Milwaukee Tool is launching a new M12 Fuel right angle die grinder, model 3485, which they say delivers higher performance compared to typical 1/2 HP air-powered alternatives.
The new Milwaukee brushless right angle die grinder can be used for a variety of metal cleaning, cutting, and surface removal applications. It can be used on various metals, such as mild steel, carbon steel, stainless steel, and non-ferrous materials such as aluminum.
The new Milwaukee M12 Fuel die grinder has a compact-looking form factor, with variable speed paddle switch.
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There are significant differences when comparing the new model 3485 right angle die grinder to the older model 2485 design.
The tool looks to have been redesigned from the ground up, with a more ergonomic handle and smaller paddle switch being the most noticeable differences.
Spec-wise, Milwaukee increased the power output from 0.3 HP to 0.4 HP, and decreased the max speed from 24,500 RPM to 20,000 RPM.
The new model also has a spindle lock, which allows for more convenient accessory changes with just one collet wrench instead of two.
The new RA die grinder also has a new “shadowless” LED worklight, flanking the 1/4″ accessory collet.
The M12 Fuel RA die grinder features a 0.4 HP motor that operates at up to 20,000 RPM.
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As with other tools of this kind, it can be used with a variety of accessories to fit different jobs.
Milwaukee provided a chart to show that the grinder delivers 50% more power compared to typical pneumatic competitors.
As with the previous generation tool, you also skip the part of having to drag an air hose around or deal with air compressors.
The tool features 4-mode Precision Control, with different speed ranges optimized for common 3″ accessories.
Milwaukee says that the RA die grinder works best with sanding accessories up to 3″, and cutting accessories up to 2″.
Larger 1/4″ shank accessories can be used as well, with Milwaukee advising that users let the tool’s speed do the work with “appropriate pressure as necessary.”
Tools like this are designed for their high speed to get the work done, and can bog down with excessive pressure, especially when larger accessories are used.
The M12 Fuel RA grinder will be available in tool-only format, and as part of a 2-battery kit with a High Output 2.5Ah battery and a High Output XC 5Ah battery, plus a charger and soft carrying case.
- 1/4″ collet
- 0.4 HP motor output
- Brushless motor
- 20,000 RPM max speed
- Max accessory size: 2″ grinding, 3″ sanding
- Precision Control modes
- 3,000 – 5,000 RPM
- 3,000 – 10,000 RPM
- 3,000 – 15,000 RPM
- 3,000 – 20,000 RPM
- 8.2″ height
- Weighs 1.3 lbs
Price: $219 tool-only (3485-20), $349 for the kit (3485-22)
Launch ETA: April 2025
Buying your first RA grinder accessories? Acme has the 2″ quick change disc starter pack for $20. (See also New Milwaukee Roloc-Type Die Grinder Accessory Kit.)
Compared to the Older Model
I covered this above, but it’s worth summarizing again. Compared to the 2485 model, which launched 6 years ago in mid-2019, the new Milwaukee 3485 M12 Fuel right angle die grinder has completely redesigned ergonomics, as evident by the shape of the handle and paddle switch.
With respect to performance, Milwaukee bumped up the power rating from 0.3 to 0.4 HP, and dropped the max speed down a notch, from 24,500 to 20,000 RPM.
The price of the kit is higher – $349 vs $319, but you get upgraded batteries, High Output 2.5Ah and XC 5Ah, one each, compared to 2x 2Ah.
Discussion
The design differences are notable, but let’s talk about the on-paper specs. Milwaukee dialed up the power, and it seems to me that they also tweaked the speed to squeeze out a little more torque.
This is still a “let the speed do the work” type of tool, but I think Milwaukee listened to feedback and made the tool more forgiving to a little pressure. We’ll know for certain once the new grinder ships and user feedback starts coming in.
