Features
- 11 A, 1400 W MWO motor (up to 11,000 rpm no-load)
- Brake to slow wheel quickly after trigger release
- E-CLUTCH safety system that detects wheel pinch/stall and stops the tool (activates in under 0.1 s)
- One-Touch guard for quick guard adjustments without tools
- Dust ejection system to reduce internal contamination and extend motor life
- Slide-type power switch
- Includes side handle for additional control
Specifications
Amps | 11 |
Power (W) | 1400 |
No Load Speed (Rpm) | 11000 |
Wheel Diameter (In) | 4.5 |
Spindle Size | 5/8-11 in |
Switch Type | Slide |
Power Source | Corded (120 V) |
Variable Speed | No |
Dust Ejection System | Yes |
Secondary Handle Included | Yes |
Accessories Included | Side handle; backing flange; flange nut; 4.5" T27 guard; hex key wheel wrench |
Dimensions (L X W X H, In) | 15 x 5 x 4 |
Ship Weight | 6.18 lb |
Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty; 1 Year Free Service; 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed |
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Handheld 4.5-inch angle grinder for general-purpose grinding. Corded design with an 11 A motor (1400 W MWO) that delivers high operating speed under load. Includes a clutch-based safety shutdown for wheel pinch/stall events, a braking function to slow the wheel after trigger release, a dust ejection system to help preserve motor life, and a one-touch guard for tool-free guard adjustment.
DeWalt 4.5-in. Small Angle Slide Switch Grinder Review
First impressions and setup
I put the DeWalt 4.5-in grinder (model DWE4224) straight to work on a week of metal fabrication and light masonry cleanup. Out of the box you get the grinder, a Type 27 guard, side handle, backing flange, flange nut, and a hex-key wheel wrench. The simplified tool kit is refreshingly no-nonsense—no case, no extras you won’t use. Build quality feels solid: tight gearhead tolerances, a robust guard, and a cord that doesn’t feel flimsy. At just over 6 pounds shipped, it’s not the lightest in its class, but the balance is excellent once a disc and handle are on.
The form factor is familiar DeWalt: a compact head, medium-diameter barrel, and a slide switch on top. The ergonomics work well with gloves; the body’s diameter offers a secure grip without feeling blocky, and the side handle threads in cleanly and doesn’t vibrate loose.
Power and performance
The 11-amp motor is the heart of this grinder, and it’s a good match to 4.5-inch wheels. No-load speed is 11,000 rpm and, more importantly, it holds speed well under load. I cut 3/8-inch angle iron and 5/8-inch rebar with thin cutoff wheels, then moved to flap discs for mill scale removal and weld blending. It never felt like it was bogging or stalling unless I deliberately pinched a wheel in a deep cut. Compared to other 10–11 amp grinders in the shop, this one keeps pace and often feels a touch more eager to recover when you lean into it.
There’s no variable speed, which is typical for this price and power range. For grinding, cutting, and most flap disc work, full speed is perfect. If your focus is polishing, paint stripping with fiber discs, or specialty wheels that prefer lower rpm, you’ll want a variable-speed model. For everyday metalwork and quick masonry touch-ups, fixed speed is the right trade-off.
Brake and E-CLUTCH: meaningful safety features
Two features stand out in actual use: the electronic brake and the E-CLUTCH. The brake spins the wheel down in a couple of seconds after you let go of the trigger. That saves time between cuts and reduces the chance of a live wheel brushing something it shouldn’t as you set the tool down. Once you’ve used a braked grinder, it’s hard to go back.
The E-CLUTCH reacts to pinches or stalls and stops the motor almost instantly. I induced a pinch by twisting a cutoff wheel in a kerf—something that happens in the real world when material shifts or you misjudge the cut. Instead of the grinder trying to twist out of my hands, it shut down cleanly. You still need good technique (and the side handle), but this system adds a meaningful margin of safety without feeling intrusive.
