DeWalt 4.5 in. Small Angle Paddle Switch Grinder with Brake

Why I reached for this grinder

I put this compact 4.5-inch grinder to work on a week of metal-fab odds and ends: cleaning welds on 1/4-inch angle, cutting rebar and threaded rod, beveling plate, and chasing rust off an old trailer tongue with a wire cup. I also took it into tighter corners inside a stair stringer repair where a 5-inch or 6-inch grinder would’ve been awkward. Over the course of those tasks, the grinder proved itself as a strong, compact, safety-forward option with a few quirks worth noting.

Build, feel, and ergonomics

The housing feels solid and dense without being bulky, roughly six pounds with guard and handle installed. The body length lets me choke up close to the head for control, and the paddle switch shape falls naturally under my fingers whether I’m right- or left-handed. The side handle is the standard DeWalt fare—nothing fancy, but it threads in cleanly and doesn’t transmit excessive buzz.

In tight spots, the footprint is an advantage. I was able to run a 60-grit flap disc inside a channel and around gussets without constantly bumping the guard. The guard itself uses DeWalt’s One-Touch adjustment, which means I can rotate it with a firm twist—no fumbling with a tool or a lever. It’s a small thing that adds up when you’re repositioning frequently.

Balance is good front to back, with a slight forward bias that helps keep cutting wheels on line. The cord has decent strain relief and stays out of the way. Overall, it feels like an honest work tool, not a featherweight; I don’t mind that trade-off because it runs steady and planted.

Power and speed under load

With an 11-amp motor rated at 1400 max watts out, this grinder sits in the heart of the 4.5-inch pro class. It spins up quickly and keeps wheels moving through mild steel without drama. Grinding welds flat on 1/4-inch angle, I could lean in with consistent pressure and the motor held speed with only a modest drop as the disc loaded. With a good flap wheel, it clears mill scale decisively.

For cutting, it chews through 3/8-inch rebar and 1/2-inch threaded rod at a pace you’d expect for this size—no heroics, but I never felt like I needed more grinder. The motor’s overload protection is tuned sensibly; on a deliberate bind in a deep cut, it stalled before I got into trouble and recovered immediately once I eased off.

Heat management is solid. After several minutes of continuous grinding, the gear case was hot to the touch as expected, but the rear housing stayed comfortable enough to keep working. Noise is typical for the class; hearing protection is a must.

The brake is a real workflow upgrade

The standout feature here is the mechanical brake. Let go of the paddle and the wheel stops quickly—on the order of a couple of seconds, rather than coasting forever. That makes a tangible difference when you’re setting the tool down, swapping positions, or working around other people and material. I found myself moving more fluidly from cut to grind to reposition without hovering, waiting for the wheel to wind down.

There’s a bit of brake “chirp” when it engages, which is normal. With thin cutoff wheels, it’s smart to release the paddle smoothly rather than abruptly snapping off power; that keeps the sudden stop from jolting the wheel. Once you get the feel for it, the brake becomes second nature and adds a welcome layer of safety.

Dust and durability considerations

DeWalt’s Dust Ejection System is essentially a series of internal deflectors and vents to keep abrasive grit from settling where it can chew up windings and bearings. In practice, after cutting and grinding a mix of rusty steel and painted stock, I noticed less fine grit collecting inside the rear vents than I usually do. It’s not magic—you’ll still want to blow the tool out with low-pressure air at the end of the day—but it’s a thoughtful bit of insurance for a tool that lives in abrasive environments.

It’s important to note that this isn’t dust extraction. If you’re grinding concrete or masonry, you’ll still need a shroud and a vacuum to control silica dust. The grinder itself does nothing to capture dust at the source.

Controls, guard, and wheel changes

The paddle-type trigger is the right call on a small grinder like this. It promotes a secure grip and makes accidental start-ups less likely because you need a full-hand action to run it. The One-Touch guard adjusts without tools and holds its position reliably; I rotated it frequently to keep sparks directed away from my body and workpiece edges.

Wheel changes are straightforward. The included hex-style wrench and spindle lock do the job, though it’s not a tool-free setup. The flange and backing flange seat discs positively, and I had no issues keeping wheels centered and true. One caution: the included guard is a Type 27, ideal for depressed-center grinding discs and flap wheels. If you plan to run Type 1 flat cutoff wheels regularly, get the correct cutting guard for safety and clearance.

Variant note: clutch and lanyard

The model I used is the standard version with the brake and paddle switch. If you need an electronic anti-rotation clutch that shuts down the motor instantly on a bind, DeWalt offers a close cousin variant with that feature plus a lanyard connection point. The standard model here does not include the electronic clutch, so good cutting technique—straight lines, steady feed, and not twisting in the kerf—remains essential to avoid kickback.

Day-to-day usability

• Control: The grinder tracks predictably. With a wire cup brush, it stays smooth with minimal chatter; with a coarse grinding disc, it bites without walking.
• Vibration: Manageable. It’s not a low-vibration specialty tool, but it’s comfortable for the length of a cutting session. Anti-vibration handles would be nice, but not expected at this size and class.
• Corded convenience: Unlimited runtime is the obvious plus. If you’re used to cordless grinders for quick tasks, the cord here buys you steady power and less bulk at the head, especially noticeable in tight interiors.
• Maintenance: Brushes and vents are accessible. A quick blow-out and check after gritty workdays keeps it happy.

What I’d change

• An electronic clutch on the base model would be welcome, especially for users who spend a lot of time in cutting applications where pinches are common. The brake is excellent, but it doesn’t replace the value of a stall-detection clutch.
• Including both Type 27 and Type 1 guards would make this more turnkey for mixed grinding and cutting work.
• A slightly softer overmold on the main grip area would improve comfort during long sessions, particularly with thinner gloves.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing as you match the tool to your needs.

Warranty and support

The coverage is reassuring: 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. That aligns with the tool’s pro-oriented positioning and makes it easier to justify as a go-to grinder in a small shop or on-site kit.

Who it’s for

• Fabricators and contractors who want a compact, corded 4.5-inch grinder with a safety-focused feature set and strong everyday performance.
• DIYers stepping up to a pro-level grinder who value the paddle switch and quick-stop brake, and don’t mind using a wrench for wheel changes.
• Anyone working frequently in confined spaces where a 5- or 6-inch grinder feels unwieldy.

If you rely heavily on cutting in awkward positions or in materials prone to pinching, consider the variant with the electronic clutch or plan on technique and wheel selection that minimize bind risks.

Recommendation

I recommend this grinder. It hits the sweet spot for power, control, and safety in the 4.5-inch class. The mechanical brake meaningfully improves day-to-day workflow and safety, the paddle switch encourages a proper grip, and the Dust Ejection System adds a layer of durability without asking anything of the user. While I’d love to see an electronic clutch on this exact model and a cutting guard in the box, those omissions aren’t enough to overshadow the core experience: a compact, confident grinder that does the work you ask of it and helps you do it more safely. For metal fabrication, maintenance, and general shop tasks, it’s an easy tool to reach for and a reliable one to keep.