Customer Reviews for Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in./6 in. Braking Grinder with Paddle Switch (Tool-Only)

I use my grinders mostly for rough woodworking outdoors. This M18 Fuel Cordless 5" Flathead Grinder is the Paddle-Switch/No-Lock Version. I wouldn't even consider the Thumb Switch Version for woodworking. I need to be able to release the trigger without taking my hands off the handles. This sweet tool has a Controlled Start--no "jerk" when spinning up and a "RapidStop" E-Brake that stops the wheel after releasing the trigger. The wheel stopped faster than I could say, "One, Two". The onboard electronics are cutting edge and control the brushless motor for the E-Clutch features and battery performance. This 2886-20 Kit is Tool Only. You'll have to buy a charger and M18 batteries separately. It comes with a cool looking anti-vibration handle, an Open Faced Guard, a Closed Guard, and a Spindle Wrench. Milwaukee opted to go with the Spindle Wrench on this latest generation model. Inserting and setting up the Guards is all tool-free however. I really like the thumb operated Guard Lock Lever. Just depress the Lever and rotate the Guard to one of the détentes. Couldn't be simpler. This tool is physically longer than my old grinders, but lighter weight and definitely much shorter in height at the business end with the "Flathead" design. These tools generically are called angle grinders because of the 90 degree gearbox at the business end. Milwaukee's industrial designers & mechanical engineers have optimized the gearbox to enable this tool to get into tight spaces. It looks cool as well. I can hold on to this tool in a much better stance than with my old grinders and is a huge step up ergonomically. 5 stars for an incredible tool.

I myself and my wife are so happy that we got this new grinder and we are going to put it to use.This is the newest model from Milwaukee and it is going to come in handy for the both of us. I like this because it is portable and i can take it with me if i need to use it somewhere besides at home.it is not too heavy and seems to be very powerful and we are so excited to get to use it,Thank you Home Depot and Milwaukee.All my family and friends need to go check out this grinder,you will not be disappointed.

Typical Milwaukee quality. This flat head grinder is designed to fit into tight spaces. It has a slide switch and a brake for rapid stop. This tool is made in Vietnam, guards and handle in China. There are 2 guards included, for to grinding wheels and cutting. The guards install and adjust quickly without a tool. A wrench is included for wheel change. The grips are comfortable, and absorb vibration. I like this tool and expect a useful life from it.

I picked this Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 5 in. Flathead Braking Grinder with Slide Switch Lock-On up for various uses around the house. This is my first Milwaukee tool and I’m super impressed! The design is sleek, love the low profile design to optimize functionality. The RAPIDSTOP BRAKE that slows the wheel within two seconds is an incredible safety feature. I had to borrow a battery to use it. I used it to grind down some rebar from my pool deck that had been used to support my diving board I removed. This thing performed like a beast, totally grinded the exposed rebar to just below the cool deck surface to make it much safer for my kids. I’d suggest using the High Output Battery’s to optimize the performance and duration of use if possible. Highly recommend!

Allows me to get into the tight spaces. Cuts trim fast on the fly. Rips plywood faster than a rabid beaver compact unlike the heavy models . Only issue is they don’t make a guard for bigger blades.

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18 Volt Brushless Cordless 4 1/2 - 5 in Angle Grinder with paddle switch was a great upgrade from my non-FUEL Milwaukee 4 1/2 - 5 in. Angle Grinder. I have been using the brushed version for the past year and a half but felt I needed more power and runtime. The FUEL version stepped up to the plate. Has been instrumental in stripping paint/rust/scale from a few metal restoration projects that I have been working on. The added power and extended run time using High Output 6amp batteries has saved me a great amount of time. The paddle switch is easy to use after a short learning curve if you haven't used one before. Definitely recommend.

