Angle grinders are a dime a dozen these days. So, if you’re looking for a new one or something to upgrade your toolbox, it could be pretty challenging to find a suitable model.
In today’s Milwaukee M18 angle grinder review, I’ll be walking you through this family of these power tools. The M18 has been on the market for some time, but it still sells quite hot on charts thanks to a combination of good performance, thoughtful design, and high reliability.
See for yourself if it has what it takes to be your next angle grinder!
Contents
Top 3 Best Milwaukee M18 Angle Grinders: In-Depth Review
1. Milwaukee 2880-20 M18 FUEL 4-½/5 Inch Grinder Paddle Switch
The Milwaukee M18 2880-20 is meant to be the entry-level grinder in the M18 series.
However, a cheaper price tag doesn’t mean worse performance or build quality. My assessments as well as customer reviews have shown that this model still maintains the build quality of more expensive models. The performance level, while not as high, is reasonable for the price point of the product, too.
- 11-Amp power
With the 2880-20, Milwaukee has planned to give you a more portable angle grinder to be used for short grinding and cutting tasks. On a single XC6.0 battery, this model can perform 135 cuts in ½-inch rebar.
In order to achieve that level of performance, Milwaukee loaded the grinder with a capable 11-amp motor, which can spin the grinding wheel up to 8,500 RPM.
- Tool-free accessory change
You can change up the accessory without using any tool. The 2880-20 is integrated with FIXTEC technology. The ⅝-11 spindle is compatible with many common accessories right out of the gate.
- POWERSTATE™ brushless motor
Speaking of the motor (called POWERSTATE™), it is brushless. This means the motor in this item has a longer lifespan, requires less maintenance, runs less hot, and is more power-efficient compared to the brushed motors found in competing grinders.
- Relatively compact & Lightweight design
As I mentioned earlier, Milwaukee intended the 2880-20 to be a portable grinder that you can bring with you anywhere and deal with small grinding and cutting tasks. The design reflects this intention.
The tool weighs 5.5 pounds, so you can carry it around with relative ease. Additionally, with it being only 15.8 inches long, you can comfortably work in cramped, awkward spaces with the grinder.
- Versatile & Smart battery packs
The angle grinder is compatible with Milwaukee’s REDLITHIUM battery packs. Depending on the type of battery, different features and capacities are offered. For example, if you select the REDLITHIUM Hight Output battery, it provides more performance power than standard REDLITHIUM packs.
So, pick and choose the different kinds of batteries on offer in accordance with your needs.
Every battery comes with Milwaukee’s patented REDLINK technology. According to the manual, it facilitates communication between the tool and battery. The communication link optimizes performance, efficiency, and safety in the process.
Keep in mind that the tool comes with neither the battery nor the charger. You’ll have to buy both separately.
- Loaded with safety mechanisms
Like other grinders in the M18 family, the 2880-20 comes with an electronic clutch to prevent kickback. There is an overload protection system to protect the motor from burning itself out when it comes under too much load.
Last but not least, the side handle has anti-vibration technology. It not only improves comfort but also safety when you handle the tool, as well.
2. Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 FUEL 4-½”/5” Pad
A mid-range offering from Milwaukee, the 2780-20 M18 has the best of both worlds. It’s more powerful and comes with more features than its budget-friendly sibling. At the same time, it maintains a reasonable price tag.
It’s the best Milwaukee M18 grinder if you’re looking for something in the middle of the price and performance spectrum.
- High-powered POWERSTATE™ brushless motor
According to Milwaukee, 2780-20 is “the world’s first cordless grinder that delivers the power of a corded grinder”. Although I believe this is mostly marketing talk, that doesn’t mean the item is underpowered in any way.
The 2780-20’s motor is powerful enough to cut and grind stainless steel. Other materials such as wood, tiles, and stone can also be worked on using this grinder.
It is equipped with the same type of brushless motor that powered the Milwaukee 2880-20 (POWERSTATE™). The manufacturer claimed that it is able to provide 10 times longer motor life and better performance than angle grinders equipped with standard brushed motors.
The motor can spin your grinding wheel of choice to a speed of 8,500 RPM.
- 4 ½ /5-inch grinding wheel & Tool-free changing
The arbor size of this grinder is ⅝-11. It accepts 4 ½-inch as well as 5-inch grinding wheels. Whenever you need to change out the wheel or switch in any accessory, you can do so without using any tool.
