DeWalt 20V Bare-Tool Angle Grinders: Paddle, Slide and FlexVolt

Best for
Users who prefer a slide switch

Best for
Pros wanting the most 20V power

Best for
Everyday metal work with a light paddle grinder

Best for
Safety-first users wanting a paddle switch

The DEWALT 20V MAX* Angle Grinder Tool (DCG413B) is a 4-1/2-inch brushless grinder with a paddle switch and a strong safety package. Its brake stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less on average, and the Kickback Brake engages with maximum force when it senses a pinch, stall or bind-up, then shuts the grinder off. E-Switch Protection means that after a power interruption you must cycle the trigger off and on to restart, and a two-stage trigger requires two actions to start the tool.

Some specification lines do not add up: the sheet lists 3,450 RPM, 0.16 hp and a 16-ounce weight, which are hard to square with a brushless 4-1/2-inch grinder that measures 12.2 inches long. The features and description do not give a speed, so we would not rely on those numbers. It suits careful users and smaller shops who want a paddle switch and deliberate start-up. Battery and charger are sold separately.

• Brushless motor, no brush changes
• Brake stops wheel in 2 seconds or less on average
• Kickback Brake plus E-Switch Protection
• Two-stage trigger

The DEWALT 20V MAX Cordless 4 1/2 Inch Paddle-Switch Grinder (DCG408B) is the newer, well-rounded paddle model. Its brushless motor delivers up to 850 MWO and up to 9,000 RPM at no load and holds constant speed under load. DeWalt rates it at up to 56 cuts of 1/2-inch rebar per charge, with the battery conditions noted in the fine print. Anti-rotation features include both Kickback Brake and E-Clutch, plus overload protection.

It accepts 4- to 5-inch wheels, includes Type A and Type B guards, and uses mesh screens to keep debris out of the motor. DeWalt quotes 3.55 pounds as a bare tool, though the spec sheet lists 4.8 pounds, which likely includes packaging or accessories. It suits builders who grind and cut metal regularly and want the paddle-switch safety habit without giving up power. It gives way to the DCG410B only if you need the extra power headroom.

• Up to 850 MWO and 9,000 RPM
• Kickback Brake and E-Clutch
• Accepts 4- to 5-inch wheels with Type A and B guards

The DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 to 5-inch Angle Grinder (DCG410B) belongs to DeWalt’s most powerful line of 20V MAX grinders. Its brushless motor produces up to 1,590 MWO and 9,000 RPM at no load, almost double the DCG408B’s rated output. The anti-rotation system senses excessive rotational motion of the tool and shuts it down.

It is Tool Connect chip ready (chip sold separately) for asset tracking, and its wireless tool control system can switch a compatible DeWalt dust extractor on and off, which is handy for surface grinding indoors. It measures 13.11 inches long and weighs 4.6 pounds. The listing does not specify its switch type. It suits pros who push grinders hard; for lighter work the DCG408B is easier to live with. If your work is mostly fine detail inside tight parts, a DeWalt 20V die grinder can be a better tool.

The DEWALT 20V MAX* XR Angle Grinder (DCG405B) is the slide-switch option. A slide switch can stay on without constant hand pressure, which some users prefer for long passes. DeWalt pairs it with a brushless motor, a brake that stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less on average, Kickback Brake for pinches and bind-ups, and Power Loss Reset to prevent restarts after a power disruption if the switch was left on.

The box includes the grinder, side handle, hex key, inner and outer flange and a 4.5-inch Type 27 guard. It weighs 3.8 pounds and measures 12.9 inches long. The spec sheet lists 850 watts and “9,000 revolutions per second,” which is surely meant as 9,000 RPM. It suits users comfortable with a slide switch who still want modern kickback protection; if you prefer the release-to-stop behavior of a paddle, pick the DCG408B.

• Slide switch with Power Loss Reset
• Kickback Brake and electronic brake
• Side handle, flanges and Type 27 guard included

Best for
FlexVolt battery owners wanting extra power

The DEWALT FLEXVOLT ADVANTAGE 20V MAX* Angle Grinder (DCG416B) works with all 20V MAX and FlexVolt batteries, and gets up to 54 percent more power when paired with a FlexVolt pack. It uses a paddle switch and accepts 4-1/2- to 5-inch wheels. Kickback Brake stops the wheel and shuts off the grinder in a bind-up, E-Clutch shuts the motor down in under a tenth of a second on a pinch or stall, and E-Switch Protection requires cycling the trigger after a shutdown.

It is Tool Connect chip ready and measures 13.11 inches long. The spec sheet is thin, so the listing does not specify weight or RPM. It suits builders who already own FlexVolt batteries and want a grinder that scales up with them. If you are considering DeWalt’s larger platform, our DeWalt 60V grinder guide covers that route.

The Angle Grinder 4-1 2″ Cordless Compatible with DEWALT 20V MAX Battery is made by VERVEWAVE, not DeWalt. It fits DeWalt 20V lithium-ion batteries from DCB200 through DCB240 according to the listing, and it is tool only; the wrench is stored inside the side handle. Its brushless motor runs up to 8,500 RPM with six speeds from 3,000 to 8,500 RPM, which is useful for polishing and fine sanding at low speed.

It has a lock switch, soft start, power failure protection, a three-position auxiliary handle and a vent design aimed at keeping it cool. The listing says it stops 1.5 seconds after you release the switch. It does not list a kickback brake or anti-rotation system, which is the key difference from the DeWalt models. It suits hobbyists who want variable speed on their existing packs for finishing work, not those who prioritize DeWalt’s bind-up protection.