Four cordless angle grinders from Milwaukee, DEWALT, Makita and Ryobi cover the same job on paper, and the lines that separate them are battery platform, no-load speed, brake design and switch type. This guide reads each maker’s own spec page and adds the figures Pro Tool Reviews published, so a Black Friday or gift listing is easier to judge. Torque Digest did not test any of these grinders, and Pro Tool Reviews gave no measured cut speed or runtime for the cordless models we cite.
What do the maker spec pages say?
All four are brushless, all take a 4-1/2 inch wheel, and two also take 5 inch accessories. Where a page does not list a figure, the table says so instead of guessing.
| Model | Battery platform | No-load speed | Wheel size | Brake and safety | Warranty on the page |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee 2880-20 | M18 | 8,500 RPM | 4-1/2 in and 5 in | RAPIDSTOP brake, electronic clutch | 5-year logo, terms not stated |
| DEWALT DCG413B | 20V MAX XR | Not listed | 4-1/2 in | Kickback brake | 3-year limited |
| Makita XAG26Z | 18V LXT | 8,500 RPM | 4-1/2 in and 5 in | Electric brake, AFT | 3-year limited |
| Ryobi PBLAG02 (per Pro Tool Reviews) | 18V One+ HP | 9200 RPM | 4.5 in | Not covered | Not covered |
Milwaukee says the 2880-20 delivers 11A corded-equivalent power and up to 135 cuts per charge on its page, which are maker claims. DEWALT lists 850 max watts out for the DCG413B and a weight of 3-3/4 lbs. Makita lists the XAG26Z at 5.99 lbs net with a battery fitted and 14-3/4 inches overall length.
Why does the brake matter?
A brake stops the wheel quickly after you release the switch, and a kickback system reacts when the wheel pinches or binds. Each maker describes its own version, so read the wording rather than the label.
Milwaukee says its RAPIDSTOP brake stops accessories in 2 seconds or less and gives “stop times under 2 seconds with an abrasive disc”. DEWALT says the DCG413B brake stops the wheel in about 2 seconds or less on average, and that a kickback brake detects pinch, stall or bind-up events and shuts the tool off. Makita says the XAG26Z has an electric brake of 2 seconds or less plus AFT, which shuts off the motor if the wheel suddenly stops.
None of this replaces a guard, eye protection and a firm two-handed grip. The side handle comes in the box on the Milwaukee and DEWALT pages.
Which switch and spindle should I look for?
Paddle switches with no lock-on are the common choice here, because the tool stops when you let go. The DEWALT page describes a two-stage trigger that needs two actions to start, and the Makita page lists a two-stage lock-off and no lock-on.
Makita also lists an X-LOCK spindle for tool-free wheel changes. Milwaukee lists a 5/8 inch by 11 thread spindle and tool-free accessory change on the 2880-20. If you already own wheels, check that the spindle suits them before buying.
Does the battery platform decide the purchase?
Usually yes. These grinders are sold as tool only on the pages we read, so the battery and charger are extra unless a kit says otherwise.
Milwaukee recommends a REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT XC6.0 pack and says the 2880-20 works with all M18 batteries. DEWALT sells the DCG413B bare and lists its battery and charger as separate. Makita lists the XAG26Z as 18V LXT with the battery sold separately. If a shop already has one platform, the grinder on that platform is usually cheaper to add than a second set of packs.
What does Pro Tool Reviews add on price?
Pro Tool Reviews lists the Ryobi 18V One+ HP Brushless PBLAG02 at $129 bare and $199 as a kit, at 4.1 lb tool only. That puts a basic 4.5 inch grinder well below the figures the same outlet gives for larger models, for example $299 bare for the Makita 40V max XGT GAG11. Those are prices at the time Pro Tool Reviews wrote them, in US dollars, and they can change at any retailer.
One caution on model numbers: Milwaukee’s 4-1/2 to 6 inch 2980-20, with 9,000 RPM and 13A equivalent power, now shows “This product is no longer available” on the maker’s page. A listing for an older number may be clearance stock.
Who it suits
- Tradespeople on one platform: buy the grinder that matches your batteries, and use the brake wording and the 5 inch option to decide between the Milwaukee and Makita.
- Homeowners and DIYers: the DEWALT 3-3/4 lbs bare weight and the Ryobi 4.1 lb figure point to the lighter, smaller grinders for occasional cutting and cleanup.
- Gift buyers: confirm the platform the recipient already owns, and check whether the listing is tool only or a kit with a battery.
- Deal hunters: compare the exact model number, battery size and warranty on each listing against the maker page before trusting a headline price.
Next step: open the maker page for the model number on your shortlist and compare it with the listing before Black Friday.