Stephen
I have a 6th sense for this kind of stuff. Every time I buy a new Milwaukee tool, they turn right around and release an upgraded version! Literally just got the 2485 for Christmas. This is the 2nd or 3rd time my timing has sucked lol
Rich
Same. But I bought the old one for the blockbuster price of $169 when a fellow Toolguydian mentioned it here that it was a good deal. So, I still feel good.
al
oh so can you buy the 2136 tower light? been waiting ages for that thing to go on sale already 🙂
Julian Tracy
I own many m12 tools, and am generally a big fan of the system and the tools. I have both die grinders, and no one would accuse them of being powerful. I won’t be upgrading, because I can make do and adjust pressure and use accordingly.
Speaking of low power m12 tools, I’ll also call out the m12 fuel bandsaw and m12 cut off tool for being a bit under powered and somewhat disappointing.
But much like you learn when using pretty much any cordless miter saw, you simply let the tool get out of the way and don’t expect the feed rates or production the corded versions offer.
MM
Milwaukee really needs to update their 3″ cut-off tool. I think they were among the first to bring that type of tool to market but everybody else’s is superior to it now. Now that they have the HO batteries on the M12 platform they they can get some more power out of it, and it would also benefit them to do something to get a higher depth of cut, like adding the offset gearing that Dewalt uses.
CMF
I don’t have the 3″ cut-off tool, I got the Dewalt 18v model instead. I remember reading, not a ton, but enough users being unhappy with the M12 being underpowered and stalling.
I was considering giving it a try then saw the TTC review of the Dewalt and that settled it.
Julian Tracy
The Dewalt 20v cut off tool is simply amazing , power-wise. I’m zip right thru 1/2” thread in seconds. I upgraded to that and modified my m12 cut off to a band file. But then upgraded to their actual m12band file for the rotating head and different speeds
KokoTheTalkingApe
Yep. I think the DeWalt is the best of its kind. More power, also greater depth of cut, because it has a gear to drop the blade shaft below the motor shaft.
JR Ramos
Yes, they do…sorely. Once I got to try it out I was pretty disappointed…still considered it but after waffling on that idea forever, when I saw the TTC and (Tools Tested…I think?) videos I finally bought the DeWalt a few months back. It’s awesome other than the shoe being a little wiggly.
I don’t think I’d count on the 5Ah packs to provide that much more – or to be happy doing it if they are put to the task. They’re definitely much better but they’re still 18650s being asked to do a lion’s share in some other tools. The M12 Forge, whatever flavor that ends up being, will probably be the ticket (assuming they upgrade the tool anyway…). The difference between the little 1.7Ah Powerstack battery and the neighboring round cell packs on the DeWalt cutoff tool is impressive…it’s a hoss.
CMF
“TTC and (Tools Tested…I think?)”…..Torque Test Channel
JR Ramos
Tools Tested:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sHRO0lJK-90
He has a very good testing approach…similar to TTC but adds some things here and there (and missing some other things here and there, too).
Luis
true, for a brief time I owned both the Milwaukee and Ridgid cutoff tools. The Ridgid had better speed control (variable trigger) and more torque so it wouldn’t stall. But I like Milwaukee’s guard with dust port better. At the end the only reason I kept the Milwaukee was because I no longer owned any other Ridgid tools so I let it go.
CMF
I have the bandsaw, it has always worked well for me, no stalling problems.
The small Dremel style M12 die grinder, never had issues till it died on me. It has the 4 flashing lights issue I read on the internet.
I am not a team-red fan. I have some great Milwaukee tools (M18 recip saw and M18 Surge impact driver are super fantastic), but also have had more failures with Milwaukee tools than all other tools I have combined. (no issues with batteries, which I have read is another Milwaukee sore spot)
Lance
I bet the original makes more power with the new HO batteries, especially if the rating was with the kitted 2.0 vs the new 5.0.
SamR
Good point!
Jared
I use my Bosch all the time – it’s one of those tools where, at least for me, having a cordless version changes how I use it. Nail guns and bandfiles are other examples.
I didn’t use to bother turning on and charging up my compressor, and unwinding the hose just for a quick job. I’d sooner make do with an angle grinder, roloc in my drill or use a hammer and nail, etc., if I can finish the task with the wrong tool faster than I can get out the right one.
