Milwaukee M18 FUEL Cordless Angle Grinder 4-1/2 in / 5 in 2881-20

What's In The Box - Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2881-20

The Milwaukee 2881-20 comes with everything needed to get started right away. Battery and charger are sold separately.

Included in your order:

• 1x M18 FUEL 2881-20 Angle Grinder (tool only): No battery or charger included. POWERSTATE brushless motor, 8,500 RPM, integrated RAPIDSTOP brake.
• 1x Type 27 Guard: Protection for depressed-center discs. Tool-free installation with the FIXTEC system.
• 1x Type 1 Guard: Guard for flat discs. Tool-free adjustment and replacement for fast changes.
• 1x Side Handle: Repositionable anti-vibration handle for better control and reduced fatigue during long sessions.
• 1x Wrench: Tightening wrench for abrasive disc replacement.
• 1x Rear Flange: Rear mounting flange for securing grinding accessories on the 5/8 in-11 spindle.

Advantages of the Milwaukee 2881-20

• Corded power without the cord: The POWERSTATE brushless motor delivers the equivalent of 11 amps on a cord. Intense grinding and cutting with no power loss, even on a partially charged battery.
• Enhanced safety with RAPIDSTOP: The electronic brake stops most wheels in under 2 seconds after the switch is released. A critical safety advantage on high-traffic job sites across Canada.
• Extended runtime up to 135 cuts: With an M18 REDLITHIUM battery, complete up to 135 cuts per charge. Fewer interruptions, more productivity on active job sites.
• Compatible with 200+ M18 tools: Every M18 battery powers the entire Milwaukee ecosystem. One charger, one platform for your entire tool fleet.

Recommended Complementary Accessories

Complete your setup to get the most out of your Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2881-20 grinder.

• Milwaukee M18 REDLITHIUM XC 5.0 Ah Battery (48-11-1850) : Recommended 5 Ah battery for extended grinding sessions. Sold separately.
• Milwaukee M18 REDLITHIUM XC6.0 Ah Battery (48-11-1865) : Maximum capacity for the most demanding applications. Delivers 50% more power. Sold separately.
• Milwaukee M18 5.0 Ah Starter Kit (2 batteries + charger) : The ideal option to start with the M18 system. Includes 2 x 5 Ah batteries and a charger. Sold separately.
• Milwaukee M18 FUEL 2880-20 Grinder (paddle switch) : Paddle switch version for a different control style based on your preference. Sold separately.
• Norton 5" Sanding Disc GR36 : 5" disc compatible with the 2881-20. Ideal for surface prep and material removal. Sold separately.

First Use

Before starting your Milwaukee 2881-20 for the first time, follow these steps for a safe and optimal setup.

1. Initial inspection: Verify all included components are present (grinder, Type 27 guard, Type 1 guard, side handle, wrench, rear flange). Inspect the tool for any shipping damage.
2. Handle installation: Attach the anti-vibration side handle in the most comfortable position for your working style. It can be repositioned 360 degrees.
3. Guard installation: Install the Type 27 or Type 1 guard based on the disc type being used. Ensure it is securely locked before any use.
4. No-load test: Insert an M18 battery and run the grinder at no load for 30 seconds. Verify the disc spins freely and the RAPIDSTOP brake engages correctly.

Regular Maintenance

Regular maintenance extends the life of your grinder and keeps it performing at 8,500 RPM.

After each use:

• Remove the battery before any cleaning or accessory change
• Blow dust from ventilation slots with compressed air
• Wipe the housing with a dry or slightly damp cloth
• Inspect the disc for cracks, excessive wear, or imbalance

Periodic checks (every 50 hours):

• Check the guard condition: replace if damaged
• Inspect motor ventilation slots: clear any obstructions
• Test RAPIDSTOP brake: disc should stop in under 2 seconds
• Check the rear flange and 5/8 in-11 spindle for excessive play

Cleaning and Maintenance

1. Remove the battery and wait for the disc to stop completely
2. Use low-pressure compressed air to blow dust from ventilation grilles
3. Clean the spindle and flange with a clean cloth to remove abrasive residue
4. Avoid any cleaning liquid on electrical contacts or ventilation slots
5. Dry completely before reassembling accessories

Safety Precautions

For your safety:

• Never remove the guard: The guard redirects sparks and debris away from the operator. Removing it is prohibited at all times.
• Check disc maximum speed rating: Only use discs with a maximum speed rating equal to or greater than 8,500 RPM. An undersized disc can shatter during use.
• Use appropriate PPE: Safety glasses, hearing protection, and cut-resistant gloves are required. A dust mask is recommended for concrete or masonry work.
• Inspect the disc before each use: Immediately replace any disc showing cracks, chips, or visible imbalance.

Storage Guidelines

Short-term storage:

• Remove the battery and store it separately
• Store the tool in a dry location, away from dust
• Recommended temperature: between 41°F and 104°F (5°C and 40°C)

Cold weather storage in Canada:

• Never let the battery fully discharge below 0°C (32°F)
• Allow the tool to acclimate to room temperature before use in cold conditions
• Store batteries in a heated area (ideally between 59°F and 77°F / 15°C and 25°C)
• REDLITHIUM technology maintains acceptable performance down to -18°C (0°F)

Equipement Polar Return Policy

At Equipement Polar, every purchase is backed by our satisfaction policy. You benefit from a 30-day money-back satisfaction guarantee on all purchases, no questions asked.

Milwaukee Manufacturer Warranty

• Milwaukee manufacturer warranty: 5 years on the motor and electronic components under normal use conditions.
• Warranty type: Coverage against defects in materials and workmanship.
• Registration: Online registration on the Milwaukee website may be required to activate full warranty coverage.

What Is Covered

The Milwaukee warranty covers defects related to manufacturing and materials under normal operating conditions.

• POWERSTATE motor: Manufacturing defects in the brushless motor and internal components.
• REDLINK PLUS electronics: Failures in circuit boards and integrated protection systems.
• Housing and mechanism: Material defects on the housing, RAPIDSTOP brake system, and slide switch.
• FIXTEC system: Tool-free accessory change mechanism covered against manufacturing defects.

What Milwaukee will do:

• Free repair at an authorized Milwaukee service center
• Replacement if repair is not possible within a reasonable timeframe
• Coverage of labor costs at Milwaukee Canada service centers

Warranty Exclusions

The warranty does NOT cover:

• Normal wear: Discs, guards, and consumable accessories worn through regular use.
• Physical damage: Drops, impacts, crushing, or mechanical damage caused by the user.
• Misuse: Use of non-compliant discs, prolonged overloading, or applications not recommended by Milwaukee.
• Modifications: Any modification or repair performed outside authorized Milwaukee service centers.
• Moisture damage: Corrosion or water infiltration caused by excessive moisture exposure.

How To Make a Claim

4-step process:

Step 1: Documentation

• Keep your Equipement Polar purchase receipt
• Note the tool serial number (located on the housing)
• Document the issue in writing with the date it first appeared

Step 2: Contact

Equipement Polar Customer Service (30-day returns):

• Phone: 1-800-567-3206
• Email: info@equipementpolar.com
• Address: 3425 Boulevard Wilfrid-Hamel, Quebec City
• Hours: Monday-Friday 8am-5pm

Step 3: Return

Pack the tool in its original packaging or equivalent protective packaging. Include a copy of the receipt and a description of the issue. The return address will be provided by our team.

Step 4: Processing

For returns within 30 days: refund or exchange processed within 3 to 5 business days of receipt. For Milwaukee warranty claims: 5 to 15 business days depending on parts availability at the service center.