DeWalt DCS438 Brushless 3 in. Cut-Off Tool

Today we look at the DeWalt DCS438. What's in the box and how does run? I will say the cutting disc I said was diamond is actually carbide. I'm old and don't see so good anymore :-/
AVE's video on this tool. He takes it apart and seems to like it.
• BOLTR: DeWalt Mo' Powah!
TTC video of the dyno test.
• Best Cut-Off Tool? Dyn...
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DeWalt DCS438
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DEWALT Carbide Cut Off Wheel, 3"
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[@FunkFPV]

I noticed when I previewed this video I called that cutting wheel diamond. It’s actually carbide 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@markrice3019]

😀 actually carbide 😃

[@KHALABEEB]

Baddog tools makes a 3 in diamond wheel for it thats pricey but incredible, paired with a 6ah XR it makes everything Butter. Life-changing stuff Uncle Funk

[@FunkFPV]

@@KHALABEEBI was looking at those. They are expensive 👍🏻

[@earlebird4262]

You also keep saying traditional, when you actually mean conventional. I know just about everybody does lately, but you're better than them.

[@Eidolon1andOnly]

I miss your smell. I miss your musk.

[@docternoblex]

I love how you describe the times when something happens by each presidential administration, gives me a much better scale of time

[@123321wertyu]

I just assumed he brought it along to throw at them.

[@Tillys_Travels]

Shows his relationship with his tools. Lovely.

[@davidthomas2870]

These little 3" cut off side cutting tools all seem to be fantastic tools but the Dewalt seems to be especially good. I work at a hardware store and the couple people who've bought one say its awesome.

[@FunkFPV]

DeWalt is really bringing it when it comes to rotary cutting and grinding tools. 👍🏻

[@tannerwest6823]

I’ve had one of these for almost 3 months now. I love this thing. I do a lot of scrap metal and this thing rips into some copper, brass, and stainless. Makes my life so much easier. I will say that this tool loves the Powerstack battery. You can hear the pickup in power when you put a Powerstack on this compared to a standard Dewalt battery

[@A4rings110]

do you use the 1.7 powerstack or the bigger one?

[@tannerwest6823]

@@A4rings110 I use the 1.7 on my cut off tool. I like the use the 5ah on my reciprocating saw

[@A4rings110]

@@tannerwest6823 thanks!

[@mrb3888]

I got one and paired it with the 6ah. It’s absolutely nuts. The only cutoff I’ve used that not only does not bogg down but SPEEDS UP. It cuts half inch threaded rod in almost 1/4 the time my air cutoff can do it. And my air is really quick but you can put too much pressure because air tools. Absolutely pleased with it. I’m just trying to find stuff to cut to see what it can do. Has not broke a sweat

[@flashcraft8287]

The video starts at 1:27 BUT, regarding the included manual. "For people who don't know how buttons work." I laughed out loud. Funk FPV is a funny guy. Well done.

[@toddwmac]

Never heard a better description of an old tool!

[@fuzzycuffs]

I ended up getting the DCS438 a few weeks ago since I've always wanted one of these for small jobs, and then both you and AvE put out reviews in the past few days.

[@guyconnell2250]

I recently got one of these also. Love it. Have the 12V Milwaukee one. It works for what it is but the power difference and lack of cutting out with the 20V Dewalt is phenomenal. Also, you are correct about the Powerstack batteries. They have more initial "kick" and make just that much more difference with this tool especially when cutting plate or bar.

[@BerzerkaDurk]

That's a really nice cutoff tool. I use an 18V Milwaukee angle grinder with a cutoff wheel to cut rusted on bearings off of shafts and the like. It's convenient, but definitely has much less power than the old plug-in job I used to use. Can't beat the convenience of cordless when you're up on a roof cutting a pillowblock bearing off of a squirrel cage blower shaft on an a/c unit etc.

[@BerzerkaDurk]

I really love the fact that the DeWalt is reversable. With the Milwaukee, you often don't have the choice between singing off your knuckle hairs or eyebrows.

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

Yup me too I haven’t removed squirrel cages in a minute. Guys used to argue which way curves go saying the amperage draw too much scooping 😂 like WHAT

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

On convectors “

[@BerzerkaDurk]

@@RcPlayer-tt2vw lmao. I had an HVAC guy ask me if I thought the unit was blowing fuses because the belts were loose. hahaha

[@dingusbingus8554]

you and AvE reviewing the same tool in the span of a day... great minds think alike

[@PiotrthePhrog]

I'm glad to see more and more of these longer videos!

