Milwaukee Tool has announced a next generation M12 FUEL 1/4 in. Straight Die Grinder and an extended version, according to its 2026 press release. The straight grinder comes as a bare tool (3486-20) or a kit (3486-22), and the extended model is 3487-20. Milwaukee’s US page lists the kit at $379 and the extended grinder at $249.
Milwaukee says both tools deliver more sustained power, improved torque and longer run-time than before, and calls them the most powerful sub-compact cordless tools in their class. Those are the company’s own claims, and the release gives no runtime or torque figures to check them against.
Specs and the two versions
Both models share these figures from Milwaukee:
- 0.5 HP of motor output and up to 20,000 RPM
- four speed modes plus a variable speed paddle trigger
- a 3” sanding capacity and a 2” cutting capacity
- a push-button spindle lock for one wrench accessory changes
- a shadowless LED work light and the POWERSTATE brushless motor
The straight grinder is 10.8” long and weighs 1.6 lbs. The extended model has a 4” shaft, measures 14.7” and weighs 1.9 lbs, so it reaches deeper into engine bays, housings and frames. The press page describes uses such as rust removal, deburring, grinding, cutting, finishing, sharpening and beveling, mainly in automotive, metalworking and facility repair.
Kit contents, price and availability
The 3486-22 kit holds the grinder, one M12 REDLITHIUM HIGH OUTPUT XC5.0 battery (48-11-2450), one HIGH OUTPUT CP2.5 battery (48-11-2425), a charger, a wrench and a carrying bag. Milwaukee’s product page also lists its warranty. The extended 3487-20 is listed without a kit.
Prices are shown in dollars on Milwaukee’s US site: $379 for the kit and $249 for the extended model. A bare tool price for the straight grinder was not given. The release carries no ship date or retailer list, and the pages we read give no Canadian price or Canadian retailers, so check Milwaukee’s Canadian site and your local distributor. Milwaukee counts more than 150 solutions in its M12 system.
Underhood Service republished the announcement with the same specs and no pricing, and neither source offers independent test results.
Who it suits
Automotive and transportation technicians get the most obvious use, since the extended 3487-20 reaches into tight spots that a straight body cannot. Check which collet size and accessory shanks you already own: the tool takes 1/4” shanks.
Fabricators and metalworkers can use the speed modes for finishing and cutting, but should confirm runtime on their own wheels and burrs, because Milwaukee gives no figures.
Facility maintenance crews already on M12 can buy the extended grinder alone for $249 and use batteries they own.
Serious DIYers who sharpen, deburr and rust clean now and then should weigh $379 for the kit against a corded grinder, since the release gives no cheaper option.
Crew buyers should decide between the kit with a carrying bag and one extended tool per van.
