Features
- Brushless motor (no brush replacements required)
- Electronic kickback brake that stops the wheel quickly
- E-CLUTCH (electronic clutch) to help limit kickback in bind-ups
- Brake stops wheel in ~1 second or less when used with specified wheel
- Power-loss reset / no-volt release on trigger (must cycle trigger after power interruption)
- Integrated lanyard attachment point (lanyard not included)
- Two-stage trigger requiring two actions to activate
- Paddle (no-lock) switch
- Designed for use with 5 in. to 6 in. wheels
- 5/8-11 arbor
Specifications
Amperage (A) | 13 A |
Maximum Power Output | 1800 W (max watts out) |
No Load Speed (Rpm) | 9000 RPM |
Wheel Diameter | 5 in. to 6 in. (6 in. listed) |
Spindle/Arbor Size | 5/8-11 |
Cord Length | 6 ft |
Tool Weight | 6.1 lb |
Tool Length | 13.6 in |
Product Dimensions (H × W × D) | 5.8 in × 7 in × 17.1 in |
Variable Speed | No |
Returnable | 90-Day |
Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty; 1 Year Free Service Contract; 90 Day Money Back Guarantee |
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Corded small angle grinder with a brushless motor for reduced maintenance. Designed for grinding and cutting with 5 in. to 6 in. wheels, it includes electronic safety systems that stop the wheel quickly during bind-ups or stall events and a no-volt reset on the trigger to prevent unintended restarts after power loss.
DeWalt 13 Amp Corded 5–6 in. Brushless Small Angle Grinder (Paddle Switch) Review
A 6-inch grinder that actually feels small is a rare find. This DeWalt brushless small-angle grinder hits that sweet spot where power and safety tech meet manageable size, and after putting it through steel prep, beveling, and a handful of cutoffs, I came away impressed—with a few caveats you’ll want to know before you buy.
Design and ergonomics
At 6.1 pounds and about 13.6 inches long, the grinder balances well with a 6-inch Type 27 wheel installed. The paddle switch is the no-lock style, which I prefer for jobsite safety. DeWalt adds a two-stage trigger—so you have to move a safety and then squeeze the paddle—to cut down on accidental starts. With gloves on, I found the motion natural after the first hour. If you’re used to lock-on switches for long grinding sessions, you’ll feel the difference in the forearm; it’s safer but a touch more tiring on extended runs.
The 6-foot cord is on the short side for a shop or site tool, so plan on an extension cord. The integrated lanyard loop is a smart addition for work at height, and the 5/8-11 arbor takes the usual suspects: grinding wheels, flap discs, wire cups, and cutoff wheels.
Power and performance
Spec-wise, this is a 13-amp, 9000 RPM grinder with 1800 max watts out. In practice, it pulls like a higher-amp brushed unit but with a smoother, more controlled feel. With a 6-inch grinding wheel, it chews through mill scale and handles bevels on 3/8-inch plate without begging for mercy. On structural steel, it maintained speed under moderate pressure better than many 11-amp class grinders I keep around as loaners.
Cutting with a 6-inch wheel is where the format shines. You gain depth without moving up to a heavier 7-inch platform. Expect roughly two inches of useful depth with a Type 1 guard, depending on guard setup. Just make sure your wheels are rated at or above 9000 RPM—6-inch accessories often are, but it’s not universal.
There’s no variable speed. For hard, aggressive grinding and cutting, I didn’t miss it, and the brushless motor carries load nicely. For stainless finishing, flap discs, or wire brushing where a lower speed helps control heat, spatter, and wire throws, you’ll wish you had a dial. This is a go/stop grinder, not a finesse finisher.
Safety systems that actually help
DeWalt stacks several electronic systems into this platform:
- Electronic brake: With specified wheels, the brake stops the wheel in about a second. In the real world, I consistently saw the wheel dead still by the time I set the grinder down. It’s a meaningful safety upgrade in tight shops and on ladders.
