Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
Having compared all of the best angle grinders on the market, we’ve used more than our share of these metalworking tools. While corded models ruled the roost for years, new cordless angle grinders—like those from Milwaukee Tool—finally provide the runtime and power to replace their corded counterparts. Below we compare all of the current Milwaukee M18 FUEL cordless angle grinders so you can understand the benefits and features of each model.
We also provide handy Buy Now buttons in case you want to go ahead and pull the trigger on a new tool. We also link to our existing reviews so you can check out more in-depth information on some of these key products.
Finally, we wrap it all up with some select charts that compare the specs and features of each type of Milwaukee M18 FUEL cordless angle grinder so you can get a birds-eye view of how each models differs.
This M18 FUEL 4-1/2 – 5″ Variable Speed Braking Angle Grinder marks Milwaukee’s top of the line for variable-speed small angle grinders. The 2889-20 grinder features a slide switch with lock-on and has a 5-speed dial at the base of the tool. That lets you vary the speed between 3,500 and 8,500 RPM.
You get the RapidStop braking system and tool-free accessory and guard adjustments. This variable speed grinder runs about $219 for the bare tool.
The top of the line Milwaukee M18 FUEL 4-1/2 – 5″ Variable Speed Braking Angle Grinders add variable speed to an already great line of tools. As a small angle grinder, the 2888-20 features a paddle switch and has the same 5-speed dial located just above the battery. Using the variable speed dial, you can set the speed in several increments between 3,500 and 8,500 RPM.
This angle grinder also includes Milwaukee’s RapidStop braking system. It also uses a tool-free accessory and guard adjustment system. You can pick up the 2888-20 variable speed grinder for $219 (bare tool).
As one of two small angle grinders to feature Milwaukee ONE-KEY, the 2883-20 M18 FUEL Braking Grinder powers on with a slide switch so you can use it for extended periods of time. The brake on this 8500 RPM grinder brings the wheel to a stop in under two seconds. You get the same 11-amp grinding and cutting power and ONE-KEY gives you tool tracking and inventory management features built right in.
Milwaukee Tool priced this grinder around $219 for the bare tool or you can grab a kit with two XC6.0 batteries for $469.
The Milwaukee 2882-20 ONE-KEY small angle grinders include a paddle switch for safer usage. The RapidStop brake on this 8500 RPM grinder brings the wheel to a halt in about two seconds or less. It also features 11-amp grinding and cutting power—enhanced when using XC6.0 RedLithium batteries. This Milwaukee ONE-KEY braking grinder enables tool tracking and inventory management features if you connect it and use the desktop software or app.
Milwaukee Tool priced the 2882-20 grinder at $219 and you can find the kit with a pair of XC6.0 batteries for $469.
For a more straightforward, simplified grinder, Milwaukee 2881-20 M18 FUEL angle grinders feature a slide switch with a lock-on. Milwaukee claims up to 135 cuts of 1/2-inch rebar per charge using an XC6.0 battery pack. The brushless motor delivers 11-amp power at 8,500 RPM. You get an electronic clutch for kickback protection, as well as overload protection to maximize motor life.
Tool-free accessory and guard adjustments make these Milwaukee cordless angle grinders easy to adapt, and you can pick it up for just $199 as a bare tool.
The Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 FUEL paddle switch angle grinders give you a safer system for shorter grinding and cutting tasks. According to Milwaukee, you can make up to 135 cuts in 1/2-inch rebar using a single XC6.0 battery pack. That’s run-time we can get behind! The brushless motor delivers 11-amp power at 8,500 RPM. You also get an electronic clutch to protect against kickbacks. Overload protection also helps maximize the life of the motor.
Finally, you get tool-free accessory and guard adjustments so you can quickly adapt these Milwaukee cordless angle grinders to your needs. Pricing is around $199 for the bare tool.
Similar to the 2883 Milwaukee ONE-KEY model above, but without ONE-KEY, the 2783-20 M18 FUEL Braking Angle Grinders power on with a paddle switch. The brake on this 8500 RPM grinder brings a cutting wheel to a stop in 0.9 seconds, a flap disc in 1.3 seconds, and a grinding disc in 1.5 seconds. With plenty of power, this tool makes sense to buy as tool-only and then add your own advanced RedLithium battery.