[@ericcardinal4788]

I love your no nonsense tool reviews.

[@matthewfink1420]

Loving the more black color scheme these newer XR tools are getting

[@FunkFPV]

It does look pretty cool. I would’ve worn a different color shirt if I realized that earlier 😜

[@christianmires5128]

Took me a moment to figure out you were saying aughts to refer to the 2000s. I had to think of the 30-06 to realize you meant zeros.

[@emmettturner9452]

Aught has always meant zero. The reason the 2000s are referred to as “the aughts” is because we often truncate the first two digits when referring to the whole decade, leaving only two zeros for the 2000s. Eighties, Nineties, Aughts, Tens/Teens, etc. We rarely referred to the 1910s and “the 1900” typically refers to the whole century so there hasn’t been much of a chance for confusion in our lifetimes but soon we’ll have to say “Flaccid Twenties” to differentiate from “Roaring Twenties.”

[@nineoclockhero]

seen AvE's vid. pretty good on the inside too. 👍

[@FunkFPV]

I’d like to take this stuff apart but I’m afraid I won’t get it back together 😜

[@JGsgarage_unboxings]

Totally off topic. But I'm super happy today. I went from a shitty/stressful job to maintenance mechanic. My life is about to change!

[@emmettturner9452]

Got my DCS438 back in February. People who go on about how it won’t replace their grinder have no idea. Not only will it do many of the same things, it’ll prove useful for things you never would’ve used a grinder for. I take off screw threads, cut outlet holes in drywall where you might use a multitool, cut metal wire shelving, and even use it places where you might use a Dremel rotary tool. I recently had to blindly cut some copper pipe to salvage a miniature hot water heater tank that was crammed under a bathroom sink. I was done in no time but I soon realized I’d accidentally cut right through the nut and hose fitting instead of the pipe! It went through like butter.

[@roberthoffman4713]

Glad you showed how the diamond blade worked on the hydraulic hose. I think I might pick one of those up.

[@FunkFPV]

I was impressed with that 👍🏻

[@roberthoffman4713]

​@@FunkFPVwas that the carbide blade?

[@roberthoffman4713]

Just an fyi if it seems like it is not cutting as good turn it around. We used 14 inch wheels like that for cutting roofs up when demolishing buildings and that's what we were told to do and it worked out well.

[@These_Old_Engines]

AVE had lots of good things to say..... which he rarely does.... multiple stamps of approval on this tool.

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

My pops still mad I lent snap on one out , friend rolled his car over and cops impound yard took it 😂

[@2lefThumbs]

My first thought on seeing you unbox it was it could be tricky for a left hander like me to use. Then when you cut with it, you used it left- handed! 👍👍

[@ironman4life89]

Not gonna lie after seeing how he can use his right hand to balance it, it seems even more ergonomic for lefties than righties. Could be wrong though

[@harrigro]

Picked up one 3 years ago. Best thing I bought. Try you some Diablo blades and see the difference

[@gregbowden1552]

I like how you correctly use the word "Aught".

[@matthewwolfe5243]

I bought one a month ago its very durable it won't let you down

[@joshdaniel7894]

You really knew that cut off tool. May she have a happy retirement!

[@benshell8662]

Funny you sheould mention calling the old cut off wheel a WooWoo, i had a buddy in wood shop in high school that called an oscillating multitool a ZuZu saw cause thats the sound it made, always cracked me up. I still call it that occasionally

[@FunkFPV]

The WooWoo was just between us guys in the shop as far as I remember 😁

[@DarKMatter.1]

5:24 “feels nice in the ol hand there”. 😂😂😂😂😂 We see what you’re doing with the ol hand there. Nice video tho brother. 😂

[@benstrait333]

I'm interested to see how you like the right angle vs straight tool. It can make a difference to getting at whatever you're cutting.

[@BigZ971]

Most blades prefer one direction, thats why it's a different thread. Only the metal cutoff disc is bidirectional

[@JacobAHull-nx6rx]

This is next on my bday list for sure. I have a bunch of pneumatics tools too and your right getting that air hose hooked up and dragingin it around isn't so fun. I hate cords and restrictions on my tools.

