Best Cut off Wheels Reviews: Top 10 Model Revealed!

Whether you're in the construction business, an automobile mechanic, or a DIY enthusiast, you know how handy – or maybe downright irreplaceable – the cut-off wheels are.

They're used in all sorts of jobs: sawing up stainless steel pipes, gnawing through bar stocks, or machining an automobile part for customization. The metal cutters are ruthlessly efficient; simultaneously, they can be lethally dangerous.

Now, you're in a critical juncture: you need to choose from the best cut-off wheels to make your job smooth and keep yourself in one piece. We're here to help you with a list of the top-notch cutters and much more.

Follow This Table For Quickly Select A Product

Benefits of Using Cut off Wheels

If you're an old wolf in this game, don't get offended by this topic and just skip it. As for the newbies, here are some basics that a construction worker or DIY enthusiast cannot simply skip.

Cracking the Hard Nuts

You'll have to cut different metallic objects. Most are extremely tough and impossible to cut through most saws. If correctly chosen, with these electric wheels, you can cut any metal – no matter how tough they are – to the size and shape you desire.

A Weapon for Every Battle

When it comes to metal cutters, you've got a whole range of options for different jobs you pull off. A hard, brittle material? Use wheels with silicon carbide grains. Want to cut smoothly without too much heat? Go for a CBM coated one.

Use aluminum oxide grains for general purposes. Keep the diamond for the toughest jobs.

Cut Them Clean off and Make It Quick

These grinder blades cutting have almost no other contender for a smooth cut done with precision. Compared to any other cutting option that's easily affordable, the cut-off wheel has a much faster-cutting speed.

A Self-Sharpening Blade

It sounds like the magical power of some mythical blade; only it's real! These cut-off tools have this great quality: they automatically shed off the worn-out grains. Thus, you get a consistent sharpness throughout their lifespan.

Our 10 Best Cut off Wheels Reviews

Going through the grinder blades available in the market and after extensive considerations, our team has shortlisted these top ten products. So without further ado, let's get into that part right away!

1. DEWALT General Purpose Metal Cutting Wheel

Established by the father of Radial Arm Saw, Raymond E. De Walt, DEWALT is a company of global fame. They have dominated the manufacturing and construction tool industry for the better part of a century. This metal cutter is one of their classic products.

Each wheel weighs ‎0.32 ounces. The grinder cutter is extremely easy to handle, with a diameter of 4.5 inches and 0.045-inch thickness. There are five wheels in each package.

The 0.045-inch electric cut off wheel is capable of extremely precise cuts. This thickness is suitable for general field repairs and in fabrication-yard operations.

For cutting operations on most general-purpose steels and metals, this cut off tool offers a perfect combination of speed and consistency. The aluminum oxide grains of this cutter increase the initial rate of cut. It also ensures enhanced versatility of the grinder blades, both ferrous and nonferrous.

You can trust this beast for cutting through tubes, metal sheets, rods, bolts, and most other workpieces you'll have to face. The wheels will also allow you to operate without burrs.

This cut off tool can pass through an extremely long endurance test. Thanks to the two fiberglass sheets, it's a very reliable tool. Additionally, it increases the safety factor of the metal grinder.

Highlighted Features

• 0045-inch thickness, suitable for precision cuts
• Aluminum oxide grains increase the initial cutting rate
• Innovative design ensures intense cutting for long hours
• Suitable for cutting metal tubes, sheets, rods, bolts, etc.
• Fiberglass reinforcement makes it durable and safe

2. Weiler Wolverine Flat Cut-Off Wheel

When it comes to power cutting tools, Wolverine is a brand known and trusted throughout North America. They've built up their brand value through innovative design and cost-efficient manufacturing through the years.

The 7.83-ounce package comes loaded with 10 radial cut-off wheel cutting. It has wheels that come with 3 inches diameter and 1/16-inch thickness. Cut-rate of these cutters is extremely high. And the relatively small wheels are there for unexpectedly large bites!

These grinder blades for metal are totally flat because of their type 1, also known as type 41 design. The flat profile allows you to use the cutter for all general-purpose cutting operations.