Glad to hear the m12 got an upgrade though. Is the collect further from your hand now – or does it just look that way from the change to the plastic housing?
Ben
Looks like they also added a button on the bottom to lock the collet(?) so you only need 1 wrench to loosen or tighten. While I appreciate the convenience, I’m not totally sold on the shorter shaft. I like the extra stick out when trying to get into tight spaces.
Stuart
Yes! Sorry, I knew I left something out – I added an image showing the spindle lock to the post.
MM
This seems like it has been optimized for use in a pistol-grip configuration, and for “external” work, for lack of a better term. I think if you wanted to do the kinds of work they show in the photos here it would be better than the old model, both in terms of ergonomics and power. However, I’d rather it have been optimized for use in tight spaces even if that meant less power. The work being demonstrated here could all be done in a fraction of the time with a full-size angle grinder. It’s the jobs in tight areas that require the use of a tool of this size class, so that’s what I’d rather see it designed around.
I might buy one of these. However if it had a straight motor & 90 degree gearbox on the end, or if it was the same power/configuration as the existing model but smaller? That I would certainly buy. More power is nice but more compact is better, in my opinion.
Shane
It looks like they added a spindle lock as well, so now you don’t need 2 wrenches to loosen/tighten the collet.
Jronman
Sounds like a nice upgrade. Hopefully the 1/8th collet Milwaukee sells is still compatible. I have been wanting a rotary tool but was considering going the die grinder with collet swap route since the die grinder is more powerful.
Stuart
Yes! That’s always a good quality of life type of feature. I wonder if anyone prefer using two wrenches for accessory changes, similar to how some tool users still prefer keyed chucks over keyless.
CMF
Like many tools, new features can be nice and helpful but simply performing and doing the job is what really counts. Stuart’s remark “let the speed do the work” is key. My older 2485 just stalls too much so I pass on using it often.
If this new model stalls, but only under excessive load, then regardless of features, it is a welcome tool as it is small and compact . (My 2485 would get lots of work if it did this).
Otherwise they can renew, add features and give me whatever else, it just isn’t worth it. So again, as Stuart mentioned, we’ll see when user get one, what the feedback is.
S
Agreed. I also have the 1st Gen model, bought on a coworkers recommendation.
It’s nice in a pinch, but the overall tool head size and it’s lowly torque means that my pneumatic die grinders and cutoff tools all still have specific uses that this cordless tool still can’t compare to.
When this starts hitting stores. I’ll likely give it a try to see if use is improved. But I’m also not entirely hopeful. As it stands, this gen 1 die grinder is my most battery-intensive tool in my entire arsenal(12 and 18v), and most of my batteries just can’t cope with it, despite working fine in every other tool.
eddiesky
Would like on-off for LED. Sometimes, cutting off those cat convertors, man, I don’t need to light up the underneath of that neighbor’s car…
/sarcasm.
I would like an on-off for the LEDs though. Have to toggle the button sometimes more than not, on my multitool so I can check I’m good.
Stuart
As long as an LED isn’t too bright, I’d rather not pay more for added features and complexity. So far, Craftsman’s 4V gyroscopic screwdriver is the only tool whose LED light I found to be too bright and annoying.
With a tool like this, if the light must really disappear, there’s always electrical tape. At least it’s easier to cover up emitters like in this tool than ring lights.
Jronman
I don’t have the old model. I was considering one or the other die grinder as i was kinda interested in one to use for Dremel style accessories. I wonder if the new model still works with the 1/8th collet accessory. I could see the straight model getting an update too.
Jared
When used with a cut-off wheel – there’s no guard? I have both pneumatic and cordless 3″ cutoff/grinder tools, so I’ve never thought to put that type of wheel on my right angle die grinder. That’s considered a safe and accepted practice?
Stuart
Straight and RA die grinders don’t usually come with guards. I think it’s more a concern with straight grinders that are more often used with cutting wheels. Of course always wear proper PPE such as safety glasses or goggles.
Jared
Interesting. There’s certainly times when no guard would be great. I just assumed that was bad form.