This grinder set came with a charger and two 18 volt, 6 ampere hour batteries, a wrench for removing and installing the wheels, and a carrying case. It does not include any grinding or cutting wheels. This grinder is fast, versatile, and powerful. I have only had it for a little over a month and have already used for multiple projects. It is perfect for sharpening cutting tools. It makes quick work of sharpening rotary lawn mower blades or things like your garden hoe or manual lawn edger. I have also used it for grinding down weld beads and for grinding the heads off of rivets for some disassembly work. It makes quick work of those activities too. With a diamond edged blade I used it for cutting up a batch of steel channel and some heavy sheet metal to manageable sizes for a salvage operation and for cutting the heads off some rusted bolts. I expect it would also work well for cutting auto body panels. And with a masonry blade you can also cut concrete, concrete blocks or bricks. Its versatility is further enhanced by being battery powered. Are you working distant from an electrical source? Just grab it and go - no need to find an electrical outlet or drag an extension cord around. This grinder is designed for use with five-inch stones or blades. There does not seem to be as much selection available for five inch attachments as there is for the more common 4-1/2 inch sizes, but I have had no difficulty finding the stones and blades that I needed. According to the instruction manual that came with the grinder, it can also be used with the 4-1/2 inch stones and blades if you purchase the optional blade guard for the 4-1/2 inch stones or blades.

Great grinder with nice weight to power ratio. I love this thing. I love the two batteries that it comes with and the charger and of course the grinder. Everything fits nicely into the bag and the weight is perfect. Its got a nice guard on it to protect you from the disc but it can be removed if necessary. The handle can be mounted on either side and it appears to have a shock absorber to reduce vibration or at least that's what it looks like. Noise level is nice in that it seems to be quieter than my other Milwaukee plug-in grinder. All in all this is a nice, versatile grinder that can go anywhere you need it to go! Truly love it.

An angle grinder is one of those tools that once you have one you want a couple more. In most cases when I am using an angle grinder I will be preforming multiple functions. Grinding, cutting, cleaning with a wire wheel or smoothing surface with a flap disc. Multiple grinders allow you to set up for multiple functions saving time and energy in the shop. I have 2 - 4 1/2" corded grinders and still find myself changing wheels more often than I would like. This cordless Milwaukee is the first I've owned with a paddle switch. This took a little getting used to but I like it. When you let go of the switch it stops, the disadvantage is you must hold the switch, there is no switch lock. It is also heavier than my corded grinders, this is in part because of the 6 AH batteries. I found battery life to be excellent. I cut up some scrap metal for recycling then was away for almost 2 weeks. When I returned I tested the tool doing some grinding, smoothing with a flap disc and cleaning rust with a wire wheel. This was all on the initial charge and the battery showed 50% charge and the tool was running well. My only negative comment was there is no on tool storage for the wrench. This feature is on the cheapest grinder I have and it's great, you always know there the wrench is.

Milwaukee Tools manufacture’s some of the highest-quality power tools available for both Construction Professionals, and Advanced Do-It-Yourself handy persons. The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Grinder is powered by an 18-Volt Lithium-Ion battery. The grinder accepts 4 ½ and 5-inch outside diameter grinding disks. The Kit includes a Red and Black fabric tote, outside pockets on both sides, and generously large interior storage space that’s zippered along its top, with a pair of fabric handles. The tote is embroidered with the “Milwaukee M18 Fuel” logo. The Kit includes a rugged, yet light-weight grinder. An adjustable grinding wheel safety guard, an arbor wrench, two rechargeable 18-Volt, 6.0 Ah Lithium-Ion batteries, and a powerful rapid-charging M18 multiple-voltage charging station designed to accept all Milwaukee M-series batteries. To operate the grinder, its power switch includes a two-step safety feature to prevent accidental starts. This safety feature is easy to operate. When starting the grinder, the first switch is depressed allowing the main switch to operate. The safety guard is simple to install and operate. Once it’s in position around the arbor it is easily moved into position by pressing on a small lever above the guarding.