Milwaukee Tool seems to be closing out this grinder, so if you find one for less than $200 for the bare tool, grab it! The kits include two 5.0 batteries for $469.
Similar to the 2883 Milwaukee ONE-KEY model above, but without ONE-KEY, the 2783-20 M18 FUEL Braking Angle Grinders power on with a paddle switch. The brake on this 8500 RPM grinder brings a cutting wheel to a stop in 0.9 seconds, a flap disc in 1.3 seconds, and a grinding disc in 1.5 seconds. With plenty of power, this tool makes sense to buy as tool-only and then add your own advanced RedLithium battery.
Milwaukee Tool seems to be closing out this grinder, so if you find one for less than $200 for the bare tool, grab it! The kits include two 5.0 batteries for $469.
Replaced by the 2880-20 Milwaukee FUEL angle grinder above, the 2780-20 M18 FUEL paddle switch grinders offer a great deal if you can still find them. The wheel on this tool spins up to 8500 RPM thanks to the brushless motor and plenty of power. If you can find this as a tool-only purchase, you can add your own advanced RedLithium battery and add a very capable tool to your arsenal.
You may not find this grinder from Milwaukee Tool much longer, so if you find one for $179 or less for the bare tool, grab it! The kits typically include a pair of 5.0 batteries for around $429.
As the only remaining brushed grinder in the Milwaukee Tool lineup, you can still find the 2680-20 for less than $120. That may make it the best bargain for those looking for a cut-off grinder that primarily cuts. As a grinding tool, you want to stick with one of the more recent models that use a brushless motor to better manage power delivery and runtime. With 8500 RPM of speed, you can make quick cuts in metal using this tool.
Milwaukee seems to keep selling this paddle switch model as an entry-level tool option. It lacks the isolating handle found on recent models. You can find it for under $120. In fact, we’ve seen the bare tool for less than $100 at authorized retailers.
The Milwaukee 2887-20 M18 FUEL 5″ Flathead Braking Angle Grinders feature a slide switch that lets you lock on the grinder when working for longer periods of time. This has the added benefit of letting you alter your grip on the tool for better positioning when needed.
Milwaukee claims these cordless angle grinders generate the equivalent power of an 11A corded grinder. Its low-profile design also means you can access tighter corners when grinding down welds or making cuts. This cordless angle grinder features the company’s RapidStop brake that stops the disc in just a couple of seconds when you disengage the switch.
The brushless motor spins the 5-inch grinder or flap disc at up to 8,500 RPM. Milwaukee recommends using their M18 RedLithium High Output XC6.0 batteries which run cooler,offer more power, and last longer than standard XC batteries. This tool runs about $279 as a bare tool with a contractor bag.
Identical to the above, but with a paddle switch, the Milwaukee 2886-20 M18 FUEL 5″ Flathead Braking Angle Grinder lacks the lock-on feature. It does, however, stop automatically when you release the paddle trigger.
Milwaukee claims this tool, like the slide-switch model, generates power equivalent to an 11A corded angle grinder. It has the same low-profile design so you can get tighter into corners when grinding or cutting. You also get the same RapidStop brake that stops the disc in just a couple of seconds when you release the paddle switch.
The brushless motor spins the 5-inch grinder or flap disc at up to 8,500 RPM. Milwaukee recommends using their M18 RedLithium High Output XC6.0 batteries which run cooler, offer more power, and last longer than standard XC batteries. This tool runs about $279 as a bare tool with a contractor bag.
At one point, the Milwaukee 2980-20 M18 FUEL 6″ cordless braking angle grinders were their highest performing small angle grinder. This grinder operates with the power of a 13-amp corded grinder. It also brakes all types of accessories (from flap discs to cutting wheels and grinding discs) in less than 3 seconds.
As the name implies, these angle grinders can support up to 6-inch discs (and go down to 4.5-inch discs when you don’t need that extra capacity). The brushless motor drives this grinder at up to 9,000 RPM. This tool excels at grinding, surface preparation, and cutting applications. Kit versions of this tool include either one or two RedLithium High Output XC6.0 batteries. Lastly, you get tool-free accessory changes using the FIXTEC nut and tool-free guard.
