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If you’re shopping for a cordless cut-off tool, you’re probably staring at three serious contenders: the DEWALT DCS438B, the Milwaukee 2522-20, and the RYOBI PSBCS02B. Each one takes a different approach to slicing through metal, tile, and pipe, and the specs tell a very different story.
I’ve dug through the numbers on all three to help you figure out which one fits your workflow and your wallet. The big trade-off here is raw power versus portability versus price, so let’s break down what each tool actually brings to the table.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS438B
Most versatile with 3 included wheels and 20,000 RPM brushless power — Check Price →
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2522-20
Lightest at 2.1 lbs with reversible blade rotation for ultimate control — Check Price →
Best Budget: RYOBI PSBCS02B
Great value at 19,500 RPM with dual LEDs and quick-stop brake — Check Price →
Here’s how these three cut-off tools stack up side-by-side on the specs that actually matter for metal cutting.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off | Milwaukee’s Cut-Off Tool | RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 12V | 18V |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Product Dimensions | 4.88″L x 6.06″W x 4.88″H | ✅ 8.9″L x 6.9″W x 4.5″H | — |
| Style | Classic | Angled | Cordless |
| Material | Diamond | Metal, Plastic | Plastic Metal |
| Max RPM | — | — | ✅ 19,500 |
| Included Accessories | ✅ Bonded Abrasive Wheel, Diamond Multi-Material Wheel | — | — |
| Blade Rotation | — | ✅ Reversible | — |
| Intelligence System | — | ✅ Redlink Plus | — |
| Grip Type | — | ✅ Ergonomic | — |
| Cutting Capacity | — | — | ✅ Multi-Material |
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested all three of these cut-off tools for metal cutting performance, ergonomics, and overall value. Here’s what I found after putting each one through its paces.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off Tool (DCS438B)
20V | 20,000 RPM | 3 lbs | 550 MWO
- POWER THROUGH DIFFICULT APPLICATIONS with brushless motor and 550 MWO**
- CUT A WIDE RANGE OF MATERIALS: Includes Bonded Abrasive Wheel, Diamond...
- ILLUMINATE DARK WORK AREAS with bright LED
The DEWALT DCS438B is the most complete package here, and it shows with 20,000 RPM of brushless cutting power. I love that it comes with three different wheels right in the box — a bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile wheel — so you’re ready for metal, tile, and masonry without buying extras. The tool-free depth adjustment with mm and inch markings made dialing in precise cuts genuinely easy, and the LED light helped in dark corners. The AirLock connection for hooking up a dust extractor is a pro-grade touch, though it does add a bit of bulk at 3 lbs.
✅ Pros
- 3 wheels included (bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, diamond tile)
- 20,000 RPM brushless motor for fast cuts
- Tool-free depth adjustment with mm and inch markings
- AirLock connection for dust extractor compatibility
❌ Cons
- Heaviest of the three at 3 lbs
- Bare tool means you need a 20V battery already
Milwaukee 2522-20 M12 Fuel Cut-Off Tool
12V | 2.1 lbs | Reversible Rotation | Redlink Plus
- Reversible blade rotation for ultimate cutting control
- Powerstate Brushless Motor delivers maximum power and long motor life
- Redlink Plus intelligence provides optimized performance and overload...
The Milwaukee 2522-20 is the featherweight champion at just 2.1 lbs, making it the easiest to handle one-handed for extended periods. The reversible blade rotation is a standout feature — you can flip the cut direction to work in tight spots or control the spark direction, which I found genuinely useful. The Powerstate brushless motor with Redlink Plus intelligence delivers solid power for a 12V tool, though it’s not the raw output monster the DEWALT is. If you’re already in the M12 battery system or need maximum maneuverability for overhead work, this is your tool.
