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DeWalt DWE402 Angle Grinder vs DeWalt DWE43231VS Angle Grinder

Both are DeWalt corded grinders, but they are different tools. The DWE402 is a proven 4-1/2 in. 11 A workhorse with a paddle switch, a strong power-to-weight ratio and a large base of owner feedback. The DWE43231VS steps up to a 5 in. brushless motor, variable speed, a slide switch, Kickback Brake and E-Clutch. Buy the DWE402 for simple cutting and grinding on a budget of space and weight; buy the DWE43231VS if you want variable speed control, a brushless motor that never needs brush service, and electronic safety features.

  • Choose the DWE402 if you want a light, simple 4-1/2 in. grinder for cutting and grinding and you prefer a paddle switch.
  • Choose the DWE43231VS if you want variable speed, a brushless motor and kickback protection for finer or more varied work.

Prices

  • DeWalt DWE402 Angle Grinder: $139.87 at Grainger Industrial Supply (last seen Nov 10)
  • DeWalt DWE43231VS Angle Grinder: $219.95 at eBay (last seen Nov 10)
  • Difference: the DeWalt DWE402 Angle Grinder is $80.08 cheaper than the DeWalt DWE43231VS Angle Grinder at the latest prices (Nov 10)
DeWalt
DeWalt DWE402 4-1/2" Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder

DeWalt DWE402 Angle Grinder

DeWalt DWE402 4-1/2" Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder

4.3(33 ratings)
$139.87at Grainger Industrial SupplyChecked 9 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Grainger Industrial Supply
Pros
  • Strong power-to-weight ratio for its class
  • Comfortable, small grip and low vibration
  • Quick-change wheel release without a wrench
  • Dust ejection and oversized brushes for longer life
  • Large base of owner reviews
Cons
  • No variable speed
  • No kickback brake or clutch
  • Paddle safety catch is awkward for some users
  • Brushes wear over time
DeWalt
DEWALT DWE43231VS Angle Grinder, Corded

DeWalt DWE43231VS Angle Grinder

DEWALT DWE43231VS Angle Grinder, Corded

5(13 ratings)
$219.95at eBayChecked 10 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit eBay

Store links may earn us a commission.

Pros
  • Brushless motor needs no brush replacement
  • Variable speed suits polishing and delicate cuts
  • Kickback Brake and E-Clutch add protection
  • Larger 5 in. wheel for deeper cuts
Cons
  • Heavier and bulkier than the DWE402
  • Slide switch is less familiar to paddle users
  • Fewer owner ratings so far

What separates them

DeWalt DWE402 Angle GrinderDeWalt DWE43231VS Angle Grinder
MotorBrushed 11 A, 1400 WBrushless
Wheel size4-1/2 in.5 in.
Speed controlFixed 11,000 RPMVariable speed
SwitchPaddle with safety lock-offSlide switch
Safety electronicsNo kickback control or clutchKickback Brake and E-Clutch
Weight4.6 lbHeavier 5 in. body
MaintenanceBrushes wear and need replacementNo brush service needed
Owner feedback4.3/5 from 33 ratings; praised for power and low vibration5/5 from 13 ratings; smaller sample

Price history

$219.95$79.00
Oct 28Nov 10
  • DeWalt DWE402 Angle Grinder: lowest $79.00 on Oct 28 at Lowe's; $79.00 on Nov 10.
  • DeWalt DWE43231VS Angle Grinder: lowest $219.95 on Nov 10 at eBay.

Prices at every store

DeWalt DWE402 Angle Grinder

  • Grainger Industrial SupplyNew

    Availability unknown

    $139.87Checked 9 h ago
    Visit Grainger Industrial Supply

Also available at

  • Acme ToolsCheck price at Acme Tools
  • WebstaurantStore.comCheck price at WebstaurantStore.com
  • WalmartCheck price at Walmart
Prices and history →

DeWalt DWE43231VS Angle Grinder

  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by ezpawncorpnyc (98.9% positive, 13,900 ratings)Returns: Set by the eBay seller; the eBay Money Back Guarantee covers an item that doesn't arrive or isn't as described.