This tool runs about $229 as a bare tool and $479 with a pair of XC6.0 batteries, charger, and soft bag.
The Milwaukee 2981-20 M18 FUEL 6-inch braking grinder pouts out the power of a corded 13-amp tool. It will stop flap discs, cutting wheels, and grinding discs in less than 3 seconds—making it extremely safe to use. The slide swith atop the tool lets you work for longer periods of time while adjusting your grip.
This angle grinder supports discs from 4-1/2 to 6-inches in diameter. The brushless motor spins discs at up to 9,000 RPM. Use this tool for grinding, surface prep, and cutting steel, rebar, and more. Kit versions of this tool include either one or two RedLithium High Output XC6.0 batteries. Milwaukee Tool also bakes in tool-free accessory changes with their FIXTEC nut and tool-free guard.
The 2981-20 6″ braking grinder runs about $229 as a bare tool and $479 with a pair of XC6.0 batteries, charger, and soft bag.
When Milwaukee Tool released the 2785-20 M18 FUEL cordless large angle grinder it was the world’s first 18V tool in its category. The 2785-20 puts out enough power to match 15-amp corded tools while sahving up to 2-pounds off the weight. With up to 9-inches of grinding capacity, it provides significantly more access and capability when grinding, doing surface preparation, or cutting larger diameter pipe and/or steel. You can use this tool with any 7- to 9-inch grinding or cutting accessories.
The brushless motor generates 6,600 RPM speed on the wheel (or higher) under load. Pairing this tool with the Milwaukee M18 High Output HD12.0 battery, gets you the most amount of run-time possible across all applications. Lastly, you get quick accessory changes using the Milwaukee FIXTEC nut and tool-free guard adjustments.
When Milwaukee tool put out their first cordless angle grinder we found it lacking in both power and runtime. It freed you up from the cord, but didn’t match the power of even mid-tier corded grinders. Now, however, the story appears much different. Between the M18 FUEL brushless models and newer Milwaukee Tool Redliythium Battery technology, their current crop of angle grinders are offering plenty of power and runtime. Provided you have access to a pair of High Output batteries, you can get significant runtime for grinding, cutting, and surface prep tasks.
These tools have come a long way, and we hope the above list of prodcts helps you understand the differences between the models so you can decide which makes sense for your needs.
When he's not remodeling part of his house or playing with the latest power tool, Clint enjoys life as a husband, father, and avid reader. He has a degree in recording engineering and has been involved in multimedia and/or online publishing in one form or another since 1992.
Clint’s career has covered nearly the entire realm of audio and video production. After graduating at the top of his class with an Associates Degree in Recording Engineering, he began working for the famed Soundelux studios in 1994, one of the largest post-production companies specializing in audio for feature films & television. Working on a myriad of feature films, Clint honed his skills as a dialogue editor, foley editor, and sound designer. Years later, he moved into the expanding area of video editing, where he served as the company’s senior AVID video editor for three years.
Working for such clients as Universal Pictures, Hollywood Pictures, Paramount Home Entertainment, NASA, Universal Studios, Planet Hollywood, SEGA, NASCAR, and others, Clint dealt extensively with client management as well as film & video editing, color correction, and digital video & MPEG compression. He also carries several THX certifications (Technician I and II, THX Video), and is ISF Level II Certified.
After founding the CD Media, Inc. publishing company in 1996, he went on to help start or grow several successful online publications, including Audioholics (as Editor-in-Chief for 12 years), Audiogurus, and AV Gadgets. In 2008, Clint founded Pro Tool Reviews followed by the landscape and outdoor power equipment-focused OPE Reviews in 2017. He also heads up the Pro Tool Innovation Awards, an annual awards program honoring innovative tools and accessories across the trades.
Crediting his excellent staff for the success of what is now the largest power tool review publication in the industry, Clint DeBoer hopes to see continued growth for the company as it rapidly expands its reach. Pro Tool Reviews critically reviews hundreds of hand tools, power tools, and accessories each year to help inform users about the best and newest products in the industry. Reaching everyone from the construction industry professional and tradesman to the serious DIYer, Pro Tool Reviews helps tool consumers shop better, work smarter, and stay aware of what tools and products can help put them at the top of their game.
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
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