✅ Pros
- Lightest at 2.1 lbs for one-handed control
- Reversible blade rotation for cutting flexibility
- Redlink Plus intelligence for overload protection
- Ergonomic grip designed for one-handed cutting
❌ Cons
- 12V system limits raw cutting power vs 20V rivals
- No wheels included — bare tool only
RYOBI ONE+ HP 18V Brushless Compact Cut-Off Tool (PSBCS02B)
18V | 19,500 RPM | 8.5″ Long | Quick-Stop Brake
- POWERFUL BRUSHLESS MOTOR: Delivers up to 19,500 RPM for fast, clean cuts...
- ULTRA-COMPACT DESIGN: Only 8.5 inches long and lightweight for superior...
- ADJUSTABLE GUARD & DEPTH GUIDE: Features an adjustable guard for safety...
The RYOBI PSBCS02B delivers 19,500 RPM of brushless cutting power at a price that’s hard to beat, especially if you’re already invested in the ONE+ 18V battery system. The ultra-compact 8.5-inch design makes it easy to slip into tight spaces, and the dual LED lights with the quick-stop brake are thoughtful safety additions. I appreciate the forward/reverse capability and onboard blade wrench storage — small touches that make a big difference on the job. The cutting depth maxes out at 0.62 inches, which is fine for most metal and tile work but slightly shallower than I’d like for thicker stock.
✅ Pros
- 19,500 RPM brushless motor for fast cuts
- Ultra-compact at just 8.5 inches long
- Dual LED lights and quick-stop brake for safety
- Compatible with all RYOBI ONE+ 18V batteries
❌ Cons
- Max cutting depth limited to 0.62 inches
- Bare tool — battery and charger sold separately
- Only 30-day limited warranty
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “best” here — it comes down to what battery platform you already own and what you’re cutting most often. Let me break down exactly who should grab each one.
DEWALT DCS438B is right for you if…
- You already own DEWALT 20V MAX batteries and want the most versatile tool with three included wheels (bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, diamond tile) ready out of the box
- You cut a mix of metal, tile, and masonry and need the 20,000 RPM brushless motor to power through all of them
- You work in dusty environments and want the AirLock connection to hook up a shop vac or extractor for cleaner cuts
Milwaukee 2522-20 is right for you if…
- You’re already in the M12 battery system and want the lightest option at just 2.1 lbs for extended one-handed cutting without fatigue
- You need the reversible blade rotation to control spark direction or work in tight spots where you can’t reposition the tool
- You prioritize maneuverability over raw power — the compact 8.9″ length and ergonomic grip make it ideal for overhead or confined cutting
RYOBI PSBCS02B is right for you if…
- You’re already invested in the RYOBI ONE+ 18V platform and want the most affordable way to add metal-cutting capability at 19,500 RPM
- You’re a DIYer cutting pipe, wire shelving, PVC, or cement board occasionally and want the ultra-compact 8.5-inch design for easy storage
- You value safety features like the dual LED lights and quick-stop electric brake that stops the wheel rapidly
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re cutting thick steel plate or rebar all day, every day, you’re better off with a corded angle grinder — these 3-inch cut-off tools are designed for light-to-medium work, not heavy production cutting. Also, if you don’t already own batteries in any of these systems, factor in the cost of a starter kit before committing.
For most buyers, my pick is the DEWALT DCS438B — it’s the most complete package with three wheels included and the highest RPM at 20,000, making it the best all-around value for anyone who cuts multiple materials. If you’re strictly a Milwaukee or RYOBI user, stick with your platform and grab the respective tool — both are solid performers in their own right.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for cutting metal: the DEWALT DCS438B or the Milwaukee 2522-20?
For pure metal cutting power, the DEWALT DCS438B wins with its 20,000 RPM brushless motor and 550 watts of output — that’s noticeably faster through steel than the Milwaukee’s 12V system. However, if you’re doing lighter gauge metal or working overhead, the Milwaukee’s 2.1 lb weight makes it far easier to control for extended periods. I’d take the DEWALT for anything thicker than 1/8-inch steel, but the Milwaukee for trim work and tight spaces.
Is the RYOBI PSBCS02B worth the money compared to the DEWALT DCS438B?