I have a paddle switched corded grinder and debated between getting this Milwaukee cordless grinder with the slide switch or the paddle switch. I elected to go with the slide switch and it has worked out great. I no longer have to keep my hand firmly on the switch. That gives me a bit more flexibility in hand positions while using it. Being cordless has been great. I don’t have to mind the cord and the power hasn’t been an issue. The kit comes with two 6AH batteries and a charger. I can also swap in batteries from my other tools if I run through the charge on one before the other is fully recharged. It is about as heavy as my corded grinder, but the batteries balance the tool nicely. The protective shroud can be rotated to protect from sparks in multiple positions. Overall I really like this tool. I haven’t found a flaw in it.

This machine is bigger than I need. The size however is exactly what you need to cut a varied list of objects. I’m a 5’7” female so I get tired it I use this grinder for too long. Pace yourself. I’m currently restoring a 66 mustang Fastback. Chopping up this car is made easy with this grinder. this thing chews through metal. I did not expect it to be easy on batteries, given how much power it has. Comes with 2 batteries. Keep them charged and ready to go or your project will come to a complete stop. I am very happy with the performance and good quality. Love love love the storage bag.

I've become a big fan of cordless tools, and I'm a huge fan of Milwaukee products, so when I got the chance to try out this Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4 1/2 in/5 in. Grinder, I jumped at the chance. Can't say I'm disappointed in the least - this is one powerful grinder. With the proper cutting wheels, it made quick work of everything I threw at it. Ceramic tile, masonry, steel, concrete block, all no problem. And with the 6.0 AH battery, you have plenty of cutting time. The weight of the grinder is well balanced and the tool handles easily. And the shield adjusts quickly to change the cutting field, something my old corded grinder couldn't do. No more hot metal shards flying off where they don't belong. 2 batteries and the charger are included, as is a carrying bag to keep things organized. I'm very happy with this tool. Another fine effort from Milwaukee and highly recommended!

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4 1/2 inch to 5 inch Grinder is a very nice tool to have in your arsenal. It is pretty heavy and measures 12 1/2 inches long without the battery or 16 inches long with the XC6.0 battery attached. When you first get it, you need to charge your batteries before using it. It comes with 2 – XC 6.0 batteries and a battery charger that charges both the 18 volt and 12-volt Milwaukee batteries. As stated, this is not a lightweight tool. It requires both hands to use it. It is single speed with a locking on/off switch. One major issue I had with the switch is that it’s too easy to turn it on. While using the tool it slipped in my hand and my thumb slid over the switch. The tool turned on and the switch automatically locked. It almost cut my arm but I dropped it and got out of its way. The wheel guard is not attached when the tool arrives but is easily assembled and can be swiveled and locked into 5 pre-set positions. The battery slides into the end of the grinder and locks into position. Easily removed by simultaneously squeezing 2 side buttons and slide the battery off. The battery slides into the battery charger but doesn’t lock into place. The lights on the battery light up to indicate the level it is charged. This tool is an M18 (18 volt) but the charger will also charge M12 (12 volt) Milwaukee batteries. Also included is a side handle that can be screwed into either side of the grinder for more support and control during operation. This grinder can be used with any 4 1/2 inch or 5-inch grinding wheel, cutoff wheel, wire brush wheel, or any disk normally used on a side grinder. None are included with this kit but easily available at any Home Depot. A spanner wrench is included to assist in installing or removing the wheels. The tool and accessories come with a large, zippered Milwaukee tool bag that easily holds everything in this kit plus a large assortment of several wheels and disks. Instructions are provided for both the grinder and charger in English, French, and Spanish. A 5-year warranty is provided on the tool and 3-year warranty on the batteries. The tool and charger are made in Vietnam and the guard is made in China. This is a very durable and powerful portable grinder and is very handy without having to drag out power extension cords.

