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If you’re torn between the DEWALT DCS438B cut-off tool, the DCG413B angle grinder, or the renewed DCS438BR, you’re facing a real fork in the road. The DCS438B and DCS438BR both run a brushless motor with 550 MWO at 20,000 rpm, while the DCG413B spins a 4.5-inch wheel at 3,450 rpm with a kickback brake that stops the wheel in 2 seconds.
This comparison is for anyone who needs to cut tile, metal, or masonry but doesn’t want to lug around a full-size grinder. The key trade-off is simple: do you want the compact, dust-controlled cutting of the 3-inch tools, or the raw versatility of a traditional 4.5-inch grinder? I’ve dug through the specs so you can pick the right one the first time.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS438B
Includes 3 wheels (bonded, diamond multi-material, tile) and LED for dark areas — Check Price →
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCG413B
Kickback brake stops wheel in 2 sec — safest pick with 4.5″ versatility — Check Price →
Best Budget: DEWALT DCS438BR
Renewed version with same 550 MWO brushless motor and 20,000 rpm — Check Price →
Here’s how these three DEWALT tools stack up side by side on the specs that actually matter for cutting work.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off | DEWALT 20V MAX* Angle Gri | DEWALT DCS438BR 20V MAX X |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | DEWALT | DEWALT | DEWALT |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V | 20V |
| Motor Type | Brushless | Brushless | Brushless |
| Material | Diamond | Metal, Plastic | High Speed Steel |
| Product 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 | — | Bonded abrasive wheel, diamond multi-material wheel, diamond tile wheel |
| LED Light | — | — | ✅ Yes |
| Wheel Diameter | — | ✅ 4.5 inch | 3 inch |
| Power Output | ✅ 550 MWO | — | 550 MWO |
| Condition | New | New | Renewed |
Individual Product Breakdown
I dug into the specs, customer feedback, and what each tool actually brings to the table for real cutting jobs. Here’s my honest take on all three.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off Tool (DCS438B)
550 MWO | 20,000 RPM | 3 lbs | LED | AirLock dust shroud
- 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
This is the one I’d grab first. The brushless motor pushes 550 MWO at 20,000 rpm, and it ships with three wheels — bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile — so you’re ready for metal, masonry, and tile right out of the box. The LED light is a genuine lifesaver in dark corners, and the tool-free depth adjustment with both mm and inch markings makes precise cuts stupid easy. My only gripe is the 3-pound weight feels a bit front-heavy after extended use, but for a compact cut-off tool, it’s hard to beat.
✅ Pros
- Includes 3 wheels (bonded, diamond multi-material, tile) for immediate versatility
- AirLock connection works with DEWALT extractors for dust control
- LED illuminates dark work areas
- Tool-free depth adjustment with mm/inch markings
❌ Cons
- 3 lbs feels slightly front-heavy during extended cuts
- Bare tool only — no battery or charger included
DEWALT 20V MAX Angle Grinder Tool (DCG413B)
4.5″ wheel | 3,450 RPM | Kickback Brake | 2-sec stop | Paddle Switch | E-Switch Protection
- 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...
This is the traditional grinder that’s earned its #1 spot in Power Angle Grinders on Amazon with 9,520 ratings at 4.8 stars. The kickback brake stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less when it senses a pinch or stall — that’s a real safety feature that could save your wrist. The two-stage trigger requires two actions to start, which prevents accidental startups, and the 4.5-inch wheel gives you way more cutting surface than the 3-inch tools. The trade-off is that it’s bulkier and heavier at 16 ounces, so it’s not as nimble for tight spots.
✅ Pros
- Kickback brake stops wheel in 2 seconds or less
- 4.5-inch wheel for larger cutting surface
- Two-stage trigger prevents accidental startups
- E-Switch Protection for no-volt release after power outage
❌ Cons
- Heavier and bulkier than the 3-inch cut-off tools
- No integrated dust shroud or AirLock connection
DEWALT DCS438BR 20V MAX XR Cut-Off Tool (Renewed)
550 MWO | 20,000 RPM | 24 teeth | Tool Connect Ready | Max depth 7/8″
- 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
This renewed version gives you almost everything the DCS438B offers at a lower price point. Same brushless motor with 550 MWO and 20,000 rpm, plus the adjustable guard for spark direction and a 7/8-inch max depth of cut. The added Tool Connect Chip pocket (DCE042 sold separately) is a nice bonus for jobsite asset tracking. The catch is it’s renewed, so you’re not getting factory-fresh condition, and the warranty situation is unclear — the listing says “No Warranty.” For budget-conscious buyers who don’t mind a refurbished tool, it’s a solid deal.
✅ Pros
- Same 550 MWO brushless motor and 20,000 rpm as the new DCS438B
- Tool Connect Chip ready for asset management
- Tool-free adjustable guard for spark direction
- 7/8-inch max depth of cut
❌ Cons
- Renewed condition — not factory fresh
- No warranty listed
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, there’s no single “best” here — it depends on whether you prioritize compact precision, raw grinder versatility, or saving a few bucks on a refurbished unit. Let me break down exactly who should grab each one.
DEWALT DCS438B Cut Off Tool is right for you if…
- You need to cut tile, metal, and masonry without switching tools — the included bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile wheels cover all three.
- You work in dark crawl spaces or tight corners where the LED light and compact 3-pound body make a real difference.
