Features
- Brushless motor (no brushes to replace)
- Two-stage paddle trigger (no lock-on)
- Variable-speed control (adjustable up to 10,500 RPM)
- Electronic Kickback Brake engages on pinch, stall, or bind-up
- E-CLUTCH (electronic clutch) for added protection during bind-ups
- Power-loss reset (no-volt release) — tool must be cycled after power interruption
- Integrated lanyard attachment point
- Includes side handle, hex key, inner and outer flange, and 5 in. Type 27 guard
- Brake stops wheel in approximately 2 seconds or less (when used with specified wheel)
Specifications
Wheel Diameter | 5 in |
Amperage (A) | 13 A |
No Load Speed (Rpm) | 10,500 |
Max Watts Out (W) | 1800 |
Spindle / Arbor Size | 5/8-11 in |
Ac/Dc Capability | Yes |
Kickback Brake | Yes |
E Clutch (Electronic Clutch) | Yes |
Brake | Yes |
Lanyard Ready | Yes |
Lock On Switch | No |
Variable Speed | Yes |
Weight | 6.75 lb |
Dimensions (H X W X D) | 5.23 in x 6.14 in x 16.89 in |
Cord Length | 6 ft |
Included Accessories | Side handle; hex key; inner and outer flange; 5 in Type 27 guard |
Warranty | 3 Year Limited Warranty; 1 Year Free Service; 90 Days Satisfaction Guaranteed |
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Corded 13 A, 5-inch small angle grinder with a brushless motor. It uses a two-stage paddle trigger (no lock-on), and a variable-speed dial to adapt wheel speed to the task. Safety features include an electronic kickback brake that engages on pinch/stall events, an electronic clutch (E-CLUTCH) for bind-up protection, and a power-loss reset (no-volt release). The tool has an integrated lanyard attachment point and is intended for metal grinding/cutting, concrete/masonry cutting and surfacing, and polishing.
DeWalt 5 in. Brushless Paddle-Switch Small Angle Grinder with Kickback Brake Review
A compact, serious grinder for metal and masonry work
I brought the DeWalt 5-inch brushless grinder onto a mixed metal-and-masonry job where I knew I’d be bouncing between cutting, grinding, and surface prep. It stayed on my cart all week. This is a corded, 13-amp, variable-speed grinder with a two-stage paddle trigger and a full suite of electronic safety features. The brushless motor is the headline, but what kept me reaching for it was the combination of controllable speed, consistent power, and a brake that actually stops the wheel quickly.
Build, ergonomics, and controls
At 6.75 lb and about 17 inches long, it’s on the heavier and longer side for a 5-inch class grinder. The extra length never got in my way, and the weight is balanced well through the body. The barrel grip is comfortable with gloves, and the included side handle threads in firmly.
The paddle switch is a two-stage design with no lock-on. You must defeat a safety before you can squeeze the trigger, and you have to keep holding it to run the tool. That’s a safety-forward setup I appreciate in awkward positions or overhead. If you live on a grinder for hours doing flat-plate surfacing, the lack of a lock-on will tire your hand sooner; that’s the trade-off.
The variable-speed dial sits at the rear and is easy to bump with your off-hand. It’s not recessed, but it holds position and never drifted. The dial maps to a top speed of 10,500 RPM, and the useful range covers slow-speed wire brushing and polishing up through aggressive grinding. The 6-foot cord is a bit short for site work; plan on a heavy-gauge extension.
Power and speed management
With 13 amps and a rated 1800 max watts out, this grinder doesn’t feel like it’s hunting for torque. The brushless motor delivers a smooth ramp-up, and it holds speed well under load. Cutting 3/8-inch mild steel with a 0.045-inch Type 1 wheel at full speed felt confident—no bogging when I leaned in. Switching to an 80-grit flap disc, I could dial the speed down to keep stainless from discoloring, and the tool stayed planted and controllable.
The brake is great. Release the paddle and the wheel coasts down in roughly two seconds with standard bonded wheels and flap discs. That’s fast enough to set it down without waiting around, and it limits the number of accidental scuffs on workpieces.