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4 1/2 inch to 5 inch Grinder is a very nice tool to have in your arsenal. It is pretty heavy and measures 12 1/2 inches long without the battery or 16 inches long with the XC6.0 battery attached. When you first get it, you need to charge your batteries before using it. It comes with 2 – XC 6.0 batteries and a battery charger that charges both the 18 volt and 12-volt Milwaukee batteries. As stated, this is not a lightweight tool. It requires both hands to use it. It is single speed with a locking on/off switch. One major issue I have with the switch is that it’s too easy to turn it on. If the tool slips and your thumb slides over the switch, the switch slides forward and automatically locks on. This could cause some serious accidents where it could cut into your arm. There needs to be a safety switch designed into it so that accidents like this can be avoided. The wheel guard is not attached when the tool arrives but is easily assembled and can be swiveled and locked into 5 pre-set positions. The battery slides into the end of the grinder and locks into position. Easily removed by simultaneously squeezing 2 side buttons and slide the battery off. The battery slides into the battery charger but doesn’t lock into place. The lights on the battery light up to indicate the level it is charged. This tool is an M18 (18 volt) but the charger will also charge M12 (12 volt) Milwaukee batteries. Also included is a side handle that can be screwed into either side of the grinder for more support and control during operation. This grinder can be used with any 4 1/2 inch or 5-inch grinding wheel, cutoff wheel, wire brush wheel, or any disk normally used on a side grinder. None are included with this kit but easily available at any Home Depot. A spanner wrench is included to assist in installing or removing the wheels. The tool and accessories come with a large, zippered Milwaukee tool bag that easily holds everything in this kit plus a large assortment of several wheels and disks. Instructions are provided for both the grinder and charger in English, French, and Spanish. A 5-year warranty is provided on the tool and 3-year warranty on the batteries. The tool and charger are made in Vietnam and the guard is made in China. This is a very durable and powerful portable grinder and is very handy without having to drag out power extension cords. As stated before, I would be very concerned of the lack of a safety switch. The existing switch can be very easily locked “ON” accidently and causing serious harm. That is the only reason I’m giving it a 4 out of 5 stars. I recommended this product but you MUST be very careful using it due to the lack of a safety switch.

The 2880-22, 4-1/2” / 5” Grinder kit is the latest addition to my Milwaukee M18 family. After trying many different brands of cordless power tools I’ve settled on Milwaukee because the have given me consistently good results. This grinder seems that it will live up to my expectations. It seems sturdy and well built. The weight makes it feel durable without being excessive. Whether I am using it at home or at the job it should hold up well. The power switch is well placed and very intuitive. The combination of the Redlink Plus and the Redlithium gives me plenty of power and I’ve never had a battery expire mid job like I have with other brands. I don’t know what Milwaukee is doing different but it works. Replacing disks is simple and requires little disassembly which equates to little downtime. Of course, being a part of the M18 line, the batteries are interchangeable with all my other tools for the best efficiency. No regrets, no complaints with this tool.

Whenever I pull in the driveway and see a Milwaukee box sitting on the steps it is a good day. This kit includes 2 high output 6.0 batteries, side handle, rapid charger, full cutting guard, and a sturdy carry case. I like the charger because it charges in the same time the other battery last so very little down time between charges. The grinder is very powerful and the special trigger prevents it from engaging in storage or on the road. This is a nice kit.

Impressive grinder! I got the grinder for odd jobs inside the shop or remote places where I have no power or do not want to get out a power cord. I use it for grinding as well using Cut-Off wheels to cut metal. The 11 amp motor has plenty of power for all jobs. The 6.0 Ah lithium batteries last longer than I expected and they are compatible with my other 18V tools from this brand. It seems well-made and the screw in handle helps me hold it easily. I like the paddle switch with the safety, it makes for ease of mind that I don’t accidentally start it. The no kickback feature is very nice especially cutting metal. It was quick and easy to change the guard around for different applications and easy to change from grinder wheel from grinder wheel to cut-off wheel. It is nice that you can use 4 ½ and 5 in wheels. This grinder package with 2 batteries, charger and carrying bag is a great addition, highly recommended.

