Description:

Key Features

20,000 RPM Brushless Power The DeWALT DCS438B 3 in. cut-off tool spins its brushless motor to 20,000 RPM, so the small wheel cuts metal, tile, and stone quickly without bogging down. Three Wheels Included Bonded abrasive, diamond multi-material, and diamond tile wheels come in the box, so you can cut metal, masonry, and tile from day one. Dust Shroud with AIRLOCK A removable shroud with an AIRLOCK connection hooks to a DeWALT extractor, keeping tile and fiber cement dust under control indoors.

Overview

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.

Clean Cuts in Tile and Stone

The compact size makes notches and trim cuts in tile far easier than wrestling a grinder. It is one of the most useful DeWALT cut-off tools for finish trades.

• Diamond tile and multi-material wheels included
• 7/8" maximum depth of cut

See the Line in Dark Spaces

Small cuts often happen in the worst light: under cabinets, in crawlspaces, behind equipment. The built-in LED keeps the cut line visible without a separate light.

• Integrated LED work light
• Forward and reverse operation

Dust Goes to the Extractor

Hook the shroud to a DeWALT extractor and most of the dust goes into the hose instead of into the room. The adjustable shoe sets depth without tools.

• AIRLOCK connection for DeWALT extractors
• Depth markings in inches and millimeters

Metal Cutting in Tight Quarters

For metal cutting, the bonded abrasive wheel and tool-free guard let you aim sparks away from you and finished surfaces. It fits right in with the rest of your DeWALT metalworking tools.

• Tool-free adjustable guard for spark direction
• Spindle lock for quick wheel changes

What's in the Box

• (1) DeWALT DCS438B 20V MAX XR Brushless 3 in. Cut-Off Tool
• (1) Removable dust shroud with adjustable shoe and AIRLOCK connection
• (1) DeWALT DW8711 bonded abrasive wheel
• (1) Diamond multi-material wheel
• (1) DeWALT DW47350 diamond tile wheel
• (1) 7/16" arbor adapter ring
• (1) Hex wrench

Battery, charger, extractor, TOOL CONNECT chip, and lanyard sold separately.

Key Specifications

Compatibility

Battery PlatformDeWALT 20V MAX batteries and chargers, sold separately. See DeWALT 20V MAX batteries. Wheels3" wheels with a 3/8" arbor, or 3" wheels with a 7/16" arbor using the included adapter ring. Dust ExtractionAIRLOCK connection on the dust shroud attaches to DeWALT extractors. Tool TrackingChip pocket accepts a DeWALT TOOL CONNECT chip for use with the Site Manager app.

Built For

Electrical Plumbing HVAC Tile Setting Metal Cutting Fiber Cement and Drywall Remodeling General Contracting

Pro Tip

When you switch from tile to metal, reset the guard and the rotation direction before the first cut so sparks throw away from you and any finished surfaces nearby. It takes seconds and saves a scorched countertop.

Warranty & Support

DeWALT 3-Year Limited Warranty, 1 Year Free Service, and 90-Day Satisfaction Guarantee.

Tool Nut's Take

Tool Nut's Take

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.

Common Questions

• 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.