If you need to perform precise 90-degree cuts on any workpiece, this cut-off tool is the perfect choice for the job. Free from any depression in the center, the cutter can be fed to the maximum depth through the workpiece. This advantage greatly outweighs the disadvantage caused by the reduced visibility of type 42 wheels.

It's mounting mechanism is also very efficient. The open arbor design allows it to secure the electric wheels by adapting units easily.

These cutters can be mounted on all conventional die grinders. It's also suitable for saws, from stationary and chop saws to high-speed saws. This metal cutter's simplistic yet practical design makes the cutting process extremely efficient.

Highlighted Features

• 3" diameter, small enough for a high cutting rate without losing balance
• A flat profile allows maximum feed through the workpiece
• Open arbor design can be secured easily
• Compatible with all conventional die grinders
• Suitable for stationary, chop, and high-speed saws

3. S SATC Ultra Thin Cut Off Wheel

SATC is a Shanghai-based brand that exports its abrasive products worldwide for both industrial and personal uses. They're reputed for producing premium quality grinder blade cutting. And this manufacturer markets its products at a very competitive price.

When you look into this electric wheel, the quality that hits you first is its grain structure and bondings. The cutter is dotted with finely calibrated grains of aluminum oxide. A resinoid bond matrix holds these finely shaped grains.

The innovative synthesis between phenol resin and white aluminum oxide gives you the exact rate you need to maintain the sharpness of grinder blades cutting. This metal grinder cutter can cut through high and low carbon steel, ductile and cast iron, and hard-facing alloys.

Its innovative design facilitates a combination of durability and optimal performance. This tool's thin cross-section allows you to cut with extreme precision. In contrast, the 13300 RPM it can sustain lets you cut with a devilishly high grinding speed.

This wheel's hard-to-bond matrix ensures that the bonds constantly shed the well-gritted grains to sustain the sharp cutting edge.

But there lies the catch: the grains can only break away from the electric wheel after properly worn out. This combination makes the grinding process extremely efficient in both money and time.

It also minimizes the power needed to perform the cutting operation. Less excess heat is generated. This allows for a longer cutting period and more precision cuts. Overall the metal cutters are extremely stable and have a great service life.

Highlighted Features

• Can cut through low and high-carbon steel, cast iron, etc
• Aluminum oxide grains facilitate fast-cutting
• 040" thin cross-section allows extreme precision
• Maximum rotational speed 13300 RPM
• The hard bond matrix constantly sheds numb grains

4. BHA Cut off Wheel for Stainless Steel & Metal

BHA Metal has produced some of the most well-received workshop gear. They're renowned throughout North America for the efficiency and durability of their products. The blades for metal cutting produced by them are some of the best in the market.

It's specifically designed for heavy-duty metal cutting operations. You can put it through the toughest machining processes, and it will come triumphant. This electric cut off tool can pull off this feat because of the premium Black Hawk Abrasive material used in its production.

The 3-inch diameter cut off wheel is smaller than the other cutters we mentioned above, but its smaller diameter makes it more stable. The disk can thus last through cutting operations of high-strength steel. In addition to the diameter, the 1/16-inch thickness makes it even more durable and stable.

If you're worried about safety, rest assured that the grinder blades cutting is doubly reinforced by the two layers of fiberglass embedded into its bonding matrix. The manufacturer has provided it with a ⅜ inch arbor to make it even safer.

This beast of a cutter can slash through different grades of iron, steel, ferrous metals; you name it! Of course, you get to cut fiberglass with this electric tool. And you get to have 25 of these, so that numbers won't be an issue either.

With a 25000 maximum RPM, it can blow whirlwinds through metal. Body frames of automobiles, stainless steel pipes, bar stock, anything that comes its way, the metal cutter will slice that off!

Highlighted Features

• A relatively small 3-inch diameter increases stability
• Premium Black Hawk grains, optimized for heavy-duty metal cutting
• Fiberglass reinforcement results in high durability
• Can cut iron, steel, ferrous metals, fiberglass, etc. 
• 25000 RPM maximum speed

5. Benchmark Abrasives 50 Pack

With more than two decades of experience, Benchmark Abrasives has mastered the art of combining high-quality manufacturing and efficient marketing. As an industry leader in the field of abrasives, they've come with the Thin Cut Off Wheels for both Metal and Stainless Steel.