Dust management and durability
DeWalt’s dust ejection design isn’t marketing fluff. After a morning cutting mortar joints and grinding a concrete paver, I blew the tool out and found noticeably less grit around the brushes and vents than I usually see in grinders without any dust mitigation. You’ll still want regular maintenance—compressed air, brush inspection, and not burying the vents in debris—but everything about the motor housing and vent geometry suggests longevity in dusty environments.
Guard and adjustments
The One-Touch guard is one of my favorite usability features. Press the lever, rotate, release—done. It holds its position without creeping and adjusts easily with gloves. The included guard is Type 27, which is right for grinding and many cutoff tasks. If you do a lot of straight cut-off wheel work, consider adding a Type 1 guard for better spark control and clearance.
Switch and control
The slide switch is positive and easy to find with your thumb. It’s a personal preference thing, but I like slide switches for long grinding passes because they reduce finger fatigue compared to paddle switches you must actively hold. If you work in situations where you want the switch to spring off the moment you release it, a paddle-switch grinder might be a better fit. Here, the combination of a slide switch, brake, and E-CLUTCH strikes a practical balance between control and convenience.
Vibration is well controlled for this class. Pushing hard with a 36-grit flap disc, the tool remained composed. Noise is what you’d expect at 11,000 rpm—no miracles, no racket beyond the norm. With a good wheel, it runs smooth and feels less buzzy than some budget 4.5-inch grinders.
Wheel changes and accessories
DeWalt includes a hex-key wrench that engages two flats on the flange nut, which is different from the more common pin spanner. It works, though I recommend keeping a standard pin spanner in your kit as well—especially if you’re swapping discs frequently or dealing with a stuck nut. The spindle is the standard 5/8-11, and I’ve used it with DeWalt, Norton, Walter, and generic wheels without issue. If you’re cutting thin stock and worried about binding, consider a quick-change (keyless) flange; it’s not included, but it makes disc swaps faster.
Tip: rotate the guard to give yourself a straight shot at the flange holes during wheel changes. It sounds obvious, but it makes a difference in cramped positions.
In the field: where it shines
- Metal fabrication: cutting and notching angle iron, tube, and plate up to 1/4 inch with a 0.045-inch cutoff wheel. The motor keeps up, and the brake speeds repositioning.
- Weld prep and cleanup: grinding mill scale and blending MIG beads with 36–60 grit flap discs. Good power, controllable finish.
- Masonry touch-ups: trimming pavers and chasing small mortar joints with a diamond wheel. Dust control features help, but a shroud and vac are still recommended.
For prolonged heavy grinding on thick stock, a larger 13- to 15-amp grinder will be faster. For delicate finishing or polishing, a variable-speed unit is better. This one nails the general-purpose sweet spot.
Comparisons and value
In the 10–11 amp class, competitors from Makita, Bosch, and Milwaukee offer similar headline specs. What sets this grinder apart is the combination of brake and E-CLUTCH at this price, plus the one-touch guard that actually holds up. Some rivals offer one or two of those features, but not all three together. Warranty coverage is straightforward: 3-year limited, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction period. Considering how much time the brake saves alone, the overall value is strong.
Quirks and limitations
- No variable speed. If you need it, you need it—this isn’t the one.
- Slide switch preference. Some shops standardize on paddles for safety policy reasons. The safety systems here mitigate risk, but policies are policies.
- The included hex-key wrench works, but it’s easy to misplace. I added a small magnet clip to the cord to keep it handy.
- The Type 27 guard is great for grinding; dedicated cutoff work benefits from a Type 1 guard, which you’ll have to buy separately.
None of these are deal-breakers for the intended use, but they’re worth noting.
Maintenance tips
- Blow out the tool after cutting masonry or heavy grinding sessions. The dust ejection helps, but nothing replaces regular cleaning.
- Inspect brushes periodically and keep the vents clear.
- Use quality wheels. Cheap, unbalanced discs amplify vibration and wear the tool (and you) out faster.
Who it’s for
- Fabricators, DIYers, and tradespeople who want a compact, strong 4.5-in grinder for cutting and grinding metal and doing occasional masonry.
