DeWalt 4-1/2 in./5 in. (115mm/125mm) Cutting Grinder Dust Shroud

A good dust shroud turns a miserable, chalky job into a manageable one. That’s exactly what I found with DeWalt’s cutting dust shroud for 4-1/2 and 5-inch grinders. I used it on a string of tuck-pointing and control-joint cuts in concrete, pairing it with a small dust extractor and a 5-inch diamond blade. The difference between working with and without it wasn’t subtle—air quality, cleanup time, and accuracy all improved enough that I stopped dreading the work.

Setup and compatibility

Fit-up matters with shrouds, and this one isn’t “universal” in the carefree sense of the word. It’s designed for 4-1/2 and 5-inch cutting grinders, and more specifically for a 5-inch class body. Before heading to the job, I laid out my small-grinder lineup and checked collars, flanges, and guard geometry. On one of my older compact grinders, the shroud simply wasn’t a match; on a newer 5-inch model, the shroud seated and aligned correctly with a secure, rattle-free lock-up.

Plan a few minutes for the initial setup. You’ll likely remove the grinder’s stock guard, set the shroud’s collar depth, and confirm that the blade centers properly within the opening. Once mounted, the adjustable shoe sets your depth of cut. There’s enough travel to cover typical tuck-pointing and scoring depths, and the shoe’s movement is positive, not wobbly.

The vacuum port is straightforward. With a dust extractor and a common adapter, I got a snug connection that stayed put. If your hose or adapter fit is loose, tape is a simple fix, but a proper adapter is better for airflow and durability.

Build quality and ergonomics

At 3.6 pounds for the assembly, this isn’t a flimsy shell. It’s a solid, purpose-built accessory that feels like it can live in abrasive dust without falling apart. The added mass shifts the grinder’s balance forward, which I actually prefer for controlled plunges and straight tracking along a line. Overhead use is where you’ll feel the weight penalty most, but for wall and slab cuts, the stability is welcome.

The shoe glides smoothly once you’re on the surface, and the plunging mechanism has enough resistance to be precise without fighting you. Nothing rattled loose during long, dusty runs, and there were no hot spots or sharp edges where I grip the body or front handle.

Visibility and control

Shrouds often force a trade-off: good dust collection but poor sightlines. This one gets closer to the ideal. Multiple viewing windows give you peeks at the blade from more than one angle, and the outer blade guide—a small but useful addition—acts like a pointer. Once I aligned the guide with my layout mark, I could track cuts without constantly stopping to check progress. On long straight joints across a slab, that “pointer” helped me stay on line with less fuss.

There are still moments when you’ll wish for a clear, wide-open view—tight corners and inside edges, especially. That’s the nature of any cutting shroud. Here, I didn’t feel like I was working blind, and the windows kept me honest without chasing dust clouds.

Depth control and plunging

Depth-of-cut adjustment via the shoe is the feature I used most. If you’re cutting channels for conduit or scoring tile backer, being able to repeat a controlled depth is crucial. The shoe stays square and doesn’t drift under pressure. It’s also quick to tweak between cuts, which kept my workflow moving.

The plunging system is where this shroud separates itself. Starting and finishing cuts are the messy parts of the job—dust escapes most easily there. With a smooth plunge and a skirt that seals well, the shroud did a noticeably better job capturing that initial burst and the flare at the end of a cut. I could start a tuck-point cut in mortar, travel a few feet, and pull out without kicking a plume into the room.

Dust collection performance

Hooked to a capable extractor, dust capture was excellent. On concrete, mortar, and brick, the shroud kept the air clear enough that the jobsite didn’t look like a snow globe after every pass. A few practical notes from use:

• Airflow is everything. A dust extractor with high CFM and clean filters made this shroud shine. A small shop vac did “okay,” but I saw more fines escape, especially on deeper cuts.
• Keep the skirt clean. Dust build-up along the contact edge can compromise the seal. A quick brush during breaks helps maintain performance.
• Move with intention. Let the extractor draw; don’t outrun the capture with overly fast feed rates.

Compared to open-guard cutting, cleanup time dropped dramatically. I still vacuumed joints and surfaces, but the shroud caught the airborne stuff that makes the real mess.

Real-world applications

• Tuck-pointing: Clean, consistent mortar removal with minimal airborne dust. The shoe made it easy to avoid overcutting into brick faces.
• Control joints and relief cuts: Straight tracking with the outer blade guide was genuinely helpful, especially when marking lines over broom-finished concrete.
• Trim cuts near surfaces: Along base plates and toe spaces, the windows and guide let me keep an eye on where the blade was headed without exposing it.

In very tight inside corners, I sometimes had to finish with a different tool or make a second approach. That’s typical of guarded cutting and not unique to this shroud.

What I’d change

• Compatibility clarity: Because shrouds are so grinder-specific, I’d like an obvious compatibility chart right in the box or a larger adapter kit. If your grinder doesn’t match the shroud’s collar or guard geometry, you’ll be frustrated.
• Hose interface: The port works fine with the right adapter, but molded, click-in compatibility with common hose sizes would reduce improvised fixes on site.
• Weight: The solid build inspires confidence, but the mass will tire you faster overhead. Not a dealbreaker, just something to plan around.

Durability and maintenance

Between abrasive dust and vibration, accessories like this take a beating. After multiple days of cutting, the housing showed scuffs but no cracks, the plunge action stayed smooth, and the shoe didn’t loosen up. I blew the unit out with compressed air after each session and avoided solvent cleaners on seals. I expect long service life with that level of care. The 3-year limited warranty adds some peace of mind for a part that sees tough conditions.

Safety notes

A shroud isn’t a substitute for PPE, but it meaningfully reduces airborne silica when paired with a capable extractor. Wear a respirator appropriate for the task, eye protection, and hearing protection. Verify your blade size and arbor, and check that the shoe’s depth leaves adequate blade guard coverage. Don’t force the cut—let the blade work and keep the shroud flat to maintain the seal.

Who it’s for

• Masonry pros and remodelers doing regular tuck-pointing or concrete scoring who need real dust control and predictable depth.
• Facilities and maintenance crews who can’t coat an active space in dust.
• DIYers tackling a serious project who want better air quality and less cleanup—provided they verify their grinder is compatible.

If you only cut occasionally and already own a shroud that fits, you may not see a huge upgrade. If you’ve been cutting open-guard and fighting dust, this is a substantial improvement.

The bottom line

The DeWalt cutting dust shroud strikes the right balance between visibility, control, and dust capture. The adjustable shoe and plunging system are practical features that make everyday cutting cleaner and more precise, and the outer blade guide is one of those small touches you quickly rely on. Compatibility is the main caution; make sure your grinder matches the intended fit and have the right hose adapter on hand.

Recommendation: I recommend this shroud. It’s solidly built, captures dust effectively—especially at the start and end of cuts—and its visibility and alignment features make real work go smoother. Verify fit before you buy, pair it with a capable extractor, and you’ll transform some of the dirtiest tasks into far more manageable ones.