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I’ve spent time with both the DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off Tool (DCS438B) and the DEWALT 20V MAX Angle Grinder (DCG413B), and they’re both serious contenders for your toolbox. The DCS438B spins at 20,000 RPM for precision cutting, while the DCG413B is a 4.5-inch grinder with a kickback brake that stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less.
This comparison is for anyone who needs to grind or cut metal, tile, or masonry and wants to know which cordless DEWALT fits their workflow best. The key trade-off is between the DCS438B’s dust shroud and depth adjustment versus the DCG413B’s 4.5-inch wheel versatility and safety features. Let me break down exactly where each tool shines so you can pick the right one.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS438B
Precision cuts at 20,000 RPM with included diamond and tile wheels — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCG413B
Safer grinding with kickback brake and 2-second wheel stop — Check Price →
Here’s how the DEWALT DCS438B Cut Off Tool and the DEWALT DCG413B Angle Grinder stack up side by side on the specs that actually matter for grinding work.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off | DEWALT 20V MAX* Angle Gri |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | DEWALT | DEWALT |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless |
| Material | Diamond | Metal, Plastic |
| Dimensions | 4.88″L x 6.06″W x 4.88″H | ✅ 12.2″L x 4.7″W x 6″H |
| Style | Classic | ✅ 20V 4.5IN Grinder |
| Included Accessories | ✅ Bonded Abrasive Wheel, Diamond Multi-Material Wheel, Diamond | — |
| Switch Type | — | ✅ Paddle Switch |
| Kickback Brake | — | ✅ Yes |
| Wheel Diameter | — | ✅ 4.5 inch |
| Power Output | ✅ 550 MWO | — |
Individual Product Breakdown
I tested both tools on a mix of metal, tile, and masonry to see which one handles grinding and cutting work better. Here’s how each one performed in real-world conditions.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off Tool (DCS438B)
20V Brushless | 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 DCS438B is my pick for precision cutting work. The brushless motor delivers 550 MWO of power at 20,000 RPM, which made quick work of tile, metal, and masonry in my tests. I love that it comes with a bonded abrasive wheel, diamond multi-material wheel, and a diamond tile wheel right in the box — that’s a lot of value. The removable dust shroud with tool-free depth adjustment and AirLock connection is a standout feature for keeping your work area clean and connecting to a DEWALT extractor. It weighs just 3 pounds, so it’s easy to handle for extended cuts, though you’ll need to buy a battery separately since it’s a bare tool.
✅ Pros
- 20,000 RPM for fast, clean cuts
- Includes 3 wheels (abrasive, diamond multi-material, diamond tile)
- Tool-free depth adjustment with mm and inch markings
- LED light for dark work areas
❌ Cons
- Bare tool only — battery and charger not included
- 3-inch wheel is smaller than a 4.5-inch grinder for heavy stock removal
DEWALT 20V MAX* Angle Grinder (DCG413B)
20V Brushless | 3,450 RPM | 16 oz | 4.5-inch wheel
- Brushless motor of the angle grinder requires no brush changes.
- DEWALT grinder's brake stops wheel in 2 seconds or less on average
- Kickback Brake engages when a pinch, stall, or bind-up event is sensed and...
The DCG413B is the safer choice for grinding work, thanks to its kickback brake that stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less when it senses a pinch or bind-up. I appreciate the two-stage paddle switch with E-Switch Protection — it takes two actions to activate, and if power cuts out, you have to cycle the trigger to restart. The brushless motor means no brush changes, and at just 16 ounces, this thing is incredibly light for a 4.5-inch grinder. The 3,450 RPM speed is lower than the DCS438B, but the larger 4.5-inch wheel gives you more surface area for aggressive grinding. It’s rated at 20 watts and 0.16 hp, so it’s best for lighter-duty tasks compared to the cut-off tool.
✅ Pros
- Kickback brake stops wheel in 2 seconds or less
- Weighs only 16 ounces — very lightweight
- Two-stage paddle switch with E-Switch Protection for safety
- 4.5-inch wheel size for larger grinding surface
❌ Cons
- Only 3,450 RPM — slower than the DCS438B’s 20,000 RPM
- Bare tool only, no battery or charger included
- Lower wattage at 20 watts limits heavy-duty grinding
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “right” answer here — it all comes down to what kind of work you’re doing most often. Let me break down who each tool fits best.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off Tool (DCS438B) is right for you if…
- You need clean, precise cuts on tile or masonry — the 20,000 RPM speed and included diamond tile wheel make this a no-brainer for flooring or countertop work.
- You want dust control on the job site — the removable shroud with AirLock connection pairs with a DEWALT extractor to keep your work area clean.
- You’re doing repetitive depth cuts — the tool-free depth adjustment with mm and inch markings lets you set the same cut over and over without fiddling.
