DeWalt 6 in. Paddle Switch Grinder with No Lock-On

Why I reached for a 6-inch grinder

Most of my day-to-day grinding has long been with 4-1/2-inch tools. They’re nimble and familiar. But on jobs where I’m dressing welds on heavier plate, cutting thicker stock, or beveling pipe ends, I often want more reach and wheel life. That’s what pushed me to this 6-inch DeWalt grinder. It sits in a sweet spot: more capacity than a compact grinder without the heft of a 7- or 9-inch brute.

Setup and first impressions

Out of the box, you get both Type 27 (grinding) and Type 1 (cutting) guards, inner and outer flanges, a side handle, and a hex key. Swapping between guards is straightforward and gives this grinder two distinct modes: abrasive grinding with a depressed-center wheel or flatter-profile cutting with a thin disc. The 5/8-11 spindle is standard and took every wheel I tried without fuss.

At 6.2 pounds and 13 inches long, it’s compact for a 6-inch class tool. The paddle switch has no lock-on, which is intentional for safety; more on that later. The cord measures just over six feet. That’s adequate on a bench, but on a ladder or scaffold I still needed an extension.

There’s no slow ramp-up at startup—this grinder comes to speed decisively. Noise and vibration land about where I expect for this size: not excessive, but you’ll want hearing protection and quality wheels to keep it smooth.

Power and performance

The 13-amp motor and fixed 9,000 RPM no-load speed translate to confident cutting and grinding. On 1/4-inch plate with a Type 1 wheel, I could make long, continuous cuts without babying the tool. Compared to a 4-1/2-inch grinder, the added diameter gives you:

• More depth of cut, which matters when the guard is properly in place.
• Longer wheel life, since you’re spreading work over a larger disc.
• Flatter approach angles for blending welds on wider surfaces.

Where I really noticed the difference was on edge prep and beveling tasks. The 6-inch footprint tracks more steadily, and the motor doesn’t bog unless you lean far too hard. In those “lean too hard” moments, the overload protection and electronics keep things civilized.

Grinding performance is solid. With a 36- or 40-grit wheel, removing mill scale and cleaning welds was quick, and heat stayed manageable if I kept the wheel sharp and pressure moderate. With flap discs, the high fixed speed is fine for ferrous metals, but if you do delicate stainless finishing, you may miss variable speed.

Control and ergonomics

DeWalt’s paddle switch is well-sized and easy to modulate with a gloved hand. The no lock-on design is deliberate: release your grip and the tool stops. I’m a fan of this for cutoff work, tight spaces, and overhead use. If you routinely run a grinder for long, uninterrupted grinding passes, you’ll feel the squeeze in your forearm—tradeoffs.

Balance is good. The body is low and narrow enough to choke up near the head when needed, and the side handle threads in on either side. With a 6-inch wheel, you do feel a bit more gyroscopic effect than with a 4-1/2-inch grinder, but the chassis keeps it predictable.

The lanyard-ready point is a thoughtful touch for working at height. I used it on a scissor lift with a tether and appreciated not having to improvise an attachment point.

Safety systems that actually help

The E-CLUTCH is the standout. During a deep cut through angle iron, I intentionally bound a thin cutoff wheel in a kerf to see how it reacted. The motor shut down immediately—no twisting, no violent kick. Resetting was as simple as releasing the paddle and starting again. It’s not a license to be careless, but when a cut closes unexpectedly or a grinding wheel grabs an edge, it can prevent an injury.

Power Loss Reset is another practical feature. I simulated a power blip with the switch depressed; the tool did not restart automatically when power returned. On a jobsite with generators or temporary power, this is more than a checkbox—it’s meaningful protection.

Dust management and durability

Angle grinders live hard lives, especially in abrasive grinding and cutting. The dust ejection system is a subtle but welcome safeguard. After a few hours of cutting masonry anchors and grinding welds, the vents were less packed than I typically see, and I didn’t feel fine grit migrating into the switch as quickly. It’s not a dust collector—sparks and dust still go everywhere—but keeping debris out of the motor extends life.

I ran the grinder continuously for 15–20 minute stretches. The head gets hot, as expected, but I didn’t trip thermal protection. Under load it maintained speed well; any slowdown was more wheel wear than motor struggle.

Accessories and ease of use

• Guards: Having both Type 27 and Type 1 included means you’re set for grinding and cutting out of the box. Guard swaps are quick once you’ve done it a few times.
• Flanges: The quick-change flange system releases wheels without drama, and the included hex key is handy for stubborn hardware or certain accessories.
• Side handle: Basic, comfortable, and secure. No vibration dampers, but the tool’s balance keeps it from feeling buzzy.

The 6.31-foot cord is flexible and durable enough, though I’d love a bit more length for field work.

What I’d change

• No variable speed: For most metal cutting and grinding, fixed 9,000 RPM is perfect. For polishing, stainless finishing, or using certain wire wheels and specialty abrasives, variable speed broadens the tool’s utility. If you need that, this isn’t the right grinder.
• No lock-on: I personally prefer the safety of a paddle-only switch, especially for cutting. If you spend hours doing flat grinding and really want a lock-on, look for a different switch configuration.
• Cord length: A couple extra feet would reduce the constant dependence on an extension cord in awkward spaces.
• Startup character: There’s no soft-start. It’s manageable, but a gentle ramp would make wheel changes and precise starts a touch calmer.

None of these are dealbreakers for the intended use—metal grinding and cutting—but they’re worth knowing before you buy.

Who it’s for

This 6-inch DeWalt grinder shines in shops and jobsites where you want more bite than a compact grinder without stepping up to a heavy, two-handed 7- or 9-inch machine. It’s ideal for:

• Fabricators and welders doing regular beveling, weld cleanup, and plate work.
• Mechanical and piping trades where deeper cuts with a guard in place matter.
• Maintenance crews who value restart protection and an electronic clutch in unpredictable cuts.
• Anyone working at height who needs a lanyard-ready tool and prefers a paddle-only switch for safety.

If your work leans toward fine finishing or mixed materials requiring slower speeds, a variable-speed grinder will serve you better. If you need ultralight maneuverability above all, a 4-1/2-inch tool will still feel more nimble.

Reliability and maintenance notes

Keep the vents clear to let the dust ejection system do its job. Use quality wheels—cheap discs can amplify vibration and negate the tool’s smoothness. Inspect the cord regularly; with a shorter cord, it’s more likely to be near the action. As with any grinder, ensure guards match the wheel type and diameter, and never run a larger wheel than the guard allows.

The warranty coverage—three-year limited, one-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction policy—adds some peace of mind. I didn’t need support, but it’s good to have.

Recommendation

I recommend this 6-inch DeWalt grinder for metalworkers who want a compact, safer-feeling step up from 4-1/2-inch grinders. The reasons are straightforward: the 13-amp motor and 9,000 RPM deliver real productivity; the E-CLUTCH and Power Loss Reset meaningfully reduce risk; and the included guards make it versatile for both grinding and cutting. You give up variable speed and a lock-on, and the cord could be longer, but for the core jobs this class of tool is meant to do—cutting, beveling, and grinding steel—it’s a dependable, well-balanced performer that I was happy to keep on the cart.