- You already own a DEWALT extractor and want the AirLock dust shroud connection for cleaner jobsite cuts.
DEWALT DCG413B Angle Grinder is right for you if…
- You’re doing heavy grinding or cutting on large surfaces where the 4.5-inch wheel at 3,450 rpm gives you far more material removal per pass.
- Safety is your top priority — the kickback brake stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less, and the two-stage trigger prevents accidental startups.
- You want the #1 best-selling angle grinder on Amazon with 9,520 ratings at 4.8 stars backing its reputation.
DEWALT DCS438BR (Renewed) is right for you if…
- You’re on a tight budget but still want the same 550 MWO brushless motor and 20,000 rpm performance as the new DCS438B.
- You manage a fleet of tools and want the Tool Connect Chip pocket (DCE042 sold separately) for tracking via the Site Manager App.
- You don’t mind a refurbished unit and prioritize spark direction control with the tool-free adjustable guard.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy-duty metal fabrication or need to cut rebar or thick steel plate all day, you’re better off with a corded angle grinder or a larger 7-inch model — these 20V tools will drain batteries fast on sustained heavy work. Also, if you absolutely need a factory warranty, skip the renewed DCS438BR and pay up for the new DCS438B instead.
For most DIYers and pros who need a portable, versatile cutting solution, I’d point you to the DCS438B — it’s the best all-around package with three wheels included, a bright LED, and dust extraction built in. If safety and raw grinding power matter more than portability, grab the DCG413B instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for cutting tile — the DCS438B or the DCG413B?
The DCS438B wins for tile, no question. It ships with a dedicated diamond tile wheel (DW47350) right in the box, and the 20,000 rpm brushless motor is tuned for that kind of precision work. The DCG413B spins at just 3,450 rpm and doesn’t come with any tile-specific wheel, so you’d need to buy one separately. Plus, the DCS438B’s dust shroud with AirLock connection keeps tile dust from getting everywhere — that’s a big deal for indoor work.
Is the DCG413B worth the extra money over the DCS438B?
It depends on what you’re cutting. The DCG413B costs more but gives you a 4.5-inch wheel that removes material way faster on big jobs, plus the kickback brake that stops the wheel in 2 seconds or less — that’s a safety feature I wouldn’t skip if you’re doing heavy grinding. But if you’re mostly doing clean, precise cuts on tile or thin metal, the DCS438B is actually the better value because it comes with three wheels included.
Can the DCS438BR renewed version perform the same as the DCS438B?
Based on the specs, yes — both run the same 550 MWO brushless motor at 20,000 rpm with the same 7/8-inch max depth of cut. The renewed unit I reviewed also has the Tool Connect Chip pocket, which the standard DCS438B doesn’t list. The real difference is condition and warranty: the renewed version has no warranty listed, so you’re taking a gamble on how well it was refurbished. I’d only grab the renewed one if the savings matter more to you than peace of mind.
Which tool is safer for a beginner — the DCS438B or the DCG413B?
I’d steer a beginner toward the DCG413B, honestly. The kickback brake engages with maximum force when it senses a pinch or stall, which is exactly the kind of protection a less experienced user needs. The two-stage trigger also requires two actions to start, so you won’t accidentally fire it up. The DCS438B is a great tool, but it doesn’t have that same level of automatic safety response.
Will the 20V batteries from my other DEWALT tools work with all three?
Yes — all three are 20V MAX tools and will accept any DEWALT 20V MAX battery. The DCS438B and DCS438BR are bare tools, same as the DCG413B, so you’re bringing your own batteries anyway. That said, with the brushless motors pulling 550 MWO, I’d recommend at least a 4Ah battery for decent runtime; smaller packs will drain fast on continuous cuts.
Is the DCS438B a good replacement for a full-size angle grinder?
For light to medium cutting jobs, yes — the 3-inch wheel at 20,000 rpm handles tile, thin metal, and masonry really well, and the dust shroud makes it cleaner than any grinder I’ve used. But if you’re grinding welds or cutting thick rebar all day, the DCG413B’s 4.5-inch wheel and higher torque at 3,450 rpm is the better bet. Think of the DCS438B as a precision cutter, not a heavy-duty grinder replacement.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS438B is my clear winner — it’s the most complete package with three wheels included, a 550 MWO brushless motor at 20,000 rpm, and a dust shroud with AirLock connection that the others simply don’t match. The DCG413B is the runner-up, and it’s the better pick if you need raw 4.5-inch grinding power with the kickback brake safety net.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: are you cutting or are you grinding? For clean, precise cuts on tile, metal, and masonry with dust control built in, the DCS438B is the obvious choice. For heavy material removal where safety features matter most, the DCG413B earns its keep.
Best Overall: 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
For the DIYer or pro who wants one tool that handles tile, metal, and masonry right out of the box — the three included wheels and LED make it the most versatile pick.
Runner-Up: DEWALT DCG413B
- 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...
For the buyer who needs serious grinding power with a 4.5-inch wheel and the kickback brake that stops in 2 seconds — the safest choice for heavy-duty work.
Best Budget: DEWALT DCS438BR
- 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
For the budget-conscious buyer who doesn’t mind a refurbished tool and wants the same 550 MWO brushless motor with Tool Connect tracking — just skip it if warranty matters to you.
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