DeWalt Angle Grinder Review & Buyers Guide


dewalt angle grinder review

It is easy to come across angle grinder tool reviews that frequently speak about the best brands to achieve the best performance. What nearly all of these reviews have in common is the frequency of reviews that mention DeWalt grinders and this is with good reason.

A DeWalt tool is defined by its stellar performance capabilities and durability with its line of angle grinders receiving frequent praise. DeWalt grinders are consistently evolving to increase durability and performance capabilities with new motors and RPM components appearing frequently.

In this DeWalt angle grinder review and buying guide, we will take a look at some of the best DeWalt grinders as well as additional accessories that come with the various models.

Overview

DeWalt’s company slogan is “Guaranteed Tough”, and tough and durable are definitely guaranteed when it comes to this brand’s line of angle grinders. DeWalt is one of the gold standards within the power tool industry, with several manufacturing facilities that prioritize innovation and user comfort.

DeWalt grinding tools are professional grade pieces of equipment where the size of the blade, the motor, and the variations of RPM speed are frequently calibrated to create both large and small projects effective and simple. Increased variations in motor brushes and dust ejection systems are also hallmarks of this brand’s grinding tools.

Key Features

Some of the most common features of a DeWalt model include:

  • DEWALTs Perform & Protect line is designed to provide a high level of control, dust containment, or low vibration, without sacrificing performance
  • A high power 4.7 HP (maximum motor HP) 8,500 rpm motor with some models scaling up to 11,000 RPM
  • A dust ejection system increases brush life and protect the motor from damaging particles entering the air intake
  • Many models feature an anti-vibe trigger handle that reduces user fatigue caused by vibration
  • A quick change guard that allows a user to quickly adjust the guard to redirect sparks

Performance

Speed, accessibility, comfort, and overall design are some of the standout features of a DeWalt grinding tool. All DeWalt models have a wide range of rpm speeds, which makes them ideal based upon the type of job you are needing to get done.

But the real standout of a DeWalt model is the incredible output and technology that is in place to increase the life of the motor. Another standout feature on most models is the Power-Off Advanced Electronic Overload Protection that shuts the tool off before it reaches overload or burn-up.

With a DeWalt model, you not only get the best features when it comes to grinding but you are also getting the commitment from a company that makes their products durable and long-lasting.

Value for Money

Value for money is also a big selling point when it comes to the grinders from this brand. Not every model is as good or as long-lasting as some, but if you stay within the parameters of what the model is designed for, you will find that your Milwaukee grinder lasts for a long time indeed, which is pretty impressive for a cordless grinder.

Long-lasting performance translates to good value for money. Most models are incredible in their durability, yet you may need to go through a few different discs if you run the grinder at a high speed consistently.

Overall, no matter the price, this brand represents excellent value for money.

Top 5 Best Dewalt Angle Grinders

When it comes to Dewalt grinding tools, there is a large selection to choose from. Additionally, some required accessories may also be needed depending on the brand you choose.

Let’s take a look at a range of this brand’s grinders with a breakdown of each model.

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Dewalt DWE4599N (9-Inch): (Editor’s #1 Pick)

This model is our number one choice because it is designed to provide a high level of one or more of the following: control, dust containment, or low vibration, without sacrificing performance. This unit has a high power of 4.9 HP (maximum motor HP) with a 6,500 rpm motor that provides overload protection giving higher operating speeds under load.

It also features an E-Clutch System that shuts the tool off when a wheel pinch is detected, which helps in reducing kickback. The anti-vibration side handle reduces the user’s exposure to vibration, and the power-loss reset prevents accidental re-starts following a power disruption when the tool is left in the “on” position.

Additionally, a Power-Off Advanced Electronic Overload Protection shuts the tool off before it reaches overload or burn-up. Another standout feature is the Dust Ejection System that increases brush life and protects the motor from damaging particles entering the air intake that would otherwise abrade the motor.

The features of this model are simply incredible, and the 9-Inch performance width is hard to bypass as well.

Pros:

  • This model is designed to provide a high level of control, dust containment, or low vibration, without sacrificing performance
  • High Power 4.7 HP (maximum motor HP) 6,500 rpm motor
  • Dust Ejection System increases brush life and protect the motor from damaging particles entering the air intake
  • Anti-Vibe Trigger Handle reduces user fatigue caused by vibration
  • Quick Change Guard allows user to quickly adjust the guard to redirect sparks

Cons:

  • Puts out a great deal of power that can cause frequent vibration
  • The motor can be sensitive to overuse

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Dewalt DWE4597N (7-Inch):

If a higher speed and smaller dimension are what you need, this model of grinder may be the best option. This unit also features a high power of 4.9 HP (maximum motor HP) with an 8,500 rpm motor that provides overload protection giving higher operating speeds under load.

