DeWalt DWE402 Review: An Angle Grinder Worth Getting?

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DeWalt DWE402 Review

Ideal for a multitude of tasks, including cutting tiles and metal, polishing surfaces, and even rust and paint removal, angle grinders are quite versatile tools in any garage arsenal. For tough jobs that require long hours, you can’t go wrong with a corded option such as the DeWalt DWE402.

If you’re eyeing this grinder, read on to find out more. Listed below are the product’s specifications, as well as its pros and cons to help you decide whether to buy it or not.

Reviewed Product

DeWalt DWE402 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder

A powerful corded angle grinder from DeWalt with 11,000 RPM of speed. This tool sports multiple safety features including a paddle switch, a 360° flexible guard, and an automatic-off.

As a cordless angle grinder, it features a paddle switch mechanism, which helps to prevent injuries when you’re holding the tool, and it avoids accidental start-up. You might find it ideal for porcelain tiles, granite, metal, and even backer board, which makes it great for bathroom projects and the like.

Specifications

With an 11-amp motor, this corded angle grinder has a no-load speed of 11,000 RPM. It has a spindle size (and thread) of 5/8-11 inches and a 4 1/2-inch wheel diameter. This 12-inch-long tool has 1,400 watts.

While the tool is a combination of plastic and metal, there are notably more metal components for better durability. As for the cord, it spans at a length of 72 inches (6 feet).

Quality

DeWalt caters to customer satisfaction and this angle grinder is covered by a 3-year limited warranty. This covers any manufacturer’s damage to materials or workmanship and the company themselves will repair without charge. DeWalt also offers a 1-year free service and a 90-day money-back guarantee, in case you are not fully satisfied with the product you bought.

Another plus point in terms of quality, is that all of their tools are OSHA-compliant, which can be seen in the angle grinder’s dust ejection system, which limits the worker’s inhalation of particles that can be harmful to the respiratory system.

Usability

The DeWalt DWE402 displays a ton of user-friendly features. The first one is the paddle switch, which prevents accidental start-ups by locking the tool, a useful component during rushed jobs. The side handle can also be positioned differently, depending on your preference or needs.

There is also a spindle lock button at the top of the tool to help improve the depth of cut on your material. Additionally, you can rotate the guard up to 360 degrees so you can stay protected from debris better than with a standard guard.

On top of that, there is a quick-change wheel, which makes for easy wheel replacements, without the need for tools for when you’re in a hurry. Also, the large spiral bevel gear lengthens the transmission’s durability, which adds to the grinder’s abilities for long-term use.

DeWalt DWE402 In Use

Should You Buy the DeWalt DWE402?

If your desire for owning an angle grinder stems from DIY work as well as a couple of tile projects, then the DeWalt DWE402 might be for you. Since it is corded, you can go for hours without worrying about diminishing battery life and you can finish a project without having to pause and wait for the battery to recharge.

This angle grinder may also appeal to you if you’re new to home improvement tools, because of its beginner-friendly paddle lock-on switch and flexible guard. You might also like the quick-change wheel system if you want hassle-free work without the need for a wrench, especially when sticking to deadlines while also valuing tool safety.

If you are still unsure about the decision, go through the below list of the pros and cons of this angle grinder to help you with your decision.

Pros of the Product

Let’s start with the pros.

The paddle switch makes it safe and convenient.

No more worrying about accidentally hitting the power button on an angle grinder (or any power tool, for that matter) – this one has a special paddle switch that makes it easy to lock the tool in place when you’re working (and when you’re not).

No annoying battery breaks.

If you’re feeling inconvenienced by cordless tools, you may like the corded feature of this angle grinder. You don’t need to change batteries or wait for it to charge, which makes it ideal for long hours of work.

It has a flexible guard.

This helps reduce the dust and debris that would normally fly into your face and your surroundings (still assuming you already have protective gear). You can rotate the guard up to 360 degrees so you are always covered.

Automatic off feature saves motor lifespan.

Thanks to the auto-off element, there is less workload on your motor and the mechanical components. This safety feature also helps reduce excessive spinning.

It has a tool-free wheel change system.

You don’t have to worry about grabbing a wrench or two – the quick-change wheel helps you instantly replace the disc in no time. This is perfect for times when you need to work on different materials and not just tile alone.

DeWalt DWE402 Angle Grinder Cutting Metal

Cons of the Product

While this product has good points, it does have some minor drawbacks.

It is fixed-speed.

With 11,00 RPM, unfortunately, it is not a variable-speed unit. You might find it useful for general angle grinder applications and not for delicate ones. This may be a con for some folks, if you are looking for an angle grinder to tackle a complete range of tasks.

The tool can be a bit heavy for some users.

At about six pounds, this tool isn’t as friendly for those who aren’t used to anything above four pounds. Nonetheless, if durability is what you’re looking for, then the added weight may be seen more as a pro than a con.

What Are the Alternatives?

Alternative to DeWalt DWE402: Black & Decker BDEG400 There are also alternatives for the DeWalt DWE402 out there if you’re looking for similar angle grinders. For instance, the Black & Decker BDEG400 has a similar 4 1/2-inch-sized wheel however, its side handle has notably more positions – up to three. It also comes with a wheel guard and you might like this unit more if you want a lighter weight (it weighs in at just about four pounds).

Another similar angle grinder to the DeWalt mentioned above, is the Makita 9557PBX1 which also has a paddle switch mechanism for safety. Both of them have a 4 1/2-inch-sized wheel. A notable difference between the two is the weight, since the Makita tool is only four and a half pounds. Nonetheless, they both have an 11,000 RPM speed.

Last, but not the least, consider the Porter-Cable PCEG011 which also has a 4-1/2-inch-sized wheel, comes with a similar feature called a “no-volt switch” that prevents accidental restart, and is equipped with a spindle lock. This tool’s handle can be positioned at the top, left, and right.

Separately, you might also want to check out my list of recommended angle grinders.

Summary

As a whole, the DeWalt DWE402 is a respectable choice for most tasks. This can be a go-to power tool if you’re looking to cut metal, redoing your tiles, or working on bathroom projects and the like. But, do note that it does not have variable speed.

Nonetheless, if you enjoy unlimited power and want a less awkward paddle switch that avoids accidental triggers, you will like this angle grinder. It offers a good combination of power (a good speed of 11,000 RPM), safety (paddle switch), and durability (mostly metal housing) in one tool.

Reviewed Product

DeWalt DWE402 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder

A powerful corded angle grinder from DeWalt with 11,000 RPM of speed. This tool sports multiple safety features including a paddle switch, a 360° flexible guard, and an automatic-off.