Milwaukee Tool has recently released the first to market cordless braking grinder, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Braking Grinder. The M18 grinder is equipped with a rapid breaking feature that completely stops the blade in under 2 seconds, as well as a kick-back reducing clutch as an extra safety precaution. To reduce the fatigue of the user, Milwaukee has added an anti-vibration handle.
“While existing cordless braking grinders are effective as cut-off tools, this product is the ONLY cordless solution that can effectively grind, cut and surface prep,” said Andrew Plowman, Director for Milwaukee Tool Corporation in a press release.
By using an advanced Lithium battery technology, Milwaukee claims to be able to keep charge 4x longer and provide 20% more power. The grinder is also tool free, meaning adjustments can be made and accessories can be replaced without the use of a wrench by using a FIXTEC nut, keeping you productive on the job site.
MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL BRAKING ANGLE GRINDER PERFORMANCE
Around the ranch, there are a million reasons to have a grinder on hand… two million if it’s a cordless grinder! We mainly used the Milwaukee 2883 while making repairs on some of our equipment. For starters, one of our trailers needed a replacement fender because the old one was completely rusty and falling apart. We used a cutting wheel to remove the old one and then a T27 grinding wheel and flap disk to clean up the steel so our welder could attach the new one.
We also needed to patch a spot on our feed trailer. Using a cutting wheel, we had to cut a 1-foot by 3-foot section out of some 1/4-inch scrap steel. During the longer cuts, the grinder didn’t bog down or struggle at all. Compared to the other cordless grinder we had on-site, it was night and day.
There’s no question this is one of the best small angle grinders we’ve used, corded or cordless…it’s just so convenient. At 8500 RPM, it’s not the fastest grinder we’ve ever used, but it definitely has more strength to keep from bogging than our other models.
On the topic of power, the Milwaukee 18V Braking Angle Grinder produces power equivalent to an 11-amp corded grinder. That’s a pretty big deal, especially if you’re still a little hesitant to cut the cord.
The kit includes two 6.0Ah High Output batteries and the Rapid Charger keeps you in the game pretty well with a 64-minute charge time. Consider stepping up to the Super Charger if you want to get charged back up in 35 minutes so you can work virtually uninterrupted.
Best Milwaukee M18 Fuel Braking Grinder in 2021:
1. Milwaukee 2981-20 M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. – 6 in. Braking Grinder
The M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. – 6 in. Braking Grinder is Milwaukee’s most powerful small angle grinder to date, with a high performance brushless motor that generates 13 Amp corded power. The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers 9,000 RPM, giving the tool the power needed to exceed performance expectations in all applications, as well as longer motor life, providing lower cost of ownership compared to brushed motors. Integrated Rapid Stop braking technology stops all accessories in 3 seconds or less, creating a safer user experience.
By offering a full 6 in. capacity, users can feel confident replacing their corded tools with the M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. – 6 in. Braking Grinder. The power and runtime delivered by the M18 6.0 High Output batteries provides the user with more material removed per charge, making users more productive and efficient on the jobsite. Tool-free accessory changes using the FIXTEC nut and guard adjustments mean less downtime during work. Grinding wheel sold separately.
Features:
- 100% Tool Free: Make all accessory changes and guard adjustments without a wrench for increased productivity
- Rapid Stop braking feature stops all accessories in 3 seconds or less
- REDLINK PLUS Intelligence provides optimized performance, electronic clutch, and overload protection using total system communication between tool, battery and charger
- POWERSTATE Brushless Motor generates 13 Amp corded power to exceed expectations in any application
- Metal housing and gearing system providing legendary durability
- Compatible with all M18 Batteries and Tools
- M18 6.0 High Output batteries help the user get more work done per charge
2. Milwaukee 2980-20 M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. – 6 in. Braking Grinder
The M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. – 6 in. Braking Grinder, Paddle Switch, No-Lock is our highest performing small angle grinder. It generates the power of a 13A corded grinder, brakes all accessories under 3 seconds, and has 6 in. grinding capacity. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor provides you with 9,000 RPM and the power equivalent of a 13A corded grinder, delivering industry-leading performance. REDLINK PLUS Intelligence ensures maximum performance and protects your angle grinder from overload, overheating and over discharge.
The Rapid Stop Brake feature stops all accessories in under 3 seconds. Providing you with high performance, advanced ergonomics and legendary durability, the M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. – 6 in. Braking Grinder is designed to complete the toughest grinding, surface preparation and cutting applications with all 4-1/2 in. – 6 in. accessories. The M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT XC6.0 Battery provides you with more material removed per charge and unmatched run-time in all applications. Tool-free accessory changes using the FIXTEC nut and tool-free guard adjustments mean you will experience less downtime as you work. The cordless angle grinders grinding wheel is sold separately.
Features:
- POWERSTATE Brushless Motor: Purposely Built for the M18 FUEL 4-1/2 – 6 in. Braking Grinder to provide the power and performance of a 13A corded grinder.
- REDLINK PLUS Intelligence: Ensures optimal performance and provides overload protection to prevent damage to the tool and battery during heavy applications while still maintaining compatibility across the entire M18 System.
- REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT XC6.0 Battery Pack: Provides 50 percent more power and runs cooler vs M18 REDLITHIUM XC battery packs. Superior pack construction provides the industrys best protection against jobsite conditions.