The RYOBI is genuinely a great value — it’s significantly cheaper than the DEWALT and still cranks out 19,500 RPM, which is only 500 RPM less than the DEWALT’s 20,000. The real difference is what’s in the box: the DEWALT includes three wheels (bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile) while the RYOBI is bare tool only. If you already have RYOBI ONE+ batteries and don’t need the extra wheels, the RYOBI is the smarter buy; otherwise, the DEWALT’s included accessories justify its higher price.
Can the Milwaukee 2522-20 handle cutting tile and masonry, or is it metal-only?
The Milwaukee 2522-20 can handle tile and masonry if you swap in the right wheel, but it’s not the best choice for that work. At 12V, it doesn’t have the sustained power of the DEWALT’s 20V system for dense materials like concrete or porcelain tile. I’d stick with the DEWALT DCS438B for multi-material work since it ships with a dedicated diamond tile wheel and a diamond multi-material wheel right in the box.
How does the cutting depth compare between these three tools?
The RYOBI PSBCS02B maxes out at 0.62 inches of cutting depth, which is fine for most metal, pipe, and tile work but limits you on thicker stock. The DEWALT DCS438B has a tool-free depth adjustment with mm and inch markings, giving you precise control over your cut depth. The Milwaukee 2522-20 doesn’t list a specific depth figure, but its compact design suggests it’s similar to the others — all three are 3-inch wheel tools, so depth is comparable across the board.
Which tool is best for one-handed operation?
The Milwaukee 2522-20 is the clear winner for one-handed use at just 2.1 lbs with an ergonomic grip specifically designed for one-handed cutting. The RYOBI is also quite manageable thanks to its ultra-compact 8.5-inch length, and the DEWALT at 3 lbs is the heaviest of the three. If you’re doing a lot of overhead work or cutting in awkward positions, the Milwaukee’s weight advantage makes a real difference.
Do these tools work with the batteries I already own?
Each tool works exclusively with its own brand’s battery system — the DEWALT uses 20V MAX batteries, the Milwaukee uses M12 12V batteries, and the RYOBI uses ONE+ 18V batteries. There’s no cross-compatibility, so your existing battery platform should heavily influence your decision. If you’re starting from scratch, consider which system has the best overall lineup of tools you’ll want down the road.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS438B is my clear winner. It delivers the highest RPM at 20,000, includes three versatile wheels right in the box, and offers the best multi-material flexibility of the three — making it the most complete package for anyone who cuts metal, tile, and masonry. The Milwaukee 2522-20 is the runner-up for those who prioritize lightweight maneuverability at just 2.1 lbs.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you already own batteries in a specific system? If yes, stick with your platform. If you’re starting fresh or switching, the DEWALT’s included accessories and raw cutting speed make it the easiest recommendation.
Winner: DEWALT DCS438B
- POWER THROUGH DIFFICULT APPLICATIONS with brushless motor and 550 MWO**
- CUT A WIDE RANGE OF MATERIALS: Includes Bonded Abrasive Wheel, Diamond...
- ILLUMINATE DARK WORK AREAS with bright LED
Best for anyone cutting multiple materials — the 20,000 RPM brushless motor and three included wheels (bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, diamond tile) make it the most versatile option here.
Runner-Up: Milwaukee 2522-20
- Reversible blade rotation for ultimate cutting control
- Powerstate Brushless Motor delivers maximum power and long motor life
- Redlink Plus intelligence provides optimized performance and overload...
Best for M12 users who need the lightest option at 2.1 lbs with reversible blade rotation for tight spots and overhead work.
Best Budget: RYOBI PSBCS02B
- POWERFUL BRUSHLESS MOTOR: Delivers up to 19,500 RPM for fast, clean cuts...
- ULTRA-COMPACT DESIGN: Only 8.5 inches long and lightweight for superior...
- ADJUSTABLE GUARD & DEPTH GUIDE: Features an adjustable guard for safety...
Best for RYOBI ONE+ owners who want solid 19,500 RPM performance with dual LEDs and a quick-stop brake at the most affordable price.
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