7 in. Angle Grinder

Features

  • High-power motor (up to 4 HP, maximum)
  • 8,500 rpm no-load speed
  • Overload protection
  • Epoxy-coated field and armature for abrasion resistance
  • Low-profile gearcase for tight spaces
  • Automatic turn-off brushes to prevent operation when brushes need replacement
  • Brush window for quicker brush inspection/replacement
  • Two-position side handle for improved ergonomics
  • Operates on AC/DC (corded)

Specifications

Amperage (A) 15
Max Watts Out (W) 3000
No Load Speed (Rpm) 8500
Peak Motor Horsepower 4.0 HP (maximum)
Spindle Thread / Size 5/8-11
Wheel Diameter 7 in.
Tool Weight 12.13 lb (listed in product details)
Cord Length 6 ft
Power Source AC/DC (corded)
Includes 2-position side handle; 7" guard
Warranty 3 Year Limited Warranty

Corded 7 in. angle grinder with a high-power motor (rated up to 4 HP maximum) that delivers up to 8,500 rpm. The tool includes overload protection, epoxy-coated field and armature for abrasion resistance, and a low-profile gearcase for use in confined areas. It has automatic turn-off brushes and a brush window to simplify brush maintenance. Intended for use with 7" grinding wheels and operates on AC/DC power.

Model Number: DWE4517
View Manual

DeWalt 7 in. Angle Grinder Review

4.1 out of 5

Why I reached for this grinder

Power is the reason you buy a 7-inch grinder, and this DeWalt 7-inch grinder has it in spades. I brought it onto a few steel-fab and concrete-prep jobs where smaller 4-1/2 or 5-inch models simply stall or overheat. On big weld bevels, plate cleanup, and rough concrete edge work, it’s the kind of tool that lets you lean in and actually get somewhere. The motor is rated at 15 amps with a maximum 4 HP and spins at 8,500 rpm—numbers that translate into meaningful stock removal when paired with 7-inch grinding wheels.

Right out of the box, mine came with a 7-inch guard and a two-position side handle. The spindle is the standard 5/8-11 thread, and the cord runs about 6 feet. It’s a straightforward, jobsite-ready package, with a few smart durability touches built in.

Power and performance

In heavy grinding, this thing simply holds speed. On mild steel with a 7-inch, 24-grit depressed-center wheel, I could keep a very aggressive feed pressure and still maintain a smooth, fast grind. It doesn’t surge or bog unpredictably; instead, it feels like it has the flywheel effect you want in a big grinder—steady, controllable torque that doesn’t punish you for pushing. On concrete, I used it with a cup wheel (with proper shrouding and vac) and found the 8,500 rpm to be a sweet spot: fast enough to chew, not so fast it gets skittery.

Heat management is excellent for a 15-amp platform. Even after longer grinding passes, the housing stayed within a comfortable temperature range, and I didn’t run into any thermal cutbacks. The overload protection is there to protect the motor in abusive situations, and while I didn’t trip it during normal work, it’s reassuring insurance if you bind or stall a wheel.

Ergonomics and handling

At about 12.13 pounds, there’s no pretending this is a light tool. Two-handed operation is mandatory, and you’ll feel it in your forearms if you’re overhead or outstretched for long. That said, the balance is good. The low-profile gearcase helps get into weld corners and along flanges without the housing fighting you, and it makes edge blending less awkward than some bulkier-head 7-inch models.

The two-position side handle is comfortable and does a decent job of damping vibration, but a top (third) handle position would have made it more versatile for vertical passes and certain cutoff situations. Still, grip texture and control are solid, and vibration levels are typical for a grinder in this class—noticeable but not fatiguing, assuming proper wheels and technique.

Noise is, unsurprisingly, pretty high. Hearing protection is a must. With a 7-inch wheel and this much power, that’s table stakes.

