If you need a 4.5/5 for size constraints I would go with the 2887 for lock-on, or 2886 for paddle switch. Both of these models are the newer design with the slim head for access in tighter spaces. They also feature the rapid stop brake. If you're okay with a little bit bigger grinder the 2981 and 2980 are capable of utilizing a 6" blade, and have quite a bit more ass behind them. As well as being able to cut deeper. I would not buy the 2880 or 2881 they are a little bit older and don't have the rapid-stop tech. Whatever you do, do not buy a non-fuel model. It is very much worth the extra money for the fuel models on high draw tools. I personally have and use the 2883, great grinder. I prefer the lock-on switch instead of paddle. If the 2887 had been out when I bought mine that's what I would have bought. Answer from TURBOWANDS on reddit.com
Pro Tool Reviews
protoolreviews.com › home › milwaukee m18 fuel 6-inch angle grinder review 3672
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-inch Angle Grinder Review 3672 - Pro Tool Reviews
October 6, 2025 - It held up strong under pressure, with no noticeable drop in power or stalls, even while bearing down on a section of heavy-gauge angle iron. For those who are skeptical about cordless grinders’ ability to compete with their corded counterparts, the Milwaukee 3672 ...
Pro Tool Reviews
protoolreviews.com › home › best milwaukee m18 fuel cordless angle grinders compared
Best Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Angle Grinders Compared
December 21, 2023 - 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 model 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.
Videos
08:46
New Milwaukee Tools! M18 Fuel 3672 Angle Grinder Review - YouTube
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Let’s Compare a Milwaukee Cordless Grinder vs Harbor Freight ...
09:52
Best Cordless Angle Grinder - Milwaukee M18 Angle Grinder (2880-20) ...
11:07
Milwaukee Grinder M18 3670-20 Review #milwaukeetools - YouTube
18:55
Corded v Cordless Angle Grinders Dyno'd! Milwaukee vs Harbor Freight ...
07:23
Milwaukee 4-1/2" Small Angle Grinder Test And Review - YouTube
Pro Tool Reviews
protoolreviews.com › home › milwaukee m18 fuel braking angle grinder with one-key review 2883
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Braking Angle Grinder with One-Key Review 2883
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Braking Angle Grinder with One-Key Review 2883
Cordless Grinder Reviews & Sanders September 20, 2021 0 ... The Milwaukee M18 Fuel Braking Angle Grinder with One-Key is the culmination of the best small angle grinder technologies Milwaukee has to offer. It outperforms the 2780 series grinders while adding braking and One-Key to the initial ...
Milwaukee Tool
milwaukeetool.com › products › power-tools › metalworking › grinders
Metalworking Die, Cordless, Straight and Braking Grinders| Milwaukee Tool
Delivering unrivaled performance ... M18 FUEL™ line of cordless grinders deliver the best combination of power and run-time, all on the M18™ REDLITHIUM™ battery platform....
Reddit
reddit.com › r/milwaukeetool › which grinder?
r/MilwaukeeTool on Reddit: Which grinder?
November 19, 2022 -
I am looking to add a 4.5/5 inch m18 grinder but Milwaukee’s web site is not much help Any recommendations?
Top answer 1 of 7
17
If you need a 4.5/5 for size constraints I would go with the 2887 for lock-on, or 2886 for paddle switch. Both of these models are the newer design with the slim head for access in tighter spaces. They also feature the rapid stop brake. If you're okay with a little bit bigger grinder the 2981 and 2980 are capable of utilizing a 6" blade, and have quite a bit more ass behind them. As well as being able to cut deeper. I would not buy the 2880 or 2881 they are a little bit older and don't have the rapid-stop tech. Whatever you do, do not buy a non-fuel model. It is very much worth the extra money for the fuel models on high draw tools. I personally have and use the 2883, great grinder. I prefer the lock-on switch instead of paddle. If the 2887 had been out when I bought mine that's what I would have bought.
