DeWalt 4-1/2 in. (115 mm) Small Angle Grinder With No Lock-On

First impressions and setup

I put this DeWalt 4-1/2-inch grinder straight to work on a steel handrail job: beveling miters, knocking down welds, and slicing off stubborn fasteners. Out of the box, it feels compact and dense in the hand—about 12 inches long and roughly 4.6 pounds—with a paddle switch that’s positive without being twitchy. The included Type 27 One-Touch guard clicks into position with a single motion and stays where you put it. Mounting the two-position side handle is straightforward, and the top-mounted spindle lock is nicely shrouded so it doesn’t get whacked or clogged.

This is a corded tool with an 11-amp motor rated at 11,000 rpm, and it presents itself that way: no frills, just a strong, fast grinder that’s built to live in abrasive environments. There’s no lock-on switch by design, which fits the paddle-switch safety ethos, and there’s no electronic brake or clutch. If you’re used to higher-end grinders with kickback control, keep that in mind.

Power and control

On steel, the motor’s 1,400-watt output translates into confident material removal. With a 36-grit Type 27 wheel, I could lean in and keep the rpm up without the tool bogging. Cutting 3/8-inch angle with a thin cut-off wheel, the grinder got through in a single pass with a steady feed; it won’t outrun a larger 5 or 6-inch grinder in pure depth-of-cut, but for its size class, the speed is there.

The motor’s power delivery is linear. It doesn’t surge or drop off abruptly, and it recovers nicely when you ease pressure after a stall. Vibration is what I’d call industry-typical for a compact 4-1/2-inch grinder—no active vibration damping here, but the smaller grip diameter and handle ergonomics keep it manageable for extended grinding. Over a couple of hours of intermittent use, my hands and forearms felt fine.

One note on the paddle: for horizontal grinding and most cutting, it’s excellent—secure grip, intentional activation, and the lock-off prevents accidental starts. For vertical cuts on sheet or conduit, the paddle position takes a little readjustment of your grip. It’s not a deal-breaker, just something that improves with muscle memory.

Guard and accessory changes

The One-Touch guard is genuinely useful. A quick push on the latch lets you rotate the guard 360 degrees without hunting for a separate lever or fumbling with a tool. It’s especially handy when you switch from grinding to a flush pass along a wall or when you need to redirect sparks. It locks in positively and doesn’t drift under vibration.

DeWalt’s Quick-Change wheel release is a convenience feature that, in practice, cuts wheel change time significantly. In many cases I could pop the wheel without reaching for the wrench. That said, keep the wrench handy—thin cut-off wheels that have seen heat or wheels overtightened under load may still need a mechanical nudge. The protected spindle lock is in an ideal spot; I never inadvertently pressed it mid-cut, and it’s easy to engage even with gloves.

A reminder: the included guard is a Type 27 (grinding) guard. If you’re doing a lot of cutting with Type 1 wheels, invest in the appropriate cutting guard for better spark containment and clearance.

Dust management and longevity

Grinding is a dusty business, and this grinder’s Dust Ejection System does make a difference. The internal airflow seems to push debris out of harm’s way, and after cutting masonry anchors and chasing a bit of mortar, I found less grit where brushes and windings typically collect. It’s not a dust vacuum by any stretch—you’ll still want to blow the tool out with clean, dry air at the end of the day—but the design helps it stay healthy longer in abrasive environments.

Inside, an oversized brush set and a large spiral bevel gear are doing longevity duty. I’m a fan of the auto-off brush feature: when the brushes are shot, the tool stops rather than limping along and risking armature damage. You’ll get a heads-up in the form of performance changes well before that point if you’re paying attention, and replacing brushes is a straightforward maintenance task. The gearbox runs smooth and doesn’t build excessive heat under typical loads; after a solid hour of welding cleanup, the housing was warm but not worrisome.

Ergonomics and balance

DeWalt shrunk the grip diameter on this model relative to some older grinders, and it’s noticeable. It’s easy to wrap your hand securely around the body while feathering the paddle, and the weight sits forward enough to let the wheel do the work without you manhandling it. The side handle is comfortable, but it only mounts left or right—there’s no top position. I missed that third hole when I wanted more control for notching and some odd angles.

Cord placement and strain relief are sensible, and the exit angle doesn’t fight you when you’re working near the floor. The overall package feels robust without being clumsy, which is the sweet spot for a 4-1/2-inch grinder.

Safety considerations

As a paddle-switch grinder with no lock-on, this tool leans into safety through intentional activation—let go and it stops spinning up. That’s great for cutoffs over your body or awkward overhead work. The trade-off is fatigue if you’re doing long, continuous passes where a lock-on would otherwise be comfortable. Choose based on your workflow.

There’s no electronic clutch and no brake. That means you should respect binding risks and keep your body out of the kickback arc, especially with thin wheels in deep cuts. Use sharp wheels, square up your cuts, and don’t twist. The good news is the tool’s power is predictable, which helps you stay safe. If you’re working in environments where kickback mitigation and braking are mandatory or strongly preferred, you’ll want a higher-end grinder with those features.

AC/DC versatility

This grinder is rated for AC or DC, which matters if you’re powering off a generator or a welder with a DC output. I ran it off a jobsite generator without issue—startup is crisp, and it doesn’t hunt or dim the lights more than expected for an 11-amp tool. That kind of flexibility is increasingly rare and genuinely handy.

What I’d change

• Add a third (top) handle position for better control in tight and vertical work.
• Offer a version with a lock-on option for users who do long continuous grinding sessions.
• Include the Type 1 cutting guard in the box; many users cut as often as they grind.
• An electronic clutch and/or brake would elevate safety, especially for newer users.

None of these are deal-breakers, but they’re worth knowing as you choose between models.

Warranty, service, and value

The warranty package is solid for a corded grinder: a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service, and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. Service parts like brushes and flanges are common, and the 5/8-11 spindle means your existing wheels and accessories will almost certainly fit. Considering the power, build quality, and thoughtful touches like the One-Touch guard and dust management, the value proposition is strong in the pro-grade 4-1/2-inch class.

The bottom line

This is a capable, durable, and thoughtfully designed 4-1/2-inch grinder that prioritizes power, simplicity, and real-world ergonomics. It chews through welds, handles daily fabrication and repair tasks, and stands up to dusty conditions better than most in its class. The paddle switch is well-executed, the guard system is excellent, and maintenance features like auto-off brushes and robust gearing speak to a long working life.

It’s not the right pick if you absolutely need a lock-on switch, an electronic clutch, or a braking feature. And if you prefer a three-position handle or routinely do vertical cuts, expect a brief learning curve on grip and control. But if you want a compact grinder that feels confident under load, runs on AC or DC, and is built to be maintained rather than tossed, this one earns a spot in the kit.

Recommendation: I recommend this grinder to tradespeople and serious DIY users who value a paddle-switch design, strong power in a compact body, and long-term durability. It’s a reliable daily driver for metalwork and light masonry, with service-friendly features and a warranty to match. If advanced electronic safety features or a lock-on switch are must-haves for your work, consider a different model; otherwise, this is a smart, hard-working choice.