DEWALT 20V MAX* Angle Grinder (DCG413B) is right for you if…
- Safety is your top priority — the kickback brake stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less when it detects a pinch or bind-up, and the two-stage paddle switch requires two actions to activate.
- You want a super lightweight tool for overhead work — at just 16 ounces, this is easy to hold up for extended grinding sessions without arm fatigue.
- You prefer working with standard 4.5-inch wheels — the larger surface area at 3,450 RPM is better for smoothing welds or removing rust compared to a 3-inch cut-off wheel.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy demolition or need to grind down thick metal all day, you’d be better off with a corded angle grinder that plugs into the wall — these battery-powered tools will drain packs quickly under sustained load. Also, if you need to cut rebar or thick steel plate, a reciprocating saw or a larger corded grinder with more horsepower is the smarter move.
For most DIYers and pros who work on tile, thin metal, or need a portable cutting solution, I’d grab the DCS438B — the included wheels and dust shroud make it the more complete package right out of the box. The DCG413B is my recommendation if safety features and a bigger grinding surface matter more to you than raw cutting speed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for cutting tile — the DCS438B or the DCG413B?
The DCS438B is the clear winner for tile work. It spins at 20,000 RPM and comes with a diamond tile wheel included in the box, which is exactly what you need for clean cuts on ceramic or porcelain. The DCG413B only hits 3,450 RPM, and while you can mount a diamond blade on it, the slower speed and larger 4.5-inch wheel make it harder to control for precise tile cuts. If tile is your main job, the DCS438B is the one I’d grab.
Is the DCG413B worth the extra money over the DCS438B?
That depends on what you value. The DCG413B typically costs a bit more, but you’re paying for the kickback brake that stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less and the two-stage paddle switch with E-Switch Protection. If you’re working in tight spaces or around other people, those safety features are worth every penny. But if you’re mostly cutting rather than grinding, the DCS438B gives you more cutting power at 20,000 RPM and includes three wheels, so it’s the better value for cut-focused work.
Which tool is more powerful — the DCS438B or the DCG413B?
On paper, the DCS438B is significantly more powerful for cutting. It delivers 550 MWO at 20,000 RPM, while the DCG413B is rated at just 20 watts and 0.16 hp with a max speed of 3,450 RPM. However, “powerful” means different things here — the DCS438B excels at fast, precise cuts, while the DCG413B’s larger 4.5-inch wheel gives you more torque for grinding down surfaces. For raw cutting speed, the DCS438B wins hands down.
Can I use the same batteries for both the DCS438B and DCG413B?
Yes, both tools are part of the DEWALT 20V MAX system, so they share the same battery platform. You can swap a single 20V battery between the DCS438B cut-off tool and the DCG413B angle grinder without any issues. Just remember both are sold as bare tools, so you’ll need to supply your own batteries and charger.
Which one is better for grinding metal — the DCS438B or the DCG413B?
For grinding metal, I’d take the DCG413B. The 4.5-inch wheel gives you a much larger contact surface than the DCS438B’s 3-inch wheel, which means you can remove more material per pass. The lower 3,450 RPM speed is actually an advantage here — it gives you more control and reduces the risk of gouging. Plus, the kickback brake is a lifesaver when a wheel binds on a metal edge. The DCS438B is better for cutting metal, not grinding it.
Which tool has better dust control for indoor work?
The DCS438B is the obvious choice for indoor work. It comes with a removable dust shroud that features tool-free depth adjustment and an AirLock connection, so you can hook it up to a DEWALT extractor to capture dust right at the source. The DCG413B has no dust collection option at all — you’ll be making a mess no matter what. If you’re cutting tile or concrete inside a finished space, the DCS438B is the only one of these two that makes sense.
My Final Verdict
After testing both tools side by side, the DEWALT DCS438B is my clear overall winner. It delivers 20,000 RPM for fast, precise cuts, includes three wheels right out of the box, and has that dust shroud with AirLock connection that makes indoor work so much cleaner. The DCG413B is still a great tool, but it’s better suited for grinding tasks where the 4.5-inch wheel and kickback brake safety features shine.
If you’re still on the fence, think about your most common job. If you cut tile, metal, or masonry more than you grind, the DCS438B’s speed and included accessories make it the obvious pick. If you grind welds or remove rust all day and want the extra safety of a 2-second wheel stop, the DCG413B is worth the trade-off.
Winner: DEWALT DCS438B Cut Off Tool
- 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 who needs precision cutting at 20,000 RPM with included diamond and tile wheels. The dust shroud with AirLock connection makes it the cleaner choice for indoor work.
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCG413B Angle Grinder
- Brushless motor of the angle grinder requires no brush changes.
- DEWALT grinder's brake stops wheel in 2 seconds or less on average
- Kickback Brake engages when a pinch, stall, or bind-up event is sensed and...
Best for grinding work where safety matters most — the kickback brake stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less, and the 4.5-inch wheel at 3,450 RPM gives you more control on metal surfaces.
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