2 New Milwaukee M18 Fuel Braking Grinders & Tripod for Laser Levels

Years ago Milwaukee introduced their first M18 Fuel braking grinder that introduced an electric brake to stop the wheel within seconds after the unit was off and now they have introduced two new M18 Fuel 4-1/2″/ 5″ braking grinder models with a paddle switch and slide switch model. They also announced a new 72″ tripod designed for use with rotary lasers. More on both below.

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Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2″/5″ Braking Grinders

Slide switch model shown

Milwaukee has announced two new M18 Fuel braking grinders that feature an electric brake which they call “Rapidstop” which they claim stops the wheel in under 2 seconds when using an abrasive disc. Unlike the first Milwaukee M18 Fuel braking grinder that came in one flavor only, that of a paddle switch no lock model, they are now offering two new versions with slide lock model in addition to the paddle switch no lock model. Both new models feature strong brushless motors, hence the Fuel naming, that they say rivals an 11 amp corded model. If these claims are true, then it makes them more powerful than the original M18 Fuel braking grinder, and that was already very strong for a cordless unit! Although it appears that you’ll need use these grinders with Milwaukee’s high output batteries to take full advantage of this grinder. For this reason they are bundled in kit form with M18 HO 6.0ah batteries.

Though offering strong performance, they keep a small compact body fit for a 4-1/2″ to 5″ wheel. Both units also provide a similar 8,500 RPM no load speed, a tool free fixtec nut so no spanner wrench needed to swap wheels but still not as fast as an X-Lock grinder at swapping wheels as those click into place while this grinder must tighten and untighten the Fixtec nut to swap wheels. The wheel guard is also tool free to change direction or remove and includes a side handle that can be positioned to the right or left of the tool head. These two new grinders also include One-Key which provides the ability to track the grinders with community tracking and alerts and inventory management.

These new braking grinders are said to launch June 2021 in baretool form for $199 and kit form with 2x 6.0ah batteries, rapid charger, and tool bag for $449.

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)

Milwaukee 72″ Tripod for Laser Levels 48-35-1411

Last but not least, Milwaukee announced a new 72″ Tripod 48-35-1411 for their laser level lineup. Bosch has one of their own for many years and now that Milwaukee has gone full force with their laser level lineup, it makes sense to pair them with a Milwaukee branded tripod of their own.

The tripod extends up to 72″ tall and is said to be equipped with top and bottom connects for a wide range of applications. Milwaukee says it can achieve additional lower end range if paired with the Milwaukee 360 laser bracket and bottom mounting point. As far as vertical alignment goes, it features 15 inches of precision adjustment which they say is for faster vertical alignment. The tripod has an aluminum frame and say the gearing is reinforced to offer longer tool life and the aluminum frame keeps things light. This tripod is compatible with lasers that use a 1/4″-20″ thread. It comes with a 3 year limited warranty.


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