Milwaukee Cordless Grinders are a line of portable and powerful grinders and cut-off tools. These tools feature large bearings and strong motors for durability and performance. Milwaukee Tools’ cordless grinders run on powerful REDLITHIUM™ batteries to keep them going until your job is complete.
These very useful tools, with interchangeable discs and brushes, accomplish a variety of tasks. Grinding wheels allow metal grinders to grind down metal or concrete for a more professional-looking finished appearance. Cut-off wheels are like grinding wheels but designed to cut into material. Cordless angle grinders equipped with cut-off wheels can remove bolts and screws that are too long or have stripped heads, rebar that sticks out of its forms and many other annoyances.
Electric grinders do more than simply grind or cut. Fit one with a sanding wheel for finishing wood or other projects with rough surfaces. Buffing wheels allow you to swiftly polish and shine cars, boats or other jobs that require a smooth mirror finish.
Why Buy Milwaukee Cordless Grinders?
Cordless angle grinders offer performance and convenience. Designed to run on either the M18™ battery system, each one delivers on portability and the same performance as most Milwaukee corded power tools. High-powered REDLITHIUM batteries run longer than standard batteries and work to power all other tools in their same system, meaning that you save money from being able to use one battery set all day long.
All Milwaukee cordless tools include a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty, giving you the assurance that you need to know your tools will be working for years to come. Cordless electric grinders are powerful, durable and versatile and included in the wide-ranging M18 battery systems. They have the accessories available to finish any grinding, cutting, sanding or polishing project.
Factors To Consider When Buying A Cordless Angle Grinder
Before committing to buying one, there are multiple aspects of a cordless angle grinder that you should consider. To get the most out of your purchase, make sure to always begin by correctly evaluating your needs and budget, then prioritize what is more important to you and start with that.
Handling
All seven products mentioned above are easy to handle and well balanced. The only difference between them is the length and the weight. If you need a tool that will be carried around a lot or if you’ll grind holding it over your head, you should consider the lighter options. On the other hand, if you plan on grinding cement and marble, heavier options might actually help put some load on the head.
Ease of use
Using the tool isn’t just about the grinding. Every now and then, you may need to change a wheel, move a protector, or put the handle in a different position. When you are on the market for a cordless angle grinder, try to go for a model that doesn’t require any tools for changing the accessories. Luckily, most of them these days feature some kind of tool-free mechanism. Just make sure to stay away from the older models that use to require a special wrench to do so.
The same can be said regarding the upper handle. In most cases, the handle can be placed in 3 positions, on the left, right, and top. However, during my research, I found some models with fixed handles that cannot be moved. I don’t claim that they are bad, but they lack the flexibility of the others. Of course, these were not included in the list but just in case you shop around…
Power
There are some trade-offs with a lighter angle grinder, which often comes in the form of a less powerful motor. When you have a more compact cordless angle grinder, you get a smaller motor, meaning you may struggle in a highly demanding situation. However, all the grinders included in the list above have powerful motors good enough to reach speeds up to 8,500 to 10,000 RPM.
Battery life
Big or small, all cordless angle grinders draw juice from a battery. Each manufacturer has its batteries, and some offer multiple options. I would recommend getting the biggest battery the manufacturer provides for the best battery life. On the other hand, a bigger battery also means a heavier battery.
Alternatively, you can also just buy multiple batteries and switch with a full one when your battery is dead. That’s personally the trick I use. When possible, I try to buy tools from the same manufacturer so all the battery packs can be interchanged. I personally go with Milwaukee Fuel tools, but that’s just me. The same could be done with Craftsman, Ryobi, Porter-Cable, DeWalt, or any other manufacturer selling interchangeable batteries.
Safety Features
The safety features of a cordless angle grinder are something that not many people pay attention to. However, electric brake, automatic shutdown, kickback prevention, soft start, and tons of others are implemented to protect both you and the machine. Not all manufacturers have the same set of safety features, so keep an eye out for them. You probably won’t get all the best features in a single tool, especially the cheaper ones, but try to avoid the ones with no safety features—or watch out for your hands!
Tips for Using an Angle Grinder
Keep these tips in mind when choosing and using an angle grinder.
- The most common DIY projects where an angle grinder will be of use—such as cutting tile or pipe, metalworking, or removing grout and mortar—rarely require more than a 4.5-inch grinder.
- The ongoing vibration of an angle grinder can cause what is known as Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), with symptoms including pain and cold sensations in the user’s fingers, loss of grip strength, and a loss of sensation in the fingers and hands. An angle grinder with cushioned or vibration absorbent material on the grip can protect hands from ongoing vibration.
- Always wear personal protective equipment (PPE) including safety glasses/goggles, hearing protection, and respiratory protection when grinding.
- Check the grinder before use to ensure the disc and guard are properly attached and tightened. Discs and guards can become loose between uses. Tighten them before connecting the power to the angle grinder.