Safety features that actually help
This grinder combines an electronic kickback brake, an E-CLUTCH, and a power-loss reset. In practice:
- The kickback brake triggers when a wheel pinches or stalls. On a buried cut in angle iron, I intentionally bound a cutoff wheel; the motor shut down and braked almost instantly. It felt decisive, not jarring.
- The E-CLUTCH is effectively a bind-up sensor. Pushing a 5-inch depressed-center wheel into a corner hard enough to overload it would momentarily trip the clutch without throwing me off balance. I’d rather it be slightly conservative than the opposite.
- Power-loss reset means it won’t auto-restart if the plug gets yanked and then reconnected. You have to cycle the switch. That’s an unsung but important safety for jobsite power hiccups.
There’s also an integrated lanyard attachment point. If you’re working at height, having a rated tie-off spot on the housing (instead of improvising around a cord) is a real benefit.
Metalwork performance
- Grinding: With a Type 27 wheel and the included guard, material removal is strong at full speed. The motor doesn’t feel “peaky”; it’s linear and controlled. Vibration is well managed for the class—no numb fingers after a session.
- Cutting: With appropriate guards and discs, it stays straight in a cut and doesn’t chatter. The paddle switch is easy to modulate to ease into a cut, and the brake makes pull-out predictable in tight spaces.
- Finishing: Variable speed shines here. For flap discs on stainless or aluminum, backing off the dial reduced heat tint and helped avoid gouging. Wire wheels and cups also benefit—lower speeds reduce wire throw and extend accessory life.
The standard 5/8-11 spindle fits the usual suspects. It ships with inner and outer flanges and a 5-inch Type 27 guard; for thin cutoffs you’ll want the proper Type 1 guard. If you do a lot of wheel changes, consider a quick-change nut—there isn’t one included.
Concrete and masonry
This grinder is capable for light concrete work and tuckpointing with the right accessories. I ran a 5-inch diamond cup wheel at a reduced speed for a small surface patch and appreciated the control. For any significant dust-producing work, pair it with a proper shroud and extractor. The included Type 27 guard isn’t a dust solution, and you should plan on a dedicated shroud for silica control. The AC/DC rating is a nice touch for field work off a welder/generator, assuming clean, adequate power.
Brushless on a cord: practical benefits
Brushless on a corded grinder might sound like marketing, but there are real gains:
- No brushes to replace or inspect.
- Better efficiency, which shows up as cooler running and slightly quieter operation at like-for-like load.
- Smoother electronic control over speed and braking, which you can feel in how predictably it ramps up and stops.
The flip side is that electronics add complexity. If a control board fails out of warranty, repairs can be pricier than a brushed alternative. The 3-year limited warranty and 1-year free service help, and keeping dust out of the vents with regular blowouts is good practice.
What I’d change
- Weight and size: At nearly 6.75 lb and longer than many 5-inch grinders, fatigue creeps in faster for extended one-handed work. If you live on a grinder all day, you’ll notice.
- No lock-on: I like the safety, but on long surfacing jobs a lock-on can reduce hand strain. This tool prioritizes safety over convenience by design.
- Cord length: Six feet is short. You’ll almost always be on an extension.
- Accessories: Including only a Type 27 guard is standard, but many pros switch between grinding and cutting. A Type 1 guard in the kit would make it more versatile out of the box.
None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth noting for the way you work.
Who it suits best
- Fabricators and welders who want variable speed for stainless and aluminum without giving up power for carbon steel.
- Maintenance crews and industrial users who value the brake, E-CLUTCH, and power-loss reset for safety.
- Remodelers who need one 5-inch grinder to cover metalwork and occasional masonry with proper accessories.
- Anyone working at height who needs a lanyard-ready housing.
If your work is mostly light-duty and you prioritize a compact, featherweight grinder, this might feel like more tool than you need. If you do long, continuous flat grinding and insist on a lock-on, look elsewhere.