I work in remote locations most days and can't always bring a generator so I rely on Milwaukee battery powered tools regularly. I had not been impressed with battery powered grinders in the past but thought I would give the new stuff a try. I can't believe how fast I cut through a 10 inch diameter 1/4 inch thick pipe. The tool never bogged down and the double sided guard gave me comfort knowing if something happened to the disk I wouldn't get hit with the debris. The guard has a neat fast adjust button to change the position so you can get in the most comfortable position and still be protected. I also like the option of using 4.5 or 5 inch disks so I can use up my old ones. Unless I am going to be grinding all day and can plug in this is now my go to tool.

I received the Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in./5 in. Grinder, Paddle Switch Kit with Two 6.0 Ah Batteries a couple days ago. It's a great product and easy to use. It also comes with a contractor bag for storage. Yesterday I used the grinder with a coarse wheel to remove the rust from an old axe and to sharpen it. I'm really pleased with this product and it definitely met my expectations.

I really like this cordless grinder. It makes some of the jobs I've had to do so much easier. Just the fact of not having to have an electrical outlet or cords makes it a game changer. The grinder has plenty of power and during the times I've used it so far I haven't come close to wearing the batteries down. The batteries are a bigger 6.0 Ah size so they can go a little longer than normal and the indicator is nice as well. The handle can be switched from right to left depending on which hand you like to use. The grinder is a little heavy but no worse than dragging a grinder and cord around. Comes with a nice tote as well.

This Milwaukee M18 cordless grinder is a nice well balanced tool to have in any shop or box. It handles 4-1/2" to 5" x 5/8 wheels. It has a guard that has tool less adjustment letting you rotate the guard to any offset angle you desire. It utilizes the M18 battery and it comes with two of them along with a charger that also charges M12 batteries. It also includes one spanner wrench. I was able to cut 1/2 rebar with ease.

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 4-1/2 in./5 in. Grinder, Slide Switch Kit with Two 6.0 Ah Batteries is awsome! The kit has pretty much all the things you need to do most any grinding job. As always, the Milwaukee batteries seem to last forever. The grinder is well balanced in your hands. And the power seems to be better than my corded grinder. Great tool. And I firmly recomend it.

This grinder is well made and depending on battery size is light weight. I like the easy on and off of the guard going from disk to a wire cup. Also there is a movable guard that protects the operator when using a disk. Accessories are easy to change with the wrench and push button that locks the shaft to loosen or tighten the accessories. The side handle can be moved to ether side.

The angle grinder is one of my most "go-to" tools. I use them for sanding, grinding, wire-brushing and cutting. I have 3 corded grinders, 2 of them switch operated and one paddle. I prefer the switch type but I often get into trouble with that style (always on until you operate the switch versus quick release of the paddle type stops the tool). So, I was really wanting the portability and versatility of cordless but I knew it would be safest to go with the paddle switch. Milwaukee is my preferred brand and this kit is the perfect set for all my grinding work. It comes with 2) 6.0 Ah batteries that give extremely long runtime. The batteries are big, but not heavy, however, I have smaller 18 volt Milwaukee batteries if I get into a project that 6.0 Ah batteries are too bulky - but that has not happened yet. How does the Milwaukee cordless stand-up to my corded grinders? Well, my toughest grinder is a Dewalt D28402 and in comparison the Milwaukee cordless has as much muscle as the Dewalt. The Milwaukee 2880-22 is well designed. It balances very well at the paddle switch with the 6.0 battery installed. My only gripe is Milwaukee's guard design. They intended to make it tool-free but in comparison to my Dewalt D28402, it's more of a hassle to get the guard to a position that works for the grinder task. I do appreciate the clip-on guard that is designed to provide more of enclosed shield over the metal guard. The Milwaukee 2880-22 grinder is an awesome tool and outside the guard issue, I am glad to have in my arsenal.

