Wall chasing — cutting grooves in walls for electrical conduit, plumbing, or HVAC — is one of the most common tasks on renovation and fit-out jobsites. This guide compares the three main tools used for the job: angle grinder, hammer drill, and wall chaser. For a deeper understanding of how concrete composition affects blade performance, see How Concrete Composition Affects Diamond Blade Performance.
Tool Comparison: Angle Grinder vs. Hammer Drill vs. Wall Chaser
Angle Grinder
The most versatile option. Two parallel cuts are made with a segmented diamond blade, then the center material is chipped out. Works on concrete, brick, and block. Requires a dust shroud and vacuum for indoor use.
Best for: small jobs, occasional use, mixed materials, tight spaces.
Dust control: use the AirChaser dust shroud with a vacuum for clean, OSHA-compliant groove cutting.
Hammer Drill
Least dust, roughest result. Works by percussion rather than cutting. Best for soft materials and rough chasing where finish quality doesn't matter.
Wall Chaser (Dedicated Tool)
The fastest and cleanest option for high-volume professional work. Makes two parallel cuts simultaneously with twin blades. Produces consistent groove width and depth with minimal cleanup.
Best for: high-volume installs, professional electrical and plumbing contractors, clean finished environments.
Blade Selection for Wall Chasing
Blade choice depends on the wall material:
- Concrete block / aerated block — segmented blade, medium bond
- Reinforced concrete — segmented blade, hard bond, high diamond concentration
- Brick — turbo or segmented blade
For a full blade selection guide, see How to Choose the Right Diamond Blade for Your Job and Concrete Cutting Mechanics.
Conclusion
- Small jobs / occasional use: angle grinder + AirChaser dust shroud + vacuum
- Soft materials / rough chasing: hammer drill can work, but results are less clean
- High volume / professional installs: a wall chaser is faster, cleaner, and more consistent
Further Reading
- How Concrete Composition Affects Diamond Blade Performance
- Concrete Cutting Mechanics
- Cutting Construction Materials with Floor Saws (Joint Cutters)
- Dry Drilling in Concrete – When Is It Possible and When Is It Not?
- How to Choose the Right Diamond Blade for Your Job
- Wet vs. Dry Diamond Blade Cutting: Which Should You Use?
