When the same tool is the preferred choice for users and the safety director there is harmony across the jobsite. Unfortunately this is not always the case but Milwaukee is working hard to make it a more common occurrence. There is no mistaking angle grinders can be very dangerous tool but several key features make them much less dangerous. OHSA and safety directors are continuing to work to push safety forward. Grinder guards are a huge one, while many individuals still remove them in their own garages, on any large jobsite you’ll see almost every grinder has the guard on. Side handles, Lock-on switch vs paddle, dual actuated start, kick-back clutch, brakes, vibration control, cordless are all features being looked at for safety requirements. Coming late July, the Milwaukee M18 FUEL Kit 2783-22 ($449 with 5.0Ah batteries), or bare tool 2783-20 ($219) look to cover all these concerns, not only very powerful cordless grinders but it also features their RAPID STOP brake making them one of the safest grinders available.

Since the M18 FUEL grinders hit the market about 2 years ago we have gotten terrific feedback that for the first time people wanted to use a cordless grinder over the corded ones. Even in the shop guys were grabbing the M18 cordless grinders. Cordless also means removing tripping hazards and possibility of nicked cords, a potentially large OSHA fine. Package that with Milwaukee’s RAPID STOP, kickback clutch and new Milwaukee FIXTEC nut for tool free accessory changes for a grinder that satisfies every item on a safety directors list.

The RAPID STOP brake system stops a cutting disc in about .9 seconds, flap disks in 1.3 and grinding discs in about 1.5 seconds. Currently Metabo is the leader in braking/clutch grinders with several corded options such as the 5” WPB12-125 ($210), 5” WEPBA17-125 ($262) or 6” WEPBA17-150 ($270) all with breaking and other safety features. Milwaukee will be first to nit the market with a full powered 18V Brushless Grinder with the Braking feature and at $219 (bare tool) the Milwaukee M18 FUEL brake grinder really comes in at a very reasonable price. The M18 FUEL 5” grinder w/o brake 2780-20 at $169 (bare tool) will probably remain the more popular option for most but as requirements change we certainly would imagine more people going towards the safer option.

Of course for all your Milwaukee Tool needs or with any questions on safety and grinder options give the pros at Ohio Power Tool a call 800-242-4424 and they will be more than happy to help out. For additional info on the Milwaukee M18 FUEL brake grinder 2783-22 / 2783-20 check out the full Milwaukee press release below and look forward to a Coptool cordless grinder head to head soon!

MILWAUKEE, WI – Milwaukee Tool continues to revolutionize cordless power tools with the introduction of the world’s first cordless braking grinder solution. Stopping accessories in under 2 seconds and delivering up to 10X longer tool life, the M18 FUEL™* Braking Grinder is the only cordless braking grinder on the market with the power to grind.

“Jobsite Safety personnel have become major stakeholders in the tool purchasing process, and tools that combine best-in-class performance with features they desire are at the top of their approved tool lists. Milwaukee is not only making their choice easy with this tool, we are taking things to the next level,” says Andrew Plowman, Director for Milwaukee Tool Corporation. “We are not only ensuring the wheel comes to a stop in under 2 seconds with a rapid stop braking feature and kickback-reducing clutch, but also eliminating a tripping hazard on the jobsite with the world’s first cordless braking grinder. While existing cordless braking grinders are effective as cut-off tools, this product is the ONLY cordless solution that can effectively grind, cut and surface prep.”

The new cordless braking grinder also features the same metal housing and gearing system responsible for delivering the legendary performance and durability found in Milwaukee’s high performance corded grinders. To further maximize durability, a removable Job Site Armor™ screen is in place to prevent debris contamination overtime.

In addition, the M18 FUEL™ Grinder is a 100% tool-free product. Whether the user is adjusting the guard or replacing accessories, all changes can easily be made without a wrench, utilizing a FIXTEC nut. To increase comfort and reduce fatigue during extended use, an anti-vibration handle reduces vibration, while an extremely thin body design delivers optimized balance to rest easily in the users hands.

Available in July of 2015, the new M18 FUEL™ Braking Grinder is a true testament to Milwaukee’s focus on the user and investment in game changing technology.

* M18 FUEL™ is engineered for the most demanding tradesmen in the world. Delivering unrivaled performance, all M18 FUEL™ products feature three Milwaukee®-exclusive innovations—The POWERSTATE™ Brushless Motor, REDLITHIUM™ Battery Pack and REDLINK PLUS™ Intelligence Hardware and Software—that deliver unmatched power, run-time and durability on the jobsite. Simply put, M18 FUEL™ tools are the most powerful 18V cordless tools in their class.

Specifications:

M18 FUEL™ 4-1/2” / 5” Braking Grinder Kit (2783-22 $449)
Switch Type: Paddle No-Lock
Trigger Lock: No
Speed: 8,500 RPM
Arbor Size: 5/8”-11
Length: 15.25”
Weight: 6.1 lbs
Includes: M18 FUEL™ Braking Grinder, (2) M18™ REDLITHIUM™ XC 5.0 Extended Capacity Battery Packs, (1) M18™ & M12™ Multi-Voltage Charger, (1) FIXTEC Nut, (1) T27 Wheel Guard, (1) T1 Wheel Guard, & carrying case.

*Also available as a bare tool (2783-20 $219)

Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Safety Brake Grinder 2783-22