DeWalt 4-1/2 in. (115 mm) - 5 in. (127 mm) Paddle Switch Grinder

Why I reached for this grinder

I picked up this DeWalt paddle‑switch grinder for jobs that bounce between 4‑1/2 and 5 inch wheels—everything from knocking down welds to cutting angle iron and chasing mortar joints. After a few weeks on metal and a dusty day in block, it’s clear this is a workhorse geared toward daily use rather than occasional weekend duty.

Power and speed in real work

The 13‑amp motor (rated 2.3 HP) spins at 11,000 rpm, and you feel that headroom the moment a disc bites. On 1/4-inch steel, the tool holds speed with a 5-inch Type 27 grinding wheel without that mushy bog you get on lighter 7–9 amp grinders. Beveling welds with a 36‑grit wheel, I could lean in and still keep the wheel cutting clean. With a 5-inch cutoff wheel, it sliced 3/16-inch angle and rebar predictably; thicker stock is still reasonable as long as you let the disc do the work.

What stood out most is consistency. It doesn’t surge on light contact or flatten out under pressure—just steady torque across the face of the disc. That’s what makes a grinder feel controllable, not just “powerful.”

A heads-up: this is a fixed-speed tool. If you need to run wire cups, non-wovens, or polishing attachments that prefer lower rpm, you’ll want a variable-speed model. For general grinding and cutting, 11,000 rpm is exactly where I want it.

Safety systems that actually help

Two electronics matter here: the E‑CLUTCH and the overload protection.

• E‑CLUTCH: When the wheel pinches or stalls, the motor cuts out instantly. I tripped it a few times intentionally with a cutoff wheel in a kerf and with a flap disc wedged at a bad angle. Each time, the motor shut off before the grinder could torque out of my hands. Release the paddle, reset your cut, and you’re back to work. It doesn’t replace good technique, but it noticeably reduces the pucker factor on sketchy cuts.

• Overload protection: During a long, heavy grind on a thick plate, I pushed hard enough to trigger a shutdown. The tool cooled quickly and came back without drama. I’d rather have that intervention than cook a stator, especially on a corded grinder that’s going to live a long life.

There’s no electronic brake here; the wheel coasts to a stop. If you want a grinder that stops the disc quickly every time you release the switch, look for a model with an active brake. For me, the pinch protection matters more than the stop time.

Ergonomics and controls

The paddle switch is well executed. It has a positive lock‑off to prevent accidental starts, and the action feels natural in either hand. There’s no lock‑on run feature, which I prefer on a safety‑first grinder. If you spend long sessions blending with a flap disc, you might miss a lock‑on, but the paddle design keeps your grip and body position safer during unpredictable cuts.

At 13 inches long and just over 6.5 pounds, the grinder balances nicely with a 4‑1/2 or 5‑inch wheel. It’s not featherweight, but the balance keeps fatigue in check. The soft‑grip side handle installs left or right—no top‑mount option—so you can’t run it “over the top” for certain grinding angles. That’s one of my few ergonomic knocks.

The guard is tool‑free and rotates easily. It’s a Type 27 (depressed center) guard, perfect for grinding. If you do a lot of straight‑line cutting with Type 1 wheels, budget for a Type 1 guard as well; it’s the safer setup and provides better clearance along the cut.

Dust, debris, and durability

DeWalt’s Dust Ejection System is more than a buzzword. After a morning dry‑cutting block and chasing joint lines, I blew the tool out and found far less grit inside and around the rear vents than I typically see on grinders without this feature. The intake design sheds fine dust outward, and over time, that matters for brushes and windings.

For clarity: this isn’t an external dust‑extraction port or shroud. If you’re grinding masonry regularly, pair the tool with a compatible 5‑inch dust shroud and a decent vac—there are universal options that clamp around the guard. The grinder’s job here is surviving dust, not collecting it.

The gear case is compact enough to get into corners and feels stout. I’ve used it to dress fillet welds tight into a bracket with a 60‑grit flap disc; the head clears well, and the guard rotates without fighting you.

Included kit and compatibility

Out of the box, you get:
- Type 27 tool‑free adjustable guard (5-inch)
- Wrench
- Two‑position side handle

You’ll need to supply your own wheels. The spindle is 5/8‑11, which plays well with the vast majority of cutoff wheels, grinding wheels, flap discs, and wire cups sold in North America. The tool runs both 4‑1/2 and 5‑inch wheels; I tend to keep a 4‑1/2-inch cutoff wheel on for tight spaces and a 5-inch grinding wheel when I want more surface area and longer life.

No case is included. I’d also recommend adding:
- A Type 1 guard for cutoff wheels
- A quality 5-inch dust shroud if you do masonry
- A variety pack of flap discs (36/60/80 grit) to make the most of the power

Day-to-day behavior you’ll notice

• Startup and control: Smooth ramp to speed without a harsh jerk.
• Vibration: Manageable for a 13‑amp class tool; the soft handle helps, but this isn’t an anti‑vibration specialty grinder.
• Heat: The body warms under sustained load, as expected. Overload protection steps in if you over‑lean for too long.
• Sound: Typical for its class—hearing protection is a must.
• Cord: Durable enough, stays flexible in moderate cold. I’d still add a strain relief loop at the bench or on scaffolding.

Where it fits in the lineup

Compared to lighter-duty grinders, this DeWalt wins on stall resistance and speed hold under load—especially with 5-inch wheels where weaker motors can feel sluggish. Against higher-end models with electronic brakes or variable speed, it trades those extras for a robust clutch and strong core performance. If your work is primarily metal fabrication, steel framing, and general construction with occasional masonry, this hits the sweet spot.

If you’re a finisher or stainless specialist who needs low-speed control for abrasion‑sensitive work, look to a variable‑speed model. If you’re on demo crews where guards come off (they shouldn’t) and kickback is frequent, the E‑CLUTCH here earns its keep.

Maintenance tips

• Blow it out with compressed air at the end of dusty days; the Dust Ejection System helps, but it’s not a replacement for care.
• Inspect the guard latch periodically; grit can make any tool‑free mechanism sticky.
• Keep the flanges clean; a dirty flange is the fastest route to a wobbly disc and extra vibration.
• Use good wheels. This motor reveals the difference between bargain discs and pro‑grade abrasives in both speed and heat buildup.

Warranty and support

The warranty is straightforward: 3‑year limited, 1‑year free service, and a 90‑day satisfaction guarantee. For a grinder expected to see daily use, that’s a reassuring baseline.

The bottom line

This DeWalt paddle‑switch grinder is a confident, everyday tool for anyone who needs reliable power in the 4‑1/2 to 5‑inch class. It combines a strong 13‑amp motor with meaningful safety electronics, a practical tool‑free guard, and dust‑resistant construction that actually holds up on masonry days. I wish the side handle had a top position, and I’d love a factory Type 1 guard in the box, but those are small gripes in light of the overall performance.

Recommendation: I recommend it for tradespeople and serious DIYers who prioritize control, stall resistance, and safety over extras like variable speed or an electronic brake. If your work is heavy on grinding and cutting steel with occasional masonry, this is a dependable choice that earns its spot in the kit.