DeWalt 20V MAX XR 4-1/2 in. Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder with Kickback Brake (Tool Only)

A compact cordless grinder I actually reach for

I’ve got a few grinders on the shelf, and for years the corded ones did most of the heavy lifting. Lately, though, I’ve been grabbing the DeWalt 20V XR grinder more often than not. It’s compact, it’s genuinely capable, and it packs safety features that make a real difference when you’re cutting or grinding in awkward positions.

First impressions and setup

Out of the box, the tool-only kit gives you the grinder, a side handle, inner and outer flanges, a hex key, and a Type 27 guard. No battery or charger, so I paired it with a 5Ah 20V MAX pack. The overall footprint is tidy—about 12.2 inches long—and the bare weight is a shade under 4 pounds. With a 5Ah battery it balances well, landing right in that sweet spot where the head isn’t too heavy but the tail doesn’t feel like a boat anchor.

The one-touch guard is genuinely one-hand friendly. I could swing it around to whatever angle I needed without wrestling a lever or pulling out a tool. The spindle is the standard 5/8-11, so all the usual 4-1/2 inch wheels, flaps, cut-offs, and wire wheels fit without fuss.

Note: the included guard is Type 27 (grinding). If you plan to run a lot of cut-off wheels, I recommend picking up DeWalt’s Type 1 guard for better spark containment and safety.

Power and performance in the real world

This grinder runs at a fixed 9000 RPM and uses a brushless motor. In practice, that translates to a surprisingly stout, consistent feel. On metalwork, I put it through typical shop and jobsite chores: trimming fasteners, cutting rebar and angle, grinding welds, knocking scale, and smoothing edges with flap discs. The DeWalt held speed well under moderate pressure and didn’t bog unless I got overly aggressive with the wheel. It’s not going to bully through like a 13-amp corded grinder, but in the compact 4-1/2 inch class it hangs with many corded 7–9 amp models.

On masonry, I used a diamond blade to score pavers and cut some tile. The tool had no trouble getting through material; the main limitation was dust (more on that below) and the inherent depth limit of a 4-1/2 inch wheel. As with any grinder, letting the wheel do the work and maintaining a steady feed rate pays off in both speed and battery life.

Safety systems that actually help

Three electronic protections stand out here:

• Kickback Brake: If the wheel pinches or binds, the brake stops the wheel quickly and shuts the tool off. The stop is fast—on the order of a couple seconds—and it takes the pucker-factor out of awkward cuts. I intentionally forced a mild bind in scrap angle iron to test it; the tool reacted instantly and kept things uneventful.

• E-Clutch (overload protection): This limits the torque spike when the wheel catches. In normal use you mostly forget it’s there, and that’s the point. It’s subtle, and it keeps you out of trouble.

• E-Switch Protection (no-volt release): If you set the tool down with the paddle depressed, or you swap a battery while the switch is “on,” it won’t restart unexpectedly. You have to release and re-engage the paddle. It’s a small step that adds a lot of peace of mind.

The paddle switch itself is a two-stage design with a safety bar. With gloves on, I found it easy to operate but intentionally deliberate—you can’t just bump it on by accident. It encourages good technique: both hands on, body in a safe line, and attention on the cut.

Ergonomics, vibration, and noise

DeWalt’s head profile is slim enough to get into tight spots. The overmold on the main body is grippy without being gummy, and the side handle can mount left or right. Vibration is well controlled for this class of tool. When running a quality flap disc or grinding wheel, the motor feels smooth and the anti-wobble hardware helps keep the wheel true. As always, cheaper or out-of-balance accessories will transmit more buzz.

Noise-wise, it’s a grinder—no escaping the whine at 9000 RPM. Hearing protection is a must. The integrated brake is a quality-of-life win here; the disc spins down in roughly two seconds, so you’re not waiting around before setting it down or changing grips.

Battery life and workflow

Runtime always depends on the wheel and the work. With a 5Ah pack, I could handle a series of short cuts and cleanup grinding passes without thinking about battery. Continuous heavy grinding drains faster, as expected. Swapping to a high-capacity pack (e.g., DeWalt’s FlexVolt in 20V mode) stretches the intervals meaningfully. The brushless motor helps—there’s no sense of wasted effort, and it maintains speed without pulsing.

One quirk to be aware of: because of the no-volt release, battery swaps add an extra beat to re-engage the paddle. It’s the right tradeoff for safety, and it becomes second nature after a couple of cycles.

Dust and sparks management

For metal, the spark stream is predictable and easy to manage with the guard positioned correctly. For masonry, you’re going to make dust—a lot of it. The grinder doesn’t have an integrated extraction port, so pair it with a shroud and a vac if you’re cutting indoors or working in finished spaces. Without a shroud, I work outside, set the guard to deflect, and make shallow passes to keep the plume manageable.

Accessory changes and maintenance

Wheel changes use the included flanges and a hex key. It’s secure and straightforward. I prefer a tool-free nut for rapid swaps, but the keyed setup has never loosened on me mid-cut. The brushless motor is maintenance-light—no carbon brushes to change—and that’s one of the quiet advantages of this platform over older designs.

The anti-wobble hitch pin and snug tolerances on the flanges keep wheels running concentric. Combined with the brake, it makes accessory changes a quick, clean routine: stop, flip the guard up, crack the nut, swap, and go.

What I like

• Solid power for a compact, 4-1/2 inch cordless grinder
• Excellent safety suite: kickback brake, E-Clutch, and E-Switch add real value
• Fast spin-down and predictable control at 9000 RPM
• One-touch guard is quick to adjust and stays put
• Comfortable balance with a 5Ah battery; manageable weight
• Standard 5/8-11 spindle fits common wheels and accessories
• Good build quality and a respectable warranty

What could be better

• Single speed only; no variable speed for specialty wheels or polishing
• Tool-only kit includes a Type 27 guard but not a Type 1 cutoff guard
• Hex-key flange is secure but slower than a tool-free nut
• Like all grinders, masonry work requires additional dust control gear

Where it fits

If you’re already on DeWalt’s 20V MAX platform, this grinder is an easy add. It covers metal fabrication, mechanical work, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and general construction tasks without tying you to an outlet or a cord. For shop-only users who live on 7-inch or 9-inch grinders, this won’t replace your big corded unit—but it’ll become your first reach for quick jobs. For DIYers, the safety features and compact size make it approachable, as long as you respect the usual grinder PPE and accessory rules.

Reliability and support

I’ve had no hiccups with electronics or switches, and the brake behavior remains consistent. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. In a tool that’s exposed to abrasive dust and potential binds, that backing adds confidence.

Final thoughts and recommendation

The DeWalt 20V XR grinder lands in a sweet spot: compact, capable, and thoughtfully protected. It doesn’t try to be a high-horsepower brute; it aims to be the grinder you actually carry, and it succeeds. The safety systems aren’t just checkbox features—they make a tangible difference in day-to-day use, particularly the kickback brake and no-volt release. Add a Type 1 guard for cutoff work, keep a high-capacity battery on hand, and you’ve got a dependable cordless grinder that covers a wide range of tasks with minimal compromise.

I recommend the DeWalt 20V XR grinder. It offers strong performance for its size, excellent safety features, and a truly convenient cordless workflow. If you’re on the 20V MAX platform or you want a reliable, portable grinder for metal and light masonry, this is a smart, well-rounded choice.