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There is table further down in this article to compare features which I found helpful in deciding from the many options: https://www.protoolreviews.com/milwaukee-m18-fuel-cordless-angle-grinders/ About to order a 2889-20 for slide switch(locking), braking, and variable speed. One key is not helpful to me personally.
ToolGuyd
toolguyd.com › milwaukee-m18-brushless-angle-grinder-2686
New Milwaukee M18 Brushless Angle Grinder
Been a certified welder and a fabricator for the past 7 years and I absolutely love my Milwaukee cordless grinders. I have two of the 4 1/2”/5” FUEL braking angle grinders. One of them is recent, and the other I’ve had for 5 years now. Definitely will outrun your charger if you’re grinding non stop but I seldom find myself needing to do that much grinding.
One Project Closer
oneprojectcloser.com › milwaukee-cordless-grinder-review-2680-20
Milwaukee Cordless Grinder Review
January 20, 2012 - At the 2011 Milwaukee Tools Symposium in July, I saw a ton of cool tools like their new hand tools and fluorescent bulb tester. Another offering that caught my attention was a 4-1/2' cordless cutoff / grinder. The specifications on this grinder are nothing new: paddle-switch; 9,000 RPM; tool-less accessory changes; etc.
Genuine Tools
genuinetools.com › home › genuinetools.com blog › 3 best milwaukee cordless angle grinders (with comparison chart)
3 Best Milwaukee Cordless Angle Grinders (with Comparison Chart) – Genuine Tools
November 10, 2025 - Professional users report that with appropriate high output batteries, these cordless models handle demanding applications including structural steel cutting and continuous weld grinding without noticeable performance compromise.
Red Tool Store
redtoolstore.com › home › milwaukee m18 grinders
Milwaukee M18 - Grinders
Milwaukee M18 Grinders stand out as robust and adaptable tools. They tackle various materials with heavy-duty power, making them ideal for tasks ranging from smoothing edges to slicing through tough substances.
The Garage Journal
garagejournal.com › forums › the tools › general tool discussion
Best all around paddle switch, M18 FUEL, angle grinder? | The Garage Journal
April 7, 2022 - For a very long time Milwaukee made a corded angle grinder that had a really nice paddle switch along with a lock on button on the back of the grinder. I have at least two of them and really like them. This is the best of both worlds. The longer you have to grind the more you want the lock on switch. For short bursts you can' beat the paddle switch. If one of their cordless ...
Reddit
reddit.com › r/milwaukeetool › how is the m18 fuel angle grinder?
r/MilwaukeeTool on Reddit: How is the M18 fuel angle grinder?
August 27, 2023 -
Looks really bulky and awkward to hold honestly. I’m considering ordering it over buying another cheapo corded one. I’m a DIY weekend warrior not a craftsman. I already have a ton of batteries. Worth it or nah? I see the 2880-20 on Amazon for about 100 bucks.
Top answer 1 of 19
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I love mine. I haven't touched my corded grinder in years.
2 of 19
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I have the 5 inch and my only gripe is that there’s no top position for the grip handle. Other than that no issues. Performance is great (I love the rapidstop feature) and as long as you have a few high capacity batteries charged up at any given time you can get through some serious work with it.
Milwaukee Tool
milwaukeetool.com › products › power tools › metalworking › grinders
M18 Cordless 4-1/2" Cut-off/Grinder - Tool Only | Milwaukee Tool
The MILWAUKEE® M18™ Cordless 4-1/2" Cut-off/Grinder has the speed, durability, and ease-of-use for industrial use.
Published December 21, 2021
Tools In Action
toolsinaction.com › home › blog › power tool reviews › grinder reviews › milwaukee m18 fuel grinder review
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Grinder Review – Tools In Action – Power Tool Reviews
May 3, 2017 - While it did the job, I had problems with the Overload Protection and how easy it would kick on. Well guess what, Milwaukee made some changes and made this grinder a winner. Now I am not saying that because I am a Milwaukee fan, I am saying this because it’s a cordless grinder that actually works.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/milwaukeetool › m18 angle grinder options
r/MilwaukeeTool on Reddit: M18 Angle grinder options
December 16, 2024 -
I'm a Harry Owner type that does a fair amount of general metal work, auto body metal work, nothing too heavy duty but still use my angle grinder quite a bit.
