DeWalt 5"-6" Brushless Grinder

Why this grinder stayed on my bench

After a few weeks of putting this DeWalt brushless grinder through metal fab and light masonry work, I’ve come to appreciate it for what it is: a powerful, safety-forward, corded 13‑amp grinder that’s happiest when you respect it with two hands. It’s not the smallest or lightest option, but it earns its space by delivering steady power, quick stopping, and features that actually reduce risk in real-world use.

Build, size, and first impressions

Out of the box, the grinder feels substantial without being cumbersome. At 5.46 pounds, it’s heavier than compact 4‑1/2-inch models but right in line for a 13‑amp, 5-inch platform. The body is long, which gives good leverage but can be a squeeze in tight spots. Fit and finish are typical DeWalt: solid plastics, tight seams, and a confident trigger. The secondary handle threads on securely and can be moved for left or right side use. I ran it mostly with the handle installed and my off-hand planted—this tool rewards that stance with stability and control.

The brushless motor is the headline feature here. In practice, it means no brushes to replace, smooth startup, and better efficiency under load. I found it runs cooler than comparable brushed grinders during extended grinding sessions.

Power you can lean on

In steel, the grinder holds its own. I used it with 5-inch Type 27 grinding wheels, thin-kerf cutting discs, and flap wheels for blending. It maintains speed well when you lean into it—enough torque to remove material quickly without feeling like it’s about to run away from you. Cutting 1/4-inch plate and common shop bar stock is unremarkable (in a good way), and it trims welds with confidence. If you’re used to babying lighter-duty grinders, this one encourages a firmer hand and faster progress.

On masonry and concrete, paired with the appropriate wheel and a dust shroud, it handled small scoring and cleanup tasks fine. For deep masonry cuts, I’d still step up to a bigger, dedicated setup, but for on-site touch-ups or paver adjustments, it’s effective.

Safety systems that show up when things go sideways

Two systems stand out in use: the E-Clutch and the kickback brake. They’re easy to gloss over in a spec sheet, but they matter.

• E-Clutch: When the wheel starts to bind, the grinder senses the spike and cuts power. You feel a quick drop-off rather than a violent twist. It doesn’t make bad technique consequence-free, but it does give you a critical buffer.
• Kickback and mechanical braking: Release the trigger and the wheel winds down fast—noticeably faster than grinders without an active brake. In a mild pinch, I’ve felt the brake intervene decisively, halting the wheel before anything escalates.

Together, these features reduce the “oh no” moments that can turn into injuries. They don’t eliminate kickback risk, but they materially change how those events play out. If you work in awkward positions or around others, that’s worth prioritizing.

Trigger, handling, and control

The trigger-style switch is comfortable and predictable with gloves. It gives you a clear on/off relationship with the wheel—no ambiguity about whether it’s live. Compared to a paddle switch, a trigger asks for more deliberate hand placement. I found it encourages proper two-handed use: one hand on the main body, the other on the side handle. If you tend to one-hand grinders (overhead, on ladders, or in cramped corners), this isn’t a great match. The power level and the switch feel both reward a stable, two-handed grip.

Vibration is well controlled for the class, and the brushless motor’s smoothness helps. Over longer sessions, the balance feels right, with the center of mass close to your lead hand. Spark and debris management depends on your guard and wheel choice; I had no issues with the standard configurations I used, but you’ll want to orient the guard carefully when changing operations.

Braking and productivity

The quick stop is more than a safety feature; it makes workflow faster. Switching from a cut to a grind, or setting the tool down between passes, is simpler when you don’t have to wait for a free-spinning wheel. It also reduces the chance of a still-spinning disc grabbing fabric, hoses, or cords as you move around.

One side note: because the braking is strong, make sure your flanges are clean and wheels are properly tightened. That’s good practice on any grinder, but especially on one that brings the wheel down quickly and repeatedly.

Dust and debris

When I used this grinder on concrete and masonry, it was with a compatible shroud and a vac. The motor doesn’t ingest dust any more than comparable grinders, but brushing out vents and keeping the tool clean will extend its life. The brushless design helps here—no carbon dust, fewer internal wear points—but abrasive dust is still abrasive. If concrete work is a big part of your usage, treat the grinder as part of a system with shroud, vacuum, and respirator.

Durability and maintenance

A brushless motor removes a common maintenance item and runs cooler, which should bode well for longevity. The overall construction feels field-ready. After aggressive grinding and cutting sessions, I didn’t notice hot spots or smells, and performance didn’t fade as the hours stacked up. As with any corded grinder, the cord is the most vulnerable part—avoid yanking or wrapping it tight, and you’ll extend its life.

What I’d change

• Length: The body is long for a 5-inch grinder. It helps leverage but makes it harder to work inside frames or close quarters.
• One-handed use: This isn’t the tool to one-hand, and the trigger style doesn’t encourage it. If you frequently work overhead with one hand, a lighter 4‑1/2-inch paddle-switch grinder may be a better fit.
• Accessory clarity: It’s built around 5-inch wheels. If you want a dedicated 6-inch setup, confirm guard and accessory compatibility in your kit before assuming it will cover both roles.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re real factors when you choose a grinder for your workflow.

Who it’s for

• Fabricators and welders who want a robust, 13‑amp corded grinder with strong safety features and quick stopping.
• Pros who value two-handed control and prioritize reducing kickback risk on busy job sites.
• Anyone who needs a dependable shop grinder for steel prep, cutting, and post-weld cleanup, with occasional masonry or concrete tasks.

If your work is mostly delicate grinding, super-tight access, or one-handed overhead use, consider something lighter and more compact.

Value and warranty

DeWalt backs this grinder with a 3-year limited warranty, 1 year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. That’s a solid support window for a hard-use tool. Given the build quality, brushless design, and stacked safety features, the overall value proposition is strong—even more so if you’ve had near-misses with kickback and want tech that actively mitigates it.

The bottom line

This DeWalt brushless grinder is a confident, capable 13‑amp tool that blends real power with meaningful safety systems. It’s happiest in two hands, chewing through steel and stopping in a heartbeat when you’re done. The trigger switch, E‑Clutch, and braking work together in a way that feels intentional and protective without getting in the way of productivity.

Recommendation: I recommend this grinder to pros and serious DIYers who want a dependable, safety-forward 5‑inch grinder for metalwork and occasional masonry. Choose it for its steady power, quick braking, and clutch systems; skip it if you need a compact, one-handed grinder for tight spaces or extended overhead work.