Also on board is the E-Clutch System which shuts the tool off when a wheel pinch is detected, which reduces kickback. A low profile gear case allows for work in tight areas, and the automatic turn-off brushes shut down the tool when brushes need to be changed to avoid tool damage.

Additionally, there is a 3-position side handle which provides improved ergonomics for specific applications. The 8,500 rpm provides optimal material removal with 7″ grinding wheels.

This model improves upon the RPM speed of the DWE4599N, yet it really depends on if you are more comfortable working with a higher speed.

Pros:

  • High Power 4.7 HP (maximum motor HP) 8,500 rpm motor
  • Dust Ejection System increases brush life and protect the motor from damaging particles entering the air intake
  • Anti-Vibe Trigger Handle reduces user fatigue caused by vibration
  • Quick Change Guard allows user to quickly adjust the guard to redirect sparks

Cons:

  • May require additional grinder accessories

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Dewalt DWE43244N (5-6 Inch):

Smaller is sometimes better; it can be frustrating to have to constantly worry if your grinder will able to fit into smaller places. With this model, you no longer have to worry about more brush replacements as the 5 in./ 6 in. brushless paddle is built-to-last.

There are no switches to worry about with this small-angle grinder and a kickback brake with no lock removes the need to always feel concerned with the increase in power of the grinder. The long-lasting brushless motor keeps going with minimized maintenance and a brake that stops the wheel quickly takes the guessing work out of the procedure by allowing you to grind smoothly and efficiently.

Additionally, the perform and protect features help add user protection for enhanced control in bind-up and stalls.

Pros:

  • Brushless motor requires no brush changes
  • Brake stops wheel in 1 second or less on average using Dwa8824 wheel
  • The Electronic kickback brake engages when a pinch, stall, or bind-up event is sensed, engaging with maximum force to quickly stop the wheel, reduce the movement of the grinder, and shut the motor off
  • Power-loss reset with an on/off trigger switch that has a no-volt release function.

Cons:

  • Cutting and grinding may cause some vibration over time

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Dewalt DW831 (5-Inch):

Continuing on in smaller dimensions for cutting and grinding brings us to the 5-inch model. This 5-inch medium angle grinder features a 7.5 Amp 10,000 RPM motor that provides high speeds for fast material removal.

Built for long-lasting wear, the grinder’s metal gear case dissipates heat for longer bearing and motor life. The 7.4-pound tool is light enough for all-day use, and the rear handle is designed for added comfort and control.

Other features include a convenient sliding on/off switch, a keyless adjustable guard, and a high power-to-weight ratio for greater efficiency and reduced user fatigue. The grinder’s AC/DC capacity works great with welding machines and generators, which can provide you with controlled and pinpointed welding techniques for more sensitive materials.

Pros:

  • 12.0 Amp AC/DC, 10,000 rpm motor provides high speed for fast material removal
  • The high power-to-weight ratio for greater efficiency and reduced user fatigue
  • The keyless adjustable guard provides tool-free guard adjustments, increasing productivity
  • Rear handle design for greater comfort and control
  • External brush caps for easy servicing sealed ball and roller bearings for extended motor life
  • Easy to use

Cons:

  • The trigger lock can jam occasionally
  • Prone to overheating

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Dewalt DCG413R2 (4-Inch Kit):

4 inches is truly great if you need to make small movements with great efficiency, and this model comes with a handy kit to make the process run even smoother. This model offers a brushless motor that requires no brush changes.

This Grinder also features e-switch protection when the on/off trigger switch has a no-volt release function. In the event of a power outage or other unexpected shutdown, the trigger switch will need to be cycled (turned off and then on) to restart the tool for safety’s sake.

Additionally, a kickback brake engages when a pinch, stall, or bind-up event is sensed and the electronic brake engages with maximum force to quickly stop the wheel, reduce the movement of the grinder, and shut the grinder off. With all these features and the concentration on maximum safety, this small angle grinder makes a great addition to your tool kit and is an essential Dewalt cordless grinder.

Pros:

  • Brushless motor requires no brush changes
  • Features Easy-switch protection for safety purposes, in the event of a power outage or other unexpected shutdown, the trigger switch will need to be cycled (turned off and then on) to restart the tool
  • The kickback brake engages when a pinch, stall, or bind-up event is sensed and the electronic brake engages to quickly stop the wheel and shut the grinder off
  • The quick stopping brake stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less on average
  • Comes with a 3-year limited warranty

Cons:

  • Prone to overheating
  • Not for larger material cutting and grinding

Additional Dewalt Angle Grinder Accessories

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Dewalt DWE461525-Inch Angle Grinder Dust Shroud:

Having a dust shroud is essential when it comes to working on the floor with a grinder, especially for concrete. The DEWALT DWE46152 5″ Surface Grinding Dust Shroud is designed to contain the dust in your work area when working on concrete grinding.

