DeWalt Cordless Small Angle Grinder

The DeWalt DCG415B Cordless Small Angle Grinder is a tool that promises to deliver power and convenience without the hassle of cords. As someone who has had the opportunity to put this grinder through its paces, I can say that it largely lives up to its promises, though it does come with a few caveats.

First impressions matter, and the DeWalt grinder makes a strong one. The build quality is immediately apparent when you take it out of the box. The yellow and black color scheme is classic DeWalt, and it feels robust and well-constructed in hand. Weighing in at just under four pounds without the battery, it strikes a good balance between heft and maneuverability. However, once you attach a high-capacity battery, the weight can become noticeable, especially during extended use.

One of the standout features of this grinder is its kickback brake. This safety feature is designed to stop the wheel and shut off the grinder in the event of a stall or bind-up. In practice, this works exceptionally well. During a particularly tricky cut, the brake engaged almost instantaneously, preventing what could have been a dangerous situation. The E-CLUTCH protection also adds another layer of safety by shutting down the motor quickly in case of a pinch or stall.

The paddle switch is another feature that deserves mention. It feels intuitive and provides excellent control, allowing for a seamless start and stop action. This is particularly useful when you need to change hands or hold the grinder in an awkward position. The E-Switch protection ensures that the grinder doesn't accidentally restart after a power interruption, adding another layer of safety.

Performance-wise, the grinder is a beast. With a maximum speed of 9000 RPM, it makes quick work of cutting and grinding tasks. Whether you're cutting through metal pipes, unistrut, or making cutouts in electrical cabinets, this grinder handles it all with ease. The brushless motor is efficient and ensures that the tool remains cool even after prolonged use. I found that it maintains its performance consistently, without any noticeable drop in power.

However, there are a few areas where the grinder could improve. One significant oversight is the lack of onboard storage for the hex key. This means you'll need to keep the key handy whenever you need to change discs, which can be a bit of an inconvenience. Additionally, while the grinder comes with a Type 27 guard for grinding, it does not include a Type 1 guard for cutting. Given the importance of safety, especially when cutting, this omission is puzzling. I had to go through some hoops to find the correct part number and order the guard separately, which is something DeWalt should address.

Battery life is another consideration. The grinder is compatible with DeWalt's 20V MAX* batteries, and while it performs admirably with a 6Ah or 8Ah battery, these larger batteries do add to the weight. For smaller, quick jobs, a lower capacity battery will suffice, but for extended use, be prepared to swap out batteries or invest in multiple high-capacity ones. The good news is that the grinder is efficient in its power use, and I found that it doesn't drain the battery as quickly as I expected.

Ergonomically, the grinder is well-designed. The secondary handle provides additional control, and the overall balance of the tool is excellent. The guard can be easily rotated without the need for additional tools, which is a nice touch. The paddle switch is comfortable to use, and I found it to be a significant improvement over traditional on-off switches, particularly in terms of safety and ease of use.

In terms of durability, the grinder holds up well. I've used it in various conditions, including wet areas, and it has performed consistently without any issues. The materials used in its construction are high-quality, and it feels like a tool that can withstand the rigors of daily use. The soft start feature is another plus, as it reduces the initial torque and makes the tool easier to handle.

Overall, the DeWalt DCG415B Cordless Small Angle Grinder is a high-quality tool that offers excellent performance and safety features. It's well-suited for both professional and DIY use, particularly if you're already invested in the DeWalt ecosystem. The lack of onboard hex key storage and the omission of a Type 1 guard are minor drawbacks, but they don't detract significantly from the overall utility of the tool.

Would I recommend this grinder? Absolutely. Its combination of power, safety features, and cordless convenience makes it a valuable addition to any toolkit. Whether you're a professional contractor or a DIY enthusiast, this grinder is likely to meet your needs and exceed your expectations. Just be prepared to invest in a few additional accessories to get the most out of it.