Our Top Picks:
1. Milwaukee 2485-20 M12 FUEL Lithium-Ion Right Angle Die Grinder
The M12 FUEL Right Angle Die Grinder is the first cordless right angle die grinder that delivers the size and performance professional service mechanics demand. This tool offers up to .3 HP performance, best-in-class size to help fit in tight places, and offers greater mobility and access. A 4-Mode RPM control and responsive variable speed trigger allow users unmatched control.
Features:
- 0.3 HP Motor Output
- 4-Mode RPM Control
- Greater Mobility and Access
- Optimum performance with 2 in. Accessories
- POWERSTATE Brushless Motor Technology
- M12 REDLITHIUM Battery Technology
- Part of the M12 System
2. Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 Lithium-Ion 4-1/2 in. Cordless Cut-off/Grinder
The M18 Cordless 4-1/2 in. Cut-Off/Grinder provides speed, durability and ease-of-use to the industrial user. Built with a Milwaukee 4-pole motor, the 2680-20 delivers maximum power when cutting or grinding. The 2680-22 is the only cordless cut-off/grinder in the market to provide the user-preferred paddle switch for comfort and ease-of-use when operating in various positions. L-shape intake vents protect the cut-off/grinder by keeping harmful debris from entering the tool and damaging internal components.
Features:
- Overload protection prevents damage to the tool and battery in abusive situations
- L-shape vents keep debris from entering the tool and damaging internal components to help increase tool life
- Easy to access and actuate tool-free guard makes it easier and less time consuming to adjust the guard for various applications
- Tool-free, burst-resistant guard allows for quick, easy guard adjustments
- The only cordless cut-off/grinder in the market with a paddle switch design
- Up to 35% faster cutting speed
- Up to 50% more cuts on a single charge
- 3-position side handle provides optimal control and versatility
- Works with M18 XC High Capacity Lithium-Ion batteries
3. Milwaukee 2981-20 M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. – 6 in. Braking Grinder with Lock-On Slide Switch
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
4. Milwaukee 6142-31 4-1/2 in. Small Angle Grinder No-Lock
The 11 Amp 4-1/2″ Small Angle Grinder (Paddle, No-Lock) delivers up to 3X more durability and up to 50% more power than the competition. With a 1,400 MWO motor that powers through the toughest jobs, the 6142-31 is the perfect match for industrial users. A grip circumference measuring a full 2 inches less than the competition, this Milwaukee grinder provides more control and less fatigue throughout the day.
Milwaukee’s 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. 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:
- Powerful grinder provides 12,000 RPM motor for fast material removal
- Same metal housing and gearing system as legendary high-performance corded grinders
- Overload Protection and electronic clutch (Available on 6142-30/31 models only)
- Electronic clutch extends life of tool and prevents bind-up
- Soft Start minimizes internal tool damage at start-up
- Line lock-out prevents start-up after power loss (Available on 6142-30/31 models only)
- Optimized air intake system provides superior cooling
- Tool-free adjustable guard for quick guard installations and adjustments
- Slimmest grip on the market for increased user comfort and control
- Long paddle provides multiple hand positions
- Enlarged bevel gear for longer gear life
5. Milwaukee 6124-31 5 in. 13 Amp Small Angle Grinder
The Milwaukee 5 in. 13 Amp Trigger Switch Small Angle Grinder delivers best in class durability and performance. Its powerful 13 Amp motor provides a no-load speed of 9,000 RPM to handle the most demanding grinding jobs. Designed with the Advanced Airflow system for extended life and durability, this grinder offers overload protection to prevent burn out and Constant Power technology to keep power when you need it. The grinder’s lightweight design allows for long periods of use with more comfort and less fatigue.
Features:
- Powerful 13 Amp motor offers a no-load speed of 9,000 RPM for even the toughest grinding jobs
- Electronic clutch extends the life of the tool and prevents bit bind ups
- Advanced Airflow system maximizes airflow and reduces debris ingress, improving motor performance and life
- Constant Power technology maintains consistent work speed while under load
- Overload protection reduces motor burn up, extending motor life
FAQs
What do you use angle grinder for?
An angle grinder is a handheld power tool that can be used for a variety of metal fabrication jobs that include cutting, grinding, deburring, finishing and polishing. The most common types of angle grinders are powered by electricity.
Can a grinder be used as a sander?
When you need to remove or sand a lot of surface wood away, turning your angle grinder into a sander is the easiest and most cost effective way to do it. These discs are specifically designed for use on an angle grinder, and make sanding away lots of surface area a breeze.
Can I use an angle grinder as a polisher?
The problem with using an angle grinder for polishing your car is the rotational speed. Angle grinders, with the exception of the variable-speed grinders, such as the Bosch GWS8100CE, typically work on one set speed, typically around 9,000rpm to 12,000rpm to either grind or cut.
What are deburring tools?
Deburring tools are handheld tools used to remove burrs from the raw edges and holes of a product. This process creates a smooth finish from a rough cut so that the item can effectively serve its intended purpose.