The die grinder name comes from one of their earliest and archetypal applications, tool and die work, where they were used to create the precise contours of dies or molds. Especially before the advent of widespread CNC usage, they were heavily relied upon for contouring via manual skill comparable to a sculptor's.
The term "die grinder" originates from its foundational application in tool and die manufacturing, where it was employed to craft intricate shapes for dies or molds. In the pre-CNC era, these tools relied on skilled manual craftsmanship that rivaled the artistry of a sculptor.