DeWalt 4-1/2 in. - 6 in. Side-handle Detect Small Angle Grinder

First impressions and setup

Cordless grinders have come a long way, and this 60V DeWalt small angle grinder feels like the culmination of a lot of lessons learned. Out of the kit, the build is what I expect from DeWalt’s heavier-duty line: dense, solid, and purposefully engineered. The brushless motor spins up decisively to a stated 9,000 RPM, and the chassis is clearly designed to run both 4-1/2 in. and 6 in. wheels with the appropriate guards. The side-handle detect system—DeWalt’s two-hand operation requirement—is immediately noticeable because the tool simply won’t run unless you’re gripping the main handle and the removable side handle.

A quick word on setup: the guards include tool-free adjustment, and swapping between the included 6 in. Type 1/Type 27 and 4-1/2 in. Type 27 guards is straightforward. Wheel changes use the standard 5/8-11 spindle with inner and outer flanges. I wish DeWalt included a traditional two-pin spanner for the flange nut; my kit had a hex key for other fasteners but no pin wrench. If you already own one, you’re set. If not, budget for it—hand tightening a cutoff wheel isn’t a great long-term plan.

With a FLEXVOLT 9.0Ah pack installed, balance is nose-forward but manageable. It’s not a featherweight combo, and you feel the mass if you’re overhead or on a ladder. On a bench or at waist height, the weight helps the cut and grind stay steady and reduces the tendency to chatter.

Power and performance

DeWalt rates this grinder at 2,400 MWO, roughly “13-amp corded” territory in practical terms. In use, it tracks with that claim. I ran it through a mix of tasks: cutting 1/2 in. rebar, trimming 1/8 in. angle, zipping off decking screws, beveling 1/4 in. plate, and some light concrete scoring with a 6 in. segmented diamond blade. The grinder maintained speed well under moderate pressure and only started to bog when I leaned on it harder than I would with a corded 13A unit. Back off slightly and it recovers immediately. It’s happy with 4-1/2 in. wheels, but the 6 in. capacity is what sets it apart; those extra millimeters of radius make a noticeable difference in cut depth and in how long a wheel lasts.

Start-up torque is stout—you can feel the twist when the motor lights. That translates to excellent bite in metal. It’s easy to overheat or glaze a wheel with underpowered grinders; not here. If the wheel is appropriate and sharp, the grinder has the muscle to keep it cutting clean.

A note on consumables: at 9,000 RPM, use only discs and blades rated accordingly and match the guard to the task (Type 1 for cutoff with flat discs, Type 27 for grinding and depressed-center wheels). For 6 in. wheels, make sure your discs are 6 in.-rated and that you’re running the 6 in. guard. Always defer to the wheel manufacturer’s limits and the manual.

Safety systems that matter

Three safety features stand out:

• Side-handle detect: The tool requires two-hand operation. It’s effective at discouraging risky one-handed use and helps with site compliance. There are moments in tight spots where I wished I could reposition without the side handle, but the system does what it’s designed to do—encourage proper grip and control.

• Anti-rotation system: Under a pinch or bind, the grinder reacts quickly and limits the event. It won’t defy physics, but it reduces the kick you feel and protects the motor. I had one intentional pinch in 1/4 in. plate to test it; the tool checked up without drama.

• No-volt restart: If you stall the grinder or swap a battery with the switch left on, it won’t spring to life when power returns. It forces you to cycle the switch before it will run. That’s the kind of feature you only appreciate once—after it saves you from a restart surprise.

Collectively, these systems make the grinder feel composed under stress. They also introduce a small learning curve. If you’re used to a bare-bones corded grinder, expect the tool to “say no” occasionally until your habits match the safety logic.

Ergonomics and control

The housing is comfortable, with a grippy overmold where you want it and a narrow barrel for a 60V-class tool. The side handle is robust and dampens vibration reasonably well. The guard adjustment lever is glove-friendly, and the spindle lock is positive. I don’t baby tools, and nothing rattled loose over several days of cutting and grinding.

