Milwaukee M12 Fuel Right Angle Die Grinder Promises More Power Than Pneumatic
In the past, the idea of a cordless die grinder that could compete with the power and profile of pneumatic grinders seemed a bit like a pipe dream. Freedom from cords and compressors has been possible for a while now, but cordless die grinders have generally struggled to compete due to their weight and bulkier profiles. However, the Milwaukee M12 Fuel Right Angle Die Grinder is here to challenge the accepted norms and prove that battery-powered tools can earn their keep.
Pros
- Lightweight design
- Compact profile
- Four speed modes
- Single-wrench spindle
- Dual LED worklights
- The kit comes with two batteries
Cons
- No significant drawbacks
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Die Grinder Performance
- No-Load Speed: 20,000 RPM
- Power Output: 0.4 HP
- Collet: 1/4 in.
- Motor Type: Brushless
Power and Speed
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel right angle die grinder offers up to 0.4 HP, making it 50% more powerful than the most common pneumatic die grinders.
This Milwaukee die grinder can crank out anywhere between 0 and 20,000 RPM. This is actually about 4,500 RPM slower than the previous model, but I’m inclined to believe it makes up for it in brute strength. You have full control over that speed with a 4-mode selector and a variable speed trigger.
| Mode | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RPM | 0-6,000 | 0-10,000 | 0-15,000 | 0-20,000 |
To switch between modes, simply press the “Mode” button on the back of the tool. Here you’ll also find an LED battery-level indicator to monitor your remaining battery life.
Die grinders have several uses, but we tested the 3485 here at our shop to de-burr some stainless steel pipe that our resident contractor, Tom, is using for his car’s exhaust modification. The speed and power made quick work of any jagged edges and left us with a nice smooth surface in a matter of seconds. It’s also great for sharpening mower blades, sanding metal surfaces in preparation for welding, or cutting light metal sheet goods.
Accessory Selection
Before getting started, it’s important to know that this tool has some limitations when choosing bits, specifically for cutting and sanding applications. Milwaukee recommends a max cutting disc of 2 inches and a max sanding wheel of 3 inches.
Fortunately, Milwaukee provided a quick sizing guide to help you select recommended accessories.
Runtime
To date, we haven’t heard any news on what we can expect to get out of the Milwaukee 3485 die grinder in terms of runtime. Obviously, pneumatic is winning this fight so long as your compressor can keep up.
However, Milwaukee kits this tool with an XC5.0Ah and a CP2.5Ah battery, which ought to provide plenty of runtime to get you through the day. Actual runtime numbers will vary depending on the load you put on the tool, but we don’t see runtime as much of a concern.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Die Grinder Design
- Model: Milwaukee Fuel 3485
- Power Source: Milwaukee M12 battery
- Weight: 1.3 lbs (bare tool), 2.25 lbs (with XC5.0Ah battery)
- Head Length: 4-3/8 in.
Size and Weight
Perhaps even more impressive than the performance is the package that Milwaukee has been able to cram all this power into. The M12 Fuel right angle die grinder is only 4 3/8 inches. It weighs in at 1.3 pounds as a bare tool, and 2.25 pounds with the kitted XC5.0Ah battery. If you want to go even lighter, the CP2.5Ah battery shaves off about half a pound, keeping the working weight under 2 pounds.
Granted, this is slightly heavier than your standard pneumatic die grinder, but not by much. The little bit of extra weight that’s tacked on here seems more than a fair trade to ditch your compressors and hoses. Additionally, accessing tighter spots should be much less of a hassle with this Milwaukee M12 Fuel die grinder since you’re not contending with a hose and regulator.
Ergonomics
Since this tool is primarily used in the automotive sector, it has to be able to stand up to the rigors of a mechanic shop. Milwaukee draped the handle in a textured rubber overmold to help protect the tool and provide a little extra grip while you’re working. Additionally, this tool sports a 2-finger trigger with a safety switch to prevent accidental activation.
This trigger design is a noticeable departure from the traditional paddle design on most pneumatic models. It may take a little getting used to, but the cordless benefits are worth retraining some of that muscle memory.
LED Work Light
One cool feature Milwaukee added to this tool are the dual LED lights. This is a big step up from traditional pneumatic tools. The shadowless LEDs provide some much needed light when working in dark engine bays or in other dimly lit areas.
Single-Wrench Spindle Lock
Traditionally speaking, accessory changes have required two wrenches—one to arrest the spindle, and the other to loosen the collet. Milwaukee simplifies this process with an integrated spindle lock, similar to a router, so swapping out accessories only requires one 11/16-inch wrench for the 1/4-inch collet.
Milwaukee M12 Fuel Die Grinder Price
The Milwaukee M12 Fuel 3485 retails for $219 as a bare tool and $349 as a kit that includes two batteries, a charger, and a storage case. Milwaukee backs this tool with an impressive 5-year warranty.
The Bottom Line
Overall, I think Milwaukee did an excellent job of capturing the performance Pros need to replace their pneumatic models with the M12 Fuel Right Angle Die Grinder. The 3485 has more than enough power for common cutting and grinding tasks, and the trade-offs you make by moving away from your compressor are worth it for the way we work. But is it for everyone?
While I don’t see the slightly higher weight or shift away from a paddle trigger being an issue, it’s something to note that will feel different to you at first.
If you bring your die grinder into tight or awkward spaces often, you’ll love how easy it is to work without a hose attached. Plus, having some shadow-free light and speed controls is genuinely helpful in your workflow.
You might want to consider if runtime is a concern, though. It’s not a big deal for most standard automotive and mechanical tasks since the charger and a couple of batteries can keep up. However, if you use your die grinder in a high-volume production capacity where space isn’t a problem, you may want to stick with the unlimited runtime of air power.
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