This unit features a flush grinding door which allows dust collection for flush edge grinding. The universal vacuum hose connection locks onto the tool with a twist and clicks eliminating the use of tape to secure the hose to the shroud.

Pros:

  • Designed to contain grinding dust
  • The flush grinding door which allows dust collection for flush edge grinding
  • Universal vacuum hose connection locks onto the tool

Cons:

  • Only compatible with DWE4 and D28 models

DeWalt Angle Grinder Buyers Guide

DeWalt has a reputation in selling itself based on high popularity, but keep these key points in mind before buying:

  • Always consider the disc size. DeWalt strives to make most of its models accessible with the industry standard of four and a half inches, which can be used for many smaller projects and most standard grinding and cutting projects. For larger projects, consider using a 6-inch disc. Some models may have a grinding wheel or paddle switch included, therefore, just be sure the model you choose can support the task you wish to accomplish.
  • A high rpm equals better performance. A DeWalt model is almost always going to have some of the best variations in terms of speed and motor efficiency. Just be sure to select a disc or wheel that can handle the speeds that the model is capable of giving.
  • Don’t overdo it. DeWalt is an excellent brand, yet there can be some slight problems with motor performance if you grind for too long. This is fairly common with any brand out there but especially common in models that have higher RPM capabilities–which is most DeWalt brands.

What Does a DeWalt Grinder Do? What Do Customers Say?

When it comes to manufacturing the best angle grinders, DeWalt is a trusted name and for good reason. Some notable features of a DeWalt Angle Grinder include:

  • Spindle Lock Button – This feature helps tighten and loosen the wrench. This means you don’t have to worry about using two wrenches to change disc/wheels.
  • Dust Ejection System – The angle grinder features a dust ejection system that ensures workplace cleanliness. The dust ejection system ensures the durability and longevity of the product since it ejects all the ground material away from the internal mechanisms of the machine.
  • One-Touch Guard – This feature offers 360-degree guard rotation with a single action. This ensures the durability of the machine.
  • Powerful Motor – Most DeWalt grinding tools feature a powerful motor that powers at 11 amps AC/DC. This allows you to operate the grinding wheel at 11,000 RPM. This guarantees good power, weight, and size.
  • Quick-Change Wheel – Handymen can conveniently change the wheels of the grinder with ease without using any high-end tools and equipment.
  • Small Gripping Surface – A DeWalt grinder is comfortable because of its small gripping surface. The small gripping surface allows people to use the tool without experiencing fatigue. This prevents your hand from getting tired from extended usage.

I strive to offer only the best and most accurate information when it comes to power tools, but sometimes, it is important to hear what other users have to say about a product. The quintessential DeWalt DWE402K has an average of 4.8 out of 5 ratings on Amazon with a large majority of positive customer reviews.

This indicates that the majority of customers were pleased with the product and left positive reviews. Most customers agreed that the product was worth every penny and delivered promising results.

While the DWE402K is not as powerful as the 21,000 RPM variants out there. It is more comfortable to use than most power tools in the market and offers less fatigue.

This also prevents you from over-using the machine to the point of causing damage. The power is strong enough to get the job done while you have complete control of the machine. While the machine is not as powerful as other high-end angle grinders in the market, it is suitable for most jobs.

A customer wrote they experienced no issues with the product and that the RPM power was perfect for a wide range of tasks.

A customer wrote the angle grinder can cut through steel like butter. You can also use it to cut through small boat anchors, trailer bolts, doorknobs, or anything else.

As for the spindle lock button, the angle grinder is a top-mounted, well-protected piece of equipment that maximizes cutting depth when you are using the machine. The angle grinder features oversized brushes that have a longer brush life compared to other products in the market.

The grinder features air vents that keep the machine clean and prevents debris from entering inside. As far as the downsides are concerned, the machine does not feature discs and they have to be purchased separately.

Additionally, one Amazon customer claimed the grinder is uncomfortable to hold and is not as ergonomic friendly as compared to other angle grinders in the market. Customers agreed that the product may be difficult to use if you do not have a worker’s build or do not have experience with using bulky machines.

Most negative reviews were related to isolated, incompatible concerns with the lack of additional accessories.

Best Dewalt Angle Grinder Attachments and Accessories:

As you may have noticed with this brand’s grinders, there may be some additional DeWalt grinder accessories that you will likely have to purchase depending on the model. Let’s take a look at some of the most popular.