Vibration and noise are typical of a high-power small grinder: not gentle, but not fatiguing if you let the wheel do its work. The motor is smooth at speed, with most of the feel coming from the wheel and the material rather than the drive itself. As with any grinder, good wheels and appropriate pressure make a night-and-day difference in comfort.

Runtime and charging

On lighter-duty jobs with 4-1/2 in. wheels—deburring, cleanup, cutting screws—I can work a long stretch on a single FLEXVOLT 9.0Ah battery. Continuous heavy grinding with a 6 in. wheel will burn through a pack faster. That’s the tradeoff for corded-level performance in a cordless form. The included fast charger (kit dependent) helps; top-ups are quick enough that with two packs you can leapfrog and stay productive. Heat management is good. The pack and tool stayed warm but not worrisome, even during back-to-back cuts in thicker stock.

If you already live in the DeWalt ecosystem, this grinder slots right in. If you don’t, know that the FLEXVOLT packs add cost and weight, but they unlock what this platform can do.

Connectivity and asset management

TOOL CONNECT+ is integrated. For a one-person shop, it’s a nice-to-have: you can tag the grinder in the app, see last-seen location, and track runtime. For crews and fleets, it’s more compelling—reducing lost tools and giving a bit of usage insight. It doesn’t change how the grinder performs day to day, but the integration is tidy and unobtrusive.

Compatibility and guards

Wheel compatibility is broad: 4-1/2 in., 5 in., and 6 in. discs share the same 5/8-11 spindle, and the tool is designed for that whole range. Guarding is the practical limiter. The box included a 4-1/2 in. Type 27 guard and 6 in. Type 1 and Type 27 guards in my kit. If your work or safety policy calls for a guard that matches wheel size exactly, plan your wheels around the guards you have. Functionally, a 5 in. wheel runs fine under the 6 in. guard with the right clearances, but always follow local rules and the manual.

What I liked

• Strong cutting and grinding performance that rivals a mid-tier corded 13A grinder
• True 6 in. capacity with the included guards
• Safety stack (two-hand detect, anti-rotation, no-volt restart) that’s effective without being intrusive once you adapt
• Tool-free guard adjustments and secure spindle lock
• Solid runtime on FLEXVOLT packs and quick recovery on the fast charger
• Integrated TOOL CONNECT+ for tracking

What could be better

• The side-handle detect can be limiting in awkward positions; there are niche cases where you’ll wish it would run without the side handle attached
• Weight is noticeable with a 9.0Ah pack; extended overhead work will tire you out
• My kit lacked a two-pin spanner for the flange nut; include it, DeWalt
• Packaging/labeling around wheel size and guard contents could be clearer across SKUs

Who it’s for

Metal fabricators, mechanical contractors, and remodelers who want cordless portability without giving up 6 in. capacity will get the most out of this grinder. It’s also a smart fit for shops moving to two-hand safety requirements. Homeowners with substantial metalwork or frequent lawn-mower blade sharpening will enjoy the convenience, but the size and cost make more sense if you’re already on DeWalt batteries or you need the extra power.

Recommendation

I recommend this grinder. It delivers real 60V performance with the flexibility of running 4-1/2 in. through 6 in. wheels, and its safety systems are thoughtfully implemented for professional use. The side-handle detect won’t suit every scenario, and the weight with a big FLEXVOLT pack is a factor. But the power-to-portability ratio, tool control under load, and guard/wheel versatility make it a dependable choice for serious cutting and grinding in the field. If you’re invested in the DeWalt platform or you need 6 in. capacity in a cordless package, it’s an easy pick. If you primarily do one-handed, tight-quarters work, or you’re sensitive to tool weight, you might prefer a lighter 4-1/2 in. grinder without two-hand detection—but you’ll give up capability to get there.