DEWALT DCS438B
By DEWALT · Angle Grinders · Power Tools
- 20 V MAX XR brushless
- Wheel 3 in
- 20,000 RPM no load
- 550 MWO with DCB203 battery
- Warranty 3 years limited
Lowest price seen
$117.00
from $117.00 at eBay · Checked Oct 12, 2026
- eBay $117.00View at eBay
- The Power Tool Store $199.00View at The Power Tool Store
- DEWALTView at DEWALT
- eBay (used) eBay: used, open-box, refurbishedView at eBay (used)
- AmazonView at Amazon
Prices are snapshots. Check the current price with the store.
Summary
A bare-tool 20V MAX XR brushless cut-off tool for metal, tile, stone, plastic and drywall, sold without a battery or charger. Check that you already own 20V MAX XR batteries: Northern Tool and Home Depot list the tool at $199, and a battery and charger are extra.
Strengths
- Brushless 20V MAX XR motor with 20,000 RPM no-load speed and 550 MWO output.
- Cuts metal, tile, stone, plastic and drywall with a 7/8 in. maximum depth of cut.
- Three wheels in the box: bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material and diamond tile.
- Removable dust shroud with AirLock connection for dust extraction.
- Forward and reverse direction, LED light and tool-free guard adjustment.
- 3-year limited warranty with 1-year free service.
Weaknesses
- Bare tool only: battery and charger are sold separately, so new-platform buyers face a significant extra cost.
- No independent instrumented test of this exact model was found from established tool-review outlets.
- The 550 MWO figure is tested with the DCB203 (2.0 Ah) battery; output with larger batteries is not published.
- Community evidence is sparse, and commenters mostly reference competing products rather than the DEWALT itself.
- The small grip may be an issue for users with large hands, based on the tool’s appearance.
Verified specifications
| Type | cordless cut-off tool, 20V MAX XR brushless, 3-inch wheel. |
|---|---|
| No-load speed | 20,000 RPM. |
| Power output | 550 MWO, tested with the DCB203 (2.0 Ah) battery. |
| Max depth of cut | 7/8 in. |
| Direction | forward and reverse. |
| Arbor | 3/8 in., with a 7/16 in. adapter ring included. |
| Guard | tool-free adjustable. |
| Dust shroud | removable, adjustable shoe, AirLock connection. |
| LED light | yes. |
| Tool Connect | chip-ready; the DCE042 chip is sold separately. |
| Onboard blade wrench storage | yes. |
| Battery and charger | sold separately. |
| Dimensions | 6.063 in wide, 4.875 in high; 2 lbs. |
| Warranty | 3-year limited, 1-year free service, 90-day satisfaction guarantee. |
Full research notes and sources
What’s in the box
The DCS438B ships with the cut-off tool, a removable dust shroud with adjustable shoe and AirLock connection, three cutting wheels (DW8711 bonded abrasive, DW8530 diamond multi-material, DW47350 diamond tile), a 7/16 in. arbor adapter ring and a hex wrench. Battery and charger are not included.
Battery and the bare-tool math
The bare-tool format is the main cost consideration. Northern Tool and Home Depot list the DCS438B at $199, and Preston Hardware in Canada lists it at $259 CAD. Buyers who do not already own 20V MAX XR batteries must budget for a battery and charger on top. The DCS438E1 kit variant includes a battery and charger if that is a better fit.
Warranty and service
DEWALT backs the DCS438B with a 3-year limited warranty, 1-year free service and a 90-day satisfaction guarantee. The instruction manual (NA025997_DCS438.pdf) and an exploded diagram (DCS438_NA.gif) are available from DEWALT’s site, which helps with parts identification. DEWALT’s standard service network applies.
The evidence gap
No independent instrumented test of the DCS438B was found from established tool-review outlets. ToolGuyd published announcement coverage in September 2021 with active reader discussion, and a Reddit thread compares the DCS438B to the DCS571B, but commenters mostly draw on experience with competing products such as the Milwaukee M12 and Ridgid rather than the DEWALT itself. Treat the specifications as manufacturer claims until independent testing catches up.
Which model this is
This page covers the DEWALT DCS438B, a 20V MAX XR brushless 3-inch cut-off tool sold as a bare tool. It is not an angle grinder. Do not confuse it with the DCG410B (4-1/2–5 in. angle grinder), DCG430B (Atomic 3 in. cut-off) or other DEWALT grinders and cut-off tools. The kit variant DCS438E1 includes a battery and charger.
ASIN B09TB7M842.
Sources
Manufacturer:
- DEWALT DCS438B 20V MAX XR 3-in Brushless Cut-Off Tool (Tool Only) — US
- DEWALT DCS438B 20V MAX XR 3 in. Brushless Cut-Off Tool (Tool Only) — Canada
Independent reviews:
Owner reports:
Parts and stores: