24 October 2026 · AHIHQ Traders Team

Cutting disc vs grinding disc: which disc, blade or cutter cuts what

The difference between a cutting disc and a grinding disc is the job and the thickness: a cutting disc is thin and is used edge-on to slice through steel, while a grinding disc is much thicker and is used at a shallow angle to remove metal, smooth welds and clean edges. Never grind with a cutting disc or cut with a grinding disc. In Nairobi in October 2026, the Knicker Cutting Disc is KSh 23,200 for a carton of 400 in 4.5", and the Knicker Grinding Disc 7" is KSh 8,700 for a carton of 50.

Cutting, grinding and other cutters at a glance

Tool What it cuts or does Sizes we list Wholesale pack and price
Knicker Cutting Disc (mesh reinforced) Slices steel bar, angle, pipe and sheet 4.5", 9", 14" 4.5": KSh 23,200 / carton of 400; 9": KSh 7,250 / carton of 50; 14": KSh 14,355 / carton of 30
Knicker Grinding Disc 7" (mesh reinforced) Removes metal, smooths welds, bevels edges 7" KSh 8,700 / carton of 50
Circular Saw Blade (tungsten carbide teeth) Wood cutting on a circular saw 4.5" x 30T, 7" x 40T/60T, 9" x 40T/60T, 12" x 96T From KSh 29,000 / carton of 10 (12") to KSh 72,500 / carton of 200 (4.5")
Knicker Hacksaw Blade 24T Hand-cutting metal rod, pipe and bolts 24 teeth KSh 9,425 / packet of 100
Knicker Tin Cutter, Heavy Duty Straight cuts in thin sheet metal 8", 10", 12", 14" From KSh 17,835 / carton of 30 (14")
Knicker Aviation Snip Curves and tight cuts in thin sheet One size KSh 39,150 / carton of 60
Bolt Cutter Rod, chain, wire and padlock shackles 18" to 42" From KSh 15,950 / carton of 5 (36")

What is the difference between a cutting disc and a grinding disc?

Both fit an angle grinder and both are abrasive wheels, but they are built for opposite jobs. A cutting disc is thin, so it removes only a narrow line of metal and leaves a clean cut. It is designed to take load on its edge. If you press its flat face against metal to grind, it can flex and break.

A grinding disc is thick and stiff. You hold it at a shallow angle and work its face across the metal to take off weld beads, rust, burrs and sharp edges, or to bevel a joint before welding.

Both Knicker discs carry the maker's "mesh reinforced" label, meaning a fibre mesh is built into the wheel. Always match the disc diameter to the grinder: the 4.5" disc goes on a small grinder, the 7" and 9" sizes on larger grinders, and the 14" cutting disc on a chop saw or cut-off machine.

Which disc size do you need: 4.5", 7", 9" or 14"?

  • 4.5" cutting disc: the everyday size for small grinders. Light fabrication, grilles, burglar-proofing, cutting bolts and thin pipe. At KSh 23,200 for a carton of 400, it works out at about KSh 58 a piece.
  • 7" grinding disc: for dressing welds and cleaning steel on a 7" grinder. KSh 8,700 for a carton of 50, which works out at about KSh 174 a piece.
  • 9" cutting disc: deeper cuts in thicker sections on a large grinder. KSh 7,250 for a carton of 50, about KSh 145 a piece.
  • 14" cutting disc: for a chop saw cutting steel bar, box section and angle to length in a workshop. KSh 14,355 for a carton of 30, about KSh 478 a piece.

What about diamond discs for tiles and stone?

Abrasive cutting discs are made for metal. For ceramic tile, stone and concrete, fundis normally use a diamond disc or a tile cutter. This range does not currently list a diamond disc. For straight cuts in floor and wall tiles, the Knicker Manual Tile Cutting Machine comes in 12", 16", 20" and 24" lengths, from KSh 16,240 for a carton of 8 (12").

Saw blades: circular saw or hacksaw?

