As a brand focusing on different power tools, DeWalt’s angle grinders are mostly cordless (using their 20V MAX battery system) but there are also corded options for that extra bit of performance. Aside from their signature yellow color, most of their units have convenient features, such as an adjustable handle, an ergonomic grip, and brakes.
In this article, I’ll review five of the best DeWalt angle grinders that you can get your hands on. You will find out the different specs, pros, and cons for each product below. If you are in a rush, make sure to at least check our top pick – the cordless DeWalt DCG405B.
2 Best DeWalt Cordless Angle Grinders
For those who want to go cordless and wire-free for safety reasons, here are some units that are worth your time and money:
DeWalt DCG405B 20V MAX XR Angle Grinder with Kickback Brake
Equipped with a brushless motor for a longer lifespan, the DeWalt DCG405B 20V MAX XR Angle Grinder with Kickback Brake is a 4-1/2-inch angle grinder that has a Kickback Brake system. This stops the wheel almost immediately to protect its mechanical parts from wearing out, stopping as fast as two seconds or less.
The no-load speed of this angle grinder is 9,000 RPM, which is more than sufficient for most DIY and shop tasks. It is also not too heavy at only 3.75 pounds and has a spindle size of 5/8-11 inches. Moreover, it comes with a Type 27 guard measuring 4.5 inches, as well as other tools you’ll need (hex key, side handle, and the inner and outer flange).
In case of a power outage, its Power Loss Reset feature protects the battery and the motor from accidental restarts. Aside from that, it has an e-clutch/overload protection, which further protects the inner workings of the angle grinder. Since it has a slide switch, it can prevent accidental start-ups as compared to a trigger switch.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a brake system that stops the wheel quickly, in about two seconds or less. It is also lightweight at only 3.75 pounds so it is ideal for overhead projects while reducing fatigue.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: It is not variable speed so it will not be ideal for various other projects (e.g. car buffing).
DeWalt DCG413B 20V MAX Brushless Angle Grinder
Yet another one from the same 20V MAX cordless family, the DeWalt DCG413B 20V MAX Brushless Angle Grinder is a 9,000-RPM tool and has a blade brake as well. This will not only save time but also the mechanical parts’ lifespan. To avoid accidental switching of the tool, it has a two-stage trigger design for convenience.
Moreover, it has E-Switch Protection, in which the trigger switch cycles under unexpected power outage to prevent the motor and the battery from getting ruined quickly. This 850-watt tool has a spindle size of 5/8-11 inches and a wheel size of 4-1/2 inches. What’s more, the side handle can be positioned two different ways depending on your needs.
For overhead projects, the angle grinder is also not too heavy at only 3.75 pounds with a length of 12.2 inches, making it easier to store. You can feel at ease with the paddle switch, which gives convenience when operating with gloves. Last, but not the least, the grinder is backed by DeWalt’s 3-year limited warranty for your peace of mind.
Things I Like About This Product: Not only does it have a brushless motor that prolongs tool life – it also has a two-stage trigger design and a paddle switch, which both simplifies operation and avoids accidental triggers when working. It is also lightweight enough for overhead projects.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Like the tool mentioned above, this one is also not variable-speed.
3 Best DeWalt Corded Angle Grinders
If you want to consider tools that sport long-running power without worrying about portability, here are corded angle drivers I’d like to suggest:
DeWalt D28499X 7-Inch / 9-Inch Angle Grinder
If you need to work with really big projects that require a large grinding wheel, why not try the DeWalt D28499X 7-Inch / 9-Inch Angle Grinder? This beast has a 5.3-horsepower 15-amp motor with a 3,950W max wattage. It’s no-load speed spins up to 6,000 RPM and it has a 5/8-11-inch spindle thread size.
What I like about this tool is the five-position side handle, which will make it convenient for any operator when using it from awkward or tight angles. While it is not a brushless motor, it has an automatic turn-off brush mode when maintenance on the brushes is needed, preventing (or at least reducing) tool and motor damage.
You will also like the keyless adjustable guard if you’re often in a hurry and want to focus more on your material rather than reaching for a wrench all the time. Although the tool is 14.5 pounds, it’s a given since it is meant for heavy-duty purposes and can hold larger discs.
Things I Like About This Product: It accommodates 7-inch and 9-inch wheels, which makes it ideal for heavy-duty work and large materials even with minimal speed. The five-position handle adds many layers of convenience with work position flexibility.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Since it is designed for large wheels, it is difficult to find a guard that can replace the existing one when needed. You will also have to buy a wheel spacer separately.
DeWalt DWE402 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder
A tool with a paddle switch is always a convenient companion in a shop or DIY home project, such as with the DeWalt DWE402 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder. The one-touch guard system is helpful and a time-saver, and you won’t have to worry about blocking debris from different angles. Moreover, its 11-amp motor runs at 1,400 watts.
I like that it has a spindle lock button to improve the depth of cut of the tool. While it has a brushed motor, the brushes are large (about twice the size of the D28402 or the previous model) so the motor exerts less effort but with greater power. It even has an auto-off for the brushes to shut them down when they need a replacement.
