Key Features
Fast, Controlled CutsThe DEWALT DCS438B 20V MAX XR brushless cordless 3 in. cut-off tool spins at 20,000 RPM, giving you clean, quick cuts in metal, tile, stone, plastic, and fiber cement. High wheel speed matters here because it helps the small 3 inch wheel cut efficiently without forcing the tool.Set Up in SecondsTool-free depth adjustment, quick wheel changes, and a tool-free adjustable guard cut down on setup time. That means less messing around between materials and better control over cut depth and spark direction.Cleaner Jobsite UseThe removable dust shroud includes an AIRLOCK connection for DEWALT extractors, which is a real plus when cutting tile, drywall, or fiber cement indoors. You get better visibility at the line and less cleanup after the work is done.
Overview
The DEWALT DCS438B 20V MAX XR brushless cordless 3 in. cut-off tool is a compact battery-powered cutting tool built for fast, controlled cutting in a wide range of jobsite materials. This is a cut-off tool designed for cutting metal, tile, stone, plastic, and drywall or fiber cement. Model Number: DCS438B. If you need something smaller and easier to position than a full-size grinder, this tool fills that gap with one-hand-friendly handling and the speed to make small cuts without dragging out a larger setup.
What makes this tool useful is how much work DEWALT gets out of a 3 inch format. The brushless motor delivers a no-load speed of 20,000 RPM and up to 550 MWO, which is what gives this cordless cut-off tool the ability to stay productive in tougher materials. DEWALT also lists a maximum depth of cut of 7/8 inch, so it is well suited for shallow metal cuts, trimming tile, notching fiber cement, cutting plastic, and detail work where a bigger grinder or circular saw is overkill.
On the job, the small size is the point. A compact cut-off tool is easier to guide in tight spots, overhead, or in awkward angles where a larger grinder gets clumsy. DEWALT backs that up with quick wheel changes, forward and reverse capability, and a tool-free adjustable guard. Forward and reverse is not just a spec to pad the box. It lets you direct sparks and debris where you want them when cutting metal, which matters when you are working near finished surfaces, other trades, or inside tight mechanical spaces.
DEWALT also did a solid job on the practical side. The included dust shroud has an adjustable shoe with both inch and millimeter markings, so setting depth is straightforward and repeatable. That is useful when you need to avoid cutting too deep into finished material or when you are making repeat passes in tile or fiber cement. The AIRLOCK connection gives you a direct path to a DEWALT extractor, which makes this a more realistic indoor cutting solution than a lot of small abrasive tools.
For visibility and general jobsite convenience, the integrated LED is a simple feature that earns its keep. Small cutoff work often happens under cabinets, in utility corners, or against shadowed surfaces where your line disappears fast. The LED helps keep the cut visible without needing a separate light. DEWALT also includes three wheels to get you started right away: a bonded abrasive wheel, a diamond multi-material wheel, and a diamond tile wheel. That broadens the tool’s use from day one instead of forcing you to buy accessories before it becomes useful.
From a system standpoint, this is part of the DEWALT 20V MAX platform, so it fits users already running DEWALT batteries and chargers. It is sold as a tool only, which makes the most sense for current DEWALT cordless users. The product is also Tool Connect Chip ready, with a chip pocket that accepts the DCE042 chip for asset management through the Site Manager app. For crews managing multiple cordless tools, that is a practical tracking feature, not just a tech gimmick.
The DEWALT DCS438B 20V MAX XR brushless cordless 3 in. cut-off tool is a strong fit for remodelers, tile installers, electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, metal workers, and general contractors who need controlled cutoff performance in a compact form. It is also a good pick for serious DIY users who want a dedicated small cutting tool instead of trying to force a grinder or oscillating tool into jobs they were not really built for. If your work involves a lot of quick trim cuts, punch-list fixes, or cutting in finished spaces, this tool makes a lot of sense.
Compact Size for Tight-Space Cutting
This tool is built for the kind of cuts that are awkward with a full-size grinder. The compact body and small wheel make it easier to position where access is limited and control matters more than raw wheel size.