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Dewalt DW8062B5 Cutting Wheel:

A Dewalt grinding tool is a stellar piece of machinery, but it is only as good as a versatile and durable cutting blade. DEWALT High-Performance .045-Inch Metal Cutting Wheels have a thin .045-Inch cutting edge design for fast burr-free cutting.

The blades have a proprietary aluminum oxide grain combination for aggressive cutting action and the proprietary material mix ensures durable long life wheels. They have 2 full sheets of fiberglass for durability and user safety and are ideal for high-performance cutting in all types of ferrous metals and stainless steel.

Pros:

  • Highly durable with a max rpm of13300
  • Thin .045-Inch wheel design for fast burr-free cutting
  • Proprietary aluminum oxide grain combination for aggressive cutting action
  • Proprietary material mix ensures durable long life wheels
  • 2 full sheets of fiberglass for durability and safety
  • Fast burr-free cutting

Cons:

  • These discs are thicker than most standard cutting wheels, which may take some getting used to
  • Prone to overheating

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Dewalt DW4906 Wire Wheel for Bench Grinder:

A quality wire wheel is essential for polishing and this wire wheel more than lives up to the job. Equipped with knotted wire for heavy material removal, DEWALT Bench Grinder Brushes are crafted from highly specified wire grades with an internal holding plate to ensure consistency and safety.

This wheel features a balanced construction that delivers smooth performance while the crimped wire provides flexibility. Strict specifications are applied to the design and designed to ensure they maintain a competitive higher than standard wire count.

Pros:

  • Highly specified wire grades are constructed with internal holding plate to ensure consistency and safety
  • Constructed for even balance which provides smooth performance
  • The wire is 100 percent inspected to meet demanding quality specifications
  • Designed with consistent level equilibrium
  • Excellence is assured with strict standards and a full assessment to ensure the standards are met

Cons:

  • The wiring on the wheels is wider than what is seen with standard wire wheels
  • Not compatible with single speed grinders

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Dewalt DW4930 Wire Wheel Cable Twist:

When it comes to wire wheels, a cable twist variety can take the effects of regular wire wheels to a new level of effectiveness. The DEWALT DW4930 Cable Twist Wire Wheel consists of .020-inch carbon wire that is 100 percent inspected by the manufacturer for consistency, smooth performance, balance, and safety.

The high-quality wire grades are constructed with an internal holding plate for perfect balance and consistent performance. Use the DW4930 wire wheel with a 5/8-inch arbor for deburring, edge blending, rust removal, and surface preparation.

With a maximum speed of 20,000 RPM, the DW4930 can handle even the toughest jobs with ease.

Pros:

  • High tensile, heat-treated carbon or stainless steel wire provides long lasting aggressive brushing action
  • Internal holding plate construction provides reduced knot movement and increased control and brush life

Cons:

  • Wears down quickly at higher speeds
  • Expensive

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Dewalt DW8005 General Purpose Metal Chop Saw Wheel:

DeWalt offers a full range of Type 1 cutting wheels for low power chop saws, high power stationary machines, high-speed portable saws, grinders, and circular saws. These wheels are designed to offer a long service life and fast cutting.

Performance is optimized through double reinforcement with two sheets of fiberglass, premium grains, enhanced formulations, and high-quality resin bonds. The construction features a double reinforced wheel with two full sheets of fiberglass for safety and performance.

Additionally, the material composition of the wheel consists of a premium grain for added wheel life and speed. The chop saw wheel includes enhanced formulations that provide longer life and optimal performance.

Pros:

  • Equipped with heavy-duty Carbide teeth for long life and ejection springs for easy plug removal
  • A raised shoulder helps to prevent breakthroughs
  • An optimized tooth design delivers fast drilling speeds to help to increased efficiency

Cons:

  • Great performance that can wear down somewhat quickly

Take a look at this video to see some of these accessories and how the installation process works:

What Is the Best Dewalt Grinding Tool?

In terms of sheer efficiency and power, the DWE4599N is certainly the best grinder on this list. This model has a wide cutting dimension and the increased technology that exists to preserve the motor at all costs is really what makes this model stand out.

This unit has a high power of 4.9 HP (maximum motor HP) with a 6,500 rpm motor that provides overload protection giving higher operating speeds under load, which makes it both powerful, durable, and very safe to use.

Final Thoughts

These models represent some of the finest examples of this brand, and the features that come with this brand’s grinding tools are unique and convenient. From the amazing capabilities of the motor to the technology that works to preserve the life of the motor, this brand is sure to make your grinding and cutting procedures simpler and precise, without the need of worrying about the limitations of motor degradation or safety.

Ben Jones

When it comes to selecting the right tool for the job there are some important factors that you have to consider. I hope by sharing some of my knowledge I'll be able to educate you on a range of grinders so you can get the job done.

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