The Circular Saw Blade is labelled by the maker for wood cutting, with tungsten carbide teeth. Fewer teeth (30T or 40T) cut faster and rougher, which suits framing timber and rough boards. More teeth (60T or 96T) cut slower and leave a cleaner edge, which suits furniture, shelving and boards that will show. Cartons of 50 run from KSh 36,250 (7" x 40T) to KSh 61,625 (9" x 60T). Match the blade diameter to your saw.

For metal by hand, the Knicker Hacksaw Blade 24T is used in a hacksaw frame such as the Knicker Hacksaw Frame, Economy (KSh 8,355 for a carton of 48) or the Knicker Hacksaw Frame, Heavy (KSh 15,315 for a carton of 48). A packet of 100 blades is KSh 9,425, which works out at about KSh 94 a blade.

Tin cutters, aviation snips or bolt cutters?

For roofing sheet, gutters, flashing and ducting, use hand shears rather than a disc. The Knicker Tin Cutter, Heavy Duty makes long straight cuts. Longer handles give more leverage: 8" is KSh 20,880 for a carton of 60 (about KSh 348 a piece), 10" is KSh 20,535 for a carton of 48, 12" is KSh 18,270 for a carton of 36 and 14" is KSh 17,835 for a carton of 30 (about KSh 594 a piece).

The Knicker Aviation Snip has a compound action and short jaws, so it handles curves, notches and tight corners in thin sheet. It is KSh 39,150 for a carton of 60, about KSh 652 a piece.

The Bolt Cutter cuts rod, wire, chain and padlock shackles with long-handled leverage. The 18" (450mm) is KSh 24,650 for a carton of 20 (about KSh 1,232 a piece); the 24" (600mm) is KSh 17,400 for a carton of 10; the 30" (750mm) is KSh 16,240 for a carton of 7; the 36" (900mm) is KSh 15,950 for a carton of 5; and the 42" (1050mm) is KSh 17,400 for a carton of 4. Bigger handles suit thicker material.

How do you use cutting and grinding discs safely?

  • Keep the grinder's guard fitted and positioned between the disc and you.
  • Wear eye protection every time. Knicker Safety Goggles, Clear are KSh 14,500 for a carton of 200, about KSh 72 a pair. Add gloves and ear protection from our Safety & PPE range.
  • Check each disc before fitting it. Do not use a disc that is cracked, chipped, damp or dropped.
  • Use the disc only for its job: cut on the edge with a cutting disc, grind on the face with a grinding disc.
  • Clamp the work and keep sparks away from people and anything that can burn.

Which one should you buy?

Where to buy

Everything in this guide is in our Cutting Discs & Blades range, part of the wider Tools & Hardware range. These lines are sold wholesale only, by the pack (carton, bag or packet), never as single pieces. If you need only one or two pieces, share a carton with other fundis or shops, or buy for stock. Collect from our Nairobi trade counter at Royal Business Park, opposite Complast, Old Mombasa Road (Mon–Sat 8:00–17:30), or order for countrywide delivery at KSh 350 flat, free on orders over KSh 15,000. Pay by M-Pesa or card. Trade buyers can request a quote on the trade page, or send your list on WhatsApp +254 724 505 919.

Related guides

Common questions

Can I use a cutting disc for grinding?

No. A cutting disc is thin and built to take load on its edge. Side pressure from grinding can break it. Use a grinding disc such as the Knicker Grinding Disc 7" for that job.

What is the price of a 4.5" cutting disc in Kenya?

In Nairobi in October 2026, the Knicker Cutting Disc 4.5" is KSh 23,200 for a carton of 400, which works out at about KSh 58 a piece. It is sold by the carton only.

Will a 9" disc fit a 4.5" grinder?

No. Fit only the disc diameter your grinder is made for, with its guard in place. A 9" disc needs a 9" grinder.

Can I cut tiles with a metal cutting disc?

Abrasive metal discs are not the right tool for tile. Use a tile cutter such as the Knicker Manual Tile Cutting Machine for straight cuts, or a diamond disc.

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