- E-CLUTCH: If the wheel binds, the grinder senses the event and cuts power quickly to reduce kickback. I forced a few bind-ups in notch cuts; the tool shut down fast and saved my wrist.
- Power-loss reset: If power drops and comes back, the grinder won’t restart until you release and re-engage the trigger. It’s simple and it works.
These are the safety features I want on a 6-inch grinder. They reduce risk without making the tool feel neutered under load. You can still stall it if you really lean on it, but the systems intervene predictably.
Electrical behavior: what to know about trips and cords
Here’s the part worth your attention. The combination of a brushless motor and an aggressive electronic brake means you’ll see higher inrush at start and a strong deceleration event at stop. That’s normal for this class of electronics, but it has knock-on effects:
- GFCI/AFCI outlets: I did experience nuisance trips on some GFCI-protected circuits, particularly older devices and cheaper jobsite boxes. On standard, properly loaded circuits without GFCI, it ran without issue. If you must run on GFCI (wet locations), understand that this grinder may trip certain devices. That’s not unique to this tool, but it’s real.
- Extension cords: Long, light-gauge cords increase voltage drop and make breaker trips more likely—especially if you “feather” the trigger in short bursts and the brake cycles repeatedly. I had the most reliable results with 12-gauge cords up to 100 feet. Avoid 16-gauge cords entirely for this tool.
- Circuit loading: On a 15A circuit carrying other loads (compressor, lights, chargers), I could pop the breaker with repeated short trigger pulls. On a dedicated 15A or 20A circuit with a heavy-gauge cord, no issues.
Practical tips:
- Use a short, heavy-gauge extension (12 AWG preferred).
- Avoid rapid on/off cycling; let the wheel stop before restarting when possible.
- If you encounter consistent GFCI trips, test on a different GFCI device or a dedicated standard circuit where code allows. If trips persist on a healthy standard circuit, contact service.
Control and feel
Startup is assertive rather than soft. The paddle switch gives excellent control on awkward cuts, and the two-stage safety is easy to manage with gloves. The brake is strong—you can feel it tug the tool down as it stops. That’s a net positive for safety, but it’s one reason not to machine-gun the trigger.
Vibration is in the “typical DeWalt pro grinder” range. With good accessories, it’s comfortable for a 6-inch platform. As always, wheel quality matters more than folks admit; cheap wheels make any grinder feel bad.
Durability and maintenance
Brushless means no carbon brushes to replace, less internal arcing, and less routine maintenance. After several hours of heavy grinding, the housing stayed warm but not alarming, and there was no detectable power fade. The guard mechanism is solid and holds position. I can’t speak to years of jobsite abuse yet, but the build feels ready for it. The warranty package—3-year limited, 1-year free service, and a 90-day money back—is a good safety net for a pro tool.
Compatibility and setup
- 5/8-11 arbor fits most accessories you already own.
- Designed for 5- to 6-inch wheels; use the correct guard for wheel type and diameter.
- No variable speed; avoid low-RPM-only accessories.
- The integrated lanyard loop is genuinely useful in aerial work.
If you’re cutting masonry, plan on a dust shroud and extractor; this platform doesn’t add dust-specific features out of the box, but it plays fine with standard shrouds.
What could be better
- No variable speed limits its finesse for stainless finishing and wire brushing.
- The electronic brake and brushless drive can trip GFCI/AFCI or breaker on marginal circuits, and the tool doesn’t love long, thin cords.
- The no-lock paddle is safer but more fatiguing for marathon grinding sessions.
- The 6-foot cord is short for shop work.
None of these are deal-breakers for me, but they’re worth knowing so you can set up your power and workflow accordingly.
Who it’s for
- Steel fabricators and welders who want a compact 6-inch grinder with real power and modern safety.
- Jobsite users working at height or in tight spaces who benefit from fast stopping and a no-lock paddle.
- Pros who value low-maintenance brushless drives and can provide a proper circuit with a heavy-gauge cord.
Who should look elsewhere:
- Finishers who need variable speed for sensitive materials.
- Users who must run on finicky GFCI/AFCI circuits all day with no option to switch power sources.
