Key Takeaways
- Milwaukee's M18 FUEL cordless angle grinders now match the power of corded models while offering superior mobility and runtime.
- Switch types (paddle vs. slide) are critical when selecting a grinder, paddle switches offer safer operation while slide switches with lock-on are better for extended use.
- Milwaukee's braking technology significantly improves safety by stopping wheels in under 2 seconds compared to standard grinders.
- Battery platform considerations are essential, an XC6.0 battery can deliver up to 135 cuts in 1/2-inch rebar on a single charge
- GenuineTools offers unbeatable Milwaukee® grinder prices: With authentic Milwaukee® M18 FUEL cordless angle grinders sourced directly from trusted distributors, we offer brand-new professional-grade tools at competitive prices with fast, free shipping.
Milwaukee's Top Cordless Angle Grinders for 2025
Milwaukee® has been refining their cordless grinder lineup for years, and the current generation of M18 FUEL angle grinders represents their most impressive achievement yet.
With options ranging from compact 4½" models to powerful 7" large angle grinders, the lineup offers solutions for every application from light fabrication to heavy-duty cutting and grinding.
What makes these tools stand out is their ability to deliver the same power as corded models (11–15 amp equivalents) while providing the mobility that modern jobsites demand.
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Why Cordless Matters for Modern Jobsites
The shift toward cordless tools has transformed productivity across construction and manufacturing. Removing cords reduces tripping hazards, extends working range, and allows for faster setup and breakdown. On large jobsites where power access might be limited or require lengthy extension cords, a cordless grinder means uninterrupted work without voltage drop concerns or finding available outlets.
Milwaukee®'s breakthrough has been achieving true cord-free power parity. Early cordless grinders often sacrificed performance for portability, but today's M18 FUEL models deliver identical performance to their corded counterparts. This advancement means professionals no longer need to keep both corded and cordless options as a single Milwaukee® cordless grinder can handle all applications with the right battery.
The runtime improvements are equally impressive. With a high-capacity battery like the XC6.0, users can complete an entire day's work without returning to the charger. This reduces downtime and keeps projects moving forward, especially in remote locations or new construction sites where power may not yet be established.
The 3 Best Milwaukee® Cordless Angle Grinders
1. Milwaukee® (2886-20) M18 FUEL 5" Flathead Braking Grinder with Paddle Switch
The Milwaukee® (2886-20) M18 FUEL 5" Flathead Braking Grinder with Paddle Switch is a cordless angle grinder that generates 11A corded power.
The 2886-20 stands out for its innovative flathead design that solves one of the most frustrating problems contractors face: accessing tight spaces where traditional grinders simply won't fit. This low-profile configuration provides significantly better reach in confined areas while still delivering the power of an 11-amp corded tool at 8,500 RPM.
What makes this grinder particularly valuable is its combination of access and safety. The paddle switch design ensures the tool stops immediately when you release pressure, critical for overhead work or awkward positions where maintaining control is challenging. The RAPIDSTOP brake technology brings the wheel to a complete stop in under 2 seconds, virtually removing the dangerous spin-down period that causes many grinder accidents.
The POWERSTATE brushless motor maintains consistent power even under sustained load, while the REDLINK PLUS intelligence system prevents overheating and overload damage. When paired with a REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT XC6.0 battery, this grinder delivers up to 50% more power while running cooler than standard battery configurations.
Key Specifications:
- Power: 11A corded equivalent
- Speed: 8,500 RPM
- Design: Low-profile flathead
- Switch: Paddle (no-lock)
- Braking: RAPIDSTOP (under 2 seconds)
- Includes: Side handle, spanner wrench, T27 guard, T1 guard
2. Milwaukee® (3671-20) M18 FUEL 4.5"/6" Braking Grinder with Slide Switch
The Milwaukee® M18 FUEL™ 4-1/2 in. / 6 in. Braking Grinder with Slide Switch redefines cordless grinding performance by delivering 13A corded power.
The 3671-20 delivers the highest raw power in Milwaukee®'s compact grinder lineup, matching 13-amp corded performance while offering the versatility to handle both 4.5" and 6" wheels. This dual-size capability gives you extended cutting depth and faster material removal when needed, making it exceptionally versatile for varying applications throughout a workday.
At 9,000 RPM, this grinder provides the fastest cutting speeds in its class, particularly noticeable when slicing through structural steel or thick metal stock. The POWERSTATE brushless motor maintains this aggressive performance even during sustained cuts, delivering consistent power that won't fade as the battery depletes.
The slide switch with lock-on capability makes this model ideal for extended grinding sessions where maintaining constant trigger pressure would cause significant hand fatigue. For fabrication shops or contractors spending hours on weld cleanup and surface preparation, this ergonomic advantage significantly impacts productivity and user comfort.
Key Specifications:
- Power: 13A corded equivalent
- Speed: 9,000 RPM
- Disc compatibility: 4.5" / 6"
- Switch: Slide with lock-on
- Braking: RAPIDSTOP (under 2 seconds)
- Special features: Electronic clutch, anti-vibration handle
3. Milwaukee® (3674-20) M18 FUEL 7" Braking Grinder with Paddle Switch
The Milwaukee® (3674-20) M18 FUEL 18-Volt Lithium-Ion Brushless Cordless 7 in. Braking Grinder with Variable Speed and Paddle Switch.
