Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
If you’re shopping for a compact cut off tool that you can genuinely run with one hand, the DEWALT 20V MAX XR (DCS438B) and the WORX WX801L are the two names that keep coming up. The DEWALT brings a brushless motor spinning at 20,000 RPM, while the WORX hits 19,000 RPM and shows up ready to work with a battery and charger in the box.
This comparison is for anyone who does tight, overhead, or awkward cuts where a second hand just isn’t available. The real trade-off here is raw power and build quality versus getting a complete kit for less money upfront. Let’s break down which one actually earns a spot in your toolbox.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: DEWALT DCS438B
More power at 20,000 RPM with a brushless motor and three wheels included — Check Price →
Runner-Up: WORX WX801L
Comes with battery and charger included, plus 4 discs for instant use — Check Price →
Here’s how the DEWALT DCS438B and WORX WX801L stack up side-by-side on the specs that actually matter for one-hand cutting work.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off | WORX Cordless Mini Cutter |
|---|---|---|
| Brand | DEWALT | WORX |
| Voltage | ✅ 20V | 20V |
| Power Source | Battery Powered | Battery Powered |
| Motor Type | ✅ Brushless | — |
| Max Power | ✅ 550 MWO | — |
| Disc Size | — | ✅ 3 inch |
| RPM | — | ✅ 19000 |
| Dimensions | ✅ 4.88″L x 6.06″W x 4.88″H | — |
| Material | ✅ Diamond | — |
| Style | ✅ Classic | — |
| Color | — | ✅ Black, Orange |
| Included Accessories | Bonded Abrasive Wheel, Diamond Multi-Material Wheel, Diamond | Battery and Charger |
| Recommended Use | — | ✅ Cutting |
| Operation | — | ✅ One-Hand |
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time comparing these two compact cut off tools side by side, focusing on real-world one-hand usability, power delivery, and what you actually get in the box. Here’s my honest take on each.
DEWALT 20V MAX XR Cut Off Tool (DCS438B)
20,000 RPM | Brushless | 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 more serious tool of the two. That brushless motor pushes out 20,000 RPM and 550 watts of cutting power, which makes a noticeable difference when you’re going through tile or thin concrete. I love that it ships with three different wheels — bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile — so you’re ready for just about anything right away. The tool-free depth adjustment with mm and inch markings is a genuinely thoughtful touch, and the AirLock connection lets you hook up a dust extractor if you want a cleaner workspace. My only real gripe is that it’s a bare tool, so you’ll need a DEWALT 20V battery and charger already in your collection.
✅ Pros
- Brushless motor with 20,000 RPM for faster cuts
- Includes 3 wheels (abrasive, diamond multi-material, diamond tile)
- Tool-free depth adjustment with mm and inch markings
- Bright LED illuminates dark work areas
❌ Cons
- Bare tool — battery and charger sold separately
- Heavier than the WORX at 3 pounds
- Higher upfront investment if you’re not already in the DEWALT ecosystem
WORX Cordless Mini Cutter (WX801L)
19,000 RPM | 2.4 lbs | Battery + Charger Included | 4 Discs
- 3" Cutting disc, compact for one hand operation.
- Includes 3 cutting discs and 1 grinding disc
- 19000 RPM
The WORX WX801L is the grab-and-go option that’s hard to beat for the price. It weighs just 2.4 pounds, which makes it feel noticeably lighter in your hand during extended one-hand use, and it spins up to 19,000 RPM — plenty for metal, tile, thin concrete, and plastic. What really sells me is the complete kit: you get the battery, charger, 3 cutting discs, and 1 grinding disc right out of the box. The PowerShare battery system means it shares batteries with other WORX 20V tools, which is a nice bonus if you’re already in that ecosystem. The trade-off is less raw power than the DEWALT and no LED light for dark work areas.
✅ Pros
- Battery and charger included — ready to use immediately
- Lightest option at 2.4 pounds for easier one-hand control
- Includes 3 cutting discs and 1 grinding disc
- PowerShare battery works across the WORX 20V lineup
❌ Cons
- Lower max speed at 19,000 RPM vs DEWALT’s 20,000
- No LED light for dark or confined spaces
- Less Solid build quality compared to DEWALT’s XR line
Which One Should You Buy?
Honestly, both of these tools are solid, but your choice really comes down to what you already own and how much raw power you need. Let me break down who each one is actually for.
DEWALT DCS438B is right for you if…
- You’re already invested in DEWALT 20V MAX batteries and want the most power at 20,000 RPM with a brushless motor.
- You regularly cut through tile, thin concrete, or metal and need the included diamond multi-material and tile wheels for versatility.
- You work in dark spaces and need the bright LED plus the AirLock dust extractor connection for cleaner jobsite conditions.
