DeWalt 60V MAX 4.5 in Brushless Grinder

Why this 60V grinder stuck in my hand

I picked up the DeWalt 60V grinder for a series of steel stair repairs and concrete cutbacks, expecting convenience more than muscle. Within the first hour, it changed my mind. This cordless body feels like a true 13‑amp corded replacement in real work, not just in marketing language. It spins up quickly, holds speed under load, and—critically—has the safety and dust-mitigation chops to make long days feel less risky and less gritty.

Setup, build, and what’s in the box

Out of the box you get the grinder, a side handle, guards for both 4‑1/2 in and 6 in wheels, a 4‑1/2 in Type 27 abrasive wheel, wrench, and flanges. Battery and charger are sold separately. The guard swap is straightforward and secure, and I appreciate that both guard sizes are included—no hunting for accessories just to run a 6 in cutter. Spindle is the standard 5/8‑11, so all my existing hubs and nuts fit.

Fit and finish are what I expect from DeWalt: tight tolerances, a rugged gearbox housing, and a handle texture that’s grippy with gloves. The brushless motor is sealed well, and the overall footprint is compact enough to sneak into stair stringers and tight weld corners.

Power and speed under load

No-load speed is 9000 RPM, and the motor keeps cutting pressure from bogging it. I ran it through common shop and jobsite tasks:

• 4‑1/2 in Type 27 grinding wheel on mild steel brackets: holds rpm and sheds material at a pace that matches my mid-tier corded grinders.
• 6 in thin-kerf cutoff on 1/4 in angle: steady, clean cuts with minimal chatter.
• Diamond wheel for concrete score lines: plenty of torque to maintain depth without stalling.

“Corded-equivalent” gets tossed around a lot; here it feels accurate. The 60V platform and brushless drive translate to confident, real-world push pressure before the electronics intervene. When it does touch a pinch, the anti-rotation E-CLUTCH reacts fast enough to be a non-event rather than a scare.

Control, ergonomics, and balance

The balance is slightly rear-weighted with a big pack installed, which I actually prefer for overhead grinding and horizontal cuts—it encourages a neutral wrist position. The side handle threads in securely and provides predictable leverage; its damping isn’t fancy, but vibration is acceptable for a high-output grinder.

A couple of small design notes stood out:

• The guard adjusts positively and stays where it’s put, even with repeated tool-free tweaks.
• The trigger/switch action is positive and glove-friendly.
• Brake behavior is consistent: the electronic brake stops a standard 4‑1/2 in bonded wheel in about 1.5 seconds. Not instant, but quick enough that setting the tool down early doesn’t send it skating.

If you’re used to feather-light 4‑1/2 in corded grinders, this has more heft—most of that from the battery—so plan accordingly for prolonged one-handed work.

Safety systems that matter

Two electronics do the heavy lifting here: the kickback brake and the E-CLUTCH. The brake detects pinches or stalls and clamps down, while the E-CLUTCH cuts the motor in under a tenth of a second. In practice, that means the grinder feels assertive but never wild. I intentionally bound a cutoff wheel in a kerf to test the reaction; the tool shut down cleanly without torsion yanking my wrist.

The brake also helps on the small, daily annoyances—such as not waiting forever for the wheel to coast. It’s quick enough to keep workflow moving, especially on repetitive tasks.

Dust management that earns its label

The Dust Ejection System is more than a sticker. Draw a concrete cut indoors without a shroud and you’ll still make a mess, but I noticed less fine particulate collecting around the vents, and the motor stayed free of that chalky buildup that kills bearings. On metal, it’s less dramatic; still, the airflow path seems to keep sparks and scale from settling inside.

Pair it with a shroud and vac for concrete and you’ve got a legit setup for clean cuts, provided your vac can keep up.

Battery performance and runtime

Runtime depends on battery capacity, wheel type, and how aggressive you are. On a higher-capacity 60V pack, I can complete a typical round of bracket cuts, cleanup, and a handful of concrete scores before swapping. Thin-kerf cutoff wheels stretch runtime; heavy grinding and diamond wheels eat it faster. The upside to the 60V system is power stability across the pack’s discharge curve—the grinder stays strong until it’s time to swap rather than tapering to a slog.

One thing to note: you’ll want at least two capable packs if you plan to grind all day. With fast chargers on rotation, I never had to wait, but it’s a planning consideration if you’re moving from a corded workflow.

Versatility with 4‑1/2 in to 6 in wheels

Running both 4‑1/2 in and 6 in wheels makes this a two-tool replacement for many folks. The smaller wheels shine for detail work and surface prep; the larger wheels offer deeper cuts and better face stability for slicing thicker stock. Swapping the guards is quick and confidence-inspiring, and the tool’s power ceiling feels right-sized for 6 in cutting without pushing past safe limits.

Standard 5/8‑11 threading means flap discs, wire cups, and specialty wheels drop right on. The 9000 rpm rating covers the common accessories in both sizes—just match the wheel’s speed rating and guard it properly.

Maintenance, durability, and support

Between the brushless motor and dust ejection, there’s not much to do beyond normal wheel changes and keeping the guards clean. Bearings feel tight after sustained use, and I haven’t noticed wobble or gear noise developing. The warranty package—3-year limited, one year free service, and 90-day satisfaction guarantee—offers a reasonable safety net for a pro-grade grinder.

What could be better

• Weight with big packs: With larger 60V batteries, the tool gets hefty. It’s a tradeoff for power and runtime, but those coming from light corded 4‑1/2 in units will feel it.
• Brake speed with larger wheels: The brake time is tool-appropriate, but swapping to heavier wheels naturally extends coast-down. Keep that in mind when you’re in a fast-paced environment.
• Bare-tool purchase: It’s sold without a battery/charger. If you’re new to the platform, initial buy-in adds up, though it’s easier to justify if you already run 60V tools.

Value and who it suits

If your work lives inside metal fab, mechanical demo, or concrete scoring, this grinder is a strong choice. It’s especially compelling for folks already on DeWalt’s 60V platform who want corded performance without cords. For occasional DIY users, it may be more grinder than you need—unless you’re already invested in the batteries, in which case the convenience and safety features are hard to ignore.

Recommendation

I recommend the DeWalt 60V grinder. It delivers true corded-class power at 9000 rpm, manages kickback risks with fast-acting electronics, and keeps dust out of the motor better than most cordless grinders I’ve used. The ability to run both 4‑1/2 in and 6 in wheels broadens its range, and the brake’s predictable 1.5‑second stop with standard wheels makes daily handling safer and faster. The main tradeoffs are weight with larger packs and the cost of entry if you’re new to the platform. If you need a cordless grinder that can stand in for a 13‑amp corded unit on real jobs, this one earns its spot.