Time-tested and standard design allows professional contractors and homeowners to use the electric wheel with ease and confidence. The 4.5-inch diameter cutter has a sufficient cutting surface to facilitate speedy cutting operation. You can trust this metal grinder with fast cutting without undermining the finishing quality.

This electric tool has great versatility. Using it, you can machine a whole range of materials such as iron, stainless steel, steel in general, etc. And you get to cut them with efficiency and ease.

The .40-inch thickness greatly enhances the ability of the grinder blades to cut. Its standard thickness ensures stability without compromising the rate of machining. And this wheel is secured by a ⅞ inch metal arbor.

One of its outstanding qualities is the optimized self-sharpening ability. After the extensive operation, premium stainless steel grits get worn out dislodged from the bonds due to shear stress.

The minimum shear stress to severe the grains is calibrated for sufficient worn-out process. This makes the cut off wheel extremely efficient.

With fast yet precise cuts, and high durability and reliability, this cutter can be confidently declared one of the most outstanding cut off tools you'll ever put your mitts on!

Highlighted Features

• The 45-inch dia provides an adequate cutting surface
• Extremely versatile, can cut iron, stainless steel, general steel, etc
• Optimized shear strength for constant self-sharpening
• 40-inch thickness for precision cutting
• 50-piece stock, almost unending supply of blades

6. LENOX Tools Diamond Edge Metal Cutting Wheel

LENOX MetalMax is one of the top dogs of the tool industry. Making a merge between inventiveness of their R&D and efficiency of the production line, they have become the embodiment of quality and productivity.

The most outstanding aspect of this electric wheel is its longevity. You can perform no less than 1000 cuts with it without any need for replacement. Just take the wheel and put it through a test against an abrasive metal cutter.

With twenty to thirty cuts, you probably have to take off the average wheel, whereas the MetalMax will still seem as new as if it is fresh from the shop.

Diamond construction of the cut off tool ensures that the wheel diameter remains almost the same. This allows you to continue the cutting operation without adjusting to the cutting diameter.

The process also ensures the precision of the cuts. It means you get a superb machining experience with this metal cutter. And you get that till it's the last cut.

You can get this electric wheel to whirl up to 13,200 RPM. The 4.5-inch diamond-grit cutter can be mounted on the same tools as other regular wheels. So you won't have to go out of your comfort zone to adapt to this beauty.

This metal cutter can slice through a wide range of metals. These include general steel, stainless steel, cast iron, rebar, and most ferrous alloys. You also get to machine almost all conventional nonferrous metals with it.

Solid steel built ensures a much higher level of safety. The grinder blades' cutting generates much less residue and provides a professional finish. Its longevity reduces downtime substantially, making it extremely productive. All these qualities can easily crown it with the best cut off wheel for steel.

Highlighted Features

• Diamond construction makes the wheel extremely durable
• Can perform 1000 cuts without replacement
• Extremely tough generate very little residue
• Versatile can cut stainless steel, cast iron, rebar, most ferrous and nonferrous alloys
• The maximum whirling speed is 13,200 RPM

7. Benchmark Abrasives Cut Off Wheel - Metal & Stainless Steel

High-quality manufacturing coupled with efficient marketing is the hallmark of Benchmark Abrasives. With more than 20-year experience, the brand is a veteran of the tool industry. This 6-inch electric wheel is their second product on our list.

The 0.045-inch thickness is suitable for almost all general metal machining operations. With a thickness of a little more than 1 millimeter, the cut off tool can execute extremely precise cuts. Its standard dimension is also optimized for balance and stability. This way, you'll get fine finishing without any burr.

It's completely compatible with any ⅞-inch shrank grinder you may have in your workshop. So you can secure these blades for metal by a ⅞-inch arbor, and that's one less thing to worry about.

The 6-inch diameter allows for a larger cutting surface. Coupled with the dia, the 11000-RPM grinder blades will enable you to cut through metal like nobody's business.

