DeWalt 20V MAX 4-1/2–5 in Brushless Paddle Switch Angle Grinder (Tool Only)

First impressions and setup

I put this DeWalt grinder to work the day it came out of the box. It’s a compact, brushless 4-1/2 to 5-inch model with a paddle switch and the company’s FLEXVOLT Advantage electronics. The kit is bare-tool, so you’ll need your own 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT battery, wheels, and charger. In the box you get the side handle, a Type 27 guard, wrench, and flanges—enough to get grinding or cutting right away, assuming you’ve got consumables on hand.

Setup is straightforward. The guard’s quick-clamp makes it easy to clock for different tasks, and the spindle has a standard 5/8-11 thread, so most accessories you already own will fit. Wheel changes are classic flange-nut fare with the included wrench and spindle lock. It’s not tool-free, but it’s fast enough in the field. Bare weight is just under 4 pounds; add a battery and you’re still in comfortably one-handed territory for positioning (two hands on the tool for cutting/grinding, as always).

Power and performance

On a 5.0Ah 20V MAX pack, the grinder spins to 9,000 RPM with convincing urgency. It feels in line with a good 10–11-amp corded 4-1/2-inch grinder for light-to-moderate work: cutting rusty bolts, trimming angle iron, knocking down weld beads with a flap disc, or chasing mortar. The brushless motor is efficient and doesn’t bog easily. What changes the character of the tool is a DCB606 FLEXVOLT battery. With it, the grinder clearly hits harder. The FLEXVOLT Advantage control module recognizes the pack and unlocks more output—enough that thicker material cuts faster and heavy grinding stays in the sweet spot longer. It won’t turn the tool into a 7-inch brute, but the bump is noticeable and worth it if you do more than quick touch-ups.

Speed is single-stage at 9,000 RPM. There’s no variable-speed dial, which is typical for this class but worth noting if you polish stainless, run knotted wire cups that prefer lower speeds, or work a lot with specialized abrasives. In general fabrication and repair, the fixed speed is perfect.

Thermally, the grinder manages heat well. The intake screens at the rear keep out the big stuff, and air exits around the gearcase. After a few extended cuts and some grinding, the head gets appropriately warm but not alarming. If you’re running masonry or cutting concrete, a shroud and vac make a big difference—not just for your lungs, but for tool longevity.

Safety systems that actually help

I trigger-tested the safety suite on purpose. The Kickback Brake is quick; in a bind, it shuts the wheel down in roughly a second, which materially reduces the “ride” you can get from a snagged wheel. The E-CLUTCH adds another layer by cutting power when it senses a pinch or stall. The two systems together make the grinder feel well-mannered under duress. There’s also E-Switch Protection: if the battery is removed or power is interrupted while the paddle is depressed, the tool won’t auto-restart when power returns—you have to cycle the switch. That’s exactly how a paddle-switch grinder should behave.

For asset tracking, there’s a pocket for a Tool Connect chip (sold separately). If you’re managing a fleet, it’s convenient; if not, it’s unobtrusive.

Ergonomics, balance, and controls

This is a paddle-switch tool with a small safety latch you sweep with your thumb before squeezing the paddle. The motion is natural with bare hands and thin gloves, and it’s more secure than a conventional slide switch. With thick winter gloves, the latch feels a touch small. I adapted quickly, but I wouldn’t mind a slightly taller safety tab.

Balance is excellent with both a 5.0Ah 20V pack and a DCB606 FLEXVOLT. The FLEXVOLT makes the setup heavier, but the center of gravity stays right where you want it—over the grip and under the gearcase—so it doesn’t feel nose-heavy during vertical cuts. Vibration levels are typical for a 4-1/2 to 5-inch grinder: flap discs are smooth, hard wheels transmit more buzz. The included side handle is rigid and mounts left or right. I do wish it had a bit more cushioning and a top (12 o’clock) position for cut-off work, but the two available positions cover most use cases.

Start-up is smooth—no jarring twist—and spin-down with the brake is impressively quick. That short stop time is more than a convenience; it cuts downtime between cuts and makes the tool easier to stage safely.

Guard, flanges, and small quirks

The guard adjusts without tools via a cam lever. It’s easy to reposition, but like all clamp-style guards, it depends on correct clamping tension. Set it too loose and it can nudge out of position under vibration; too tight and the lever is frustrating. I recommend taking 30 seconds before your first cut to dial the clamp tension so that the lever snaps home firmly. Once set, it stayed put for me through a morning of cutting and grinding. If you do a lot of cut-off work, consider picking up a Type 1 (cutting) guard—the included Type 27 is primarily for grinding.

The spindle lock works reliably, though the button is small. With bulky gloves, you’ll occasionally hunt for it. Wheel swaps are otherwise uneventful. The flange design holds thin cut-off wheels securely, and the included wrench gives ample leverage to break a stubborn nut. As with any grinder, a quick blip of the paddle after mounting a wheel helps seat everything before load.

Runtime expectations

Grinders are among the most power-hungry cordless tools. With a 5.0Ah 20V pack, expect a handful of deep cuts in 1/4-inch steel or a solid stretch of light grinding before you’re reaching for a fresh battery. The FLEXVOLT 6.0Ah (20V/2.0Ah equivalent) meaningfully extends runtime while also lifting performance; stepping up to a 9.0Ah FLEXVOLT pushes both even further. For shop days, I still keep a corded grinder handy as a complement. For fieldwork, repairs, and anything away from outlets, this cordless setup is absolutely the one I grab first.

Durability and service

Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt in this class: tight gearcase, solid overmolds, and no rattles. The brushless motor means no brushes to replace. The intake mesh is fine enough to slow abrasive dust; blow the tool out regularly and it should stay healthy. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee, which is reassuring if you’re transitioning from corded and want a safety net.

Who it’s for—and who it isn’t

• Great for: remodelers, MRO techs, metal fabricators on the go, HVAC and fence installers, and anyone already on DeWalt’s 20V MAX/FLEXVOLT platform who wants a capable, mobile grinder with real safety features.
• Less ideal for: users who need variable speed for polishing, those who do marathon heavy grinding where a corded 13-amp or a larger 6–7-inch grinder still makes more sense, and anyone who demands a three-position or top-mount handle out of the box.

Wish list

• A slightly larger paddle safety latch for gloved use.
• Cushioned, three-position side handle.
• Variable speed option for those who cross into polishing and wire-brushing regularly.
• Clearer, more robust guard latch feel out of the box (once set, mine was solid, but tensioning is fussy the first time).

The bottom line

This DeWalt grinder hits the right notes: compact, genuinely strong for its size, with safety systems that engage when they should and get out of the way when they shouldn’t. On standard 20V packs it’s a very capable daily driver; paired with a FLEXVOLT battery it becomes a noticeably more aggressive cutter and grinder without losing balance. It’s easy to set up, comfortable to control, and fast to stop. The guard clamp needs thoughtful initial adjustment, and the paddle safety latch could be friendlier to thick gloves, but those are small knocks on an otherwise well-executed tool.

Recommendation: I recommend it. If you’re already on DeWalt’s 20V MAX or FLEXVOLT platform, this grinder is a strong addition that can replace a corded 4-1/2-inch model for most day-to-day tasks, especially in the field. If you’re not yet on the platform, the performance, safety features, and build quality make a compelling case—just budget for a FLEXVOLT battery if you want to unlock its full potential.