Bottom line and recommendation
This DeWalt 5-inch brushless grinder brings together strong corded power, true variable speed, and best-in-class safety features in a package that feels deliberate and predictable on the job. It’s not the lightest or shortest, and the two-stage paddle with no lock-on won’t please everyone. But the way it manages speed under load, the quick, confident brake, and the thoughtful safety stack make it the grinder I want in hand for most of my metal and light masonry tasks.
I recommend it for pros and serious DIYers who value control and safety as much as raw power. The brushless motor eliminates brush maintenance and helps the tool run cooler, the electronics do their job without being intrusive, and the variable speed meaningfully expands what you can do with one grinder. Add a Type 1 guard and a dust shroud to round out the kit, keep a good extension cord handy, and you’ll have a versatile, confidence-inspiring grinder that earns its space in the toolbox.
Project Ideas
Business
Mobile Metal Repair and Fabrication
Offer on-site cutting, weld prep, and finishing for gates, railings, trailers, and machinery. The kickback brake and E-CLUTCH add safety in awkward positions, while flap discs deliver clean cosmetic blends. Package services: rust removal + repaint, hinge rebuilds, and guard/plate fabrication.
Concrete Trip-Hazard Removal and Surface Prep
Grind lifted sidewalk lips and prep floors for epoxy or tile using diamond cup wheels with a dust shroud and HEPA vac. Upsell crack chasing and edge profiling. Bill per linear foot for hazards and per square foot for surface prep; offer evening/weekend commercial service.
Custom Metal Furniture and Decor Studio
Produce small-batch pieces—shelf brackets, table bases, planters, and wall art. Use the grinder for precise cuts, weld blending, and brushed finishes. Sell through local boutiques and online; offer premium options like blackened steel, patinas, and hand-swirled patterns.
Automotive Rust Repair and Detailing Prep
Provide rust scale removal, seam cleaning, and weld area prep on project cars. Variable speed helps minimize heat when feathering panels with surface-conditioning discs. Add services like underbody scale knockdown, bracket trimming, and exhaust cleanup. Partner with body shops for overflow work.
Workshop Experiences: Grinder Art & Finishing
Host beginner-friendly classes where participants create etched steel wall art or small planters. Teach safe grinder handling, flap-disc blending, and swirl finishing. Charge per seat, include materials/PPE, and sell upgraded kits (discs, clear coat, mounting hardware) as add-ons.
Creative
Reclaimed Steel Garden Sculptures
Use the grinder with cut-off wheels to shape scrap tools, rebar, and chain into abstract flowers, birds, or kinetic pieces. Blend welds with flap discs, texture surfaces with wire cups, and finish with a brushed swirl pattern using a fine flap/surface-conditioning disc. Clear-coat for weather protection.
Concrete Terrazzo Side Table
Cast a small concrete slab with marble/glass chips, then flatten and expose aggregate using a 5 in. diamond cup wheel. Step down the variable speed with resin polishing pads to refine to a satin or glossy finish. Chamfer edges and mount on a simple steel base you also cut and blend with the grinder.
Live-Edge Wood + Steel Base Coffee Table
Fabricate a sleek steel base from flat bar and angle: cut to length with a Type 1 wheel, bevel edges for weld prep, then blend fillets with a 60/80-grit flap disc. Add decorative grind patterns and a uniform brushed finish using surface-conditioning discs. Attach a live-edge slab for a modern rustic look.
Grinder-Etched Metal Wall Art
Create geometric or radial ‘grind pattern’ art on sheet steel/aluminum. Mask designs with tape, then use varying grits and the variable speed to lay down overlapping arcs and swirls. Finish with dye patinas or clear coat; mount with standoff hardware for depth.
Custom Tile and Stone Garden Stepping Stones
Shape porcelain/stone inserts with a continuous-rim diamond blade, ease edges, and lightly texture surfaces for grip. Inset shaped pieces into concrete pavers. Use a diamond cup to flatten high spots and a lower speed for edge refinement with polishing pads.