- Compact & Lightweight design
Despite being more powerful than the entry-level 2880-20, the 2780-20 maintains approximately the same size and weight. It measures 15 inches, which still makes it a highly compact angle grinder.
In terms of weight, this model doesn’t deviate much from its cheaper sibling, either. It weighs only a bit more at 5.8 pounds.
All in all, if you’re looking for a compact and lightweight grinder, this model can still fit the bill nicely.
- Smart battery technology
As it is a cordless angle grinder, the bread and butter of the tool lies in the battery.
The 2780-20 M18 accepts the same REDLITHIUM battery cells that pair up with the M18 2880-20. When you place the cell in, REDLINK technology is going to regulate the power and ensure that the tool is efficient and safe for use.
The grinder does not come with a complimentary battery or a charger. You have to buy both of these items separately.
3. Milwaukee 2785-20 M18 FUEL 7 in./ 9 in. Large Angle Grinder
The M18 2785-20 line is reserved primarily for professionals who need a beefy grinder with plenty of cutting and grinding power to do their job. It costs a few pretty pennies, but if you do need the extra power, this grinder will ultimately be a good investment.
- Professional-grade performance with a 15-Amp motor
Befitting a pro-grade angle grinder, the Milwaukee 2785-20 comes with a 15-amp motor. It can easily drive a large grinding wheel (7 or 9 inches) to 6,600 RPM.
This is ample power to handle any heavy-duty task that you may have at hand, such as grinding and cutting thick metal. It can cut through thick steel frames easily.
The M18 2785-20 is equipped with Milwaukee’s brushless POWERSTATE™motor. It is partly how the grinder is able to provide so much power despite being a cordless drill. Of course, you’ll also enjoy the benefit of having a brushless motor, such as a longer lifespan and less rigorous maintenance, as well.
- 7-inch/9-inch grinding wheels & Tool-free accessory change
Probably the most impressive part about this angle grinder is that it accepts large 7-inch and 9-inch grinding wheels. You can fit them to the grinder via the ⅝-inch-11 spindle, which also facilitates tool-free accessory and wheel change.
- High-quality construction
In line with the price tag, the construction of the angle grinder is very well done. Its body is made from impact-resistant plastic. The rear handle is coated in a layer of rubber to improve comfort. At the front, the gears and sensitive components are protected by a metal casing.
All in all, you can bring the M18 2785-20 to dirty, grimy construction and job sites. It won’t break down on you if you do.
- Weighty design
As expected, you’ll need some strength to use this tool for long periods.
The tool alone weighs close to 12 pounds. From tip to rear, it measures 22.3 inches. Therefore, if you’re looking for a lightweight and portable angle grinder, this model isn’t it (check the two models above, instead).
- Powerful & Smart battery system
Because the M18 2785-20 draws more power than any other Milwaukee M18 angle grinder, I highly recommend you to pick up high-capacity battery packs. The tool accepts REDLITHIUM HD batteries, which are larger, heavier-duty cells compared to the standard REDLITHIUM cells.
I found the REDLITHIUM High Output HD12.0 battery to work best with this model. It can provide the extra power and energy capacity needed for the angle grinder to handle prolonged, hard work.
Like other best M18 grinders, the 2785-20 also comes with REDLINK PLUS energy management system.
Unfortunately, even when you’re buying the most premium tool, don’t expect to buy the Milwaukee M18 FUEL grinder with battery included. You’ll still have to buy the battery and the charger separately.
- Safety mechanisms
Besides making sure that the battery operates efficiently, the REDLINK PLUS system also ensures that it runs safely. The system can protect the tool from overloading, overheating, and over-discharging.
It works in concert with a variety of other safety mechanisms, like overload protection for the motor and the electronic clutch. You’ll also get anti-vibration technology within the handle, which improves comfort as well as handling.
Check more: Milwaukee 2680-20 Grinder Review
Review Summary
The M18 Milwaukee tool family has a lot to offer if you’re on the market for a new cordless angle grinder. No matter what your needs are and what your budget is, you’ll always find a fitting model in their portfolio.
If you need something budget-friendly for light works, the 2880-20 is the way to go. On the other hand, if what you’re looking for is a balanced angle grinder that can handle light-duty works as well as heavy-duty, try the 2780-20. Last but not least, for professionals, the 2785-20 is going to be an excellent investment.
I hope this Milwaukee M18 angle grinder review has cleared things up for you on what the M18 series is all about.
Which model turns out to be the perfect fit for you? Leave your comment!