[@TonyMontanaXx]

How luck we are to be alive in the same years that funk fpv uploads. Fr fr. The goat of KZbin

[@FunkFPV]

😁👍🏻

[@jasonvandervalk3679]

I have this tool it's great! It does drain batteries pretty fast but it does have the power.

[@jimfarris9671]

Did that remind you Of High school LOL.😂

[@JamesRook]

Interesting tool, powerful and and portable, but IMHO, only marginally useful for when if you have no access to air or an electrical outlet and you have the clearance to stick that monster in a tight space. When you include the cost of the batteries it's a $300 or so investment. I'm retired now and I go back to when a hacksaw was the standard cutoff tool and remember when the air whizz wheels came out. What a godsend for mechanics! They're still perfect for cutting off things like a hose clamp down deep in a crowded engine bay. And I can buy a lot of $12 cheapo HB versions that last a few years (my current one is still going strong after maybe 15 years) before I come close to the cost of one of these. Then I also think about how couple of years down the line the batteries will change and be non-obtainiums. That's what happened to my beloved SnapOn 3/8 drive gun.

[@FunkFPV]

It’s a hole process for me to use air tools. The less I have to do it the betters

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

Lol I have that 3/8 gun I never used it or not very long time , most my heavy home” mechanic days I didn’t have a commercial air compressor. You right , they’re working on using graphene for batteries, more power half the weight . With our political agenda they’re support going green and government grants write offs ect but car technologies going trikle down , figure 10 years with anything state of the art technology.

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

Actually make a cutter just for all thread , I’m a building engineer but I learned motorcycle mechanics from airplane mechanic, learned name all thread “”” here at work engineer break my chops saying it’s called threaded rod “ first time I heard all thread again in “ 20 years , funny how ol timers terminology may never been correct but they’re the master mechanics 🧰 and than you have TEST. Takers all proper terminology but couldn’t fix a bicycle

[@JamesRook]

@@FunkFPV Working out of a shop with house air is different than field work, admittedly. I fitted out my home shop withair years ago and it works fine for what I still do.

[@jameshill4900]

For me it's not a practical tool for what I do especially with its size. I use the pneumatic including compact ones half the size of the regular. Battery is king for portability and convenience thou and looking at Funks job it will likely work well for him. Definitely hard to beat the price and longevity of the old school ones.

[@3v1Bunny]

AVE a proofed tool

[@CarlCramer88]

I watched the bank robber video. You forgot to mention he did a kangaroo jump to open up the door with his legs/feet when he went for his great escape. If you haven’t noticed it check it out again. It’s too funny.

[@GunnysWrenches]

I picked one up awhile back, handy little fella

[@getyerspn]

TTC and AVE recon this is scookem as frig ... good enough for me.

[@nasis18]

You got money and then some out of your first one. 😮

[@FunkFPV]

That thing doesn’t owe me a penny 😜

[@markbaline3794]

Mabey a variable speed trigger from a drill would fit the tool.

[@andydroid9782]

Just got done watching Stumpy Nubs and he did a video of people giving him flack about unplugging and taking batteries out before loosely handling and changing blades and such. Had to laugh that you did just what he was talking about. I do the same but like most of us we know and feel confident about our tools.

[@bossmanz28]

If you get powerstack batteries for it you will like it even more. Especially the 5ah powerstack. It goes great with that tool. The 1.7 powerstack feels great cuz its so compact but it jus dies too fast. Also i pretty much only cut metal with mine and i jus removed both guards. Wheel is jus so small any guard is a nuisance in my opinion. Only other thing i want for it is a new arbor bolt that is pan head with the allen wrench. On a multiple occasions the hex head sticking out has gotten in the way of making a cut that is up against something. Gotta figure out the exact size of the bolt but also its damn reverse thread too so thats gonna make it a real hassle im sure

[@Petesworkshop2225]

Really like the trigger action of a dewalt.

[@leebrink4570]

Now, if only they can make a battery powered alternative to the air hammer

[@TheChrisbetts12345]

Battery palmnailer with a bolt in it

[@petermccuskey1832]

Love your review. Thank you.

[@DJvvAZZ]

Haha! I use a version of that old air grinder at work! Lots of speed, but little torque. I have to be careful not to press too hard, as that poor little psi motor maxes out and dies. I mean, with a grinder disk, sure you don't want power to break the disk, but it doesn't like notching too much. ( break pad effect)

[@Kinnikinnick]

To be honest I like my Ryobi for variable speed but would've gladly traded that for dust cover

[@tannerwest6823]

Yea that’s one thing the Ryobi has going for it is a variable speed trigger

[@NotThatGuy_YepThatGuy]

I HAVE THIS! its pretty good!