- Users who value a fast braking action and a clutch for pinch protection.
- Anyone who prefers a slide switch and appreciates quick guard adjustments.
If your work is mostly polishing, automotive refinishing, or sensitive surfaces, look to a variable-speed paddle-switch model instead.
Recommendation
I recommend the DWE4224 as a dependable, high-performing 4.5-in grinder for general shop and jobsite use. It delivers the right mix of power, control, and safety: strong 11-amp performance, a brake that genuinely improves workflow, and an E-CLUTCH that takes the sting out of the occasional pinch. The one-touch guard and solid ergonomics make daily use easy, and the dust management gives me confidence about long-term durability. It’s not a do-everything grinder—no variable speed, and the slide switch won’t please everyone—but for the core tasks that 4.5-inch grinders are built for, this one earns a spot on the bench.
Project Ideas
Business
Mobile Rust & Paint Removal
Offer on-site surface prep for gates, railings, trailers, and metal patio sets. Use wire cups and flap discs to strip rust/paint and blend surfaces ready for primer. The grinder’s 11,000 rpm capability speeds throughput, while the brake and E-CLUTCH improve safety when working around customers’ properties.
Weld Cleanup and Fabrication Prep
Partner with local welders, makerspaces, and auto shops to handle beveling, edge prep, and post-weld cleanup. The one-touch guard and side handle help you switch quickly between grinding, blending, and finishing, turning around small jobs fast and freeing fabricators to focus on fitting and welding.
On-Site Stone/Tile Edge Finishing
Provide edge beveling, smoothing, and small chip blending for installed tile and stone steps, hearths, and countertops. With diamond wheels, the dust-resistant design and quick wheel brake help you work cleaner and faster in finished spaces, ideal for punch-list work with contractors.
Lawn & Garden Tool Tune-Ups
Run a seasonal service sharpening mower blades and smoothing edges on shovels, hoes, and scraper heads, plus rust cleanup on small equipment. The grinder’s strong motor handles batches efficiently, and the E-CLUTCH adds a layer of protection if a blade binds during touch-up.
Custom Metal Decor Microbrand
Design and sell small-batch steel wall art, brackets, hooks, and plant hangers online and at markets. Use the grinder for texture, satin finishes, and clean edges that elevate perceived quality. Position the line as durable, hand-finished metal goods with quick turnaround and customizable sizing.
Creative
Industrial Plate-and-Pipe Side Table
Make a compact side table using a steel plate top and pipe legs. Use the grinder to chamfer and smooth the plate edges, clean welds, and create a brushed finish with a flap disc. The one-touch guard helps you switch angles fast for different edges, and the 11 A motor keeps pace when blending surfaces for that clean, industrial look.
Reclaimed Wood + Steel Floating Shelves
Build floating shelves with steel angle or flat bar brackets paired with reclaimed wood. Use the grinder to remove mill scale, deburr cut ends, and give the metal a uniform satin texture before clear coating. The brake speeds wheel stop between passes so you can reposition hardware quickly without waiting.
Garden Metal Silhouette Art
Cut simple silhouettes (leaves, birds, abstract shapes) from sheet steel and smooth the contours for outdoor art stakes or wall pieces. A wire brush or flap disc adds texture, and the E-CLUTCH helps protect you if a cut binds on tight curves. Clear coat or let the steel develop a controlled patina for character.
Concrete Paver Coffee Table with Beveled Edges
Create a low coffee table from concrete pavers set in a steel frame. Use a diamond cup wheel to bevel and smooth the paver edges for a refined, modern profile. The dust ejection system helps the tool cope with abrasive masonry dust, and the slide switch makes long grinding passes more comfortable.
Upcycled Bike Chain Clock with Brushed Metal Backer
Turn an old bike chain into a circular clock on a steel backer plate. Shape and deburr the plate, then apply a radial brushed pattern with a flap disc for a premium look. The quick-adjust guard lets you dial in your approach angle for consistent grain direction across the face.