DeWalt 20V XR Cordless 3 in. Cut-Off Tool

A compact cutter that earns its spot in the bag

I reach for compact cutters more often than full-size grinders these days, especially in finished spaces where control and dust matter as much as speed. DeWalt’s 3-inch cut-off tool fits that niche well. It’s small, light, and purpose-built for quick, precise cuts in metal, tile, fiber cement, and plastic—without dragging out a cord or a compressor. After using it across a mix of jobs, I’d describe it as a thoughtfully designed, high-RPM specialist with a few caveats you should know before buying.

Design and ergonomics

Bare weight is 2.6 lb, and the layout encourages one-handed use. The balance is neutral with a compact 2.0Ah pack and slightly tail-heavy with a 5.0Ah pack, but still easy to control. The grip is generous enough for gloved hands without feeling bulky, and the LED is genuinely useful—it throws light right where the wheel meets the work and cuts shadows around your line.

Wheel changes are quick. There’s a spindle lock, and the 6 mm wrench stores on the tool so you’re not hunting for it. The guard and dust shroud assembly are well executed: the shroud removes without drama when you don’t need it, and the shoe adjusts depth tool-free with both inch and millimeter markings. That depth shoe also works like a mini baseplate, adding stability when you want a straight, shallow pass.

One feature that sounds minor but matters in use is the forward/reverse switch. With abrasive and diamond wheels, switching direction lets you control where sparks and dust go and can help reduce chipping on brittle materials by orienting the wheel’s rotation to pull across the surface rather than push into it.

There’s also a pocket for DeWalt’s Tool Connect chip and a lanyard-ready point. Those are nice touches for crews managing tools on bigger sites.

Power and speed

This is a 20V brushless tool with a 20,000 RPM no-load speed. There’s no variable speed; the trigger is simply on/off. High fixed speed works in its favor for clean cuts in metal, tile, and cement board, but you’ll want to be mindful on plastics to avoid melting—light passes and keeping the wheel moving help. The high RPM also means it’s louder than a multi-tool and more akin to a small grinder; hearing protection is a good idea in close quarters.

Depth of cut maxes out at 7/8 inch. That limitation defines what this tool is and isn’t. It won’t replace a 4-1/2 inch grinder for deep cuts in angle iron or pavers. It excels at trim work, flush cuts, and openings where a grinder is awkward or overkill.

Cutting performance in common materials

• Metal: With the included bonded abrasive wheel, it slices screws, nails, banding, and small-diameter rebar cleanly. For continuous cuts in thicker stock, it’s better to score, then deepen rather than forcing the wheel. Let the RPM do the work and you’ll get minimal burrs and less heat discoloration.
• Tile and stone: The included diamond tile wheel tracks predictably for straight or curved cuts. Engaging reverse can help reduce surface chip-out on glazed tile; I still like to tape the cut line and make a shallow scoring pass first. For stone or porcelain, multiple passes are your friend. The tool’s compact footprint makes outlet cutouts in backsplash tile notably easier than with a grinder.
• Fiber cement and drywall: With the dust shroud connected to extraction, this is one of the tidiest ways to make plunge cuts and trims in cement board. The shoe keeps the depth consistent so you’re not chewing into framing behind the panel.
• Plastics: Use a light hand. The fixed high speed can soften PVC and acrylic if you dwell in one spot. Quick, shallow passes with a fresh wheel help avoid melting and edge buildup.

The 3-inch wheel size is part of the charm—precise, nimble, and quick to get into tight locations—but it also means wheels wear more quickly than larger formats, especially on masonry. Keeping a few spares on hand is just part of the deal.

Dust control

The dust shroud is one of the better designs I’ve used on a tool this small. It’s compact, doesn’t block your sightline, and the access flap to reach the spindle screw is clever. Connected to a vacuum, capture on cement board and tile is genuinely effective.

A practical note: the port is DeWalt’s AirLock interface. If you’re on that system, it’s a direct click. If you’re using a typical shop vac, plan on an adapter to bridge the connection. Without a vac, I remove the shroud to regain a bit of visibility and depth.

Controls and features that matter

• Forward/reverse: Useful for controlling debris and reducing chip-out depending on the material.
• Depth adjustment: Tool-free with clear markings, great for scoring cuts and protecting hidden surfaces.
• LED: Bright and well-placed; not an afterthought.
• Spindle lock and onboard wrench: Speed up wheel changes.
• Arbor compatibility: The included 3/8 to 7/16 inch adapter ring broadens accessory options for 3-inch wheels.

The lack of variable speed is the one control omission that stands out. In this class, fixed speed is common, but a low-speed option would expand the tool’s usefulness on heat-sensitive materials.

Batteries and runtime

Power is ample for the wheel size. With a 4.0–5.0Ah battery, it keeps pace through a series of cuts in metal and cement board without feeling starved. In tight spaces or overhead, a compact pack keeps the footprint minimal. As always, runtime depends on the material and how aggressive you are; diamond wheels in masonry draw more than quick metal trims. Since the tool is sold bare, factor a battery and charger into budgeting if you’re not already on 20V MAX.

Durability and maintenance

Build quality feels solid: the guard rotates smoothly without slop, the shoe holds its setting, and the spindle lock engages positively. At 20,000 RPM, wheel quality matters—a rough or out-of-balance wheel will introduce vibration you’ll mistakenly blame on the tool. Stick to decent accessories and check flanges and wheels for debris during changes.

As with any high-speed cutter, occasional bearing and switch checks are wise if the tool lives a hard life in dust. DeWalt backs it with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service contract, and a 90-day money-back guarantee, which adds some peace of mind for a compact specialty tool.

Where it fits—and where it doesn’t

This 3-inch cut-off tool shines for:

• Remodelers making clean cutouts in tile, drywall, and cement board.
• Electricians and HVAC techs trimming fasteners, cutting small knockouts, or opening drywall with minimal dust.
• Automotive and metalwork tasks where a compact, controllable wheel can reach without removing surrounding components.
• DIYers who want a small, accurate cutter for occasional metal, tile, or siding work.

It’s less ideal if you primarily:

• Need deep cuts in steel or pavers (step up to a 4-1/2 inch or larger grinder/saw).
• Require variable speed for plastics or specialized materials.
• Want grinder-like versatility for grinding and sanding (this is a cut-off specialist).

Tips from use

• Use forward/reverse to steer dust and sparks away from you and the work surface.
• Make a shallow scoring pass on tile and fiber cement to improve cut quality and extend wheel life.
• Keep an adapter on your vac hose if you’re not on AirLock—it saves a trip back to the truck.
• Choose battery size to match the task: compact for control, larger for longer masonry cuts.
• Don’t force it. Light pressure and the tool’s RPM produce cleaner, cooler cuts.

Recommendation

I recommend DeWalt’s 3-inch cut-off tool to tradespeople and serious DIYers who value precise, low-bulk cutting with solid dust control options. It’s well balanced, quick to set up, and the feature set—forward/reverse, depth shoe, onboard wrench, and an effective shroud—shows real jobsite consideration. The fixed high speed and 7/8-inch depth limit define its role, so it won’t replace a larger grinder for deep or heavy cuts. If you can live within those guardrails and either use AirLock or grab a hose adapter, this compact cutter is a dependable, thoughtfully executed solution for the kind of small cuts that show up on nearly every job.