DeWalt 20V MAX Cordless 4.5 in. - 5 in. Grinder Tool Kit

Why I reached for this grinder

Corded grinders still live on my shelf, but I’ve grown tired of dragging an extension cord for quick cuts and touch-ups. I added DeWalt’s 20V grinder to my kit because I’m already deep in the 20V MAX platform and wanted a cordless option that could handle real metalwork without babysitting the battery gauge. After months of cutting bolts, trimming shiners, grinding welds, and sharpening mower blades, I have a clear sense of where this tool shines—and where it doesn’t.

What’s in the box and setup

This kit is generous. You get the grinder, two 5.0Ah batteries, a fast charger, a contractor bag, a 5 in Type 27 grinding guard, a two-position side handle, and a hex wrench. The pairing of two 5.0Ah packs with a fast charger means you can realistically keep working all day by swapping packs—critical for a grinder, which is one of the hungrier tools in any cordless lineup.

One note on accessories: my kit did not include a pin spanner for the flange nut. DeWalt’s Quick-Change wheel release is designed to make wheel swaps tool-free, and it works well most of the time. But if you routinely break loose stubborn nuts or run certain accessories, a pin spanner can still be handy. Plan ahead if that’s part of your workflow.

Power and performance

The motor spins at a no-load 8,000 rpm, and while it’s a brushed unit, the grinder has no trouble with typical 4-1/2 in grinding discs, flap wheels, and cut-off discs. I’ve used it to:

• Cut off protruding framing nails and bolts flush to surfaces
• Clean up light welds and bevel edges on mild steel
• Sharpen mower blades and small chisels
• Notch angle iron and trim conduit

On steel up to 3/8 in with a quality cut-off wheel, it’s brisk and predictable as long as you let the wheel do the work. Leaning on it hard will bog the brushed motor a bit sooner than a high-end corded or brushless model, but for a cordless grinder in this class it’s solid. The torque is immediate; you feel a slight twist at startup that communicates there’s real power under the hood.

Importantly, this model doesn’t have an electronic brake or kickback control. The wheel coasts down at a normal rate when you release the trigger, and there’s no active stall or clutch system. That’s not a dealbreaker for me, but it’s worth knowing if you’re used to grinders with those safety features.

Guarding and wheel fit

Guard setup is fast. The tool-free guard mechanism actually encourages you to reposition the guard when needed—an underrated safety win. The included guard is a Type 27, suitable for grinding wheels and many flap discs.

Wheel sizing deserves a quick clarification. The grinder is built around the 4-1/2 in class, but the kit includes a 5 in Type 27 grinding guard. That means 5 in grinding wheels can be used with the proper guard installed. For cut-off work, use the correct guard (Type 1) that fully shrouds the wheel, and verify compatibility. Not every boxed kit includes a 5 in cut-off guard, and labeling varies by region. Check your guard type and wheel rating before you spin it up.

Ergonomics and control

At a bit over 6 lb with a 5.0Ah battery, this isn’t a featherweight, but the balance is good. The battery helps counterbalance the head, so the tool sits naturally in the hand. I appreciate the two-position side handle; I do miss a third position on top for certain grinding angles, but the two positions cover most tasks.

The trigger is a two-finger design with a lock-off, which is safer in a pouch or bag and less likely to snag than a paddle. If you prefer the instant, wide-paddle feel for quick starts and stops, this won’t scratch that itch, but the trigger here is positive and predictable with gloves. Vibration is average for the category—no special anti-vibe features—but with a quality wheel and a light touch it stays comfortable for typical duty cycles.

Battery life and charging

Grinding is one of the fastest ways to torch a battery. With a fresh 5.0Ah pack, I can usually:

• Cut a dozen or more nail or bolt shanks
• Clean up several short welds and edge bevels
• Sharpen two sets of mower blades and still have charge left

Your runtime will vary by wheel, pressure, and material, but two 5.0Ah packs and the fast charger make a continuous workflow realistic. One battery on the charger while one is in the tool is an easy rhythm on job sites. If you already own other 20V MAX packs, runtime scales nicely.

Wheel changes and maintenance

DeWalt’s Quick-Change wheel system is the highlight in everyday use. No hunting for a spanner—push the spindle lock, spin off the nut, swap, and go. On stubborn wheels, I want the option of a spanner, which the kit doesn’t include. I also recommend:

• Blowing out the head and vents after metal-heavy sessions; metal dust finds everything
• Inspecting the guard latch for grit buildup so it continues to adjust smoothly
• Keeping a spare flange set and nut in your bag if you switch between thick and thin wheels often

Being a brushed motor, brushes are a wear item. You probably won’t notice performance taper for quite a while on intermittent use, but heavy shop use will eventually mean a brush replacement. That’s straightforward service, though brushless rivals eliminate it.

Cut quality and control

With a rigid cut-off wheel, straight, controlled cuts are no problem. The grinder holds a line well, especially with the guard set to block sparks and guide your angle. For sharpening mower blades, a medium flap disc delivers quick stock removal without gouging. I wouldn’t choose this as a finish sander, but for bevels, deburring, and edge prep it’s easy to finesse. Dust and sparks control is about what you’d expect from a compact grinder—keep your body position and PPE in mind, and the adjustable guard helps direct the flow away from you.

Durability and build

This grinder feels appropriately rugged for site use. The overmold and housing have shrugged off a few concrete kisses without affecting performance. The trigger mechanism and guard latch still feel tight. I don’t baby grinders, and this one hasn’t asked for much beyond the occasional compressed-air clean-out.

The contractor bag is basic but useful. It fits the tool, charger, both batteries, and a small roll of wheels so you’re truly grab-and-go.

What I’d change

• Add an electronic brake and kickback control. They’re genuinely valuable on handheld grinders.
• Include a pin spanner in the kit. The tool-free nut is great, but a stuck flange is a fact of life.
• Offer a three-position handle. It broadens comfortable control angles for grinding.
• Clarify 4-1/2 in vs 5 in capability on the packaging. The tool can run 5 in grinding wheels with the proper guard, but users should know exactly what guard type is included.

Who it’s for

• Tradespeople and DIYers already on the 20V MAX platform who need a dependable cordless grinder
• Users who prioritize portability and quick setup over the absolute power of a corded unit
• Metalworkers doing light to moderate cutting and grinding, jobsite punch list work, or field repairs

If you need maximum power, electronic safety features, or run a grinder for hours at a time, DeWalt’s brushless options—or a high-amp corded grinder—will serve you better.

Value

Bundling two 5.0Ah batteries and a fast charger makes this kit a strong value, especially if you’re building out your first 20V MAX setup. If you already own plenty of batteries, the bare-tool version may make more sense, but for most people the included power packs extend runtime enough to justify the kit.

Recommendation

I recommend this grinder to anyone in the DeWalt 20V MAX ecosystem who needs a reliable, no-nonsense cordless grinder for everyday metalwork. It’s powerful enough for real tasks, the tool-free guard and wheel changes speed up your workflow, and two 5.0Ah batteries keep you moving. I’d prefer a brushless motor with electronic brake and kickback control, and I wish a spanner were in the bag, but those omissions don’t overshadow how capable and convenient this grinder is for the majority of cutting and grinding jobs. If portability and platform compatibility matter more to you than premium safety electronics, this is an easy pick.