I need to upgrade, so I'm thinking of a Milwaukee M18 Fuel Angle Grinder, but it seems there are so many models and options I need some advice and opinions about what options are worthwhile, especially the choice of trigger switches and the pros and cons of variable speed.
Any opinions and justifications of choice would be appreciated.
Top answer 1 of 5
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Worked in a metal fab shop using a 2880 grinder. It always did what I needed it to. I rarely felt the need to grab the bigger, plug-in grinder.
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Agree on slide switch. I have the paddle switch, it always feels just a little unsafe when you're just moving it around with a battery on.
The Home Depot
homedepot.com › tools › power tools › grinders
Cordless - Milwaukee - Grinders - The Home Depot
Brand: MilwaukeeCordless/Corded: Cordless · Tools · Power Tools · Grinders · Angle Grinders · Die Grinders · 54 & Up3 & Up2 & Up1 & Up · View Results · All Filters · Category · Brand · Cordless/Corded · Power Tool Features · Price · In Stock at Store Today ·
eBay
ebay.com › home & garden › tools & workshop equipment › power tools › grinders › milwaukee angle grinders
Milwaukee Angle Grinders for Sale - eBay
I'm a small engine technician and have gone through about 4 Milwaukee M12 battery powered units over the years. I've tri... see all reviews · Verified Purchase · Milwaukee M18 FUEL 4 1/2" / 5" 18V Cordless Angle Grinder, No-Lock - 2880-20 · By nepon_43 · Great power, heavy but well balanced.
Reddit
reddit.com › r/tools › ntd: added a milwaukee angle grinder. here are my thoughts.
r/Tools on Reddit: NTD: Added a Milwaukee angle grinder. Here are my thoughts.
February 27, 2022 - M18 48-2880-20 grinder. Anyone else have trouble getting their wheels past this big ole guard. And tips or tricks before I cut the guard wider to accommodate wheel swaps? ... My washer burned out today, I want to buy Maytag 4.8 cu Top load, Deep Fill. I want to hear the reviews please. Thanks! ... NTD / This thing is wonderful! ... I have an old Milwaukee Angle Grinder.
Milwaukee Tool
milwaukeetool.com › news › press-releases › milwaukee-brings-next-advancement-in-angle-grinders
Milwaukee® Brings Next Advancement in Angle Grinders
Delivering unrivaled performance, ... run-time, and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class....
Miller Welding Discussion Forums
forum.millerwelds.com › home › welding discussions
Anyone have a Milwaukee cordless grinder? - Miller Welding Discussion Forums
I want one, I use 28V, would be super handy for little zings here and there. just what i was thinking. cordless stuff is great but i try to use corded stuff for extended work. i think the grinder would be good for easy cutting jobs when you have something to chop off outside the shop maybe a padlock on a shed or something like that.
Merrimacindustrial
merrimacindustrial.com › home › all tools › grinders sanders polishers & accessories › milwaukee 2785-20 m18 fuel™ lithium-ion brushless variable speed cordless large angle grinder
Milwaukee-2785-20 M18 Fuel™ Lithium-Ion Brushless Variable Speed Cordless Large Angle Grinder Kit, 7/9 in, 6600 rpm - Electrical Suppliers Near Me - Contract Manufacturing - PLC Programming
Milwaukee 2785-20 M18 Fuel™ Lithium-Ion Brushless Variable Speed Cordless Large Angle Grinder
Milwaukee M18 Fuel™ Brushless Variable Speed Cordless Large Angle Grinder;
Wheel Diameter: 7/9 in; Arbor/Shank Size: 5/8 in - 11; Speed: 6600 rpm; Voltage Rating: 18 V;
Housing Material: Glass Filled Nylon; Handle Style: Pistol; Color: Red/Black; Switch Type: Trigger; Dimensions: 22.3125 in L
Price $375.70