- Generates 13A Corded Power
- Under 3 Second Brake
- Fully compatible with the M18 System, featuring over 175+ tools
- Rapid Stop braking feature stops all accessories in 3 seconds or less
- Metal housing & gearing system provides legendary durability
- 100 percent Tool Free: Make all accessory changes and guard adjustments without a wrench for increased productivity
3. Milwaukee 2783-22 M18 FUEL Cordless 4-1/2 in. – 5 in. Braking Angle Grinder Kit
Milwaukee introduces the world’s first cordless braking grinder stops accessories in under 2 seconds, delivers the power of a corded grinder, and has up to 10X longer tool life.?The M18 FUEL 18V Cordless 4-1/2 in. – 5 in. Braking Angle Grinder supplies maximum sustained power to complete the toughest grinding, surface preparation and cutting applications. The POWERSTATE brushless motor provides up to 10X longer motor life and lower cost of ownership. The M18 REDLITHIUM XC 5.0 Ah battery pack delivers up to 4x more run time and 20 percent more power.
The grinder features REDLINK PLUS Intelligence, the most advanced system of cordless power tool electronics and for maximum performance. A Rapid Stop Brake feature stops accessories in under 2 seconds and it’s thin body design gives it optimized balance to rest easily in your hands. The tool-free accessory changes uses the FIXTEC nut and guard adjustments mean less downtime during work. The grinder also has the same tool body, gearing system and anti-vibration side handle as Milwaukee’s legendary high-performance corded grinders for maximum durability on the job.
Features:
- Rapid Stop braking feature stops cutting disks in 0.9 seconds, flap disks in 1.3 seconds and grinding discs in 1.5 seconds.
- POWERSTATE Brushless Motor delivers maximum power and up to 10X longer motor life
- REDLINK PLUS Intelligence provides optimized performance, electronic clutch and overload protection using total system communication between tool, battery and charger
- REDLITHIUM XC 5.0 Ah battery pack provides superior pack construction, electronics, and performance to deliver 2X more run-time and more work over pack life
- World’s first cordless braking grinder with corded performance
- Same metal housing and gearing system as legendary high performance corded grinders
- Tool-free accessory changes and guard adjustments without a wrench for increased productivity
4. Milwaukee 6143-31 Braking Small Paddle No-lock Angle Grinder
The 11 Amp 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Braking Small Angle Grinder (Paddle, No-Lock) delivers up to 3X more durability and up to 50% more power than the competition. Rapid Stop braking feature integrated into the tool stops all accessories in 2 seconds or less. With a 1,400 MWO motor that powers through the toughest jobs, the 6143-31 is the perfect match for industrial users. A grip circumference measuring a full 2 in. less than the competition, this Milwaukee grinder provides more control and less fatigue throughout the day.
The Milwaukee Electronic Advantage includes Overload Protection to maximize motor life, an Electronic Clutch that extends tool life and helps prevent bind-up, Line Lock-Out that prevents automatic start-up after power loss and Soft Start. This Milwaukee grinder is lanyard-ready with an incorporated lanyard loop on the handle. Featuring a 100% tool-free design, this grinder allows the user to change all accessories, including hubbed product, without a wrench. In addition, the tool-free, burst resistant, adjustable guard allows users to make quick guard installations and adjustments.
Features:
- Lanyard-ready with integrated lanyard loop
- 100% tool-free design allows users to change all accessories without the need of a tool
- Milwaukee Electronic Overload Protection maximizes motor life
- Electronic clutch extends tool life and helps prevent bind-up
- Tool delivers up to 3x more durability and up to 50% more power than the competition
5. Milwaukee 2882-20 M18 FUEL Brushless Lithium-Ion Cordless Braking Grinder
The MILWAUKEE M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Braking Grinder with ONE-KEY Paddle Switch, No Lock is the next advancement in power and performance of cordless grinders while enhancing safety with its RAPIDSTOP Brake. The M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. / 5 in. Braking Grinder with ONE-KEY generates 11 Amp corded power to complete the toughest grinding and cutting applications. The POWERSTATE Brushless Motor delivers maximum sustained power and 8500 RPM to remove material faster and increase productivity. REDLINK PLUS Intelligence ensures unmatched levels of performance, protection, and compatibility. The RAPIDSTOP Brake provides stop times under 2 seconds with an abrasive disc.
This battery-powered grinder includes an electronic clutch for kickback protection, as well as overload protection to maximize motor life. Compatible with ONE-KEY, this grinder wirelessly connects to a smartphone to track and manage the tool, providing visibility to where tools are across a network of jobs.
Features:
- Includes a RAPIDSTOP Brake, to quickly stop accessories and Enhance Safety
- Paddle Switch Design for Increased Comfort and Ease-Of-Use when Operating in Various Positions
- Tool-Free Guard Adjustment for faster guard installations and adjustments
- Tool-Free Accessory Changes with Integrated FIXTEC Nut Technology
- Electronic Clutch for Kickback Protection
- 5/8 in. -11 in. Spindle for Use with Common Grinding Accessories
- Overload Protection to Maximize Motor Life
FAQs
What does a braking grinder do?
The world’s first cordless braking grinder stops accessories in under 2 seconds, delivers the power of a corded grinder, and has up to 10X longer tool life. The M18 FUEL 4-1/2″ / 5″ Grinder supplies maximum sustained power to complete the toughest grinding, surface preparation and cutting applications.
Does Milwaukee have a variable speed grinder?
Constant Power Technology enables the grinder to maintain speed under load for unmatched performance and productivity. Featuring a 100% tool-free design, this Grinder allows the user to change all accessories, including hubbed product, without a wrench.
What is the difference between a grinder and an angle grinder?
In a nutshell, a die grinder is typically smaller and has several different attachments that can help you cut, sand, polish, and various other things. The angle grinder is a larger and often heavier tool that uses a rotating wheel to grind, sand, or cut larger materials.
What is a braking grinder?
Milwaukee Tool has recently released the first to market cordless braking grinder, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Braking Grinder. The M18 grinder is equipped with a rapid breaking feature that completely stops the blade in under 2 seconds, as well as a kick-back reducing clutch as an extra safety precaution.