Everyone needs a handyman’s kit at home. You cannot call the carpenter every time for simple jobs. Furthermore, it is very natural to get confused while searching for the best tool.
So, as an expert in this field, I will explain the difference between two tools, a die grinder, and a drill, and then you will decide which is better for you. A die grinder is lower in cost, lightweight, and smaller. On the other hand, drill presses are relatively higher in price, heavier, and bigger.
However, die grinders are power tools that can do a variety of work, like sanding, rust removal, removing material from workpieces polishing, and cutting. And the drill press has very limited usage.
Nevertheless, I have only provided you with a brief answer. And I know it is not enough for you to understand which is better. So, to know more, stick with us through the rest of it.
Quick Comparison
Here, I have provided you with the differentiating factors between a die grinder and a drill. Furthermore, an overall comparison is given below:
| Factors | Die Grinder | Drill |
| Size | Smaller | Bigger |
| Portability | Easy to carry. | Difficult to carry. |
| Maintenance | Low maintenance. | Low maintenance. |
| Flexibility | Fair | Good |
| Weight | Lightweight. | Heavier |
| Speed | Better speed | Less speed |
| Availability | Can be found in every store. | Can get in every store. |
| Cost | Less costly | More costly |
So, these are the differentiating factors between die grinders and drills. Now, to know more elaborately, let’s get to our next segment.
Detailed Comparison
Well, both tools have some differences that need to be discussed for your better understanding. So, the differences are given below.
Size And Portability
A die grinder is a tiny tool. It is very small in size, which makes it very easy to carry around anywhere. You can take it with you in your regular bags.
Ingersoll Rand 3107G Air Die Grinder Edge Series – 1/4″
- 1/3 HP MOTOR: It is powered by compressed air, not electric, and comes equipped with a 1/3-horsepower motor, a 1/4-inch collet, a rear exhaust, and a self-locking throttle. With 27,000 RPM, it will power through difficult jobs
- COMPACT plus LIGHT: Ingersoll Rand Air Die Grinder 3107G Edge Series is light but sturdy; At only 1 lb, it has a ball-bearing construction and is exceptionally rugged, compact, and lightweight
- APPLICATIONS: Use this air die grinder as a handheld power rotary tool for grinding, cutting, polishing, and more
- ERGONOMIC DESIGN: Contoured grip gives greater comfort and control and its ergonomic design delivers exceptional torque precision, as well as increased productivity and safety
- TESTED FOR PERFORMANCE: Each component, mechanism, and function has undergone rigorous testing to ensure its long-lasting performance
However, a drill press is comparatively bigger than die grinders. Which makes it quite difficult to carry around. You have to carry a significantly bigger bag or case to take with you.
WEN 4208T 2.3-Amp 8-Inch 5-Speed Cast Iron Benchtop Drill Press
- Features a 2.3A induction motor, an 8-inch swing, and a 2-inch spindle travel
- Includes a 1/2-inch keyed chuck and onboard key storage
- Operates at 5 different speeds: 740, 1100, 1530, 2100, or 3140 RPM
- 6.5 by 6.5-inch height adjustable worktable bevels up to 45 degrees in each direction
- Measures 23 inches tall with a 7 by 11-inch base
Maintenance
In this case, both tools are low maintenance. There’s nothing much you need to do regarding cleaning and oiling drill presses. You just have to oil both tools regularly while or before using them.
But while lubricating the drill press, you have to make sure of a few things. Such as lubricating the drill before drilling metal. And, keeping the working surface clean of scabs or tools.
Lubing both the Die grinders and grills is important to keep them in top shape.
Flexibility And Weight
Well, in this case, both two tools are flexible. However, the size of the drill press helps in gaining accuracy and flexibility.
You can hold a drill press with two hands to balance and cut a hole accurately with flexibility. But to drill accurately in metal, basic steps need to be followed. This is why a drill press is more flexible than die grinders.
Usability
Die grinders are rotary tools used for precision work. Die grinders are designed mainly to work with metal. But it can also work with plastic and metal. Here are some uses of die grinders:
- To rework dies.
- For polishing metal.
- To smooth out surfaces.
- To remove rust.
- For sharpening blades.
Using a die grinder is pretty easy. Die grinders can be used to cut average-sized materials. If the job requires a powerful tool to perform a lot of rough grinding and involves cutting hard materials including rebar, tiles, mortar, and rust removal you can always use an angle grinder. Also, depending on what work you need to do, you can choose a powerful tool between the different types of die grinders: pneumatic die grinder, angle die grinder, But there are also differences between type 27 or type 1 cut-off wheels. So choose wisely.
In the case of a drilling machine; it cuts holes. A drill can cut holes into or through wood, metal, and other materials. It is widely used to cut holes in walls at home for various purposes.
Now you know what is a die grinder and drill with their use. So, here comes the question.
Speed and Availability
The die grinders have a high speed. This is why it takes less time to do the work. Furthermore, it can do a variety of work. Such as sanding, polishing metal, wood carving, and finishing non-metal surfaces.
The die grinders are available in every shop and also online.
On the other hand, a drill press has less speed than a die grinder. It is also limited to very few of its uses. This is why you cannot do a variety of work with a drill press. It is also widely available.
Cost
A die grinder is less costly than a drill press in terms of cost. It is affordable to almost everyone.
On the other hand, a drill press is costlier than a die grinder. The cost varies from model to model.
So, these are the detailed differences between a die grinder and a drill press. Here, we can see that the two tools differ in cost, portability, size, and speed.
Which One Should You Pick
Well, you can go for a drill press if you have very specific needs. And, if money is not an issue, the drill press is the one for you.
However, if you want a cheaper tool that can do versatile jobs, go for a die grinder. You can carry it around and it can also replace sandpaper for sanding.
So, you can go for a die grinder for different jobs.
FAQs
Can a Die Grinder Cut Through Metal?
Die grinder can cut through small pieces of metal instead of the big ones. It is commonly used on metal to polish or smooth welded joints. However, a die grinder can also cut through small wood and plastic. Afterward, you have to smooth out the edges by switching your bit for polishing or sanding one.
Why Can’t You Use a Cutting Wheel to Grind With?
Cutting wheels cannot be used because they are thin and narrow by design. Also, it does not have the strength needed to grind. The fiberglass reinforcing adds strength to the wheel. The fiberglass may be damaged if you use the side of the wheel. This weakens the wheel and puts it at risk of breaking.
What are the Differences Between a Grinder And an Angle Grinder?
The major difference between the two is that a disc grinder is heavy-duty equipment. On the other hand, an angle grinder is a hand-held and portable tool. Also, a disc grinder is typically used for precision work on smaller workpieces. Whereas, an angle grinder is used for rough cutting.
Can Die Grinder Be Used As a Drill?
Well, die grinders may be used as a drill. However, it would not be effective because a die grinder has more speed than a drill. Also, it is used for sanding, polishing, and cutting. And, die grinder bits on the drill can also not work. For cutting irregular shapes in metals, a bandsaw is the perfect tool for you. But you also cannot use a bandsaw as a drill. We looked into it while comparing a drill press with a bandsaw.
Conclusion
Finally, I have come to the end of the discussion. I hope now you understand the comparison of die grinder vs drill. It differs in terms of cost, size, and working space.
So, now you can go for your preferred tool with full knowledge. You can share with us your experience and tell us in the comments which tool you like more!
All the best!
Robert S. Dehner is an experienced content writer at Power Tool Institute. He has a wealth of experience in the field and is committed to providing you with up-to-date information and advice on the effective and safe use of power tools.