Both angle grinders and petrol saws are common on UK construction sites – but they serve different purposes. Choosing the right setup will improve speed, safety and overall blade performance.
For a complete overview of tools, blades and material considerations, see our Concrete Cutting Guide.
When cutting concrete, brick or black, the tool you use matters, just as much as the blade.
If you are unfamiliar with blade construction, explore our range of professional diamond blades.
Angle grinders are widely used because they are:
Common Blade Sizes
Typical maximum cutting depth with a 230mm blade is around 60-65mm.
Angle grinders are well suited for:
For deeper or structural cuts, they may be limited.
One of the biggest differences between grinders and petrol saws is achievable cutting depth. Disc diameter and guard clearance limit how deep a grinder can cut in a single pass. Our concrete cutting depth guide explains realistic depth expectations for different blade sizes and machines.
Petrol saws are designed for heavier-duty work.
They offer:
Common blade size:
Typical cutting depth:
Approximately 100-110mm (depending on model).
Petrol saws are better suited for:
If you regularly cut reinforced or high-density concrete, blade quality becomes critical. Read our concrete cutting guide for more details.
Whether using a grinder or petrol saw, blade performance determines:
Cheap blades may struggle under sustained load, particularly with petrol saws cutting deep sections.
Tool choice is only part of the equation. The blade specification must also match the material and working conditions. Our guide on how to choose the right concrete cutting disc breaks down bond selection, density considerations and common specification mistakes.
Choose an angle grinder if:
Reinforced concrete adds another layer of difficulty, particularly when using a handheld grinder. If your cut is likely to encounter steel, read our guide on cutting reinforced concrete with an angle grinder to understand the practical limitations and safety considerations.
Choose a petrol saw if:
If you’re cutting dense concrete or reinforced slabs with either machine, using a blade designed for sustained performance – such as the Pathfinder concrete cutting blade – reduces glazing and maintains speed under load
The machine determines depth and power.
The blade determines performance.
Matching both to the material is what keeps cutting consistent and controlled.
You can explore our full range of professional diamond blades to match your setup and application.
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