    $219.95Free shippingChecked 10 h ago
    Visit eBay
  • ArborNew

    Availability unknown

    $249.00Checked 10 h ago
    Visit Arbor
  • ToolUp.comNew

    Availability unknown

    $279.00Checked 10 h ago
    Visit ToolUp.com
  • Ace Tool GroupNew

    Availability unknown

    $299.41Checked 10 h ago
    Visit Ace Tool Group

Also available at

  • eBayCheck price at eBay

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All 15 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecDeWalt DWE402 Angle GrinderDeWalt DWE43231VS Angle Grinder
Power SourceCorded Electric—
Amperage11 A—
Voltage120 V—
Wattage1400 W—
Maximum Speed11,000 RPM—
Variable SpeedNo—
Grinder TypeAngle Grinder—
Grinder BrandDEWALT—
Grinder SeriesDWE—
Grinder Model NumberDWE402, DWE402N—
Grinding Wheel Size4 1/2 in—
ApplicationsCutting, Grinding—
Show all 40 specsShow fewer specs
SpecDeWalt DWE402 Angle GrinderDeWalt DWE43231VS Angle Grinder
Height4.875 in (Package Height)—
Length12 in—
Width6.125 in (Package Width)—
Safety FeaturesSafety lock-off (paddle switch)—
Kickback ControlNo—
Vibration ControlNo—
Vibration ReductionAnti-vibration technology—
Overload ProtectionNo—
Switch TypePaddle—
Wheel Type

What reviewers say

DeWalt DWE402 Angle Grinder

  • 4.3 / 533 ratings

Reviewers rate it 4.3 out of 5 and describe it as well built and powerful, with smooth, low-vibration operation and a comfortable grip. The main complaint is the awkward safety catch on the trigger.

What people mention
  • PowerPraisedOwners say the 11 amp motor cuts pipe and tile quickly and cleanly.
  • VibrationPraisedReviewers report smooth, low-vibration running for more precise cuts.
  • GripPraisedThe small gripping surface and two-position side handle are called comfortable.
  • SwitchCriticisedThe safety catch on the paddle switch is awkward to defeat.

DeWalt DWE43231VS Angle Grinder

  • 5 / 513 ratings

Owners rate it very highly, with all 13 ratings at five stars. They praise the smooth variable-speed control, the brushless motor and the safety features, and treat it as a step up from older brushed grinders.

What people mention
  • MotorPraisedOwners like that the brushless motor runs cooler and never needs brush replacement.
  • Variable speedPraisedThe speed dial is described as smooth and easy to set for different wheels.
  • Safety featuresPraisedKickback Brake and E-Clutch are called out as real protection in binds.
  • WeightMixed

Questions and answers

Which is better for cutting metal?
The DWE402 cuts metal well with its 11 A motor and 4-1/2 in. wheels. The DWE43231VS reaches deeper with a 5 in. wheel and adds kickback protection, which helps in tight cuts.
Which lasts longer?
The DWE43231VS has a brushless motor, so it never needs brush service. The DWE402 uses brushes that wear and must be replaced, though its oversized brushes are built for long life.
Is the DWE43231VS worth stepping up to?
Yes if you want variable speed, a 5 in. wheel and electronic safety features. If you only cut and grind occasionally, the DWE402 covers that with less weight.
Which is easier to handle?
The DWE402 is lighter at 4.6 lb with a small grip, so it is easier overhead and in one hand. The DWE43231VS is heavier but more controlled at low speeds.
Do both take the same accessories?
Both use a 5/8-11 arbor, so common wheels and discs fit. The DWE43231VS takes 5 in. wheels; the DWE402 takes 4-1/2 in.
Which switch is safer?
The DWE402 paddle switch turns off when released, which many users prefer. The DWE43231VS slide switch stays on, but its Kickback Brake and E-Clutch add protection.

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More comparisons

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  • DeWalt DWE402 4-1/2" Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder vs Bosch GWS10-45 4-1/2" Angle Grinder
  • DeWalt DWE402 4-1/2" Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder vs Milwaukee Elec Tool 6130-33 7-Amp 4.5-In. Small-Angle Grinder
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  • DeWalt DWE402 4-1/2" Paddle Switch Small Angle Grinder vs Bosch 1375A Angle Grinder
  • Makita 9557PB 4-1/2-Inch Angle Grinder vs DEWALT DWE43231VS Angle Grinder, Corded

Buying guides that pick them

  • Best corded angle grinders for metalwork
  • Best 4.5-inch corded angle grinders for cutting metal
Type 27, Type 1
—
Maximum Rotational Speed11,000 RPM—
Power1400 W—
colorMulticolor—
sizeM—
Plate Diameter (max) (")4.5—
RPM (max) (rpm)12000.0—
RPM (min) (rpm)0.0—
Power Input (W)850—
Motor Type12,000 rpm motor—
No Load Speed12,000 rpm—
Spindle Thread Size5/8 in. - 11—
Blade Diameter4.5 in.—
Arbor Size5/8 in.-11—
Blade Maximum Speed12,000 rpm—
Blade IncludedDepressed center wheel—
Blade TypeDepressed center wheel—
Condition—New
Model—DWE43231VS
Some find it heavier than a basic grinder, which matters for overhead work.