DeWalt 4-1/2 in. (115 mm) / 5 in. (125 mm) Paddle Switch Grinder with No Lock-On

A grinder that favors control and safety without feeling underpowered

I put this DeWalt grinder to work across a week of metal fab and site cleanup—cutting angle iron, chasing welds, knocking down brackets, and a bit of light masonry. It’s a straightforward corded paddle-switch unit that fits both 4-1/2 and 5-inch wheels, and it behaves like a jobsite tool should: plenty of guts, predictable handling, and features that step in when things go sideways.

Power and performance

The 13-amp motor spins at a fixed 11,000 rpm and feels appropriately strong for its class. With a 5-inch cutoff wheel, I made repeated cuts through 1/4-inch angle and sections of schedule 40 pipe without needing to nurse it. It will slow if you lean on it, but it doesn’t bog easily. The sweet spot is to let the wheel do the work—push too hard and you’re more likely to trip the safety systems than gain speed. For grinding welds with a Type 27 wheel and for stock removal with 40–60 grit flap discs, the grinder stayed in its comfort zone and maintained pace.

One thing I appreciate is the consistency under load. Some mid-tier grinders ramp up and down as thermal protection wavers; this one holds steady until it decides to protect itself, then it cuts power decisively (more on that below). If you’re used to a compact 7–10 amp unit, you’ll notice the extra headroom. If you’re stepping up from cordless, this will feel more relentless on longer sessions.

Safety features that actually help

Two systems stand out in daily use: the E-Clutch and the overload protection. I deliberately did some awkward plunge cuts into corroded fasteners to see how it behaved when a wheel bites. The E-Clutch reacted quickly—faster than my reflexes—and cut power without a violent kick. That saves wrists and reduces the “wheel whiplash” you can get in a bind-up. Reset is straightforward: release, regrip, and go.

I also tripped the Power-Off Advanced Overload Protection once while heavy-grinding a gusset in hot weather. The tool shut down before heat became an issue, and it restarted after a brief pause. It’s a nice backstop if you’re the type to run a grinder hard for minutes at a time.

The paddle switch (with no lock-on) complements these protections. For cutoff work, especially overhead or in tight angles, I prefer a paddle without a lock-on; if you drop the tool or lose your grip, it shuts off the moment you let go. The trade-off is fatigue on long, gentle tasks like wire brushing or polishing—you must keep the paddle engaged the entire time.

Ergonomics and handling

This is not a petite grinder. At 17.1 inches long and roughly 7 pounds, it’s on the bigger side for a 4-1/2/5-inch platform. The upside is leverage and stability; the downside is that it feels front-heavy on vertical work. The two-position side handle is soft-grip and solid, but it only mounts left or right—there’s no top-center option. I missed that third position when blending welds on flat plate.

Vibration is well controlled for a corded unit in this class. Over an afternoon of flap-disc cleanup, my hands felt less beat up than they often do with lighter, buzzier grinders. Noise is typical angle-grinder loud—hearing protection is still mandatory.

The paddle itself has a positive, even throw and a good “deadman” action. With gloves on, I could start and stop it reliably without changing my hand position. The body shape is a little slab-sided but easy to index when you’re sighting down a cut.

Dust management and durability

DeWalt’s Dust Ejection System is essentially a staged airflow path that purges abrasive debris from the motor housing. It’s not a substitute for a vacuum shroud, but it does keep the internals cleaner over time. After cutting masonry and grinding near concrete, I blew the tool out and found less grit accumulated than I typically see. That bodes well for brush and bearing life.

Build quality is in line with DeWalt’s pro corded tools: sturdy gearbox, robust guard mechanism, and decent cord strain relief. There’s nothing flashy here—just parts that feel like they’ll take a beating. The 3-year limited warranty with a year of free service is a useful safety net if you rely on a grinder daily.

Guard and adjustments

The tool-free Type 27 guard is one of the better designs I’ve used. It rotates smoothly, locks positively, and never drifted during sideways grinding. For cutoff wheels, I prefer swapping to a Type 1 guard for better spark containment and face coverage; you’ll need to source that separately if your work leans heavily toward cutting.

Wheel changes are standard fare with the included wrench. The spindle is 5/8-11, so it plays nicely with the usual wheels, cups, and brushes. I would have loved a top handle position for certain offhand cuts, but that’s a minor gripe.

Fixed speed: a conscious trade-off

This grinder runs at a fixed 11,000 rpm. If you’re polishing stone, working with stainless finishes, or running large wire cups where slower speeds keep heat and bounce in check, a variable-speed grinder is simply better. For general steel work—grinding welds, cutting stock, cleaning up brackets—fixed speed is the norm and feels right. Just match your wheel to the rpm rating, especially on 5-inch accessories.

4-1/2 vs. 5-inch wheels

The ability to run 5-inch wheels is more than a footnote. You gain a noticeable bump in cutting depth and abrasive life without stepping up to a 6-inch or 7-inch grinder. I used 5-inch cutoffs for most stock work and switched to 4-1/2-inch grinding discs for tighter spaces or when clearance around the guard was limited. The guard adjustment makes those switches painless.

What I like

• Strong 13-amp motor that maintains speed under sensible pressure
• E-Clutch that meaningfully reduces bind-up drama
• Paddle switch with no lock-on for safer cutoff work
• Durable, tool-free Type 27 guard that actually stays put
• Dust Ejection and overload protection that seem to extend working life
• Accepts 5-inch wheels for deeper cuts and longer abrasive life

What could be better

• No lock-on means more hand fatigue for long, light-duty tasks
• Fixed 11,000 rpm isn’t ideal for polishing or heavy wire brushing
• Two-position handle only; a top handle option would help
• Heavier and longer than compact 4-1/2-inch grinders

Who it’s for

If you’re a fabricator, welder, mechanic, or GC who needs a reliable corded grinder for daily steel work, this DeWalt is an easy fit. It’s built for cutting, grinding, and flap-disc cleanup with safety features that reduce the risk of a bad bind-up. If your work involves extended wire brushing, delicate finishing, or materials that benefit from lower speeds, you’ll be happier with a variable-speed model or a tool with a lock-on switch.

Care and setup tips

• Use 5-inch cutoffs when you can; the depth and life gains are worth it.
• Keep the guard adjusted to throw sparks away from you and the workpiece.
• Don’t outrun the wheel—let the abrasive do the cutting to avoid tripping the protection.
• Blow the tool out at the end of the day; the Dust Ejection System helps, but it’s not magic.
• Match accessories to 11,000 rpm, and use a Type 1 guard for dedicated cutoff work.

Recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt grinder to pros and serious DIYers who prioritize control, safety, and steady power in a corded package. It’s a workhorse with thoughtful protection—E-Clutch and overload shutoff—that shows its value the first time a wheel pinches or a grind runs long. The trade-offs are clear: no lock-on, fixed speed, and a bit more size and weight than compact 4-1/2-inch units. If those fit your workflow, you’ll get a dependable grinder that handles daily metalwork with confidence and requires little fuss to keep running. If you need variable speed or a lock-on switch for hours of brushing and polishing, look elsewhere; for everyone else, this is a solid, job-ready choice.