A double-layered fiberglass reinforcement embedded in the bond matrix makes the aluminum cut off wheel an extremely sturdy piece of equipment. Low downtime because of the durability combined with the high cutting rate results in high efficiency. You get a blade that's reliable, safe, and economically competitive.

This cut off wheel is also extremely versatile. You can cut with this cast iron, stainless steel, and steel in general. The coarse aluminum oxide abrasive with a high grit factor makes the wheel a fast-cutting, long-lasting metal cutter.

Highlighted Features

• Optimized dimensions for balance and stability
• 0045-inch thickness enables extremely precise cuts
• 11000-RPM with 6-inch diameter results in a very high rate of cutting
• Fiberglass-embedded bond matrix, highly durable
• High grit factor ensures fast cutting
• A ⅞-inch standard arbor can secure it

8. GRAFF Diamond Black Metal Cutoff Wheel

GRAFF is a brand famed worldwide for designing and manufacturing high-quality blades for metal cutting. They've built up and maintained their appeal through inventiveness and an unyielding grip on quality control through the years.

This GRAFF cut off wheel is one of the toughest contenders for the number one title in our list, if not the sole winner. I know what you're thinking: Is it safe?! Yes, it is. It's certified by MPA Hannover, so relax.

Before we get into the technical issues of this circular blade, let me tell you one horrific fact about it: the BEAST is Omnivorous! Put rubber, different metals, steels, aluminum, anything through it; it'll get devoured. This metal cutter is a universal cutter for all metal profiles: sheets, pipes, bars, you name it.

Moreover, the most outstanding thing about this electric wheel is its durability. It can go through nearly 3000 cuts. The diamond grinding of the cutter pulls this stunt.

The manufacturer rightfully boasts that the diamond wheel is longer lasting than 60 conventional ones. As the downtime is very, super low, it's amazingly efficient without any doubt.

This cut off tool will give you a superbly satisfying cutting experience. You won't be bothered by any smell. Overheating won't hinder your machining progress either. It also generates comparatively low dust. All these features propel it to be the best metal cut off wheel.

Highlighted Features

• Its diamond ensures extreme durability
• Can perform up to 3000 cuts lasts 60 times longer than conventional ones
• Versatile can cut different profiles of steel, aluminum, rubber, etc
• Generates very little dust, smooth operation
• Reduced downtime facilitates efficient machining
• Optimized for preventing overheating

9. BHA Metal and Stainless Steel Cut Off Wheels

BHA has produced and marketed some of the most well-circulated electric tools through the years. They have gained acceptance through the North American market by supplying simple, user-friendly, and affordable products.

The metal cutter is a standard 4.5-inch disk. Its disk diameter is optimized for achieving fast cutting speeds. This wheel can safely withstand up to 13300 RPM (80 m/s). You'll need to apply gentle pressure at this speed, and the cutter will feed itself through the metal.

Its flat shape facilitates higher cutter-workpiece contact by maximizing the cutting surface. Thus, in this cut-off wheel, the machining process goes smoothly and efficiently. As there is no depression or hindrance, the wheel's profile also allows you to feed the tool deep into the workpiece if needed.

With its 1/16-inch thickness, this cut-off tool is capable of precision cutting operations. The .0625 inch thickness also allows the wheel to be more stable. Its combination of accuracy and balance makes your job very easy.

For fast initial cutting speed BHA has used aluminum oxide grains. The metal grinder can also maintain consistent cutting performance due to the coarse but fine grain size.

Its bondings are optimized for constant shedding of worn-out grains so that the electric cut off wheel can maintain a sharp edge throughout the machining process.

With these grinder blades, you can cut various materials, from plastic fiberglass to iron, general steel, and stainless steel. The profile of the materials won't be an issue either.

Highlighted Features

• Standard dimensions optimized for efficient performance
• Can safely withstand up to 13300 RPM (80 m/s)
• Flat profile for maximum cutter-workpiece contact
• Aluminum oxide grains for high initial machining speed
• Constant shedding of worn-out grains maintains sharpness
• Can cut steel, stainless steel, iron, plastic fiberglass, etc

10. Milwaukee 4.5-inch Metal Cutting Wheels

Founded in 1924, Milwaukee is a veteran of the cutting tool industry. It has triumphantly passed the test of time, and by 2016 it has become the single biggest supplier of cut off wheels in the North American market.