Replacing the disc is also easy due to the quick-change wheel release feature that doesn’t require a wrench. This 12-inch tool runs up to 11,000 RPM and has a 5/8-11-inch spindle size. It even has a dust ejection system to help keep your place clean, especially when working with wood and other similar materials.
Things I Like About This Product: It has a high RPM and comes with tool-less systems for changing the discs and adjusting the guard. This will help improve your productivity and save time.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: The motor is not brushless so it will still have more vibration over one that is brushless. The speed is also not adjustable since it is not variable-speed.
For more information, read my in-depth DWE402 review.
DeWalt DWE4011 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder
Also equipped with a one-touch guard adjustment system, the DeWalt DWE4011 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder is a small yet powerful and ergonomic tool that runs on a 7-amp motor with a maximum speed of 12,000 RPM. It has a 5/8-11-inch spindle thread and has a tool length of 10-5/8 inches so it’s not too bulky compared to similar 4-1/2-inch angle grinders out there.
It has a slide switch for avoiding accidental triggers and the side handle can be positioned in two ways to adapt to your work settings. Aside from the one-touch guard adjustment mentioned earlier, it also has a quick-change wheel release for convenience without tools needed.
I like that the gearcase is designed with a low profile mold – ideal for small spaces and awkward positions. When you buy the tool, it also comes with a hex wrench for maintenance needs.
Things I Like About This Product: It’s small and low-profile – perfect for light-duty jobs and for those who are new to using angle grinders. Its one-touch guard adjustment and quick-change wheel system add to user convenience.
Things to Keep in Mind Before Buying This Product: Unlike the other DeWalt angle grinders mentioned above, this one doesn’t seem to have the overload/e-clutch system so you have to be careful when using it for long hours.
Is DeWalt the Right Brand of Angle Grinder for You?
DeWalt has been a staple in many garages, shops, and industrial setups, so it’s no surprise that many of their tools are super accommodating to the user. Their main focus is ergonomic designs and user-friendly features. Nonetheless, here are the basics of what to expect with DeWalt’s angle grinders:
Tool-less Adjustments
What makes DeWalt’s angle grinders so user-friendly is their system of tool-less adjustments and changes. You don’t need special tools for adjusting the guard and/or changing the disc so this can save a generous amount of time. You will benefit from this if you’re often in a hurry trying to finish a project or meet a deadline.
Tool Weight
Many of DeWalt’s angle grinders are lightweight (around three to four pounds) that all users can power through projects without feeling fatigued. You will also find their light weight useful when working with overhead projects or awkward positions for hours.
Switch Types
DeWalt’s angle grinders are mostly made with slide switches but others have a paddle switch as well. Both of them are good at preventing accidental triggers, although a paddle switch style is more useful for those who wear gloves and want a better grip on the tool.
Wheel Size
As DeWalt accommodates mostly 4-1/2-inch wheel sizes, it can be implied that their angle grinders are for light to medium-duty work. However, I mentioned a different model above (the DeWalt D28499X 7-Inch / 9-Inch Angle Grinder), in which you can use a larger wheel, so there are exceptions to their lineup.
Warranty
The majority of angle grinders from DeWalt are backed by a 3-year limited warranty, as well as a 1-year free service and 90-day customer satisfaction (money-back guarantee). Having a long warranty period is a plus point if you want to get the most out of your power tool and use it extensively for projects while reducing maintenance costs and hassle.
What Are the Alternatives?
Aside from DeWalt, other brands that are worth considering when choosing angle grinders are the following:
Bosch
Bosch’s tools emphasize the usage of the paddle switch feature. This is especially helpful for people who tend to use gloves during operation. They also tend to have good vibration controls such as having brushless motors, as well as multi-position handles.
Milwaukee
Using their signature M18 Fuel battery system, Milwaukee is a less-heard but powerful brand of power tools – angle grinders included. They are more preferable in industrial settings due to their power, as for heavy-duty work. They have both corded and cordless options.
Makita
Although Makita’s tools are on the heavy side (as compared to DeWalt’s lightweight ones), they are more suited for industrial and heavy-duty work, since they make durability a top priority for their angle grinders. They also have a lock-on switch on their tools to avoid accidental triggers.
BLACK+DECKER
Another top contender for the start-up shop is the Black&Decker which emphasizes on handle placement (some can be placed at the top of the tool for convenience). DeWalt and Black&Decker are not too far behind in terms of comfort and ergonomics so these two are candidates for a first tool.
If you don’t think Makita angle grinders are for you, here are other recommended grinders on our list.
Summary
If you want to try cordless angle grinders from DeWalt, I’d suggest the DeWalt DCG405B 20V MAX XR Angle Grinder with Kickback Brake if you want a brake system and a lightweight tool. However, if you are a fan of paddle switch designs, I think you will like the DeWalt DCG413B 20V MAX Brushless Angle Grinder.
For those who are looking for corded-electric options for uninterrupted power, the DeWalt D28499X 7-Inch / 9-Inch Angle Grinder is a good choice for heavy-duty work (and if you just need a big wheel to work with). But if you’re using normal-sized discs, the 11,000-RPM speed of the DeWalt DWE402 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder will suffice, as well as its tool-less disc change and guard adjustment. For tight spaces, the low-profile DeWalt DWE4011 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder is ideal for light-duty jobs.
