DeWalt 5 in. (125 mm)/6 in. (150 mm) Cut-Off/Grinder with Slide Switch

Why I reached for this grinder

I brought this DeWalt grinder into a mix of metal fabrication and light masonry work where a 6-inch wheel can save time—long cuts on plate, aggressive beveling, and the occasional mortar rake-out. I wanted corded reliability, a compact body, and enough power to keep a 6-inch wheel from stalling when leaning on it. After weeks of cutting and grinding steel, trimming fasteners, and pairing it with a dust shroud for block joints, I have a good sense of where it excels and where it could be better.

Setup and what’s in the box

Out of the box you get two tool-free adjustable guards (Type 27 for grinding and Type 1 for cut-off), a wrench, and a two-position side handle. The dual guards matter—switching to the enclosed Type 1 guard for cutting improves safety and dust capture, while the Type 27 keeps visibility and access for grinding. Swapping guards is genuinely tool-free and quick, which nudged me to use the right guard for the job instead of “making do.”

The 5/8-11 spindle is standard in North America and it accepts both 5-inch and 6-inch wheels. That flexibility is useful if you stock mostly 5-inch discs but want the extra depth and life of a 6-inch wheel for heavier work.

Design and ergonomics

At 13 inches long and roughly 5.6 pounds, this isn’t a featherweight 4-1/2-inch grinder, but for a 6-inch class tool the size is compact and manageable. The barrel grip is comfortable, and the soft-grip side handle threads in on the left or right. I would have liked a third (top) position for overhead or tight-quarters cuts; two positions will cover most scenarios, but not all.

The slide switch with lock-on sits where my thumb can reach it without shifting grip. The detent is deliberate—hard to bump accidentally—but easy enough to engage with gloves. Lock-on is a productivity boost on long passes, but it demands respect: I make a habit of switching to lock-off before setting the tool down.

Build-wise, the gearbox feels tight, the guard mechanisms don’t rattle, and there’s minimal play at the spindle. The corded design keeps weight down compared to high-voltage cordless grinders and delivers consistent power, which I appreciate on long grinding sessions.

Power and performance

The 13-amp motor (around 2.3 HP) and 9,000 rpm rating put this in the “strong single-speed” camp. On 6-inch grinding wheels, I could lean in to remove mill scale and dress welds without the motor bogging. It isn’t a brute force demolition grinder that shrugs off every abusive cut, but for how compact it is, it punches above its weight.

• Metal grinding: With a 6-inch Type 27 wheel and the side handle installed, I could maintain steady pressure and keep the wheel biting without glazing. Heat buildup stayed manageable as long as I didn’t stall the wheel. Vibration is typical of a mid-size grinder—noticeable, but not fatiguing. I got the best feel with flap discs and ceramic grinding wheels.

• Cutting: Using a 6-inch cut-off wheel provides noticeably more reach than a 4-1/2-inch grinder. Slicing 1/2-inch bolts and trimming plate felt efficient. The larger wheel keeps its diameter—and therefore speed—longer as it wears, which shortens cut time over the life of the disc. Stick with the Type 1 guard for these tasks.

• Masonry: Coupled with a compatible dust shroud and a vacuum, I cut grooves in block and chased cracks without choking the workspace. The tool keeps up with silica dust capture when the shroud is sealed well, and the motor didn’t complain about the slightly higher drag.

It’s worth noting this is a fixed-speed grinder. If you need to run wire cups at lower rpm or finesse delicate finishes, you’ll miss a dial. For heavy steel removal and general cutting, 9,000 rpm is right where it should be.

Dust management

From the factory, you get standard guards and dust extraction compatibility. That means you’ll need a separate shroud to connect a vacuum for serious dust control; the included guards alone are not dust-collection devices. With a good shroud and a 6-inch wheel, capture efficiency is solid, especially when cutting mortar. On metal, capture is less critical but still helps keep grinding fines off surfaces. I also appreciate that the guard collars are secure—the last thing you want is guard drift during a cut.

Controls and safety

• Slide switch with lock-on: Positive engagement, easy to operate with gloves, and predictable. Lock-on is excellent for long cuts and grinding passes but should be off for any awkward position work.

• Guards: Tool-free adjustment encourages you to reposition or swap for the right wheel type. That’s a safety win and a time saver.

• Handle: The two-position handle is comfortable and reduces wrist strain. A third top position would expand control options.

There are no advanced electronics on board—no variable speed, no electronic clutch, no auto-brake. I didn’t miss these for most of my work, but if you regularly do bind-prone cuts or want maximum kickback mitigation, you’ll want to factor that in.

Maintenance and durability

Grinders live a hard life. After steady use, I checked brushes and blew out the vents; the motor kept its tone and didn’t develop odd noises. The gearbox housing got warm under heavy grinding but never to a worrying degree. As with any corded grinder, avoid sustained stalls and don’t choke the intake vents with gloves or clothing. The included wrench and standard flange nuts make wheel changes straightforward, but there’s no “quick-change” nut in the box.

DeWalt’s 3-year limited warranty, one year of free service, and 90-day satisfaction period offer reasonable coverage. For a corded grinder at this power level, that’s competitive.

Where this grinder shines

• You want 6-inch capacity in a compact package. The extra diameter shortens cut times and extends disc life.
• You primarily do metalwork where single-speed power is an advantage—beveling, weld cleanup, plate cutting.
• You need quick guard changes. The Type 1/Type 27 guards and tool-free mechanism actually save time.
• You’re pairing the tool with a vacuum for masonry cuts. With the right shroud, dust control is effective.

What I’d change

• Add a third handle position. For overhead and awkward cuts, a top mount improves control.
• Offer a quick-change flange nut in the box. It’s a small upgrade that speeds wheel swaps.
• Optional: a variant with variable speed for those who split time between heavy grinding and more delicate tasks.

Practical tips from use

• Match your guard to the wheel. Type 1 for cut-off wheels, Type 27 for grinding and flap discs; don’t mix them.
• Keep the vents clear and give the tool a breather between long, high-pressure grinds to manage heat.
• Pair 6-inch wheels with the correct guard—do not run a 6-inch disc under a 5-inch guard.
• If you plan on masonry work, budget for a compatible dust shroud; the stock guards aren’t dust shrouds.

The bottom line

This DeWalt grinder is a straightforward, high-output, single-speed 6-inch tool that focuses on power, compact size, and practical usability. It doesn’t chase bells and whistles; instead, it delivers consistent torque, quick guard adjustments, and a form factor that’s easy to control for its class. In metal fabrication and general shop work, that combination translates to faster cuts and confident grinding. In light masonry with the right accessories, it stays capable and reasonably clean.

Recommendation: I recommend this grinder to users who value 6-inch capacity and solid, no-nonsense performance—metalworkers, fabricators, and remodelers who want corded consistency and can live without variable speed or advanced electronics. If your work demands frequent low-speed operation, electronic kickback mitigation, or a three-position handle, look for a more feature-rich model. Otherwise, this is a dependable, powerful choice that earns its keep.