DeWalt 6-inch Angle Grinder Benefits From Brushless Technology
Cordless angle grinders such as DeWalt’s 60V Max FlexVolt model use brushless motors to gain performance, runtime, service life, and even add features. So what can you gain from putting one on a corded grinder? We got our hands on the DeWalt brushless 6-inch angle grinder to find out.
DeWalt Brushless 6-Inch Angle Grinder Performance
One of the nice things about this angle grinder is DeWalt’s use of a 13-amp brushless motor. That’s common in cordless tools, but not so much on the corded side. In terms of performance, it can spin 5 or 6-inch grinder wheels up to 9000 RPM.
Brushless motors require electronics and that gave DeWalt the opportunity to add several features you’ll notice while you’re using this grinder. For starters, it’s a brushless motor… so no more brush changes.
There’s an electronic brake, stopping the wheel in 1 second or less, depending on the wheel size and mass. With our 6-inch grinding wheel, it took a little longer.
It has a kickback control like many of the cordless models. If your wheel binds up or stalls, the motor senses it and automatically shuts off until you cycle the trigger.
There’s also power loss protection built-in. If you happen to lose power for some reason, the grinder won’t kick back on if you still have your hand on the paddle switch when it returns. This is a paddle switch grinder without a lock-on, so it’s not a huge risk. Still, better safe than sorry.
DeWalt Brushless 6-Inch Angle Grinder Design Notes
Size and Weight
As a 6-inch grinder, the weight and size are where we expect them to be. It’s 13.6 inches from tip to cord connection and weighs right at 6 pounds. As far as the weight goes, it’s much lighter than going cordless. DeWalt’s FlexVolt angle grinder weighs 8 pounds when you add a 9.0Ah battery!
LED Indicator
There’s an LED light toward the back of the handle that gives you feedback during operation. Normally, it’s green to let you know everything working properly. Red lets you know something’s not quite right. Here are what the patterns mean:
- Fast Blink: Power loss protection—cycle the switch
- Intermittent Single Blink: Stall or overload—disengage the wheel from the material and cycle the switch
- Intermittent Double Blink: Low-quality power source (such as a generator)—switch to more stable power source
- Intermittent Triple Blinks: Kickback detected—inspect the wheel for damage and cycle the switch
- Solid Read: Thermal protection—make sure vents aren’t clogged and let the tool cool down
Tether-Ready
This is a tether-ready tool for when you’re working at height. The connection is just below the cord connection and swivels easily. It’s a coiled design with an outer sleeve that allows for some give if you’re tethering with a material that doesn’t have much stretch.
Guard Adjustments
Guard adjustments and changes are tool-free as we expect. Just press in the guard release lever (silver button) above the guard and rotate it to the position you want or remove it.
Wheel Changes
Wheel changes are a little different than you might be used to. The flange has two holes in it and looks like you use a spanner wrench to tighten or loosen it. In reality, it’s a hex design and DeWalt includes a hex wrench. It takes a little getting used to, but we found that it’s just as easy. Plus, there’s a lot better chance you have a spare hex wrench that’s the right size than there is a spanner wrench if you loose it.
Side Handle
DeWalt includes a side handle and there are no surprises here. You can install it on either the left or the right, but there’s no top install point if you’re looking for that.
Additional Features
- 2-stage trigger to prevent accidental activation
- 6 1/2-foot cord
DeWalt Brushless 6-Inch Angle Grinder Price
You can pick up the DeWalt DWE4344N for $249 at your favorite retailer. It comes with the grinder, side handle, hex key, inner and outer flange, 6-inch type 27 guard, and 6-inch type 1 guard. DeWalt warranties it for 3 years with a 1-year service agreement and 90-day money-back guarantee.
The Bottom Line
While brushless technology doesn’t add runtime to this grinder (unless you count the time you save changing brushes), it has very real benefits. The DeWalt DWE43244N has several safety features you don’t find on most corded models and its performance is excellent. Without a doubt, it’s one of the best 6-inch grinders currently available and gets two thumbs up from our crew.
DeWalt Brushless 6-Inch Angle Grinder Specifications
- Model: DeWalt DWE43244N
- Power Source: 120V AC
- Motor: 13-amp brushless
- No-Load Speed: 9000 RPM
- Arbor: 5/8-inch
- Length: 13.6 inches
- Weight: 6.0 lbs
- Warranty: 3 years with 1-year service agreement and 90-day money back
- Price: $249.00
Discover more DeWalt angle grinders here.
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