DeWalt 5 in. / 6 in. Brushless Small Angle Grinder with Variable Speed Slide Switch and Kickback Brake

I put this DeWalt grinder to work across a week of metal fab and a weekend of masonry cleanup, and it didn’t take long to get a clear picture of what it does well—and where it could be better. In short, it’s a powerful, feature-rich 5/6-inch corded grinder with the kind of electronic protections that make a real difference on the job. The brushless motor and variable speed give it range most corded grinders simply don’t have, and the safety features are more than marketing—they’re useful every day.

Fit and form

The grinder uses a barrel grip with a variable-speed slide switch and lock-on. At 13 inches long and about 6.8 pounds, it’s on the heavier side for a small angle grinder, particularly compared to older 11-amp brushed models. The extra heft is noticeable on overhead or extended one-handed grinding, but it pays off in stability. The side handle threads in where you expect, and the guard installs securely. Spindle is the standard 5/8-11, so my whole drawer of wheels and accessories fit without drama.

The cord is 6 feet. That’s workable on a bench or scaffold, but short for a big shop floor; plan on a heavy-gauge extension cord to keep voltage drop from neutering performance.

Power and control

This is a 13-amp grinder rated at 1800 Max Watts Out, with a variable no-load speed range from 2000 to 9000 RPM. The speed dial meaningfully changes how the tool behaves. At the low end (around 2000–3500 RPM), it’s controllable with wire wheels and non-woven pads, and I could feather edges on paint and rust without gouging. Mid-range speeds (4500–6500 RPM) were perfect for flap discs on stainless; I could reduce heat tint and keep parts presentable. At full tilt (9000 RPM) with a 6-inch grinding wheel, it moves material aggressively. The motor holds speed under load noticeably better than many brushed 11-amp grinders I’ve used.

Brushless on a corded grinder isn’t common, and the benefits are real. There are no brushes to replace, and the torque delivery feels smoother—less droop, fewer micro-stalls when you push it. The tradeoff is more electronics inside, which I’ll touch on later.

Safety features that matter

Three electronic protections change how this grinder feels in use:

• Kickback brake: When I intentionally pinched a cutting wheel in angle iron, the brake snapped the wheel to a stop in about two seconds and shut the motor down. It’s not subtle; it stops the wheel decisively, and that’s exactly what you want when a bind happens.

• E-CLUTCH: On an aggressive grinding pass where I buried the edge too hard, I felt the clutch pulse and the tool shed torque before the situation escalated. It’s a layer of insurance that keeps you from wrestling the tool.

• Power-loss reset: I tested it by pulling the plug mid-grind with the switch locked on. When I restored power, the tool stayed off until I cycled the switch. That’s restart protection done right.

These systems make long days safer and less fatiguing. They won’t fix bad technique, but they reduce the penalty when you make a mistake.

On metal and fabrication

Grinding down welds on 3/8-inch plate with a 6-inch wheel, this DeWalt grinder chewed consistently without glazing. The motor keeps the pace, and the variable speed lets you tailor the approach: full speed for hogging, stepped down for finishing with 60–80 grit flap discs. On cut-off duties with thin wheels, it tracks well and the brake cuts down on the long coast that used to force me to set the tool down and wait.

I prefer a paddle switch for some cut-off work because I like the natural deadman control, but the slide switch here is positive and glove-friendly. If you rely on a paddle for safety, the switch type is worth considering.

Heat build-up was what I’d expect: warm housing after sustained grinding, never hot enough to worry me. I gave it short breathers on marathon tasks, more out of habit than necessity.

On masonry and concrete

With a dust shroud and a diamond tuckpointing wheel, I used the grinder to clean out tired mortar joints in a basement wall. Dialing down the RPM kept the wheel from skating and reduced smearing at the edges of softer joints. The torque is there even off the top speed, and it didn’t bog when I leaned into it. As always, dust collection is essential; the grinder itself isn’t a dust solution, but it plays fine with shrouds and vacs thanks to the standard spindle and compact head.

Running a 6-inch diamond blade, the extra wheel diameter was handy. Just be sure your guard is set correctly and rated for the diameter you’re using. The brake is particularly welcome on masonry—the quick stop means less wandering debris when you lift off.

Vibration, noise, and ergonomics

Vibration is well-controlled. It’s not a cushy anti-vibe experience—this is still a 13-amp grinder—but compared to older brushed units, the feel is smoother and less buzzy, especially at mid-range speeds. The side handle helps tame chatter on hard wheels. Noise is typical for the class; lower RPM work is less shrill, and the brushless motor’s tone is a bit cleaner than the raspy buzz I’m used to.

Balance is good. The barrel grip fills the hand without being bulky, and the dial is reachable without changing grip much. The lock-on is easy to engage intentionally and stayed out of my way otherwise.

Durability and maintenance

I appreciate not having to think about brushes. That’s one less consumable, and it means steadier performance over the life of the tool. The tradeoff is reliance on electronics: if something fails, it’s not a five-minute brush swap. That said, the build feels robust—the gear head casting is solid, vents are well-placed, and nothing rattled or loosened during testing.

Warranty coverage is generous for a pro tool: 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and 90-day satisfaction guarantee. That’s appropriate for a grinder at this price and power level and provides some peace of mind if you’re putting it into daily rotation.

Where it misses

• Weight: At nearly 6.8 lb, fatigue becomes a factor in overhead work or long one-handed use. The stability is great on a bench, less so on a ladder.

• Cord length: 6 feet is short. It’s not a deal-breaker, but it adds an extension cord to your default setup.

• Switch preference: If you’re committed to paddle-switch grinders for safety or comfort, the slide switch here won’t convert you. It’s a good slide switch, but still a slide switch.

• Lanyard: There’s no lanyard-ready attachment point. If you work at height, plan another tether solution.

Who it’s for

This DeWalt grinder is a strong fit for welders, metal fabricators, and remodelers who want one corded grinder that can jump between heavy grinding, cut-off, wire brushing, and light polishing. The variable speed and safety electronics make it especially versatile in mixed-material shops where you’re moving from steel to stainless to masonry in the same day. If you’re a production grinder who spends hours per day on edge bevels at full speed, the weight and electronics are worth considering—still capable, but not the lightest, simplest hammer in the drawer.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt grinder for pros and serious DIYers who value control, safety, and broad capability over shaving ounces. The combination of a brushless 13-amp motor, real variable speed (2000–9000 RPM), and thoughtful electronics—kickback brake, E-CLUTCH, and restart protection—make it safer and more adaptable than most corded grinders in its class. It runs 5- and 6-inch wheels with conviction, keeps its speed under load, and gives you a usable low-RPM range for finishing and wire work. You’ll need to live with a short cord and a bit of extra weight, and paddle-switch loyalists may want to stick with what they know. But if those aren’t deal-breakers, this is a capable, trustworthy grinder with features that pay off every day at the bench and on the job.