5. Warrior Metal Cut Off Wheel |  | Check Current Price |
1. Dewalt DW8062 – Overall Best Angle Grinder Wheel For Cutting Metal
The Dewalt DW8062 angle grinder cutoff wheels are one of the most popular models in the market, and it’s not without reason. They are constructed with high-grade aluminum oxide grain and all-around fiberglass sheets for longer life and safety.
Specs
- 045” thickness
- Proprietary aluminum oxide grain mix
- Diamond edge blade
- 2 full sheets of fiberglass
- Max RPM: 13,300
What I Like About This Product
The standout benefit of the Dewalt DW8062 is, without doubt, its durability. Out of all the regular cutoff wheels, it lasts the longest while cutting metal.
The speed at which it cuts through metal sheets isn’t bad either. However, it’s over two times slower than the fastest angle grinder wheel in this review.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
It’s not possible to return the pack if it has any defect, which happens quite often. So, Dewalt should look into its quality control issues, like discs wearing down faster than others in the same pack or an incomplete pack of discs.
Pros
- Lasts longer than most regular (abrasive) cutoff wheels
- Reasonable cutting speed
- Offers a lot of value for its price
Cons
- No return policy
- Poor quality control
Sum Up
Overall, it’s the top choice for anyone looking to get a good bang for their buck while maintaining safety and durability.
Overall Rating – 4.7/5
2. Lenox Angle Grinder Diamond Edge Wheel – Most Durable Cutting Wheel
The Lenox diamond edge wheel is specially made with steel and diamond edge not only to be stronger but also last longer than regular discs.
Specs
- Made of metal
- 055 thickness
- Max RPM: 13,200
What I Like About This Product
The Lenox disc is the safest metal cutting disc you can use because it’s made of solid steel, which is unlikely to shatter under pressure or a slip.
Also, it lasts very, very long, and seems as if it never wears down. A pack (1 unit) lasts as long as if you used a pack of 10 regular wheels. Consequently, it’s more economical when you do the maths.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
It is annoyingly slow. If you intend to cut welds with this disc, prepare to spend a long time while holding the angle grinder. Moreover, its slow cutting prowess makes the steel or metal hot. So it isn’t the best cutting wheel to make large cuts.
Pros
- It is exceptionally durable
- Material is loss is minimal
- Safer to use than regular discs
Cons
- Cuts slowly
- Expensive
- Label wear fast
Sum Up
Overall, it’s a strong angle grinder disc that suffers a minimal material loss, has fewer chances of shattering, but cuts slowly. If you’ll be cutting mostly small-sized steel, and need a disc that lasts, the Lenox MetalMax is your top choice.
Overall Rating – 4.3/5
3. Diablo Thin Kerf Metal Cut Off Wheel – Fastest Angle Grinder Wheel For Metal
Diablo’s metal cutoff wheels have an ultra-thin design that cuts through material with blazing speed. Also, it has a premium aluminum-oxide blend construction that supports its speed with durability to limit material loss to the barest minimum.
Specs
- Quality aluminum oxide blend construction
- 040” thickness
- Max RPM: 13,280
What I Like About This Product
Undoubtedly, the blazing speed at which the Diablo discs cut through metal is what fascinates me the most. It can slice through a 3” tall metal in 35 seconds, whereas it could take the Lenox up to 5 minutes.
For the speed at which it cuts metal, it holds up well to use. You wouldn’t burn through an insane number of discs to complete a job.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
Although the Diablo wheel is a fantastic all-rounder, its thin design might limit the range of metals it can cut effectively.
Pros
- Thin design allows it to cut through metal at blazing speed
- Fair material loss
- Current sales on a pack of 15 is a steal
Cons
- Doesn’t last cutting mold steel
Sum Up
The slim design lets it cut through metal like butter. If you are interested in cutting metal as fast as possible, this is arguably the fastest wheel you can get for your angle grinder, plus its reasonably priced.
