Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Inch Grinder Cuts the Cord But Not Performance
Milwaukee is known for pushing the envelope in cordless tool technology, and the latest Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-inch angle grinder continues that tradition with model 3672. Designed to deliver corded-level performance in a cordless form factor, this grinder aims to replace your old 13-amp corded model with the convenience of Milwaukee’s M18 platform. Let’s dive into what makes this tool a compelling option for Pros.
Pros
- Power to replace a 13-amp corded grinder
- Customizable speed settings
- Compatible with wheels 4 1/2 to 6 inches
- Comfortable grip and trigger
- Tool-free wheel guard
- One-Key management features
- Kit includes Forge batteries
Cons
- No top handle position
- Premium price tag
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Inch Grinder Performance
- Motor: Brushless
- No-Load Speeds: 3000 – 9000 RPM
- Wheel Size: 4-1/2 – 6 inches
- Arbor: 5/8-11 UNC
Strength and Speed
Milwaukee claims this tool matches the power output of a 13-amp corded grinder. In our testing, we put it to work on some angle iron with a 6-inch grinding wheel. It held up strong under pressure, with no noticeable drop in power or stalls, even while bearing down on a section of heavy gauge angle iron. For those who are skeptical about cordless grinders’ ability to compete with their corded counterparts, the Milwaukee 3672 is all the proof you need.
Four available speed modes range from 3,000 RPMs to 9,000 RPMs, giving you more control over a variety of grinding, cutting, and polishing tasks.
RapidStop Braking System
One of the standout safety features is the RapidStop brake, which brings the wheel to a stop quickly once you release the trigger. 2 seconds, to be exact! While not an instant stop, the brake is significantly faster than standard grinders, minimizing the risk of injury or damage to your workpiece.
Runtime
Runtime is a pretty common pain point for cordless grinders, but, during our testing, the 3627 handled extended grinding and cutting sessions without needing to swap batteries to charge or because of overheating.
Milwaukee kits this grinder with a pair of Forge 8.0Ah batteries and a single-port rapid charger. For most Pros, these batteries should last a full day of typical use because you can always have one on the charger that’s ready when you need it!
Wheel Compatibility
As is the case with most 6-inch grinders, this grinder supports a range of wheel sizes between 4 1/2 and 6 inches. That flexibility is convenient, allowing you to tailor the tool for different applications and possibly eliminating the need to carry a small angle grinder in addition to this one.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Inch Grinder Design Notes
- Model: Milwaukee 3672
- Power Source: Milwaukee M18 battery
- Weight: 6.25 lbs (bare tool), 8.60 lbs (with kitted Forge 8.0Ah battery)
- Length: 14.75 in.
Size and Weight
For a 6-inch grinder, the Milwaukee 3672 is right in the middle of the pack regarding weight. It’s 6.25 pounds as a bare tool, and 8.60 pounds with an 8.0Ah Forge battery.
For size, it measures 14.75 inches from tip to tail.
Ergonomics
Milwaukee has done a good job of balancing the grinder, making it easy to handle even with the larger 6-inch wheels and a larger battery.
The side handle can be mounted on either side, catering to both left- and right-handed users. However, there’s no middle handle point for those of you who are used to having one for vertical cutting.
The handle includes a vibration isolation section that adds to the overall comfort and reduces fatigue during prolonged use.
Paddle Switch Activation
The grinder uses a paddle switch with a built-in finger safety. This design is intended to prevent accidental start-ups while still providing ease of use during operation. Personally, I prefer this trigger style because it not only adds a layer of safety but also increases your control of the tool.
The paddle switch responds quickly, and the tool’s brushless motor gets the wheel up to speed in a flash.
One-Key Connectivity
If you got this far into the review, you likely saw that this grinder features Milwaukee’s One-Key connectivity. This technology allows you to track and manage the tool through the One-Key app, and gives you a little extra peace of mind on busy jobsites.
Additional Features
- Tool-free adjustable wheel guard
- Compatible with all Milwaukee M18 batteries
Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-Inch Grinder Price
At $299 for the bare tool and $599 for the kit, the M18 Fuel 4-1/2 – 6 inch Braking Grinder isn’t cheap. However, One-Key, the RapidStop brake, and speed control, along with the performance and cordless convenience, justify the price point. And don’t forget—those are Forge batteries in the kit, so you’re getting high capacity and the high end of Milwaukee’s battery technology.
The kit includes two Forge 8Ah batteries, a rapid charger, a wheel guard, and a storage bag.
Milwaukee backs this tool with a 5-year limited warranty plus a 3-year warranty on the batteries.
The Bottom Line
The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-inch Braking Grinder with One-Key lives up to Milwaukee’s reputation for innovation and is a solid choice for Pros who need a reliable, high-performance grinder. While other cordless grinders compete in the same performance class, One-Key sets the 3672 apart for management and customization possibilities along with the build quality we’ve come to expect from Milwaukee. For professionals looking to eliminate the hassle of cords without sacrificing performance, this grinder is an excellent investment.
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