[@hkk3656]

Couldn't tell. Were you wearing shoes? 😂

[@seeveiw]

When it comes to auto body rust repair the old tool still prevails due to the many odd and tight cuts that have to be made otherwise I like the battery tool for the unobstructed cuts

[@Dreddy72]

id assume the reverse thread was due to either a shared part with some other device, or the multi direction was more of a last minute feature add.

[@KGBot]

I used to think brits have the best sense of humour 🤣👍

[@friendsinmyhead2195]

10:32 looks like you’re about to become a graduate of knubs university

[@jeffsnouffer7336]

I have 1 of those also. Do yourself a favor & get a Lennox 3 inch metal cutting blade. I have 1 for mine & 1 for my 4 1/2 inch grinder & 6 inch. Can't seem to be able to kill them

[@jacksmith2315]

Nice little cut off tool. Kinda surprised it doesnt have a variable speed trigger. Kinda weird it doesnt this day and age. As far as dewalt batteries, id like to pick up some of those powerstacks as well. I dont have many cordless 20v dewalt, just a 1/2 compact impact, and a little nut runner cordless ratchet. I have a 2ah and a compact 4ah with the 21700 cells. Way more slim than the 4ah you have. Looks more like the 2ah, maybe a bit wider, but way thinner/shorter than the 4ah, and im sure more powerful being its 21700 over 18650.

[@Gfysimpletons]

It can only go one speed. And that’s the speed rating printed on the disc……any slower it will bind, any faster and it will explode. The metal disc may be able to go faster, but will bind any slower. 🤷‍♂️

[@MrWayneploof]

I am going to buy this tool but is it that much better than the cordless angle grinder

[@-Viceroy-]

AvE's one was made in India. I wonder where the ones sold in Europe are made in?

[@FunkFPV]

The board might have been made in India. The tool was probably put together in Mexico.

[@markknister6272]

Good review. Practical. Need to try it barefooted. 🤣🤣

[@FunkFPV]

😜👍🏻

[@Moehre040]

Im sure its not a bad tool just by the fact you actually praised it, but i really dont see the point, because to me this just seems like a slightly smaller angle grinder, whereas the old pneumatic one was a lot smaller and imo a shape that would have no trouble just sitting in a toolbox, whereas this needs a place on a storage rack or something. I'd probably never buy this and instead go with using either one of the old style or just swapping up directly to an angle grinder, because this just seems like an unneccesary step in between the two. Edit: Though if you are starting out fresh and dont already have both anyways, then this might be a decent dual purpose option.

[@johncapps5044]

You’re costing me money. Hahahaha I guess I’m just going to bite the bullet and get one. Thanks hahahaha

[@FunkFPV]

Good news is it’s only $150 😜

[@SpiKSpaN-ei6zq]

Its all about batteries power now. Its just too convenient to go back at this point. My compressor can barely keep up, and its noisy ass hell.

[@brianvoegele8486]

This thing vs a 4-5" angle grinder? I already have the angle grinder, but I want one of these but IDK why or what for. Maybe more accurate cutting, better/safer cutting vs the grinder. IDK.

[@FunkFPV]

It’s basically for lighter material or if you need to be more accurate with a cut.

[@jamieboggs6563]

Do they come with a dust bag

[@tyleremenhizer6325]

If your replacing this with your 3inch cut off wheel I don’t like that idea cause that dewalt one is huge compared to your air one. You can’t get into smaller places with that dewalt one.

[@FunkFPV]

We’ll see how it goes. When I come back to it I’ll let you know if I had to pick up the old girl because the DeWalt wouldn’t fit.

[@jeremyh6686]

Tool recommendations for cutting upto 3 mm sheet spring steel?

[@FunkFPV]

😬 plasma cutter 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@MrR31power]

Nice bit of kit but you definitely won't be getting that in tight places like the old one

[@nomusicrc]

It sounded like you were clicking it from low to high speed does it have a low and high

[@FunkFPV]

Nope, it’s on or off. The RPMs ramp up when you first turn it on so it sounds slower.

[@davidreta3664]

Can you cut a tub or shower wall out with it ?

[@shawnl5634]

What's brushless mean

[@grunwode]

Electomagnets and flakes of metal will never be a good match. I will go for the air die tool every time.