Guard and wheel compatibility: know this before you buy

This is the place most users trip up, so I’ll be clear. Out of the box, the grinder is set up for hubbed, depressed-center grinding wheels (Type 27). If you plan to run flat cutting wheels (Type 1) or non-hubbed accessories, you will need additional parts: a backing flange, a clamp nut, and a Type 1 guard. Those pieces are not included.

In practical terms, here’s what that means:
- For general grinding with hubbed, depressed-center wheels: you’re good to go with the included guard.
- For cutting with flat discs or using many sanding or flap options: plan to source the appropriate backing flange and clamp nut, and swap to a Type 1 guard.

This setup isn’t unusual on larger grinders aimed at heavy grinding, but it does limit out-of-the-box versatility. The guard that ships with the tool also has an offset that favors hubbed wheels; trying to force a flat disc under it is not an option. Once properly equipped, the tool runs cutting and sanding accessories just fine—just be sure your accessories are rated for 8,500 rpm and the 7-inch diameter.

I do wish DeWalt included the flange and nut, or at least made them simpler to source as a bundled kit along with the Type 1 guard. If your workload is split between grinding and cutting, budget the extra money and time to get the right hardware.

Durability and maintenance

This grinder feels built for shop and site abuse. The field and armature are epoxy-coated to resist abrasion from grinding dust, which is exactly the kind of detail that pays off after months of use. After a few days of steel and concrete work, I blew out the housing and inspected the brushes—being able to pop them out through the brush window is a small but real advantage. The automatic turn-off brushes are a nice safety net; when they wear down, the tool stops to protect the commutator rather than destroying itself.

The geartrain feels tight, with no odd chatter or lash under load, and there was no sign of grease purging at the head. This isn’t a tool that’s trying to be dainty; it’s built to trade a bit of weight for longevity and stability.

Power source, cord, and site use

It runs on AC/DC, which is handy if you’re powering off a welder or a generator on remote work. The 6-foot cord is serviceable, but on a grinder this powerful you’ll almost always be on an extension cord. Use an appropriately heavy gauge (12 AWG for most runs, 10 AWG for longer) to avoid voltage drop and heat at the cord connection. With proper power, startup is assertive but controllable, and the motor doesn’t hunt for speed under load.

Safety and control

The guard provides good coverage for grinding operations, and the two-position handle gives you the bracing you need to keep kick and chatter under control. As with any 7-inch grinder, PPE is non-negotiable: face shield, hearing protection, gloves, and appropriate clothing. Wheel selection matters more at this size; stick with quality, properly rated wheels, and don’t exceed the diameter or rpm limits. If you’re switching to a Type 1 guard for cutting, make sure it’s secured correctly and that your wheel stack-up uses the correct flange and clamp nut orientation.

What could be better

  • Out-of-the-box versatility: It’s configured for grinding only. If you expect to cut and sand immediately, you’ll be disappointed until you add the correct flange, nut, and Type 1 guard.
  • Handle positions: A third (top) handle location would broaden control options in vertical and overhead work.
  • Cord length: Six feet is workable, but a longer cord would reduce strain relief wear at the plug when you inevitably use an extension cord.

Who it’s for

If your primary tasks are heavy grinding on steel, prepping welds, beveling edges, and doing aggressive surface cleanup, this 7-inch grinder is in its element. It’s powerful, steady, and built with durability features that matter in dirty environments. If you’re a fabricator, ironworker, or doing concrete edge prep with the right shrouds and wheels, it makes sense.

If your work leans more toward frequent cutting with flat discs, or you want a one-box solution that includes every accessory to swap between grinding and cutting, you’ll either need to plan the extra purchase of the correct guard and hardware or consider a model that ships with a more complete accessory set for multi-mode use.

Warranty and value

The three-year limited warranty is competitive, and the construction inspires confidence. Considering the power on tap and the build quality—epoxy-coated windings, abrasion resistance, and automatic brush shutoff—it represents strong value for heavy grinding. Just factor in the added cost if you need the flange, nut, and Type 1 guard.

