Angle grinders from Milwaukee are best known for using the M18 Fuel battery system, but perhaps they are best known for having the paddle switch on most units. Milwaukee also puts durability first when making their power tools so even if they are cordless, it will feel like you’re using a corded tool due to the metal housing and gear system.
Let’s check out two of their best cordless angle grinders: the Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 Fuel 4 1/2-Inch Cordless Grinder and the Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel 4-1/2-Inch / 5-Inch Angle Grinder. This review will help you find out which of the two to buy.
A Quick Look at the Two Milwaukee Cordless Angle Grinders
Both of these angle grinders, being from the same manufacturer, are powered by the M18 Fuel battery system as well as bearing a paddle switch design. This means they are ideal for medium to heavy-duty work while still being cordless.
Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 Fuel 4 1/2-Inch Cordless Grinder
This cordless angle grinder has a speed of 9,000 RPM and runs on the M18 battery system, which is shared and interchanged between Milwaukee tools (it will save you money in the long run from not needing to buy different batteries). Its handle can be positioned in three different ways while the guard doesn’t require any tool to adjust, saving you time.
It also has a paddle switch design to get the job done faster without any accidental triggers. This paddle system is also glove-friendly for added convenience. In terms of power, it has overload protection plus a four-pole motor to improve grinding and cutting power on a single charge. To protect the motor, it also has L-shaped vents to keep all the debris away.
As for the grinding wheel, it can take 4-1/2-inch wheels so it’s useful for general DIY and shop use. What’s more, the three-position handle is rubberized so it will be easy to grip even when your hands are sweaty.
Milwaukee 2780-20 M18 Fuel 4-1/2-Inch / 5-Inch Angle Grinder
This one has a grinding wheel size capacity of 4-1/2 inches and 5 inches so you will be able to use it for both big and small tasks. Weighing 5.8 pounds, this cordless angle grinder has a speed of 8,500 RPM and also uses the M18 battery system.
What I like is the vibration reduction and the tool-free guard adjustment to help save time and effort. Bearing an arbor size of 5/8-11 inches, this 15-inch long grinder features a brushless motor to improve its lifespan. Durability is also kept in mind due to the metal housing and gearing system similar to corded grinders.
It also has the paddle switch design so you can use it even when wearing gloves and not have to worry about accidental triggers. The unit is also compatible with the REDLITHIUM™ XC5.0 Battery Pack for extended battery life without sacrificing power. Moreover, it uses the REDLINK PLUS™ intelligence for overload protection and battery safety.
You can learn more about this tool in this in-depth review.
Milwaukee 2680-20 vs. 2780-20: Similarities
As both are from Milwaukee, these two cordless angle grinders are bound to have some similarities, such as the following:
Paddle Switch Design
Both these two angle grinders have a paddle switch design, which makes the operator feel at ease when turning on the unit. It also allows better operation even when you are wearing gloves, which can otherwise be a hassle since you want to protect yourself yet want a better grip on your tool for safety purposes. A paddle switch design saves time and effort in the long run.
Tool-less Guard Adjustment
You don’t need special tools to adjust the guards on these two angle grinders. This is also a time-saving feature so you can focus more on your material and your positioning rather than the actual tool itself. After all, guards are important to protect you from debris and the like, and adjusting the guard is important to shield you from all angles.
Overload Protection
The motor of any power tool can be easily abused (usually when working on tough and stubborn materials) and that’s why overload protection is a helpful feature. Both of these angle grinders have overload protection not just for the battery but also for the motor itself to run smoothly even under heavy loads.
Warranty
Both the Milwaukee 2680-20 and 2780-20 are covered by a 5-year limited warranty from the manufacturer. Having a long warranty period puts you at ease so you can continue working and not have to worry about the tool easily breaking down and having to spend bucks on repairs right away.
Milwaukee 2680-20 vs. 2780-20: Differences
With those similarities in mind, let’s look at what makes them different from each other so you’ll know what to expect with each:
Grinding Speeds
The grinding speed of the Milwaukee 2680-20 is 9,000 RPM, which is higher than that of the Milwaukee 2780-20, which is only 8,500 RPM. Nonetheless, the difference is quite small so both of them hold a similar amount of power, anyway.
Brushless Motor
The Milwaukee 2780-20 has a brushless motor while the Milwaukee 2680-20 does not. Having a brushless motor can have an impact on the tool vibration, which means that 2780-20 has fewer vibrations than the Milwaukee 2680-20.
Grinding Wheel Size
As compared to the Milwaukee 2780-20, which accepts both 4-1/2-inch and 5-inch wheels, the Milwaukee 2680-20 is only capable of holding 4-1/2-inch discs. This means that you can use 2780-20 for larger materials and not have to worry about speed and time consumption. However, if you just need to work on simple and lightweight tasks then the 2680-20 and any quality 4-1/2-inch wheel will suffice.
Which of the Two Grinders Should You Get?
If you often work with bigger materials and projects, I think you should get the Milwaukee 2780-20, since it has a 5-inch wheel capacity aside from taking 4-1/2-inch discs. This will let you be more flexible for different tasks. It also has a brushless motor, which helps in fewer vibrations and longer tool lifespan.
However, if you prefer a slightly higher RPM, you can simply go for the Milwaukee 2680-20. Nonetheless, both of these angle grinders have a paddle switch design anyway so they will be kind to your arms during all-day projects.
Summary
To wrap it up, I think both Milwaukee angle grinders are worth buying due to their paddle switch and other convenient features such as tool-less guard adjustments. The differences between the two aren’t very drastic, so either of them will work well for a DIY home repair job or your fabrication shop.
After all, the 5-year warranty is sure to put you at ease if you want extra protection for your power tool when the going gets tough.
Milwaukee 2680-20 M18 Fuel 4 1/2-Inch Cordless Grinder