Overall Rating – 4.1/5
4. Makita D-20105 Cut Off Wheel – Fast Angle Grinder Cutting Wheel
The Makita D-20105 is packed with premium features to burr through most metal surfaces clean and super fast. It also comes at a matching premium price.
Specs
- White Aluminium oxide with phenol resin
- 045” thickness
- Max RPM: 13,290
What I Like About This Product
The ultra-thin design of the D-20105 not only cuts through metal cleanly and super fast – one of the fastest angle grinder wheels available – but surprisingly, lasts long as well. This may be due to its non-proprietary aluminum oxide formulation.
Whichever way, it doesn’t wear down quickly and is less prone to shatter despite how thin it is. Combine this angle grinder wheel with a decent belt grinder for knife making for multiple applications.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
It is undoubtedly packed with premium qualities but costs a lot. It is about two times as expensive as its close competitors.
Pros
- Non-proprietary formulation makes it last longer
- Fast cutting speed
- Less prone to shatter
Cons
- Expensive
Sum Up
If you would spare no cost to get a top-of-the-line angle grinder wheel, this is the right one for you. It won’t explode in your face and cuts metal fast.
Overall Rating – 4.6/5
5. Warrior Metal Cut Off Wheel – Best Budget Buy
Warrior, also known as Harbor Freight, is popular among handymen for their affordable power tools and appliances. The Warrior cutoff disc is no different; it cuts metal decently
Specs
- 060” thickness
- 7/8” arbor size
- Max RPM: 13,300
What I Like About This Product
Without a doubt, I love how well it cuts through metal despite its affordability. It may be nothing like the fastest wheels, but it cuts fast enough, way faster than the Lenox discs, and even faster than the top product in this review. This is the best budget angel grinder wheel.
What I Don’t Like About This Product
Unsurprisingly, its low price comes at the expense of quality – it isn’t durable. Of all the products in this review, it sees the most material loss, worse than the next product (Diablo) by a wide margin. It could suffer up to 41% material loss on a single cut while the diablo loses only about 15% of usable material.
Pros
- Good bang for the buck considering its speed
- Unlikely to shatter
- One of the few discs with accurate thickness measurement
Cons
- Worse material loss per cut
Sum Up
If you don’t fancy pricy products for some reason, this is an affordable yet effective metal cutting wheel. It cuts through metal fast but wears down pretty fast.
Overall Rating – 4.4/5
How To Choose the Best Angle Grinder Wheel for Cutting Metal
On the surface, it may look like there isn’t any difference between most cutting wheels. That’s somewhat true, but there are subtle factors that set them apart, and I’ll reveal them now to help you make an informed purchase.
Size
Besides thickness, the universal size of a metal cutoff wheel for an angle grinder is 4 1/2” (width) x 7/8 (arbor size). All the products selected in this review fall into that category.
Material Loss
In most cases, thinner metal cutoff wheels cut faster than thicker wheels, but also wear down faster. Also, the material of the abrasive used in these wheels plays some part in their longevity.
Try to strike a balance between the cutting speed and how the rate of material loss you’re comfortable with. If you don’t enjoy changing discs often on your angle grinder, you may have to sacrifice some cutting speed for longevity.
Since the manufacturers won’t advertise how long their wheels actually last or how fast they cut, I’ve done that with the products in this review.
Thickness
For the most part, the thinner a cutting wheel is, the faster it cuts metal. The 0.040” – 0.045” cutting wheels usually have the fastest cutting speed. The only thing is, thin wheels are more dangerous than their thicker counterparts. They flex easily, so they might shatter if you’re not careful with your movements. If the thickness is a priority then get a good bench grinder which is more safe and sharp.
Final Thoughts
As long as you intend to cut metal with your angle grinder, it is pertinent that you use the right wheel – cutting wheel. I hope you find one that suits you fine in this guide.
If you are still indecisive, my top pick is the Dewalt DW8062. It’s a fairly priced disc, through surfaces considerably fast, sees many uses before wearing out, and doesn’t shatter easily.
Always wear safety guard during every cutting or grinding session. Stay safe!