These blades for metal are of time-tested standard dimensions. The 4.5-inch diameter and 0.045-inch thickness serve as a perfect cutting surface and accuracy combination. With this cut off wheel, you can easily cut different materials with impressive precision and at an extremely fast machining rate.

Because of the innovative and state-of-the-art manufacturing process, the metal cutter can cut smoothing without leaving any burrs. You can secure the cut-off tool by any standard ⅞-inch arbor.

The most remarkable feature of these wheels is their grain material. The aluminum oxide used in this cut off wheel is brown fused. This super dense alumina manufactured from bauxite greatly increases the cutter's structural strength and thermal quality.

By reducing the rate of temperature increment, the cutting efficiency increases the manifold.
Thermal proofing comes especially handy when it comes to cutting stainless steel. Besides SS, you get to cut iron, general steel, ferrous alloys, and most other materials you may come across.

This beast of a metal cutter is extremely tough and can be trusted to serve through many machining operations.

Its 60-size grit allows you to cut fast with a highly professional finish. With more than 50% higher cutting speed and 20% greater durability, this can definitely be considered the best grinding wheel without much opposition.

Highlighted Features

• 45-inch dia & 0045-inch thickness combines speed and accuracy
• Provides burr-free, smooth cuts
• 60-size grit allows for a highly professional finish
• Extremely versatile and can cut iron, SS, regular steel, ferrous alloys, etc, of different profiles
• Brown fused alumina makes it extremely durable
• Reduced heat generation increases machining efficiency

Things to Consider Before Buying Cut off Wheels

The shortlist above has already narrowed it down. To make it a bit easier, consider the factors below before choosing the best cutting wheel.

1. Safety

Safety first! Even though it is handy, the metal cutter is probably the most dangerous one of all the tools in your workshop. When cutting through metals, you don't want to lose some of your limbs in the process! So choose the one that can sustain the shear stress and don't spring back at you.

2. Type

There are broadly two types of blades for the metal in shape. They are type 1 cutting wheel and type 27 cutting wheel. Both come with distinct advantages and drawbacks. You should choose any of these two types of electric wheels based on the nature of your task.

Type 1 Cut off Wheel

These are also known as type 41 metal cutters. For most general cutting operations, you'll find these cutters most handy. This type of electric wheel boasts the largest cutting surface. Thus they are extremely efficient.

If you intend to mount the wheel on a high-speed saw, a stationary saw, or maybe a chop saw, it will be a perfect choice. These metal cutters are also suitable for die grinders and grinders in general. You can easily perform 90-degree cuts by applying the cut off wheel to its maximum depth.

Type 27 Cut off Wheel

When the operator is working with restricted angles, these type 27 AKA type 42 metal cutters are needed. It should be noted, though; these cutters aren't best for cutting around profiles, extrusions, or corners.

The depression in the center achieves further addition of clearance. With the raised hub of this electric wheel, you can easily recess the locking nut and make a flush cut. The main advantage of these cutting wheels is the added visibility due to their depressed shape.

3. Material

The materials determine the efficiency, durability, and reliability of a cut off tool it is made from. To get good performance, you must make sure that you buy blades for metal that have proper grain, bond, and fiberglass.

4. Grain

In a metal cutter, grains perform the actual cutting operation. In order to cut the hard-to-cut materials such as stainless steel, high nickel alloy, etc., you should use ceramic alumina grains. Generating less heat, these grains save the metal from getting discolored due to heat.

For fast, sharp cuts, use silicon carbide or aluminum oxide. Able to sustain the huge pressures, zirconia alumina grains can perform heavy-duty jobs such as rail cutting and cutting of structural steel.

5. Bonds

Bonds on the cut off wheel keep the abrasives in their places. Bonds can be softer or harder. It determines the tenacity with which the grains are implanted on the plate; thus, the lifespan of the metal cutters also depends on the bond strength.