Great to have cordless tools. This Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18 Volt lithium ion brushless cordless 4-1/2 in/5 in grinder comes with two 6.0 ah batteries. We have an electric one but having a large property this will come in handy to be able to use it cordless in other areas then just in the house or garage. It does not come with any disks. It is a little heavier then my electric one, but the mobility of using makes up for it. It has maximum sustained power and 8,500 RPM to remove material faster and increase productivity. It is very loud. Comes with a bag to store it in which is nice, and with tool-free accessory and guard adjustments it means faster accessory changes. It includes: Includes: (1) M18 FUEL 4-1/2" / 5" Grinder Paddle Switch, No-Lock (2880-20), (1) T27 Guard, (1) T1 Clip-On Guard, (1) Side Handle, (1) Spanner Wrench, (1) Back Flange, (1) Flange Nut. Can't wait for the next project to start using this.

This Milwaukee M18 Fuel grinder tool easily tops the scale in power, quality, durability and craftsmanship. I have a number of the Fuel brushless tools and have never been disappointed in their performance. While these tools may be more expensive than other tool brands, there is no comparison - as the saying goes, you get what you pay for. In addition to the grinder itself, the kit comes with two M18 RedLithium High output 6Ah battery packs providing extended run time. Also included are a combination 18v and 12v rapid charger, type 1 and type 27 disk guards, spanner tool, and a large soft-sided carrying bag. The grinders guard has six detents and is quickly adjustable. The motor air vents at the base of the handle has a filter screen which is easily detachable for cleaning – prevents metal dust and debris from damaging the motor. The screw-in side handle has a vibration dampening construction which works very well and is a welcomed feature for large jobs. The tool and battery weigh-in at 6.8 pounds – heavier than a corded grinder but with much more job-site flexibility. Overall, very happy with this tool and highly recommend it for the professional or DIYer.

Great tool for the job! The large 6 ah batteries are big and offer a lot of power and cutting time between charges. I like that the motor is brushless so I expect a long life for this grinder. The tool is balanced well but and a little heavier than other grinders I have used. However, I expect that from a tool that is required to perform very well, all the time, as do all of my other Milwaukee tools. The recharge time of the batteries from dead to full is about 20 minutes. So it is very handy if you have the backup battery ready. I do not use the tool enough that I will see a need for my standby battery but who knows as it is better to be prepared than waiting. I did not read that the tool did not come with at least one wheel. That's on me but it would have been nice to have a starter wheel included. I would still give the tool 10 stars if I could.

I didn't have a lot of prior experience with grinders but I had some metal to cut and I was told this was the tool to do it. That was no lie. This grinder by Milwaukee is a powerhouse that goes through metal like butter. This is an incredible tool... with a multitude of functions that I haven't even tried yet. The cutting is only the beginning. This tool polishes, grinds, and - of course - cuts like nothing I've ever used before. The people at Milwaukee provide a rapid charger, TWO batteries, and a heavy duty bag to carry it all in. They do NOT include any wheels, which - I presume - is because there simply ARE so many accessories that perform so many vastly different functions that they figure it's best to let you select your own rather than supplying many that you might not want, need, or use. I do recommend caution. This is a 'two hand' tool, so secure your work before you begin. And there's little need to add the obvious caution of protective eyewear and any other normal safety norms. All in all, this is a dynamic tool that I look forward to getting better at using. This is likely to become one of those tools that you didn't see an absolute need for... then you get and find you can't do without it! I love that it's battery operated to keep it completely mobile. And I love that it comes from a company - Milwaukee - that I've come to totally trust!

Was a little disappointed that this kit did not come with any grinding/cutting wheels, so I had to make a trip to the store before I could get started. However, once I got discs I was ready to roll. This is a nice size grinder using 7” and 9” wheels. It is lighter than an electric grinder and not having a cord is a huge plus. Battery held its charge for a long time. 20 minutes of work and I have not needed to stop or change the battery. Instructions are pretty clear. Comfortable in my hands, easy to use. Great motor.. Heavy duty and durable. The bag that comes with it is a nice extra. Highly recommended