DeWalt 5 in./6 in. Brushless Small Angle Grinder, Rat Tail, with Adjustable Cut-Off Guard, Kickback Brake, No Lock

Why I reached for this grinder

I had a mix of jobs lined up—breaking down steel angle and channel, then knocking down a couple of high spots in cured concrete—and wanted one corded grinder that could cut hard and stop fast. The DeWalt brushless rat-tail grinder in the 5/6-inch class checked those boxes on paper: 13 amps, 9,000 RPM, electronic brake, and an adjustable cut-off guard designed for metal cutting. In practice, it’s a stout, safety-forward cutter that’s happiest doing exactly what it says: fast, controlled cut-off work with 5- or 6-inch wheels.

Power and cutting performance

The jump from a 4-1/2-inch grinder to a 6-inch platform is bigger than it sounds. You gain meaningful depth-of-cut and a wider contact patch, and on this machine, the motor holds speed with confidence under load. Rated at 1800 max watts out and spinning at 9,000 RPM, it chewed through 1/4-inch angle and channel steel with a 6-inch bonded cut-off wheel without bogging when I kept the feed rate sensible. The brushless motor is the star here. On a corded grinder, brushless means two things you feel immediately:

• Consistent power under load, with fewer speed dips than similarly sized brushed units.
• Cooler operation over long sessions. I could keep cutting longer before the housing felt heat-soaked.

If you’re used to compact 4-1/2-inch grinders, be prepared: this tool rewards a firm grip and a steady pace. It’s not a finesse polisher; it’s a cutter that moves material quickly.

Safety electronics that make a difference

DeWalt layered a lot of electronics into this grinder, and they’re not just bullet points. The Kickback Brake and E-CLUTCH work in tandem: pinch a wheel, and you’ll feel the tool react immediately—power is cut and the brake clamps down, bringing the wheel to a stop in roughly a second. That matters when a cut starts to bind or a kerf closes on you unexpectedly. I intentionally forced a couple of bad cuts in scrap to see how aggressive the system was. It intervened quickly without feeling twitchy, and restarts were drama-free once I reset my line and trigger.

The power-loss reset (no-volt release) is equally valuable, especially around generators or jobsite power. Lose power mid-cut and the grinder will not restart until you cycle the trigger. It’s a simple feature that prevents ugly surprises.

One more safety note: the two-stage trigger. You have to perform two deliberate motions to start the tool. With gloves on, it took me a few minutes to build the habit, but I’d rather have the extra step than a grinder that bumps on in a tool bag or when shifting grips.

Ergonomics and control

The rat-tail body is the right choice for this format. It’s slim through the motor housing and gives your rear hand a locked-in grip, which matters with 6-inch wheels. Paired with the side handle, control is excellent in horizontal and vertical cuts. The adjustable cut-off guard has a narrow profile that genuinely improves sightlines; I could see the leading edge of the wheel while staying protected, which made following a scribed line on steel easier than with bulkier guards.

This is a robust, professional tool, and it feels like one. It’s not featherweight. If your day is hours of continuous edge grinding, you’ll feel the heft. That said, the balance is solid, and vibration levels are well managed for a high-speed fixed-RPM grinder.

One ergonomic caveat: there is no lock-on switch. For cut-off work, I prefer a momentary trigger anyway. For long grinding passes or cup wheel work, the lack of a lock-on option can lead to grip fatigue, and I caught myself wanting it. DeWalt clearly prioritizes safety here, and I respect the decision, but it’s a trade-off to consider if you live on flap discs and cups for extended sessions.

Guarding, accessories, and versatility

Out of the box, this machine is set up for cutting. You get an adjustable 6-inch cut-off guard, inner and outer flanges, a side handle, and the usual wrench/hex hardware. The guard opens from a more closed position at about 90 degrees to a more open 180-degree position, which helps when you need better clearance while maintaining protection. The narrow guard improves visibility in tight spaces—handy in channel, around brackets, and when chasing cuts in corners.

A few notes from real use:

• If you plan to grind (not just cut), make sure you have the correct open grinding guard for the wheel type you’re using, and a compatible dust shroud if you’re going after concrete. The included guard is a cut-off style, and that’s how I used it.
• The 5/8-11 spindle keeps you in the mainstream for abrasives and cups. I ran 6-inch bonded wheels for steel with no issues and swapped to a 6-inch diamond cup for concrete after changing to appropriate guarding and dust collection.
• The wheel brake is excellent for workflow. Spool-down to a stop in around a second meant I could set the tool down sooner, change position, and get back to cutting without waiting on a free-spinning wheel.

There’s also a lanyard-ready attachment point. If you’re cutting at height, that’s a welcome addition; you’ll need to supply your own rated lanyard.

What I’d change

A few wish-list items emerged after a week of mixed cutting and grinding:

• Variable speed would broaden the tool’s usefulness for finishing and stainless work where lower RPMs shine. At 9,000 RPM, you’re in the sweet spot for cutting and many grinding tasks, but not all abrasives like that speed.
• An optional lock-on mode (with adequate safety interlocks) would reduce fatigue for users who do long, continuous grinding. I understand why DeWalt omits it—safety—and I don’t fault them, but it’s a limitation for certain workflows.
• Including both a cut-off guard and a grinding guard would make the kit more versatile out of the gate. As sold, it’s clearly focused on cutting.

None of these are deal-breakers for the grinder’s intended role, but they’re worth noting.

Durability and service

Brushless means no brushes to replace and fewer wear points. After several hours of continuous cutting, the motor stayed consistent, and the housing didn’t cook my hands. There’s enough airflow that you’ll want to keep intake paths clear of debris, as with any high-speed grinder. The electronics never tripped unexpectedly, and the E-CLUTCH behavior remained predictable.

DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, a year of free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. For a corded pro tool with this much electronics on board, that coverage is reassuring.

Who it’s for—and who it’s not for

If your primary need is controlled, fast, and safe cutting of steel, stainless, and similar metals, this grinder is in its element. Fab shops, demo crews, mechanical contractors, and anyone breaking down stock or performing cut-and-fit work will appreciate the electronic safety net and the stopping power of the brake. It’s also a capable concrete scorer with the right wheel and guard setup, though I’d pair it with dust control for that role.

If you spend more time on finish grinding, blending, or work that benefits from lower RPMs and a lock-on trigger, you might want a variable-speed grinder or a model with a lock-on option in your kit alongside this one. Likewise, if you’re committed to cordless fleets for mobility, the cord will feel limiting even though the performance is excellent.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt brushless 6-inch rat-tail grinder for anyone who prioritizes cutting performance and safety in a corded package. It delivers strong, steady power, a genuinely effective brake and clutch system, and sightline-friendly guarding that makes precise cuts easier. The two-stage trigger and power-loss reset add meaningful safety without getting in the way once you’re used to them.

Know what you’re buying: it’s a purpose-built cutter out of the box, fixed at 9,000 RPM, and it doesn’t offer a lock-on mode. If those trade-offs align with your work, this grinder is a dependable, high-confidence choice that makes tough cuts quicker and safer.