What cut-off wheel is best for cutting steel?

A thin (0.045-inch) aluminum oxide abrasive wheel is the standard for steel. Thinner wheels cut faster and generate less heat. For stainless steel, use a wheel rated for stainless.

Can I use a concrete cut-off wheel on metal?

No — masonry wheels are not designed for metal and will shatter or load up. Always use a wheel rated for the material you're cutting.

What's the difference between Type 1 and Type 27 cut-off wheels?

Type 1 wheels are flat and designed for straight cuts. Type 27 wheels have a depressed center for clearance when cutting near a surface. Both work for metal cutting.

Best Cut-Off Wheels for Cutting Metal

Metal cut-off wheels for angle grinders and chop saws come in many configurations — and using the wrong one for your metal type is both ineffective and dangerous. This guide covers the best cut-off wheels for metal by material type and tool size.

Choosing the Best Cut-Off Wheels for Metal by Material

Mild Steel and Carbon Steel

Standard aluminum oxide abrasive wheels. Look for “metal” or “steel” on the label. For 4.5” grinders, use Type 27 (depressed center) at 0.045” thickness for fastest cutting. For 14” chop saws, Type 1 (flat) in 3/32” to 1/8” thickness.

Stainless Steel

Must use wheels labeled “stainless” or “INOX” — free of iron, sulfur, and chlorine contaminants. Using a standard metal wheel on stainless causes rust spots at the cut edge. These best cut-off wheels for metal (stainless) use a specialized aluminum oxide or zirconia blend.

Aluminum and Non-Ferrous Metals

Standard metal wheels clog (load up) on aluminum and become dangerous. Use wheels specifically rated for aluminum or non-ferrous metals. These have a different bond formulation that prevents material buildup.

Ductile Iron Pipe

Ductile iron is extremely tough on wheels. Use wheels designed for ductile iron with zirconia-alumina abrasive for longer life. Standard metal wheels burn through quickly.

By Tool Size

4.5” angle grinder: 4.5” x 0.045” Type 27, 7/8” arbor. The most common metal cutting setup.

7” angle grinder: 7” x 0.045”-1/16” Type 27, 7/8” arbor. Deeper cuts for larger stock.

14” chop saw: 14” x 3/32”-1/8” Type 1, 1” arbor. Production metal cutting. See Best 14-Inch Cut-Off Wheels.

Safety

Never exceed RPM rating. This is the most critical safety factor with any cut-off wheel.

No side pressure. Metal cut-off wheels shatter under lateral force. Plunge cuts only.

Secure the workpiece. Unsecured metal can shift and bind the wheel, causing kickback.

Check expiration. Abrasive wheels degrade over time. Never use expired wheels.

For concrete cutting wheels, see Best Cut-Off Wheels for Concrete. For the full guide, see Cut-Off Wheel Buying Guide.

Recommended Metal Cut-Off Wheels

VA specializes in diamond tooling for concrete and masonry — for metal cut-off wheels, the top brands are Norton, DeWalt, and Diablo. Search Amazon for your specific metal type and grinder size.

For contractors who cut both metal and concrete, keep a VA 9-inch Ultra Value and a metal abrasive wheel in the same kit. Swap as needed — never use a metal wheel on concrete or vice versa.

Browse Virginia Abrasives diamond products on Amazon →