This is not your Father’s grinder! Cordless grinders have changed so much over the last handful of years, if you haven’t worked with the latest offerings from Milwaukee Tool you might want to take a look.
The Platform
Milwaukee’s M18 battery is possibly the most recognized, most used on the North American job site. With over 200 tools built for professional performance its no wonder the M18 FUEL #2888-20 variable speed braking grinder is job ready right out of the box.
Details
The 2888-20 variable speed braking grinder is just one of three M18 FUEL models new to the lineup. The model tested and preferred by this reviewer had a paddle switch; a no-lock. slide switch and lock-on model of the same feature set are available.
Milwaukee’s 3-part power system is the base for what makes their pro tools perform better than most corded alternatives. The three parts are the (1) “POWERSTATE” brushless motor, (2) REDLITHIUM battery pack & (3) REDLINK PLUS circuitry connecting and optimizing the motor’s draw off the battery.
Those three features combined with a variable speed dial control, strong rapid stop breaking and vibration dampening handle make for one of the first cordless grinders I’ve used that hasn’t almost immediately caused arm and hand fatigue. Most cordless grinders have a ton of power upfront with poor runtime and quickly tire the user with high levels of vibration, the over-sized brushless motor in the 2888-20 powers right past the typical feel expected from the competition and past models. This grinder performs, the power is unlike all previous M18 models in the 4-5″ size range.
You can expect to pay a premium at checkout, the bare tool (model number w/ -20) will set you back an MSRP of $219 at major retailers. Kitted models with (2) M18 High Output 6.0ah batteries, charger and canvas bag will ring up for a respectable $469US
Summary
Reviewing tools is a cool gig admittedly. I’ve had the opportunity to try, abuse and put to rest generations of tool models over the years. I can honestly say the power, runtime and smooth performance of Milwaukee’s latest M18 FUEL 4-1/2″/5″ variable speed braking grinder is impressive and well worth taking a look at. The job site is nearly completely cordless, few tools remain tethered today, grinders have been on the come up for a while now but it’s my opinion a worthy model has arrived in the 2888-20.
If I rated on a star scale (I don’t) I’d give this one a 5/5.
Specifications
M18 FUEL 4-1/2″ / 5″ Braking Grinder w/ ONE-KEY, Paddle Switch No-Lock Kit (2882-22)
Switch Type: Paddle No-Lock
Trigger Lock: No
Speed: 8,500 RPM
Arbor Size: 5/8”-11
Length: 16.29”
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Includes M18 FUEL Grinder, (2) M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT 6.0 Battery Packs, (1) M18 & M12 Rapid Charger, (1) Flange Nut, (1) Back Flange, (1) T27 Guard, (1) T1 Clip-On Guard, (1) Spanner Wrench & Large Contractor Bag.
*Also available as a bare tool (2882-20)
M18 FUEL 4-1/2″ / 5″ Braking Grinder w/ ONE-KEY, Slide Switch Lock-On Kit (2883-22)
Switch Type: Slide with Lock-On
Trigger Lock: Yes
Speed: 8,500 RPM
Arbor Size: 5/8”-11
Length: 16.29”
Weight: 5.5 lbs
Includes M18 FUEL Grinder, (2) M18 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT 6.0 Battery Packs, (1) M18 & M12 Rapid Charger, (1) Flange Nut, (1) Back Flange, (1) T27 Guard, (1) T1 Clip-On Guard, (1) Spanner Wrench & Large Contractor Bag.
*Also available as a bare tool (2883-20)
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