Angle grinder: 115, 125 or 230 mm? How to choose one and use it safely

Cutting rebar, cutting a tile, deburring a weld, cutting a channel in a wall… The angle grinder, also known as a disc cutter, is one of the most widely used tools on building sites in Morocco. It is also one of the most dangerous if it is poorly chosen or misused. In this guide, Brico MIM helps you choose the right angle grinder in Morocco (115, 125 mm grinder or 230 mm), understand the price of an angle grinder, and above all use it safely.

115, 125, 180 or 230 mm: which grinder diameter should you choose?

The diameter corresponds to the largest disc the grinder can take. It determines the cutting depth, the weight of the tool and the jobs it can do.

Small 115 mm and 125 mm grinders

Light and easy to handle, they are comfortable to hold and suit most DIY and renovation jobs: cutting tubes, profiles, rebar and tiles, deburring, sanding or wire brushing. The 125 mm grinder is the most versatile: it cuts slightly deeper than a 115 and discs of this diameter are very easy to find.

Large 180 mm and 230 mm grinders

These are building-site tools: more powerful and heavier, they must always be held with both hands. The 230 mm allows deep cuts in stone, concrete blocks or concrete and cutting through thick metal parts. It requires experience: the tool's reaction if the disc jams is much more violent.

Power, variable speed, cordless: the other criteria

• Power (W): for the same diameter, a more powerful grinder slows down less in the material. Allow around 700 to 900 W for a DIY 115/125, 1 100 W and above for intensive use, and 2 000 W and above for a 230 mm.
• Variable speed: valuable for polishing, wire brushing or stainless steel, which overheat if the speed is too high. Example: the angle grinder 900 W 125 mm variable speed TOTAL TG109125565.
• Cordless: ideal on a roof, a fence or a plot without power. 20 V models in 115 mm handle most light cuts, such as the cordless grinder 20 V 115 mm 2 speeds TOTAL TAGLI201158 or the brushless 20 V 115 mm TOTAL TAGLI261521. For small precision jobs, there is also the cordless mini grinder 20 V 76 mm disc TOTAL TAGLI76012.
• Ergonomics: repositionable side handle, a switch that is easy to release, spindle lock for changing the disc.

Which disc for which material?

The disc matters as much as the machine. The wrong disc cuts poorly and can shatter.

Three essential rules: the disc diameter must match the grinder's, the maximum speed marked on the disc must be at least equal to the machine's rotation speed, and you never grind with a cutting disc (on its face): it is too thin and can break.

Safety: the rules you must never forget

A disc spins at very high speed: a disc fragment, kickback or flying debris can cause serious injuries. These rules are not optional.

1. Personal protective equipment (PPE)

• Safety glasses or a face shield: mandatory, debris and sparks are constant.
• Hearing protection: ear defenders or earplugs, a grinder is very loud.
• Suitable work gloves, and a dust mask when cutting concrete, stone or tiles (the dust is harmful to the lungs).
• Close-fitting clothing in cotton, safety shoes, hair tied back; no scarves or loose sleeves that could get caught.

2. Never remove the guard

The guard is your shield if the disc shatters. Never remove the guard, even to “make room” or fit a bigger disc. Position it so that it sits between the disc and you. Never fit a disc larger than the diameter the machine is designed for: it would spin too fast and would no longer be protected.

3. The right disc, in good condition

• Use the type of disc suited to the material (see table above).
• Before each use, check that it is not cracked, chipped, warped or damp. Some discs have an expiry date: respect it.
• Fit it with the original flanges and the key supplied, with the machine unplugged or the battery removed.

4. The right technique

• Always hold the grinder with both hands, with the side handle fitted.
• Let the disc reach full speed before touching the workpiece; when starting a new disc for the first time, let it run without load for a few seconds, pointing the tool away from yourself and others.
• Secure the workpiece (clamp, vice) and support it so that the cut opens up at the end: if the cut closes, the disc gets pinched and the tool kicks back towards the user.
• Don't force it, don't twist the disc in the cut, and don't stand in line with the disc.
• Keep sparks away from flammable products, gas cylinders and people.
• Wait for the disc to stop completely before putting the machine down, and unplug it before any disc change.

Angle grinder prices in Morocco

Benchmarks from our current catalogue (prices subject to change):

Find the full range, including polishers and mini grinders, in our grinders and polishers collection, and battery-powered models among our cordless tools. To complete your equipment, also read our guide to essential tools for the home and building site and our guide to the rotary hammer drill for drilling concrete.

Frequently asked questions

Which grinder should a beginner choose?

A 115 or 125 mm grinder of around 750 to 1 100 W: light, easy to control and sufficient for most cutting and grinding at home. The 230 mm should be reserved for experienced users.

Can you fit a 230 mm disc on a 125 mm grinder?

No, never. You would have to remove the guard, and the disc would spin at a speed it is not designed for: risk of shattering and serious injury.

Which disc for cutting tiles?

A continuous-rim diamond disc of the right diameter, for a clean, chip-free cut. Wear a dust mask and safety glasses.

Do you deliver everywhere in Morocco?

Yes, Brico MIM delivers to all cities in Morocco, with cash on delivery.