DeWalt 4-1/2 in. (115mm) - 5 in. (125mm) Trigger Switch Grinder with No Lock-On

First impressions and setup

After a few weeks of steady use, this DeWalt 5-inch grinder has settled into that sweet spot between compact and genuinely powerful. Out of the box, it includes a Type 27 5-inch guard, side handle, and the usual inner/outer flanges. The overall footprint is slim, and the low-profile gear case helps it sneak into tighter spots than bulkier 6-inch models. The 6-foot cord is on the short side, so plan on an extension cord for most jobs. I paired it with a 12- or 14-gauge cord to keep voltage drop in check, which helps the 13-amp motor run at its best.

Mounting wheels is straightforward with its 5/8-11 spindle. The included guard is right for grinding and Type 27 wheels; if you’re doing dedicated cutting with Type 1 wheels, you’ll want the appropriate guard for that task. The side handle threads in solidly and offers good control whether you’re right- or left-handed.

Power and performance

The spec sheet’s 13 amps and up to 11,000 RPM translate well on material. DeWalt rates it at 1700 max watts out, and in practice it feels every bit of that. On mild steel, it chews through welds with a 36- or 40-grit flap disc without bogging, and it maintains speed well under moderate pressure. With a bonded grinding wheel, I could lean on it harder than a typical 7–9 amp homeowner grinder without triggering a stall. Cutting 1/2-inch rebar and slicing brackets is fast and controlled as long as you keep a steady feed rate and let the wheel do the work.

Running a 5-inch wheel gives you a little more depth and life over 4-1/2-inch discs, and this grinder is built to take advantage of that window. I also ran a wire cup to clean scale on a frame section; while any high-speed wire setup will transmit some vibration, the tool’s weight and balance kept chatter manageable.

The one caveat: it does not have a brake. When you release the trigger, the wheel free-spins down. Plan your cuts and set the tool aside carefully to avoid nicking material or yourself while it coasts.

Ergonomics and control

At 5.7 pounds and 16.5 inches long, this grinder leans toward the heavier, sturdier end of the 4-1/2"–5" class. The upside is stability—especially helpful on flat grinding or when you’re upside down under a vehicle chasing welds. The downside is fatigue over longer sessions. The low-profile head is genuinely useful; I could get into corners and along pinch welds where a taller gearbox would have forced a different approach.

The trigger switch has no lock-on. That’s intentional for safety, but it changes how you work. For short- to medium-length cuts, I prefer the positive control. For long, uninterrupted grinding passes (say, prepping a large plate), holding the trigger can be tiring. You’ll know which camp you’re in. If you rely on lock-on for long sessions, this isn’t the switch configuration for you.

Safety features that actually help

Three systems stand out:

• E-CLUTCH anti-rotation: In a bind-up—like a cut closing on the wheel—the motor cuts out quickly. I tripped it a few times intentionally by twisting a wheel in a kerf and by pinching during a plunge cut. Each time it shut down fast and restarted normally after I reset my grip and cleared the bind. It’s not a mechanical brake, but it’s a real layer of protection against kickback.
• Power Loss Reset: If power drops and returns (tripped breaker, unplugged cord), the grinder stays off until you cycle the trigger. This should be standard on every grinder. It works as advertised and gives peace of mind on busy sites and crowded shops.
• Lanyard-ready: If you’re working overhead, the integrated tether point is a simple but valuable detail for tool fall protection.

Note what’s not here: no kickback brake and no electronic brake. You’ll need to manage wind-down and respect the wheel’s inertia.

Dust management and durability

The Dust Ejection System is more than a buzzword. This class of grinder lives in abrasive environments, and anything that sheds grit away from the windings and bearings extends service life. After dry cutting masonry and doing some heavy steel grinding, I noticed less accumulation around the intake compared with older grinders without this feature. I still recommend regular blow-outs with low-pressure air and avoiding dragging the tool through piles of debris.

The housing and guards feel stout, seams line up well, and nothing rattles. Heat buildup is normal during continuous grinding, but I never hit a thermal shutdown. If you’re planning marathon sessions, work in passes and give it a minute to breathe between cycles.

Controls and usability

The guard adjusts easily and stays put, which is crucial when you’re changing orientation frequently. The trigger has a decisive actuation without being stiff. Vibration is well controlled for its class; I’ve used smoother grinders, but they rarely matched this unit’s power. Ear and eye protection are a must—at 11,000 RPM with aggressive wheels, noise and sparks are inevitable.

The cord is durable but short. On a bench or in a truck bay with outlets nearby, that’s fine. On a slab or roof, it means an extra cord management step. Also note the AC-only rating; if you rely on DC welding generators for power, this isn’t the grinder to plug into that setup.

Accessory compatibility

A 5/8-11 spindle opens up the usual ecosystem: depressed-center grinding wheels, Type 1 and Type 27 cutters (with the right guard), flap discs, wire wheels, and backing pads. Running 5-inch accessories is a worthwhile upgrade if you’re coming from 4-1/2-inch—more cutting depth and typically better cost-per-cut or grind before replacement. Balance remains good with both 4-1/2 and 5-inch discs.

Real-world scenarios

• Bracket removal under a vehicle: The low-profile head and strong torque made short work of tack welds and seized bolts ground flush. Upside down, I appreciated the anti-rotation clutch the moment a cutoff wheel pinched.
• Rebar and angle iron cuts: With 1.0–1.3 mm cutting discs, it tracks straight and maintains speed. Keeping the tool square and using light pressure produced the cleanest kerfs.
• Surface prep on plate: A 40-grit flap disc at light pressure yielded fast mill scale removal. For larger areas, the no-lock trigger was the limiting factor for me; frequent breaks were welcome, but they did slow the workflow slightly.

What I’d change

• Add a brake: Even a light electronic brake would improve safety and speed between cuts.
• Offer a lock-on version: Some users will prefer it for long grinding passes. The trigger-only design is understandably safety-forward, but having the option in the lineup would broaden appeal.
• Longer cord: Six feet works on a bench; ten would be more practical in the field.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing before you buy.

Who it’s for

• Fabricators, mechanics, and remodelers who need consistent, corded power for grinding and cutting steel.
• Users who value safety features like E-CLUTCH and Power Loss Reset over convenience features like a lock-on switch or brake.
• Anyone who wants the flexibility of 4-1/2" to 5" wheels in a single grinder without jumping to a heavier 6-inch class.

Who should look elsewhere: If you’re on DC power, need a braking grinder for frequent start/stop cuts, or insist on a lock-on paddle switch, there are better matches for your workflow.

Bottom line and recommendation

This grinder balances real power, sensible safety features, and a durable build in a compact, low-profile package. The 13-amp motor and 11,000 RPM no-load speed translate into confident cuts and fast grinding, while E-CLUTCH and Power Loss Reset provide meaningful protection in the scenarios that most often bite users. Dust management helps it hold up in gritty environments, and the 4-1/2" to 5" capability adds flexibility without excess bulk.

I recommend this tool for pros and serious DIY users who want a reliable, corded grinder for metalwork and general construction tasks. You should pick it if you value consistent power, smart safety, and a robust build, and can live without a brake or lock-on trigger. If those missing features are must-haves for your workflow, consider a braked or paddle-lock variant. Otherwise, this is a rock-solid, ready-to-work grinder that earns a spot on the cart.