- 3 inch wheel size helps with detail cuts and tight access work
- 7/8 inch maximum depth of cut covers many trim, notch, and shallow cut tasks
- Forward and reverse capability helps direct sparks and debris based on the application
Ready for Dust Control and Multi-Material Work
DEWALT includes the accessories that make this tool useful across several trades, not just one. The dust shroud, adjustable shoe, and starter wheel set help this cut-off tool move between tile, metal, and general remodel work without a lot of extra buying.
- Dust shroud includes AIRLOCK connection for DEWALT extractors
- Includes bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile wheels
- Adjustable shoe uses inch and millimeter markings for easier depth setting
What’s in the Box
- (1) DEWALT DCS438B 20V MAX XR brushless cordless 3 in. cut-off tool
- (1) Removable dust shroud with adjustable shoe and AIRLOCK connection
- (1) DW8711 bonded abrasive wheel
- (1) DW8530 diamond multi-material wheel
- (1) DW47350 diamond tile wheel
- (1) 7/16 in. arbor adapter ring
- (1) Hex wrench
Battery and charger sold separately.
Key Specifications
| Product Type | Cut-Off Tool |
|---|---|
| Voltage (V) | 20 V |
| Power Source | Battery |
| Motor Type | Brushless |
| No-Load Speed (RPM) | 20,000 RPM |
| Max Depth of Cut | 7/8 in. |
| Wheel Diameter | 3 in. |
| Arbor Size | 3/8 in. with included 7/16 in. adapter ring |
| Length | 8.17 in. |
| Width | 4.79 in. |
| Weight | 2.07 lbs |
| Tool Only | Yes |
Compatibility
Battery PlatformPart of the DEWALT 20V MAX system. Battery and charger are sold separately.Wheel FitmentUses 3 in. wheels with a 3/8 in. arbor and includes an adapter ring to fit 3 in. wheels that require a 7/16 in. arbor.Dust ExtractionDust shroud includes an AIRLOCK connection for attachment to DEWALT extractors.Tool TrackingTool Connect Chip ready. Chip pocket accepts the DEWALT DCE042 Tool Connect Chip, sold separately.
Built For
Tile CuttingMetal CuttingDrywall and Fiber CementHVACElectricalPlumbingRemodelingGeneral Contracting
Pro Tip
When you switch from tile or fiber cement to metal, take a second to flip direction and reset the guard so sparks throw away from your body and nearby finished surfaces. It is a small adjustment, but on a compact cut-off tool like this it makes the tool feel a lot more controlled.
Warranty & Support
3 Year Limited Warranty, 1 Year Free Service, and 90 Day Satisfaction Guarantee.
Tool Nut’s Take
Tool Nut’s Take
DEWALT DCS438B 20V MAX XR brushless cordless 3 in. cut-off tool for punch-list cuts and tight access work
This is one of those tools that earns a permanent spot once you start using it, because it handles the quick awkward cuts that bigger tools make annoying.
- Who it’s for: Pros and serious DIY users already on the DEWALT 20V MAX platform who cut metal, tile, plastic, or fiber cement and want more control in tight spots.
- Why it stands out: The compact form, 20,000 RPM brushless motor, forward and reverse function, and included multi-material wheel setup make it more versatile than a one-purpose small grinder.
- Worth knowing: This is a bare tool, so plan on supplying your own battery and charger. If you do indoor finish work, the included AIRLOCK dust shroud is a bigger deal than it might look on paper.
Common Questions
- What materials can this cut-off tool handle? DEWALT lists metal, tile, stone, plastic, and drywall or fiber cement.
- Is this a cordless tool or a corded tool? It is a cordless battery-powered cut-off tool in the DEWALT 20V MAX system.
- Does it work with a dust extractor? Yes. The included removable dust shroud has an AIRLOCK connection for DEWALT extractors.
- Can it use different 3 inch wheels? Yes. It uses 3 inch wheels with a 3/8 inch arbor, and the included adapter ring allows use of 3 inch wheels that require a 7/16 inch arbor.
Reviews
There are no reviews yet.