[@joshuaa3075]

They are helpful but very dangerous.

[@IGoHesher]

That dust cover is an odd option. Guess someone will use it.

[@puckcat22679]

If you're using this to cut concrete or tile with the diamond blade, you'll want that so you don't get a bunch of silica dust everywhere. Most people won't need it, but those who do need it will definitely need it.

[@Chris-du7hi]

I was going to comment about the ridiculous guard till he popped it off and I was like oh ok, great tool just throw that away then. I could see it being useful for ceramic stuff tho.

[@IGoHesher]

@Chris-du7hi I agree. It definitely serves a purpose, just not for us. 😅

[@wallywrench9844]

Lost count how many times your finger/fingers were in harms way and finger on the trigger while the other one on the blade. Many of us get to comfortable using power tools and loose digits or eyeball.

[@Para-Phrase]

"I can fix her" 😂

[@kyletrump8025]

AVE had some good things to say about it too

[@whatyoudo9773]

ave might as well be your brother

[@tarstarkusz]

Don't they have rebuilding kits for the old one?

[@FunkFPV]

I don’t even know what it is to find one.

[@vanshankguitars]

Pretty skookum right?

[@FunkFPV]

Skookum as frig 😎👍🏻

[@Dime_Bar]

Isn't this just a smaller version of an angel grinder? If so then whats the point of it?

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

Smaller so can fit more tools in the draw 😂

[@emmettturner9452]

Ugh. THIS again. 9 out of 10 things you do with this are things you never even would have considered an angle grinder for.

[@Dime_Bar]

@@emmettturner9452 wasn't being funny, it's because I never knew these existing before seeing this video.

[@FunkFPV]

Smaller tools are easier to handle. I used this today to cut open a small connector. My 5” could have done it but it might have made a mess of it.

[@RcPlayer-tt2vw]

Exactly and I’ve been using a dremel for small stuff but it’s too small sometimes and disc break to easily just watching den tool guy guy drives around wth tools when and how would he ever use all those tools 🧰 lol , seems to know a lot does he use them one time to test idk but he’s good finding spitting all deals cool tools , Black Friday sales already fpv some pretty good deals , uk buy two batteries get the tool free ect I didn’t see this cutter though , I’m team red but some these deals too good , do I need 200 blower just to stay red when I can ryobi for 100 , I go for two toolkit deal with dewalt if they have this cutter , I generally stay with m12 for hobbies at home and I have some m18 tools at work but usually over kill I use the smallest lightest batteries. My old Milwaukee stuff is nickel metal batteries I want see if I can get adapter plate to use lipo batteries on , sorry guy I’m rambling tools get me excited for

[@John-771]

Funk FPV Yes, Thank you. The idiots I work with cannot be told America is the continent not a country. I keep saying a German can say I'm European and it's accurate, just like a Canadian can say he's American. United States (of) America. You're the man love the Videos. AVE just did a tear down of this gem and it's a solid tool.

[@John-771]

I commented before you mentioned AVE.. I jumped the gun.

[@FunkFPV]

@@John-771😜👍🏻

[@fgoogle671]

Small pnem is needed for those carbide burr tools.

[@jameshill4900]

I have a compact one half the size of his pneumatic and so cheap I bought 2. For me a cordless can't replace it.

[@AverageReviewsYT]

First! 😊

[@shanesubashe787]

It's easier to onow what all the parts are for if you read the manual. "Mexico is technically America" 😂. Just not the "real" America. Love how you can change the rotation.

[@neriobrandolini3347]

At first glance. It looks like it'd be useless in tight spots. Just saying.

[@FunkFPV]

We’ll see 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@dehypnotizerz]

Dude, as much as I like you, you're a shill reviewer. Indeed, this seems to be a good toy, I watched a review on Chris-"AvE"'s channel, but how can we believe you if you're getting hardware from the manufacturer? What are you gonna say in case a tool sucks - that it's not worth spending money? I don't think so :(

[@DaveBigDawg]

I got unsubscribe from your channel

[@FartyMcNuggets]

Damn bud….. you went from one piece of 💩 to another one. My helper had your new one, we fried that b:tch in 3 months, the brick & mortar replaced it, then the newer one we got about the same use out of. Hopefully yours will last a lifetime. Keep up the great work !!!! 👍🏻🛠👍🏻 There’s a reason Stanly tools employees that makes Default - say there junk.