Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
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 2880 series. If you're looking for a workhorse small angle grinder that won't let you down, this is it.
Milwaukee is no stranger to cordless grinders and the Milwaukee M18 Fuel Braking Angle Grinder with One-Key is boosting the brand’s portfolio in the small angle grinder class. We teamed up with Eli Mosely out at the ranch to see how it handles itself working on heavy equipment.
Around the ranch, there are a million reasons to have a grinder on hand… two million if it’s a cordless grinder! We mainly used the Milwaukee 2883 while making repairs on some of our equipment. For starters, one of our trailers needed a replacement fender because the old one was completely rusty and falling apart. We used a cutting wheel to remove the old one and then a T27 grinding wheel and flap disk to clean up the steel so our welder could attach the new one.
We also needed to patch a spot on our feed trailer. Using a cutting wheel, we had to cut a 1-foot by 3-foot section out of some 1/4-inch scrap steel. During the longer cuts, the grinder didn’t bog down or struggle at all. Compared to the other cordless grinder we had on-site, it was night and day.
There’s no question this is one of the best small angle grinders we’ve used, corded or cordless…it’s just so convenient. At 8500 RPM, it’s not the fastest grinder we’ve ever used, but it definitely has more strength to keep from bogging than our other models.
On the topic of power, the Milwaukee 18V Braking Angle Grinder produces power equivalent to an 11-amp corded grinder. That’s a pretty big deal, especially if you’re still a little hesitant to cut the cord.
The kit includes two 6.0Ah High Output batteries and the Rapid Charger keeps you in the game pretty well with a 64-minute charge time. Consider stepping up to the Super Charger if you want to get charged back up in 35 minutes so you can work virtually uninterrupted.
Overall, we really like the ergonomics of this grinder. The rubber over-mold grip is very comfortable in hand, even when we’re wearing thick work gloves. It’s on the heavier side with that 6.0Ah High Output battery (5.47 pounds), but it’s a trade-off worth making for better performance.
Milwaukee enhances this cordless grinder with the addition of their One-Key technology. There are no custom controls in the app. It’s all about tool tracking, security, and management this time.
Milwaukee’s RapidStop brake technology quickly stops rotation incredibly fast and it includes a kickback sensor. This is a big deal as far as safety is concerned. Coming from the drilling industry, I’m always very mindful when I’m working with anything in rotation because it’s a major hazard.
Most of the grinders we have around our shop have a braking period of about 4 – 6 seconds on average. This Milwaukee M18 Fuel Braking Angle Grinder goes from 8500 RPM to a dead stop in a stunning 2 seconds flat. And if you happen to bind the wheel, the motor stops lightning-fast before the tool can rotate out of control.
Milwaukee includes their FixTec nut on the 2883 and it eliminates the need for a spanner wrench. There’s a section of the flange nut that flips up to give you a gripping area and loosen or tighten it down instead.
As with most grinders, the Milwaukee 2883 has a 2-position forward assist handle. In addition to giving you a more stable grip, it’s also a vibration-dampening handle.
This particular model features a slide switch as opposed to a paddle trigger. The main benefit to this style is you don’t have to worry about your grip while you’re working. If you do prefer a paddle trigger, check out the Milwaukee 2882 which is the same grinder with a paddle switch.
The Milwaukee 2883-22 kit is available for $449.00. The kit includes a carrying case, two 6.0Ah batteries, and an M12/M18 Rapid Charger. We expect a bare tool option in Spring 2022 for $199.00 and it’s available for preorder now.
Milwaukee backs this grinder with a 5-year warranty.
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 2880 series. If you’re looking for a workhorse small angle grinder that won’t let you down, this is it.
Check out the entire Milwaukee cordless grinder lineup here.
Having worked in the automotive and metalworking trades, Josh has even found himself core drilling commercial properties for purposes of surveying. His knowledge and love of tools are exceeded only by a greater love for his wife and family.
A fan of all things that can stretch him mentally, Josh quickly dives into new products, tools, and product testing with ample amounts of both enthusiasm and precision. We look forward to many years of growth alongside Josh as he settles into his role at Pro Tool Reviews.
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Bosch has always been way ahead of others in regards to safety features, including electronic brake, kickback control, drop control and deadman switches on their grinders a long time ago. Milwaukee has traditionally been ahead in regards to outright power for a given form factor. Good to see other brands like Milwaukee taking safety seriously as well and Bosch finally taking outright power seriously with their BiTurbo angle grinder. It means you don’t have to choose between safety and power anymore.
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Professional Tool Reviews for Pros
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