Hard bonds prolong the lifespan of the cutter. Soft ones are good for fast cuts as they quickly shade the worn-out grains. Resined bonds can withstand heavy shocks. Finally, resin-over-resin bonds are for better cooling.

6. Fiberglass

Blades for metal contain fiberglass to add reinforcement to the cutter structure. The more layers of fiberglass are there, the stronger the cut off wheel. Multiple layers are used for high-performance, industrial purposes, whereas the single-layered ones are good for high speed.

7. Size

Finally, you should consider the size of the cut off tools you're buying. Size has two primary aspects: diameter and thickness. The larger the diameter, the higher the metal cutter's RPM rate. Thickness determines how fine the cutter can perform a cut.

How to Use a Cut off Wheel?

Here are some tips on using a cut-off wheel safely.

Take Safety Measures

Safety first, so first, put on the protection gear: goggles, gloves, shield, and all. For regular use, we recommend aprons and masks as well. It may seem to be an exaggeration, but they'll save you a lot of trouble in the long run.

Avoid Damaged Blades

Make sure you don't use damaged blade cutting. A defective cutter can ruin your workpiece, or even worse, ruin you! Secure the metal cutter with flanges, clamp-lock the job, and you're good to go. Oh, one more thing, no matter what you do, doesn't operate without a wheel guard.

Don't Use any Brutal Force

One common mistake is trying to force the cut-off wheel through the metal. You must make sure you don't make this mistake by being tempted to make a fast cut. If too much pressure is applied, it will generate excessive heat.

Premature heat buildup will degrade the cutting ability of the metal cutter and slow down the process. This also cuts short the lifespan of the wheel. To make the most out of your time, you need to push the cut-off tool with just enough pressure so that it feeds itself into the workpiece.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which type of cut-off wheel should I use?

It depends on the job at hand. You should use cutters with aluminum oxide grains for most general use purposes. It's very easy to get your hands on them, sold everywhere. You can use these to cut steel and most other metals. You'll also get a good initial removal rate.

For machining stainless steel and the toughest cast irons, you may use blades coated with cubic boron nitride. Non-metals, nonferrous metals, etc. will easily get sawed off by silicon carbide blades. The king of the metal cutters is diamond grained wheels. Use accordingly.

2. How do I install a metal cutter?

First, choose the right one for the job. Inspect it carefully for defects. Beware! This is an issue of life and death. If there isn't any scar on the wheel, reach for the wrench. Remove the nut of the arbor and place the cutter carefully.

Once you've placed the wheel, put the bolt back to its position and secure it and the electric wheel with the nut. Make sure you tighten up the nut and bolt. Otherwise, you'll put yourself in great danger.

3. Is the higher the RPM, the better the performance?

No, not necessarily. It's true that if all things remain the same, the material removal rate, i.e. the rate of cutting, will be proportional to the rate of rotation of the wheel. But as you may have guessed by now, everything else simply doesn't remain the same.

Too high RPM may cause structural damage to the cut-off tool and cause it to crack. At higher RPMs, it becomes difficult for you to handle the cutter. High speed will generate more heat and cut back on efficiency.

4. How do I get the most out of my effort?

When it comes to handling the blades for metal cutting, here are two rules of thumb you should follow:

• Firstly, position the wheel at an angle of 90 degrees with the surface of the workpiece. This will result in the most feeding.
• Hold the cut-of feel gently against the job. Don't push hard. Let the cutter feed itself through the material. If you push it too far, it may spring back.

5. How should the cut-off wheel be stored?

Like most other items, they should be kept clean and in a dry place. To avoid premature wearing or cracking, you must keep the cut-off tool safe from elemental damage.

Final Words

There you are; you've come to the end of the road. In our search for the best of the best cut-off wheels, we've dug out 10 of the most outstanding blades for metal cutting. But if you're feeling a bit confused, here's a brief suggestion for you.

For an overall experience, you can go for the DEWALT General Purpose Metal Cutting Wheel. Moreover, the Weiler Wolverine Flat Cut-Off Wheel and LENOX Tools Diamond Edge Metal Cutting Wheel are some other excellent options that come with outstanding functionality and durability.