Recommendation
I recommend this DeWalt 6-inch brushless grinder for pro users and serious DIYers who prioritize safety and power in a compact form. It grinds and cuts with authority, the brake and E-CLUTCH work as advertised, and the brushless motor keeps maintenance low. To get the best experience, run it on a dedicated 15A or 20A circuit with a 12-gauge extension, avoid rapid trigger cycling, and choose high-quality, properly rated accessories. If you need variable speed or you’re locked into using sensitive GFCI circuits all the time, there are better fits. For most steel work, though, this is a well-executed, confidence-inspiring grinder I’m happy to keep in rotation.
Project Ideas
Business
Mobile Metal Railing Repair & Refinishing
Offer on-site repair of bent or rusted handrails, gates, and fences. Use cutting/grinding wheels to remove damaged sections, prep edges for welding, and blend welds to a paint-ready finish. Sell tiered packages: prep-only, prime/paint, or full restoration. The E-CLUTCH and brake improve safety in stairwells and tight spaces.
Concrete Edge Grinding & Trip-Hazard Mitigation
Provide edge grinding, crack chase, and small-area leveling for garages, basements, and sidewalks. Use diamond cups to remove coatings and reduce trip lips, and tuck-point blades for control joints. Partner with epoxy floor installers for edge prep subcontracting. The grinder’s 1800 W output helps maintain productivity on hard concrete.
Custom Fire Pits and Outdoor Decor
Produce small-batch fire pits, garden screens, and planters from sheet and tube steel. Cut patterns, clean edges, and blend seams with the grinder for clean, shop-quality finishes. Sell online and at markets with customizable monograms. The brushless design reduces maintenance in a small fabrication workflow.
On-Site Rebar and Metal Cut-to-Fit
Specialize in rebar trimming, bracket modifications, and hardware fitting for remodelers and DIYers. Offer rapid response to fix mis-measured pieces, notch angle/flat stock, or cut anchors flush. Promote the quick-stop brake and two-stage trigger as safety differentiators when working around other trades.
Lawn & Garden Tool Sharpening (Mobile)
Sharpen mower blades, axes, hoes, and machetes using flap discs and grinding wheels, with careful heat control and balancing. Offer pickup/drop-off or on-site service for landscapers at the start of the season. The consistent 9000 RPM delivers predictable grinds; use the brake to speed turnaround between blades.
Creative
Sculpted Metal Garden Totems
Use scrap steel, rebar, and sheet offcuts to fabricate stacked garden totems. Rough-cut shapes with a 6 in. cutting wheel, then blend and texture with flap discs. The grinder’s brake and E-CLUTCH help when working in awkward positions outside, and the 5/8-11 arbor accepts wire cups for fast rust cleanup before clear-coating.
Live-Edge Charred Wall Shelves
Create dramatic shelves by lightly torching live-edge slabs and brushing back the grain with a wire cup or coarse flap disc rated for high RPM. Chamfer hidden brackets, flatten mounting points, and polish edges with the grinder. The constant 9000 RPM provides consistent brushing, and the paddle switch adds control during detail work.
Concrete Geode Planters
Cast rough concrete planters, then sculpt facets and smooth the interiors using diamond cup wheels and polishing pads. Reveal aggregate and create geode-like textures. The electronic brake makes frequent repositioning safer, and the 13 A motor maintains removal rates on cured concrete.
Horseshoe Mirror Frame
Upcycle horseshoes into a circular mirror frame. Strip rust with a knotted wire wheel, bevel edges for welds, then blend and polish with flap discs for a satin or near-mirror finish. Finish with a clear coat for a rustic-modern look. The grinder’s quick stop reduces wait time between passes.
Tile and Stone Mosaic Stepping Stones
Cut porcelain tile, stone, or glass with a continuous-rim diamond blade to create intricate mosaics set in concrete pavers. Use the grinder for precise nibbling and edge smoothing. The no-volt reset prevents accidental restarts when moving between wet and dry cutting stations.