Like most professionals in construction, we rely on our tools across a range of projects and applications. So if you compare the cost per cut of an angle grinder against other metal cutting tools, it makes sense to use products that get the job done quicker or cheaper. Especially from a commercial and business perspective.
There are several tools to choose which can help you achieve performance, profit and productivity for metal cutting applications. These include band saws, recip saws, circular saws and more.
We’ve all been on site and used a tool that can do the job, such as a grinder or multi-tool. This is either because it’s close by or because of old habits. But what you might not realise is that the convenience of reaching for the nearest tool may be costing you time and money compared to using the correct cold cutting metal tools. In addition, some of the benefits of using a cold-cutting tool instead of an angle grinder include:
No need for hot‑work permits, which are required for tools that generate heat or sparks.
Lower labour costs since you don’t need someone monitoring for fire risks.
Improved safety with fewer sparks, burns, or the need for flame‑retardant clothing.
No rework or re‑galvanising needed after cutting, especially when using tools that deliver clean, precise cuts.
Most modern angle grinders come with a host of safety features, but other tools can be safer to use. Using an alternate tool can mitigate some of the risks you need to consider:
Flying discs:
Grinder discs can break and cause serious injuries. Circular saws and band saws operate at lower RPMs and have guards that reduce this hazard.
Dust control:
Grinders rarely have dust ports due to their design. Alternatives like circular saws often include dust extraction, while aftermarket grinder attachments may not fit well or work effectively.
Vibration:
Grinders often have higher vibration levels (e.g., 5 m/s², limiting use to about 2 hours). Tools with lower vibration—such as band saws (0.8 m/s²) or circular saws (0.5 m/s²)—can perform the task faster and with less risk.
