Does it really match a corded grinder?

Milwaukee rates it at 13A corded power with 9,000 RPM, and the brushless motor holds speed under load. In practice it cuts close to a corded 4-1/2 in. grinder, though the biggest batteries are needed to sustain it.

How does the brake work?

The RAPIDSTOP brake brings the disc to a stop in under two seconds after the switch is released. That shortens the window where a spinning disc is exposed, which matters in tight or overhead work.

Which battery gives the best runtime?

Milwaukee points to the M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE XC8.0, claiming up to 135 cuts per charge. Smaller M18 packs will run the tool but cut fewer pieces and deliver less sustained power.

What sizes of disc does it take?

It accepts both 4-1/2 in. and 6 in. discs. The 6 in. option gives more depth of cut, while 4-1/2 in. discs keep the tool lighter and are the common size on site.

Is kickback protection included?

Yes. An integrated electronic clutch cuts power if the wheel binds, and REDLINK PLUS adds overload protection. Neither replaces a guard and proper technique.

What comes in the box?

It is sold as a bare tool, so batteries and charger are separate unless a kit is specified. Check the listing for the side handle, guard and wrench.

What do buyers say about the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 Inch Braking Grinder?

Rated 5 out of 5 from 1 ratings.

Where can I buy the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 Inch Braking Grinder?

2 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, The Home Depot.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 Inch Braking Grinder

Best price now

$219.00at WalmartChecked 1 h ago

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 Inch Braking Grinder

Best price now

$219.00at WalmartChecked 1 h ago

Compared across 2 stores. Prices are checked against each store and labelled with when.

Visit Walmart

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Price facts

Lowest price today: $219.00 at Walmart (checked Nov 14, 2026).
Checked at 2 stores.

Our take on the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 Inch Braking Grinder

The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 in. / 6 in. Braking Grinder is a cordless angle grinder built around a POWERSTATE brushless motor that spins at 9,000 RPM and is rated to match 13A corded grinders. Its standout feature is the RAPIDSTOP brake, which stops the disc in under two seconds, backed by an electronic clutch for kickback protection. Milwaukee claims up to 135 cuts per charge with the M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE XC8.0 pack. It suits tradespeople who want corded-class cutting without a cord, and it competes with other high-output cordless grinders on brake speed and runtime rather than on light weight.

Best forMetalworkers cutting rebar, strut and pipe on siteContractors already on the M18 battery platformWork where a fast-stopping disc matters for safetyHeavy grinding and weld prep away from outlets

Pros

9,000 RPM and 13A-equivalent power for fast material removal
RAPIDSTOP brake stops the disc in under two seconds
Electronic clutch adds kickback protection
Brushless motor with REDLINK PLUS overload protection
Accepts both 4-1/2 in. and 6 in. discs
Runs on the M18 battery system, including FORGE XC8.0

Cons

Bare tool weight and bulk are high for overhead work
Full power and runtime depend on the larger High Output packs
Braking and electronics add complexity versus a basic grinder
Slide switch layout is not for everyone

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 Inch Braking Grinder prices at every store

WalmartNew
In stockSold by WB TOOLSReturns: Sold by a Walmart Marketplace seller; returns go to the seller under the seller's returns policy.
$219.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit Walmart
The Home DepotNew
In stock
$279.00Free shippingChecked 1 h ago
Visit The Home Depot

Store links may earn us a commission. Some prices via Klarna.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 Inch Braking Grinder price history

Lowest price we've seen: $279.00 on Nov 14 at The Home Depot. Tracked across 1 store since Nov 14.

About the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 Inch Braking Grinder

The Milwaukee M18 FUEL 4-1/2 in. / 6 in. Braking Grinder with Slide Switch is a cordless angle grinder powered by the M18 Cordless System. It delivers 13A corded power and up to 135 cuts per charge. Its POWERSTATE Brushless Motor maintains sustained power and reaches 9,000 RPM for rapid material removal.

The RAPIDSTOP Brake stops the abrasive disc in under two seconds. An integrated electronic clutch provides kickback protection and overload safeguards to extend motor life. REDLINK PLUS Intelligence provides tool protection and system compatibility.

The grinder can be paired with the M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE XC8.0 Battery Pack, which delivers HIGH OUTPUT HD12.0 performance in a more compact form.

Disc size: 4-1/2 in. / 6 in.
Power: 13A corded power equivalent
Speed: 9,000 RPM
Cuts per charge: Up to 135
Motor: POWERSTATE Brushless Motor
Brake: RAPIDSTOP Brake, stops the disc in under two seconds
Switch: Slide switch
Protection: Electronic clutch with kickback protection and overload safeguards
Intelligence: REDLINK PLUS
Battery system: M18 Cordless System
Suggested battery: M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE XC8.0 Battery Pack
Color: Black

Specifications

color: BlackSource

Questions and answers

Does it really match a corded grinder?: Milwaukee rates it at 13A corded power with 9,000 RPM, and the brushless motor holds speed under load. In practice it cuts close to a corded 4-1/2 in. grinder, though the biggest batteries are needed to sustain it.
How does the brake work?: The RAPIDSTOP brake brings the disc to a stop in under two seconds after the switch is released. That shortens the window where a spinning disc is exposed, which matters in tight or overhead work.
Which battery gives the best runtime?: Milwaukee points to the M18 REDLITHIUM FORGE XC8.0, claiming up to 135 cuts per charge. Smaller M18 packs will run the tool but cut fewer pieces and deliver less sustained power.
What sizes of disc does it take?: It accepts both 4-1/2 in. and 6 in. discs. The 6 in. option gives more depth of cut, while 4-1/2 in. discs keep the tool lighter and are the common size on site.
Is kickback protection included?: Yes. An integrated electronic clutch cuts power if the wheel binds, and REDLINK PLUS adds overload protection. Neither replaces a guard and proper technique.
What comes in the box?: It is sold as a bare tool, so batteries and charger are separate unless a kit is specified. Check the listing for the side handle, guard and wrench.
Where is the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 Inch Braking Grinder cheapest?: At Walmart, for $219.00, as of our latest check.
What do buyers say about the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 Inch Braking Grinder?: Rated 5 out of 5 from 1 ratings.
Where can I buy the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 4-1/2 Inch Braking Grinder?: 2 stores we checked sell it, including Walmart, The Home Depot.