Dewalt’s New Cordless Cutoff Tool
By Chuck Cage
This looks to me like a cordless 4-1/2″ angle grinder that spins at 6,500 RPM instead of 10,000+ — which is probably why they call it a “cutoff tool.” That said, the two-position handle looks comfortable and a cordless cutoff tool would be quite handy — assuming it offers a suitably-long run time.
Then again, if anything could offer a long enough run time, I’d imagine it’s DeWalt’s massive 36-volt batteries, two of which are included with the kit. It weighs 7.2 pounds, and includes a spindle-lock for easy wheel changes. The kit also includes a grinding wheel, a cutting wheel, guards for each — which you’re not going to remove, right? — and a “heavy-duty kit box.”
The bad news: street pricing starts around $430 — although we found one retailer selling the tool only for $90, which would make a great deal if you already have one of DeWalt’s 36V tools.
36V 4-1/2″ Cutoff Tool [DeWalt]
Street Pricing [Google Products]
Via Amazon
June 15th, 2007 at 12:03 pm
It looks like it would be quite handy, but I would be concerned with the balance issues with the battery. Looks a little back heavy. Very cool otherwise.
June 15th, 2007 at 2:07 pm
Those batteries aren’t that heavy
They’re just huge
Like bread loafs
June 16th, 2007 at 8:43 am
Hey, we’ve got a battery platform, now we just need a tool. Let’s see, a cut off wheel, Brilliant!
Really? More than $400 for a cut wheel? Why not just get an angle grinder and be done with it?
I’m not buying it.
June 16th, 2007 at 11:07 am
$400 is a bargain. Pays for itself in one day. It can cut through any lock, hasp, chain, or hinge quickly, with little effort or noise and no power cord. This is a thief’s dream come true. This is the one reason I am against this tool in the marketplace. I have the 18V Makita and love it, but use it only for honest work. Like many cordless tools, convenience trumps. I reach for this out of convenience. If I had to fuss with a cord for a brief job, I would use something else, often less precise and more time consuming.
June 17th, 2007 at 10:06 pm
Speaking of this tool’s potential for evil, it would seem that a DC motor spinning at 65% the speed of an angle grinder would make a lot less noise than the comparable corded version, particularly if you don’t have to haul a generator with you.
June 18th, 2007 at 12:46 pm
Try cutting-off rebar 6 stories up, and then ask whether having it cordless is worth $400. This tool is made to pay for itself in spades, for those in large construction projects - and does.
July 13th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
got this as part of a kit on clearance (non-stock) the price i paid i would pay for this tool alone!