The 3674-20 represents Milwaukee®'s most sophisticated cordless grinder, combining 13-amp corded power with variable speed control and ONE-KEY connectivity. The four-speed settings (5,000–8,400 RPM) provide unprecedented versatility, allowing you to optimize performance for different materials, slower speeds for stainless steel to prevent discoloration, higher speeds for aggressive stock removal in mild steel.
Despite its 7" capability, Milwaukee® engineered this grinder to remain surprisingly compact and maneuverable. The paddle switch design provides excellent control for this larger tool while maintaining the safety benefit of automatic shutdown when released. The variable speed dial is positioned for easy adjustment without releasing your grip, and the settings are robust enough to withstand jobsite conditions without accidental changes.
ONE-KEY connectivity transforms this from just a grinder into a comprehensive tool management solution. You can customize performance settings for different applications and materials, creating presets that optimize the tool for specific tasks. The tracking capability helps manage tool inventory across multiple jobsites, while usage data provides insights into maintenance needs and replacement timing. For contractors managing crews or running multiple projects, these fleet management capabilities add substantial value.
Key Specifications:
- Power: 13A corded equivalent
- Speed: 5,000–8,400 RPM (4 settings)
- Disc compatibility: 4.5" - 7"
- Switch: Paddle
- Braking: RAPIDSTOP (under 2 seconds)
- Special features: Variable speed, ONE-KEY connectivity, electronic clutch
Complete Comparison Chart: Milwaukee® Cordless Angle Grinder Models
|
Feature |
2886-20 (5" Flathead) |
3671-20 (4.5"/6" Slide) |
3674-20 (7" Variable Speed) |
|
Disc Size |
3.5" / 5" |
4.5" / 6" |
4.5" / 7" |
|
Power Equivalent |
11A Corded |
13A Corded |
13A Corded |
|
RPM |
8,500 |
9,000 |
5,000 - 8,400 (Variable) |
|
Switch Type |
Paddle (No-Lock) |
Slide |
Paddle |
|
Braking |
RAPIDSTOP (under 2 sec) |
RAPIDSTOP (under 2 sec) |
RAPIDSTOP (under 2 sec) |
|
Variable Speed |
No |
No |
Yes (4 settings) |
|
ONE-KEY |
No |
No |
Yes |
|
Special Features |
Low-profile flathead design |
Electronic clutch, 6" capability |
Variable speed, compact design |
|
Spindle |
5/8"-11 |
5/8"-11 |
5/8"-11 |
|
Best For |
Tight spaces, overhead work |
Extended grinding, versatility |
Multiple materials, precision |
|
Price |
$166.99 |
$179.99 |
$239.99 |
Power Your Projects with GenuineTools
At GenuineTools, we understand that professional contractors and serious DIYers need authentic Milwaukee® quality at competitive prices. We source all our Milwaukee® M18 FUEL cordless angle grinders directly from trusted distributors, ensuring you receive brand-new, factory-fresh tools with full manufacturer warranties.
Our decades-long relationships with suppliers enable us to secure pricing that consistently beats typical retail stores while maintaining the highest quality standards.
Our customers consistently praise our competitive pricing, fast shipping, and genuine Milwaukee® products, reflected in our high customer rating.
When you shop with GenuineTools, you're getting professional-grade Milwaukee® performance without the premium price tag, all with fast, free shipping that gets your tools to you quickly.
If you need a compact flathead grinder for tight spaces, a powerful dual-size grinder for versatility, or an advanced variable-speed model with connectivity features, GenuineTools has the Milwaukee® cordless angle grinder you need at prices you'll appreciate.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Milwaukee® cordless angle grinder is best for professional contractors?
For most professional contractors, the 3671-20 with its 13-amp power and slide switch design offers the best combination of cutting performance and extended-use ergonomics.
However, contractors working in tight spaces should consider the 2886-20's flathead design, while those requiring variable speed control or tool tracking should opt for the 3674-20 with ONE-KEY technology.
How long does a battery last on Milwaukee® cordless angle grinders?
Battery runtime varies by capacity and application intensity. With a standard M18 XC6.0 battery, most Milwaukee® M18 FUEL grinders deliver approximately 135 cuts in 1/2-inch rebar or 30–45 minutes of intermittent grinding.
High output batteries like the XC8.0 provide roughly 30% more runtime, extending to approximately 180 cuts in rebar per charge under similar conditions.
What's the difference between paddle switch and slide switch grinders?
Paddle switches require continuous pressure to operate and automatically stop when released, providing superior safety for intermittent work and preventing the tool from running if dropped.
Slide switches feature lock-on capability for continuous operation without maintaining pressure, reducing hand fatigue during extended grinding sessions but requiring deliberate action to stop, making them better suited for fabrication shops and sustained grinding applications.
Can Milwaukee® cordless grinders handle heavy-duty cutting and grinding?
Yes, the current generation Milwaukee® M18 FUEL cordless grinders deliver performance equivalent to 11–15 amp corded models. The 3671-20 and 3674-20 produce power comparable to 13-amp corded grinders, while the 2886-20 matches 11-amp corded performance.
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.
Where can I buy authentic Milwaukee® cordless angle grinders at the best prices?
GenuineTools offers authentic Milwaukee® M18 FUEL cordless angle grinders at competitive prices with fast, free shipping.
With decades of experience and direct relationships with verified distributors, GenuineTools provides brand-new Milwaukee® professional-grade tools at prices lower than typical retail stores, backed by a 4.5 Trustpilot rating and excellent customer service that includes quick order processing and reliable delivery.
*Note: Pricing and/or product availability mentioned in this post are subject to change. Please check the website for current pricing and stock information before making a purchase.