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Grinders & Polishers: Your essential buying guide
Grinders are generally used for cutting, grinding, sharpening and shaping harder materials such as metal, masonry or stone, depending on the disc or attachment fitted. Sanders are designed for smoothing and preparing surfaces such as wood, filler, plaster and painted areas using abrasive sheets, discs or belts.
An angle grinder is often the most versatile grinder for DIY tasks because it can suit cutting, grinding and surface preparation when paired with the correct disc. If your work is mainly sharpening tools at a fixed bench, a bench grinder may be more suitable, while die grinders are better for detailed shaping and access in tight spaces.
For general smoothing and finishing, random orbital sanders are a practical choice because they help reduce visible sanding marks. Detail sanders are useful for corners, mouldings and tight areas, while orbital sheet sanders can be a good option for flat panels and regular finishing work.
Cordless models are useful when you need freedom of movement, especially outdoors, on ladders or away from plug sockets. Corded tools can be a sensible choice for longer sessions where consistent power matters and access to mains power is straightforward.
Compare the tool type, power source, disc or abrasive size, speed control, handle layout, dust extraction options and compatible accessories. Also check that the tool suits the material you plan to work on and that suitable safety equipment and consumables are available.
The right choice depends on whether you are cutting, grinding, sharpening, sanding or preparing a surface for finishing. Use the sections below to match the tool type to the job, then compare key features that affect control, comfort and compatibility.
Angle grinders are suited to a wide range of cutting, grinding and cleaning jobs when used with the correct disc. They are commonly compared by disc size, power source, handle position and whether speed control is available.
Bench grinders are fixed tools for workshop sharpening, deburring and shaping small metal parts. Die grinders are more compact and are useful for detailed grinding, shaping and finishing where access is limited.
Random orbital sanders are a strong all-round option for smoothing timber, paint and filler because their motion helps produce an even finish. Orbital sheet sanders are useful for flat areas and standard abrasive sheets, while detail sanders help reach corners, edges and shaped sections.
Belt sanders are better suited to fast material removal on larger, flatter areas, so they are worth comparing for rougher preparation rather than delicate finishing.
Drywall sanders are designed for sanding plasterboard joints, filler and larger wall or ceiling areas. Look for features such as reach, head movement and dust extraction compatibility if you are preparing rooms for decorating.
If you are comparing tools that combine grinding and sanding functions, check the supplied accessories and the range of compatible discs or abrasives so the tool matches the jobs you expect to tackle.
Higher-powered tools can be useful for tougher materials or longer sessions, but control is just as important as output. Variable speed can help when switching between materials, attachments or finishing stages.
For comfort, compare grip design, auxiliary handles, weight and switch style. A tool that feels manageable is easier to guide accurately, especially during overhead sanding, edge work or extended grinding.
Grinders and sanders rely on the right consumables, including cutting discs, grinding wheels, sanding sheets, belts, pads and polishing accessories. Always match the accessory to the tool size, speed rating and material.
Dust and debris are important considerations. Sanding plaster, paint or timber can create fine dust, while grinding can create sparks and fragments, so compare extraction options, guards and compatibility with suitable protective equipment.
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