Final recommendation

I recommend this DeWalt 7-inch grinder for users who prioritize heavy grinding performance and durability and are comfortable setting it up with the correct hardware for specific tasks. It delivers the power, speed, and stability that make 7-inch grinding efficient, and its durability features suggest a long service life in abrasive environments. However, if you need immediate out-of-the-box capability for cutting and sanding with non-hubbed wheels, be prepared to purchase the backing flange, clamp nut, and Type 1 guard—or look for a package that includes them. For grinding-first workflows, it’s a dependable, hard-working choice. For mixed cutting/grinding without extra setup, it’s less convenient.



Project Ideas

Business

Mobile Weld Cleanup & Fabrication Finishing

Offer on-site grinding, weld blending, and mill-scale removal for small fab shops and contractors. The 7" coverage and 4 HP output cut labor time, while AC/DC operation lets you run off a generator. Package pricing per linear foot of weld or per job; upsell to brushed/satin finishing and edge radiusing.


Sidewalk Trip-Hazard Grinding

Specialize in shaving down lifted concrete slabs and smoothing transitions with diamond cup wheels and a dust shroud. Market to property managers and municipalities. The grinder’s overload protection and low-profile gearcase help with continuous work in tight spots. Charge per inch of lift or per panel.


Floor Coating Prep & Adhesive Removal

Prep garages, basements, and small commercial spaces by removing old coatings, thinset, or glue and profiling concrete for epoxy with 7" diamonds. Bundle HEPA dust control and moisture testing. The epoxy-coated windings improve tool longevity in abrasive dust; offer day-rate packages and square-foot pricing.


Graffiti/Rust Removal and Surface Renewal

Provide surface restoration on steel railings, doors, and utility boxes using strip discs, wire cups, and blending wheels rated for 8,500 rpm. Finish with primer/paint upsells. The grinder’s power speeds through heavy oxidation; the two-position handle aids control on vertical work.


Lawn & Garden Tool Sharpening Pop-Up

Set up at farmers’ markets or offer mobile service to sharpen mower blades, axes, and hoes using jigs and flap discs for cool grinding. The 7" format removes material quickly and uniformly; include balancing of mower blades. Charge per item and offer seasonal subscriptions for repeat customers.

Creative

Exposed-Aggregate Concrete Planters

Cast simple concrete planters, then use a 7" diamond cup wheel on the grinder to flatten faces and reveal aggregate for a brutalist/terrazzo look. The 4 HP motor and 8,500 rpm speed make quick work of nibs and high spots, while the low-profile gearcase helps you get into corners. Finish with progressive grits or a flap wheel for a satin sheen; seal for a wet-look finish.


Grind-Patterned Steel Wall Art

Cut sheet steel into geometric or skyline silhouettes and create reflective swirl, sunburst, or linear grind patterns using flap discs and blending discs. The 7" wheel covers large areas fast, letting you build depth and motion with overlapping passes. Clear-coat to lock in the holographic effect that shifts under light.


Sculpted Stone Garden Stepping Stones

Take rough pavers or natural flagstone and chamfer edges, add light texture, or inlay shallow motifs using diamond blades and cup wheels rated for the grinder. The power and overload protection let you do longer sessions; use a dust shroud and vacuum for clean results. Finish edges smooth for a custom, high-end look.


Reclaimed Steel Furniture Finishing

Build small tables or benches from reclaimed steel and use the grinder to remove mill scale, blend welds, and apply a uniform brushed finish with 7" flap discs. The two-position handle improves control on long edges, and the epoxy-coated armature resists abrasive dust during prolonged surface conditioning.


Vintage Tool Revival

Rescue old axes, mower blades, and chisels by removing rust with appropriate wire wheels, regrinding bevels with coarse-to-fine flap discs, and blending to a working finish. The 5/8-11 spindle accepts common accessories rated for 8,500 rpm; the brush window simplifies maintenance during long restoration sessions.