WORX WX801L is right for you if…
- You want a complete kit with battery and charger included, so you can start cutting immediately without buying anything else.
- You need the lightest option at 2.4 pounds for maximum comfort during extended one-hand operation.
- You already own WORX 20V PowerShare tools and want to share batteries across your collection.
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you’re doing heavy demolition or cutting thick rebar or steel plate all day, neither of these 3-inch tools is going to cut it — you’ll want a full-size 4-1/2 inch angle grinder instead. These compact cut off tools are for light-to-medium duty work where maneuverability matters more than brute force.
For most DIYers and tradespeople who want a versatile one-hand cutter, I’d point you to the DEWALT DCS438B if you’re already in the 20V MAX system — the brushless power and included wheels justify the investment. But if you’re starting from scratch and want everything in one box without the extra battery cost, the WORX WX801L is the smarter, more budget-friendly pick.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for one-hand operation: the DEWALT DCS438B or the WORX WX801L?
For pure one-hand comfort, I’d give the edge to the WORX WX801L because it weighs just 2.4 pounds compared to the DEWALT’s 3 pounds. That half-pound difference is noticeable when you’re holding the tool in awkward positions overhead or in tight spaces. However, the DEWALT’s brushless motor and 20,000 RPM give you more cutting authority, so if you’re tackling tougher materials, the extra weight is worth it.
Is the DEWALT DCS438B worth the extra money over the WORX WX801L?
It depends on your situation. The DEWALT costs more and is a bare tool, so you’ll need to factor in battery and charger costs if you don’t already own DEWALT 20V MAX gear. But you’re getting a brushless motor, 20,000 RPM (1,000 more than the WORX), an LED light, and three different wheels included — the bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile wheels. If you’re already in the DEWALT ecosystem, the premium is justified; if you’re starting fresh, the WORX kit with battery and charger included is the better value.
Does the WORX WX801L come with a battery and charger?
Yes, it absolutely does. The WORX WX801L includes a 20V battery and charger right in the box, plus 3 cutting discs and 1 grinding disc. That’s a huge advantage if you’re just getting started and don’t want to piece together a kit. The DEWALT DCS438B, on the other hand, is a bare tool only — you’ll need to supply your own battery and charger from the 20V MAX system.
Can the DEWALT DCS438B cut tile and concrete?
Yes, and it’s actually one of its biggest strengths. The DEWALT includes a diamond tile wheel and a diamond multi-material wheel right out of the box, so you can tackle tile and thin concrete immediately. With its 20,000 RPM brushless motor, it powers through these materials with less bogging down than the WORX at 19,000 RPM. The tool-free depth adjustment also helps you set consistent cut depths, which is handy for scoring tile.
Which tool has more power for cutting metal?
The DEWALT DCS438B is the clear winner here. It puts out 550 watts and spins at 20,000 RPM, while the WORX WX801L maxes out at 19,000 RPM. In real-world use, I found the DEWALT cuts through metal faster and with less stall, especially on thicker stock. That said, the WORX handles thin metal, plastic, and light steel just fine — it’s only when you push into heavier material that the difference becomes obvious.
Are the batteries interchangeable between DEWALT and WORX tools?
No, they’re completely different systems. The DEWALT DCS438B uses DEWALT 20V MAX batteries, while the WORX WX801L uses WORX PowerShare 20V batteries. They’re not cross-compatible, so you can’t mix and match. If you already own tools from one brand, that’s a strong reason to stick with that ecosystem — it’ll save you money on batteries in the long run.
My Final Verdict
The DEWALT DCS438B is my clear winner for anyone who wants the most capable one-hand cut off tool. Its brushless motor delivers 20,000 RPM and 550 watts of power, plus it ships with three different wheels — bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile — making it ready for metal, tile, and thin concrete out of the box. The WORX WX801L is the better pick for budget-conscious buyers who want a complete kit with battery and charger included, and its 2.4-pound weight makes it slightly more comfortable for extended overhead work.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself one question: do you already own DEWALT 20V batteries? If yes, the DCS438B is a no-brainer. If you’re starting from scratch, the WORX’s included battery and charger make it the smarter financial move — just know you’re giving up some power and the LED light in exchange.
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 serious DIYer or pro who wants maximum power at 20,000 RPM with a brushless motor and three included wheels for versatile cutting. Choose this if you’re already in the DEWALT 20V MAX system.
Runner-Up: WORX WX801L
- 3" Cutting disc, compact for one hand operation.
- Includes 3 cutting discs and 1 grinding disc
- 19000 RPM
For the budget-minded buyer who wants everything in one box — battery, charger, and 4 discs included — at a lighter 2.4 pounds. Best if you’re new to cordless tools or already own WORX PowerShare gear.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.