DeWalt 20V MAX XR 4-1/2 in - 5 in Brushless Cordless Angle Grinder

Why I reached for this grinder

I picked up DeWalt’s 20V XR grinder to tackle a week of mixed metal work—cutting bolts and angle iron, knocking down welds, and cleaning up rusty brackets—plus a little masonry scoring with a diamond wheel. I wanted a cordless unit that could stand up to continuous use without getting bogged down. This grinder delivered the kind of steady, confident power I expect from DeWalt’s brushless lineup, with a few smart safety and management touches that make it appealing for jobsite use.

Build and ergonomics

Out of the box, the tool feels robust in all the right ways. The housing is compact and rigid, the overmold is grippy without being gummy, and the guard locks down with a reassuring lack of flex. At 4.65 lb bare, the grinder isn’t feathery, but it balances well—especially with a 5Ah or 6Ah pack. With larger batteries, it shifts from nimble to planted, which I prefer for heavy grinding.

The paddle switch has an integrated lock-off that prevents accidental starts. I usually lean toward trigger grips, but the paddle here is nicely contoured and easy to feather. If you’re used to DeWalt’s triggers, plan on a short adjustment period; once I got the muscle memory down, I appreciated how positive and safe the paddle felt when repositioning mid-cut. The side handle threads in cleanly and gives you multiple hand positions for pushing or pulling cuts.

One note on size: this is a 4-1/2 to 5-inch grinder with a Type 27 guard in the box. If you’re doing a lot of cutting, consider getting the appropriate cutting guard; the included guard is optimized for grinding.

Power and performance

This brushless motor is rated at up to 1,590 MWO and 9,000 RPM no-load. Put simply, it holds speed better than many 18/20V grinders I’ve used. On mild steel, it powered through 3/8-inch bolts without a hitch and sliced 1/4-inch angle with consistent pace. Where I really noticed the difference was in grinding pressure—leaning on it with a 36-grit wheel didn’t immediately sag the RPMs. It’s not corded-monster territory, but it’s firmly in the upper tier for cordless grinders.

If you work with stainless or do a lot of finishing where heat control is critical, note that this is a single-speed tool. There’s no variable-speed dial and no hidden selector. At the fixed 9,000 RPM, you’ll want to choose your abrasives accordingly and let the wheel do the work to avoid blueing or loading. For general fab, automotive work, and construction tasks, the fixed speed is perfectly fine and likely preferable for simplicity and torque delivery.

On masonry with a diamond blade, the grinder held its own scoring pavers and notching brick. Pair it with a dust shroud and a vac for best results (more on the connectivity for that below).

Safety and control

Two standout features elevate this grinder for pro and serious DIY use:

• Anti-rotation shutdown: If the wheel pinches and the body tries to rotate on you, the grinder senses that excessive motion and shuts down. I forced a couple of binds deliberately in scrap, and the system tripped quickly each time. Yes, you can get a nuisance trip if you snag the wheel at a weird angle, but I’ll take that over wrist-torquing kickback any day.

• Electronic brake: The wheel stops fast after releasing the paddle, which is great for repositioning and setting the tool down without waiting forever. It also helps prevent those “oops” moments where a still-spinning disc kisses a surface.

Together, these features make the grinder feel predictably safe without getting in your way.

Runtime and batteries

As with any high-output grinder, battery selection makes a big difference. I ran it primarily on 5Ah and 8Ah 20V MAX packs. For quick cuts, a 5Ah is perfectly serviceable and keeps the tool nimbler. For sustained grinding and beveling, stepping up to a higher-capacity pack reduces voltage sag and heat buildup, and it keeps you in the groove longer. If your day involves a lot of metal removal, plan on a rotation of two to three high-capacity batteries and a fast charger nearby.

Heat management was reasonable—during extended grinding, the head got warm as expected, but the tool never thermal-locked on me. The brushless motor helps keep efficiency up and spark production down at the brushes (because there aren’t any), which also translates to less maintenance over time.

Connectivity and tracking

Two modern touches are worth calling out:

• Wireless Tool Control: Paired with a compatible DeWalt dust extractor, the grinder can wirelessly trigger the vac. For tuckpointing or masonry scoring, that’s incredibly useful—no corded auto-start boxes to fuss with. You’ll still need a proper dust shroud, but the workflow is streamlined.

• TOOL CONNECT chip readiness: There’s a spot for an optional tracking chip, handy if you manage a fleet or just want the extra security in a shared shop. It doesn’t change how the grinder performs, but it’s nice to have asset tracking built in at the tool level.

Noise, vibration, and feel

No surprises on noise—this is a grinder at 9,000 RPM. Hearing protection is a must. Vibration is well controlled for a cordless unit, helped by the solid guard and the leverage of the side handle. I found I could do longer passes with less tingling than I get from some lighter-duty grinders that chatter under load.

The brake and paddle arrangement make for a pleasant stop-start rhythm. The brake kicks in decisively without jolting the tool, and the paddle’s lock-off is easy to defeat with a natural thumb motion. It all contributes to a sense of control when working in tight spots or changing grip mid-job.

What’s in the box and what’s not

This is a bare tool. You get the grinder, a 5-inch Type 27 guard, side handle, wrench, and the inner/outer flanges. Batteries, charger, and wheels are on you. Plan to pick up a few quality discs at the same time—grinding, cutting, and a flap wheel—so you’re not stalled on day one. If you already live in the DeWalt 20V MAX ecosystem, you’re set; otherwise, budget for at least a pair of 5Ah or larger packs.

Warranty coverage is strong: a 3-year limited warranty, one year of free service, and a 90-day money-back guarantee where applicable. That’s in line with what I expect at this tier.

Where it could be better

• No variable speed: This is the biggest limitation if your work involves polishing, stainless finishing, or delicate abrasives that prefer slower RPMs. If that’s your niche, look for a variable-speed grinder.

• Weight with big packs: With an 8Ah or larger battery, it gets heavy. The payoff is runtime and sag resistance, but your wrists will notice during overhead or one-handed work.

• Bare tool realities: No discs in the box and no battery/charger included. That’s normal in a pro lineup, but if this is your first grinder, be ready to add accessories.

Who it’s for

This grinder suits fabricators, mechanics, remodelers, and serious DIYers who prioritize cutting and grinding performance over polish-specific finesse. If you already own DeWalt 20V MAX batteries, it’s a compelling upgrade, especially if you value the safety features and occasional dust-extraction syncing for masonry tasks. If you’re building out a cordless metalworking setup from scratch, it’s a dependable anchor tool—provided you add the right batteries and wheels.

Final recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt 20V XR grinder for users who need confident cutting and grinding performance, modern safety features, and solid build quality in a cordless package. It holds speed under pressure, stops fast, and offers practical connectivity for dust control and fleet tracking. Just go in knowing it’s a single-speed tool and plan your abrasives—and batteries—accordingly. If variable speed is essential to your work, look elsewhere; for most metalworking and construction tasks, this grinder is a reliable, job-ready choice.