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Deal.ai › Compare

Makita GA4530KD Angle Grinder vs Milwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL Braking Grinder

Buy the Makita GA4530KD if you want a corded grinder that works out of the box: it ships with a diamond disc, side handle and case, and its 720 W motor holds 11,000 rpm all day. Buy the Milwaukee 2888-20 if you already own M18 batteries and need cordless freedom, a 5-speed dial and the RAPIDSTOP brake. The Makita is simpler and tougher against dust; the Milwaukee is the more capable tool but is sold as a bare tool.

  • Choose the Makita GA4530KD if you cut masonry or grind at a bench near power and want a complete, dust-protected corded kit.
  • Choose the Milwaukee 2888-20 if you work away from outlets, already have M18 batteries, and want variable speed plus a safety brake.

Prices

  • Makita GA4530KD Angle Grinder: $105.00 at Axminster Tools (checked today)
  • Milwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL Braking Grinder: $130.07 at Amazon (last seen Nov 13)
  • Difference: the Makita GA4530KD Angle Grinder is $25.07 cheaper than the Milwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL Braking Grinder at the latest prices (Nov 13 and Nov 14)
Makita
Makita GA4530KD Angle Grinder 115mm with Diamond Disc and Case

Makita GA4530KD Angle Grinder

Makita GA4530KD Angle Grinder 115mm with Diamond Disc and Case

4.9(9 ratings)
$105.00at Axminster ToolsChecked 12 h ago
See all prices and details
Visit Axminster Tools
Pros
  • Runs at full 11,000 rpm without a battery
  • Labyrinth bearing seals and coated motor resist masonry dust
  • Diamond disc, side handle and case included
  • Slim barrel grip, about 1.8 kg
  • Simple, few parts to fail
Cons
  • Needs a power outlet and a cord
  • Fixed speed, no dial
  • No brake or kickback shutoff
  • 115 mm discs only
Milwaukee
Milwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL 4-1/2" / 5" Variable Speed Braking Grinder, Paddle Switch No-Lock

Milwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL Braking Grinder

Milwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL 4-1/2" / 5" Variable Speed Braking Grinder, Paddle Switch No-Lock

4.9(118 ratings)
$130.07at AmazonChecked Nov 13
See all prices and details
Visit Amazon

Store links may earn us a commission. As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

Pros
  • Cordless freedom on the M18 platform
  • 5-speed variable control from 3,500 to 8,500 rpm
  • RAPIDSTOP brake and kickback protection
  • Brushless motor with tool-free guard and disc changes
  • Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 118 ratings
Cons
  • Tool only: battery and charger cost extra
  • No-lock paddle switch can tire the hand in long sessions
  • Heavier with a battery fitted
  • Needs charged packs to keep working

What separates them

Makita GA4530KD Angle GrinderMilwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL Braking Grinder
Power sourceCorded, 720 W, constant power from an outletCordless M18, tool only, needs batteries and charger
No-load speedFixed 11,000 rpm5-speed dial, 3,500 to 8,500 rpm
MotorBrushed motor with zigzag-varnished armature and powder-coated field coilPOWERSTATE brushless motor with REDLINK PLUS electronics
Safety brakeNoneRAPIDSTOP brake plus kickback protection
Disc size115 mm onlyAccepts 4-1/2 in and 5 in discs
Disc changeSpindle lock with a pin spannerTool-free accessory and guard adjustment
Dust protectionLabyrinth construction seals all ball bearingsSealed for cordless use, but no labyrinth claim
In the boxDiamond disc, side handle and case includedTool only, no battery, charger or case

Price history

  • Milwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL Braking Grinder: lowest $130.07 on Nov 13 at Amazon.

Prices at every store

Makita GA4530KD Angle Grinder

  • Axminster ToolsNew

    In stockShips from abroad · duties may applyReturn policy

    $105.00Checked 12 h ago
    Visit Axminster Tools
Prices and history →

Milwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL Braking Grinder

  • Way SourceNew

    In stockReturn policy

    $143.00Checked Nov 13
    Visit Way Source
  • BenchmarkSupply.comNew

    In stock

    $143.00+ $31.10 shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit BenchmarkSupply.com
  • AmazonNew

    Availability unknown

    As an Amazon Associate, Deal.ai earns from qualifying purchases.

    $130.07Free shippingChecked Nov 13
    Visit Amazon
  • eBayNew

    Availability unknownSold by prusio_tools

    $149.75Checked Nov 13
    Visit eBay

Also available at

  • Red Tool StoreCheck price at Red Tool Store
  • Tool NutCheck price at Tool Nut

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All 23 stores and price history →

Specs compared

SpecMakita GA4530KD Angle GrinderMilwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL Braking Grinder
Motor Power720 W—
Disc Diameter115 mm—
Disc Speed11,000 rpm—
Bore Size22 mm—
Spindle ThreadM14 x 2 mm—
Nett Weight1.8 kg—
Corded or CordlessCorded—
Sound Power Level96 dB(A) [3.0 dB]—
Sound Pressure Level85 dB(A) [3.0 dB]—
Vibration Grinding7.5 m/s² [1.5 m/s²]—
Vibration Sanding2.5 m/s² [1.5 m/s²]—
Net weight1.7 kg—

What reviewers say

Milwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL Braking Grinder

  • 4.9 / 5118 ratings

Owners rate it very highly and single out the brake and variable speed as the reasons to buy. The main complaint is hand fatigue from holding the no-lock paddle.

What people mention
  • BrakePraisedOwners say the RAPIDSTOP brake stops the wheel fast and adds a real safety margin.
  • Speed controlPraisedThe five-speed dial is called useful for wire brushing and polishing as well as cutting.
  • Paddle switchCriticisedSome owners find the no-lock paddle tiring to hold through long grinding sessions.
  • PowerPraisedReviewers say it cuts and grinds close to a corded grinder when run on HIGH OUTPUT batteries.

Questions and answers

Which is better for cutting masonry?
The Makita, if you have power nearby. Its sealed bearings and coated motor are built for dust, and it holds 11,000 rpm without a battery. The Milwaukee handles masonry too, but you will swap packs.
Which lasts longer?
The Milwaukee's brushless motor has no brushes to wear, so it should outlast a brushed motor in heavy use. The Makita's dust sealing is strong, and its brushed motor is the part that wears.
Is the Milwaukee worth stepping up to?
Yes if you already own M18 batteries and want variable speed, a brake and cordless reach. If you only grind at a bench, the Makita covers it with less to buy.
Can I use the Milwaukee without buying batteries?
No. It is sold as a bare tool, so you need M18 batteries and a charger, or a kit that includes them.
Which is safer if the wheel binds?
The Milwaukee. Its RAPIDSTOP brake stops the wheel fast and it has kickback protection. The Makita has neither, so grip it firmly and use the side handle.
Which is easier to handle overhead?
The Makita, at about 1.8 kg with no battery hanging off the back. The Milwaukee gains weight once a pack is fitted.

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  • DEWALT Cordless Angle Grinder DCG410WW1 4 1/2 to 5 Inch Small Power Tool Kit vs Milwaukee 2888-20 M18 FUEL 4-1/2" / 5" Variable Speed Braking Grinder, Paddle Switch No-Lock