Milwaukee 2780-20 Angle Grinder Review

Milwaukee 2780-20 Angle Grinder Product Image

Editor Rating: 4.5/5

Great

Milwaukee 2780-20 Angle Grinder Review

Reviewed by: Timothy Henderson

Published on: January 26, 2019

Last modified:

November 12, 2020 @ 2:09 pm

 

  • Design
  • Functionality
  • Price

Milwaukee 2780-20 Review Summary:

Every handyman knows that the utility of a quality angle grinder is limited only by one’s skill and imagination. These tools are exceptionally versatile and can be used for grinding metal, routing out the mortar, cutting concrete, tile, and rebar, as well as for sharpening, sanding, and polishing.

Is Milwaukee’s 2780-20 model the right angle grinder for your needs? A part of the company’s flagship M18 FUEL lineup; it’s a device that’s packed with features and capable of completing the toughest grinding, cutting and surface-preparing applications. Powered by a brushless engine and featuring the company’s signature REDLINK electronics system, it is one of the most attractive products in Milwaukee’s array of power tools.

In the next part of the review, we’ll be analyzing the model’s features and have a closer look at each of its characteristics. Join us and let’s find out its value for the money!

2780-20 Specifications:

  • Weight-5.38lbs
  • Dimensions-2.3″ x 12.9″ x 7.6″
  • Battery-Lithium-Ion
  • Speed-8,500 RPM
  • Arbor Size-5/8″-11

Milwaukee 2780-20 Angle Grinder – The Basics


Milwaukee advertises 2780-20 as a model with a 10X longer motor life than your standard angle grinders. This isn’t far from the truth – its brushless engine works like a charm and allows one to use this grinder for heavy-duty grinding and cutting operations.

It is also very easy to handle due to its exceptional ergonomics, paddle switch, as well as the attached sidebar. The model’s metal housing, on the other hand, is there to provide the necessary protection from impact damage. As is relatively lightweight and compact, the device allows strain-free operation and causes no user fatigue.

It runs on the same batteries as all other M18 tools – the M18 REDLITHIUM Li-Ion battery packs. It’s also accompanied by a 5-year warranty and can be purchased as a bare tool or inside a combo-kit toolset.

Milwaukee 2780-20 Features


The Design


The overall design of this angle grinder is very similar to that of all other tools in the M18 FUEL lineup. It’s an ergonomic, easy-to-use piece of equipment with weight (5.38 pounds) and dimensions (2.3″ x 12.9″ x 7.6″) that cause no aches or fatigue during longer grinding/cutting sessions.

As a paddle-switch grinder, the Milwaukee 2780-20 is very easy to use as one does not have to hold the switch down to power the tool. The included sidebar, on the other hand, allows the user to apply the needed amount of physical force when dealing with tougher tasks. As expected, the sidebar features over-molded rubber and prevents slipping and excessive vibrations.

When it comes to durability, we were pleased to see that 2780-20 features a metal housing. As you can already guess, this makes it far more durable than the cheap angle grinders with plastic bodies. The fact that this model was built to last and withstand the harsh job site conditions is evident right from the start -it is precisely what we expected from Milwaukee.

Power


As we said, the brushless POWERSTATE motor of this machine is very powerful and robust, so there’s no need to worry about the performance. Achieving the top speed of 8,500 rotations per minute, the Milwaukee 2780-20 allows the user to tackle both light-duty and heavy-duty grinding, cutting, and surface preparation applications. It’s a very versatile power tool and one that’s bound to become one of the most important devices in your workshop.

One thing we particularly liked (and expected to see) is the ability to change the accessories without having to use any additional tools. The integrated REDLINK intelligence system also deserves words of praise, as it allows better communication between the engine and the battery and leads to an even better performance.

Battery


As it can be used with several different M18 battery packs, the bare-tool version of this angle grinder is an excellent choice for handymen who already own one or several Milwaukee M18 power tools. Fortunately, the device can also be purchased inside Milwaukee’s combo kits.

2780-20 Pros:

N

Durable construction

N

Ergonomic design

N

Stellar performance

N

Paddle switch

Cons:

N

Short battery life

N

Safety on/off switch awkward to use

R

Things we liked about the 2780-20

Just like all Milwaukee power tools, 2780-20 angle grinder possesses a fit and form that makes using it very straightforward and effortless. Both the overall shape of the device and its sidebar provide a good amount of control and make it easy to grind and cut all sorts of materials. The paddle switch, on the other hand, removes the need to hold any buttons while operating the unit.

We were also very pleased with the construction quality -this angle grinder was built to last. Manufactured from premium materials, it is highly resistant to impact damage and should easily survive most drops and kicks.

The power is as equally impressive. The unit’s brushless engine spins the disc at 8,500 RPM and makes short work of both light-duty and heavy-duty projects. It’s an extremely capable machine and one that seldom disappoints when it comes to performance.

Q

Things we didn’t like

As it is somewhat cumbersome, the unit’s on/off switch could be awkward to use to some people. A much more serious downside, however, is the fact that the model’s powerful motor eats the battery pretty fast – you’ll have to use the charger much more often than you might expect.

General User Impressions Of The Milwaukee 2780-20


People who bought this angle grinder are highly pleased with its design and performance. They’re amazed by the unit’s impressive performance and say that it’s one of the best cordless tools Milwaukee has manufactured so far. For many of them, 2780-20 is the “go-to” machine when it comes to grinding and sanding.

Conclusion


All in all, the Milwaukee 2780-20 is probably the best cordless angle grinder in its price category, and, as such, undoubtedly deserves its best-selling status. Almost flawless, it managed to impress us with every single one of its features -paddle switch, metal housing, outstanding performance, as well as the reasonable weight. It’s one of the best cordless angle grinders of this type available on the market. 

Most Read Reviews

Disclaimer

The owner of ToolNerds.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn commission by advertising and linking ToolNerds.com reviews to Amazon products, but not limited to Amazon.com.

Follow Us