DeWalt Metal Grinding Wheels Type 27

I reached for these DeWalt Type 27 wheels on a recent round of structural steel cleanup—weld spatter, ugly beads, and mill scale on 3/8-inch plate—and they did exactly what I want a 7-inch grinding wheel to do: remove material fast, run true, and hold together without drama. Over a few long sessions on both a corded and cordless grinder, the DW8825 wheels proved consistent and predictable, which is what makes a consumable a staple in the shop.

Build and design

These are Type 27 depressed-center wheels in a 7-inch diameter with a 1/8-inch thickness and a 5/8"-11 arbor. The profile gives you clearance for grinding at a comfortable angle, and the thickness sits in that versatile zone: burly enough for stock removal, yet thin enough that you can make a clean plunge cut in a pinch.

DeWalt uses zirconia abrasive grain with a high grain concentration. In practice, zirconia is a smart middle ground for steel work—tougher and longer-wearing than basic aluminum oxide, but not as specialized or expensive as premium ceramic blends. The high grain count is noticeable; the wheel feels aggressive even at lower pressure, and bite remains consistent as the wheel wears down.

The “smooth running” claim tracks with my experience. Balance felt good right out of the pack, with no noticeable wobble, and they tracked straight on extended passes. The depressed center and bonded design seem tuned for stability rather than flash-in-the-pan removal rates.

Setup and compatibility

The 5/8"-11 arbor threads right onto standard North American 7-inch grinders. I ran these on a mid-torque corded grinder and a high-output cordless unit; both had no issues with flange fit or guard clearance. As always, confirm that your grinder’s max RPM meets or stays below the wheel’s rating printed on the label. The wheels shipped flat, with no edge chips, and seated correctly with standard flanges.

Because they’re 7 inches, these are best paired with a tool that can keep the surface speed up. You can run them on a downrated or cordless grinder, but you’ll feel the difference in removal rate compared to a full-power corded machine.

Performance on steel

I tested on:
- Grinding and blending MIG welds on A36 plate
- Edge bevels for prep on 3/8-inch mild steel
- Cleanup of mill scale and heat discoloration
- Occasional touchups on stainless brackets

Material removal is quick without feeling grabby. The wheel digs in at a comfortable 15–30 degree angle, and I rarely had to lean hard to keep chips flowing. Heat buildup stayed reasonable; I saw fewer telltale blue streaks than I expected on prolonged passes, a sign that the grit is cutting rather than rubbing.

On stainless, zirconia does fine for general grinding, though it won’t match premium ceramic wheels for pure speed. Still, for shop maintenance and fabrication tasks, the DW8825 has the right balance: it cuts cleanly, doesn’t glaze prematurely, and leaves a surface that blends with a flap disc in short order.

The 1/8-inch thickness also gives some versatility. While I wouldn’t choose it as my primary cutoff solution, it handled light cutting and slotting when I didn’t want to switch to a Type 1 wheel. Just keep cuts straight and avoid side-loading to preserve wheel integrity.

Durability and consistency

Wheel life is solid. I was able to run long, continuous passes and multiple weld knockdowns before feeling the wheel lose its initial bite. Wear across the face was even, with no chunking or shelling at the edges. The bond feels slightly on the harder side of average, which favors longevity and stability over ultra-fast initial breakdown. For production shops that value consistent result over the “fast spike, quick fade” behavior of softer wheels, that’s a good trade.

I didn’t experience any mid-life vibration or out-of-balance behavior as the wheel diameter reduced—something that can plague cheaper wheels. The last third of the wheel remained usable and stable.

Safety and comfort

Running vibration was low for a 7-inch grinder setup, and that matters over the course of a day. Less chatter means a smoother finish and less effort to hold a line. I wore standard PPE (full guard, face shield, hearing protection, gloves) and had no incidents or signs of bond failure.

A few best practices to maintain performance and safety:
- Use a guard sized for 7-inch wheels and keep it properly positioned.
- Let the wheel do the work—excessive pressure shortens life and increases heat.
- Avoid lateral loads when using the wheel for cutting or narrow notches.
- Store wheels flat in a dry area to prevent warping or moisture intrusion.

Where it shines

• Heavy stock removal on mild steel, especially weld cleanup and beveling
• Shop and field fabrication where consistency and durability matter
• Situations where one wheel may need to grind and occasionally cut
• Users who want predictable behavior without constant wheel changes

Limitations and edge cases

• Nonferrous metals: Like most zirconia-bonded grinding wheels, these can load up on aluminum and softer metals. Use a non-loading wheel or a dedicated aluminum-rated disc for that work.
• Ultimate speed: If you prioritize maximum removal rate on stainless or hardened steel, a premium ceramic wheel may outpace these—but at a higher cost per disc.
• Finish quality: These are grinding wheels, not finishing solutions. Plan to follow with a flap disc or fiber disc if you need a blend-ready surface.

Value

Sold in a 10-pack, the per-wheel cost is reasonable for a 7-inch zirconia wheel with this level of life. The consistency across the pack I used was notable: no oddball thickness variation, no balance issues, and no early failures. There’s also a 30-day money-back guarantee, which adds some peace of mind if you’re buying for a crew and need to standardize on a single wheel.

Compared with entry-level aluminum oxide wheels, you’ll likely spend a bit more up front but go through fewer discs and spend less time swapping. Against top-tier ceramics, you’ll save money while giving up a bit of peak performance. For most general steel grinding in fabrication and maintenance, that trade is smart.

Tips for best results

• Match your grinder power to the wheel size. A strong corded grinder makes full use of 7-inch wheels.
• Keep your angle consistent. Around 20 degrees gave me the best balance of cut rate and control.
• Clear swarf periodically. A light pass on clean scrap or a wire brush on the workpiece helps keep the grit cutting.
• Don’t chase finish beyond what a grinding wheel can deliver. Switch to a flap disc once you’re within a millimeter or two of your target flush.

The bottom line

The DW8825 wheels check the boxes that matter: steady, aggressive grinding on steel, good wheel life, and smooth operation with minimal vibration. I didn’t run into surprises or premature failures, and the 1/8-inch profile adds useful versatility without sacrificing stability. If your work leans toward everyday fabrication, weld cleanup, and bevel prep on mild and stainless steels, these wheels slot in neatly as a reliable, cost-conscious choice.

Recommendation: I recommend these wheels for anyone who needs dependable, general-purpose grinding performance on steel with the occasional cutoff capability. They offer a strong balance of life, speed, and control at a fair per-disc cost, and their consistent behavior across a pack makes them an easy consumable to standardize in a shop or on a truck. If you demand the absolute fastest removal on stainless day in and day out, a premium ceramic wheel might be worth the upgrade; otherwise, the DeWalt Type 27 wheels are a practical, workhorse pick.