DeWalt 4-1/2 in. (115 mm) Grounded Paddle Switch Grinder

First impressions and setup

The first time I powered up this grinder to clean up a batch of rusty angle iron, it felt familiar in the best way: compact in the hand, confident under load, and simple to set up. Out of the box you get the 4-1/2 in. guard, a side handle, and a wrench, so you can bolt on a wheel and get right to work. The 5/8-11 spindle is standard, so every common 4-1/2 in. grinding wheel, flap disc, wire cup, and diamond blade in my kit threaded on without fuss.

Two things stood out immediately: the paddle switch with its lock-off (no accidental pocket-starts here), and the grounded plug. If your jobsite or shop policy requires grounded tools, you can stop hunting—this one checks the box. It’s also rated for AC/DC operation, which meant it played nicely with a generator and a welder/generator’s DC outlet on a site where clean power wasn’t guaranteed.

Build, ergonomics, and balance

The housing feels robust without being blocky, and the low-profile gear case genuinely helps when you’re trying to grind inside channel or close to a wall. With the side handle mounted, the balance is neutral; it neither dives forward nor fights you when you feather onto a surface. At a listed 6.18 lb, it’s a touch heavier than some compact 4-1/2 in. grinders, but the mass works in your favor for steady grinding passes and reduced chatter. I do wish the handle had a third, top-mount option for certain vertical or overhead angles; you get left and right, which will be fine for most users.

The paddle switch is well executed. The safety lock-off is large enough to find with gloves on, and the action is positive without being fatiguing in longer sessions. If you’ve ever had a slide-switch grinder skate away because you brushed the switch, you’ll appreciate the extra confidence a paddle gives you.

Power and performance

Under the hood, the 11 A motor spins at a no-load 11,000 RPM and is rated for 1,400 Max Watts Out. Specs aside, in real use it has the kind of reserve that keeps a 40-grit flap disc moving through mill scale and weld beads without bogging unless you lean in aggressively. I put it through a mix of tasks:

• Grinding fillet welds flush on 3/16 in. plate
• Deburring plasma-cut edges
• Cutting 1/2 in. rebar and 1/8 in. angle with a thin kerf cutoff wheel (with a Type 1 guard I keep on hand)
• Cleaning up rusty farm implements with a wire cup

In all cases, the grinder maintained speed well. Compared to lighter-duty 7 to 9 amp units, there’s less need to “pulse” the cut or back off just to keep the wheel from stalling. That extra headroom also means less heat build-up in the motor during extended grinding—always a good sign for longevity.

One tradeoff: there’s no variable speed. For someone polishing stainless or using sensitive wire wheels, a slower setting can be helpful to reduce discoloration and wire shedding. If variable speed is a must-have for you, this isn’t the right fit. For typical steel grinding and cutting, the fixed 11,000 RPM is standard and appropriate.

Dust management and durability

The dust ejection system is more than marketing. After a couple of hours of grinding and cutting masonry, I popped the guard and checked the vents and internal passages. Fine dust tends to pack into the first place it can settle; here, airflow and porting keep it moving out of the motor housing better than average. I still blow tools out with low-pressure air at the end of a dusty day, but this design clearly helps.

The guard is the One-Touch style, which rotates 360° with positive clicks. It makes repositioning quick and secure—no tiny levers to fumble or screws to loosen. Note that the included guard is for Type 27 (depressed center) wheels. If you plan to run cutoff wheels frequently, get a Type 1 guard; they’re inexpensive, and safer for cutting.

Wheel changes and accessories

Wheel swaps are about as painless as it gets. The Quick-Change wheel release let me remove most discs tool-free: lock the spindle, twist, and it backs off. When a wheel galled itself to the flange after a hot cut, the included wrench broke it free without drama. The matching flanges seat common wheel profiles properly, and I didn’t run into any wobble with thin cutoff wheels.

Small but useful detail: the spindle lock button is shielded well enough that you don’t accidentally press it during operation, but it’s still easy to reach when you need it.

Control, vibration, and noise

Vibration is well controlled for a grinder in this class. With a good flap disc or a fresh Type 27 wheel, you can make long, consistent passes without your hands buzzing afterward. The side handle does a lot of work here—use it. Noise is typical for 4-1/2 in. grinders at full speed; plan on hearing protection. If you run a wire cup on rough steel, expect the sound to jump from “loud” to “loud and angry,” which is the nature of the accessory more than the tool.

Access in tight spaces

The low-profile head genuinely helps. I used it to grind inside 2 in. channel and to get close to a perpendicular flange where a taller gearbox would have forced me into an awkward approach. The body diameter is trim enough to choke up on the tool for delicate work, like dressing a weld toe without removing too much parent metal.

Power sources and cord

The heavy-duty, grounded cord inspires confidence. The AC/DC rating is handy for generator work, and the motor ran smoothly on both a small inverter generator and a larger jobsite unit. If you frequently plug into questionable power sources, this grinder seems tolerant without feeling “soft” on startup.

What I’d change

No grinder is perfect. Here’s where this one could be better:

• No variable speed. Great for grinding and cutting, less ideal for polishing or delicate wire brushing.
• Two-position handle only. A top-mount option would add control for certain tasks.
• It’s not the lightest. The weight helps with stability but could fatigue some users during prolonged overhead work.
• The included guard is Type 27 only. Budget for a Type 1 guard if you do a lot of cutting.

None of these are deal-breakers for the core audience, but they’re worth noting.

Reliability and service

After multiple weeks of mixed use, there’s no play in the spindle, the switch remains crisp, and the motor hasn’t faded. The dust ejection design appears to be doing its job, and consumables seat and release cleanly. The warranty package is reassuring: 3-year limited, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction window. For a grinder that’s likely to live a hard life, that support matters.

Who it’s for

• Metal fabricators and welders who spend more time grinding than cutting and want strong, consistent power.
• DIYers and pros who need a grounded tool for compliance or peace of mind.
• Anyone working in tight spaces who’ll benefit from a low-profile head and quick guard rotation.
• Users with generator-powered jobsites; the AC/DC capability broadens your power options.

Who should look elsewhere? If you need variable speed for finishing work on stainless or stone, consider a dedicated variable-speed model. If you primarily cut rather than grind, add the proper cutting guard to your cart from day one.

Recommendation

I recommend this grinder. It delivers the right mix of power, control, and durability for day-in, day-out metalwork, with thoughtful touches that show up in real use: a safe, glove-friendly paddle switch, a guard that rotates instantly, effective dust ejection, and a grounded cord that keeps site supervisors happy. While the fixed speed and two-position handle won’t please every niche, the core performance is excellent, and the service/warranty support backs it up. If you’re after a dependable 4-1/2 in. grinder to anchor your grinding and cutting tasks, this one earns a spot on the bench.