DeWALT DCS438B 20V MAX XR Brushless 3 in. Cut-Off Tool (Tool Only)

The DeWALT DCS438B 20V MAX XR Brushless 3 in. Cut-Off Tool (Tool Only) is a compact cordless cutting tool for electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, tile setters, remodelers, and metal workers. This is a cut-off tool designed for cutting metal, tile, stone, plastic, and drywall or fiber cement in tight spaces where a full-size grinder is too big. Model Number DCS438B is sold as a bare tool for the DeWALT 20V MAX platform.

The brushless motor runs at 20,000 RPM no-load and DeWALT rates it at 550 MWO (max watts out), which is what lets a 3" wheel keep cutting in tough material. Maximum depth of cut is 7/8", enough for trim cuts in metal and tile and shallow notches in stone. It is small enough to control with one hand and gets into cabinets, chases, and mechanical spaces where a 4-1/2" grinder will not fit.

DeWALT built in the controls that make a small cut-off tool easy to use. Forward and reverse operation lets you change the direction of the cut to suit the job. A tool-free adjustable guard lets you redirect sparks when cutting metal. The spindle lock and onboard hex wrench storage make wheel changes quick, so you are not hunting for a wrench.

Dust control is a big part of this tool. The removable dust shroud has an adjustable shoe with tool-free depth adjustment marked in both inches and millimeters, so setting cut depth is fast and repeatable. Its AIRLOCK connection attaches to DeWALT extractors (sold separately), which makes the DCS438B a practical choice for cutting tile, drywall, and fiber cement inside finished homes.

The kit comes ready to cut a range of materials. DeWALT includes the DeWALT DW8711 3" A60T Long Life Wheel for metal, a diamond multi-material wheel, and the DeWALT DW47350 3" Continuous Diamond Tile Blade. The tool uses a 3/8" arbor, and an included adapter ring fits 3" wheels that require a 7/16" arbor, so you have more wheel options as you go.

An integrated LED lights the cut line in dark work areas like under sinks and inside walls. The tool is Lanyard Ready capable to protect against drops when working at height, and it is TOOL CONNECT Chip Ready: the chip pocket accepts a TOOL CONNECT chip (sold separately) that works with the Site Manager app for jobsite asset tracking. Lanyard sold separately.

On the platform side, the DCS438B runs on any DeWALT 20V MAX battery. DeWALT tested it with the compact DeWALT DCB203 20V MAX 2.0Ah Battery, for its published performance. Battery and charger are not included.

Who should buy it? Trades that make lots of small, controlled cuts in metal, tile, and fiber cement: electricians, plumbers, HVAC techs, tile setters, and remodelers working in tight spots or finished spaces. If you already run DeWALT 20V MAX batteries, this is an easy add to the bag.

Voltage (V) 20V MAX Motor Type Brushless No-Load Speed (RPM) 20,000 RPM Max Watts Out 550 MWO Wheel Diameter 3" Max Depth of Cut 7/8" Arbor Size 3/8" (7/16" adapter ring included) Direction Forward and reverse Length 8.17" Weight (lbs) 2.07 lbs

The DeWALT DCS438B 20V MAX XR 3 in. Cut-Off Tool Earns a Permanent Spot in the Bag

It handles the small, awkward cuts that make a full-size grinder a hassle, and it does them cleaner.

• Who it's for: DeWALT 20V MAX users in the electrical, plumbing, HVAC, tile, and remodeling trades.
• Why it stands out: 20,000 RPM brushless power, forward and reverse, three included wheels, and real dust control in a one-hand package.
• Worth knowing: It is a bare tool, and the 7/8" depth of cut means it is a trimming and notching tool, not a replacement for a full-size cut-off saw.

• What materials can it cut? DeWALT rates it for metal, tile, stone, plastic, and drywall or fiber cement.
• Can I use other 3" wheels? Yes. It takes 3" wheels with a 3/8" arbor, and the included adapter ring fits wheels that require a 7/16" arbor.
• Is a battery included? No. The DCS438B is tool only; battery and charger are sold separately.