JR Ramos
Considering pneumatic roots and a workplace (vs. home gaming) they can be ordered with guards or guards can be added on later. Neither die grinder configuration is usually outfitted with them – because they’re grinders, not cutoff tools, and are most usually used with stones, brushes, and roloc. “Real” cutoff tools are inline and always outfitted with the guard although you can get different guards for different purposes (a lot the same as angle grinders). Some of this is just tradition and semantics (and OSHA) and the lines have blurred in recent years. But for a lot of companies, if you’re using a wheel and the tool doesn’t have a guard on it, you’re not using it, period.
ElectroAtletico
Cheaper, just as capable options for the DIY guys. Pass it.
Matt_T
Is that “torque” curve chart a mislabeled power curve? It doesn’t look close to right for an ECM motor.
Stuart
Looks like a motor or tool power curve with respect to speed and torque. It’s not too different compared to others I’ve seen, and is definitely not depicting speed vs torque, which is typically an inverse relationship.
I’m fairly certain this is the type of chart that Dewalt uses to calculate the “Max Watts Out” or “Unit Watts Out” for their cordless drills and some other tools, where performance is characterized by speed and torque, rather than just torque.
Chris
Tempted to buy it just for the updated trigger switch alone. But I don’t actually use my cordless die grinder much. While I’ve never actually had any issues with it being underpowered, I just find myself almost never having small jobs where this would be suitable. I keep it for scrubbing personal info off of shipping labels.
JR Ramos
Nobody take this the wrong way, but for people that really use these, when you see that it can’t handle a 3″ cutoff wheel then that’s kind of an indication that it may not have the power to handle aggressive use of carbide burrs or be good for ceramic roloc discs on welds, etc. I guess we’ll have to wait for hands-on testing to see how much the power has increased and what sustained load it can handle comfortably, but it sounds like it may just be milking a little more from 12v where it might be better to step up to 18v or continue to use air or electric.
To me, as someone using one of these tools, the most immediate visual difference is not an ergonomic handle or a “paddle” switch (I’d call this a trigger, as are most who have viewed the new product photos), but the drastically shortened spindle shaft. And now it’s up close to a large bulky motor housing to boot. This drastically limits the practical use of the tool (as they are typically used). It would do the same for a straight in-line version as well. Bad design decision, imho.
And “…also has a new “shadowless” LED worklight”…..gotta lol at that one. That’ll be true for small stones, end brushes, burrs. Maybe I’m wrong but it doesn’t look like it will be true for 2” roloc or cutting wheels, or wire wheels and bristle discs. It’ll light up the back of the accessory nicely, though. Sometimes that doesn’t matter but that statement just seems like more of the same BS marketing fluff that they have been going overboard with of late.
At least they do use good quality collets on all of their die grinders and routers – that’s a big plus.
This is another example of how they could have just improved the tool they had to make it better, but instead went for a radical redesign and introduced new shortcomings that could have been avoided…imho. There are several new gen tools from them that I would love to upgrade to for increased power (generally) but they just sort of killed them for me so…nope. I’ll be curious to see how the power is on this one but I’m pretty sure it’s a hard pass and I’ll once again consider buying another brand rather than sticking with the red that I have the most of. Sometimes I wonder if they are now more focused on homeowner/DIY design and sales than they are tradesmen and industry. Quality and QC sure do seem to be slipping badly now, too.
SamR
The only good thing about the new model is the spindle lock. Other than that, I must try it before upgrading from my old one. Also, I see a dowinside about the new model that no one mention. I am talking about the spindle shaft length.
The old one has a long shaft, which I like since it gives more visual space. I appreciate such a feature; for example, when I was working on my motorcycle’s frame, I was having a lot of fun time blending the welds with tube frame with complete confidence.
This new model seems to shorten the gap between the sanding disk and the tool body, or it will force me to buy Milwaukee sanding and cutting accessories since it looks to have a longer shaft than others!
Aaron
Totally agree. Seems like a major design flaw. I’m always shoving my 2485 in awkward spaces. The longer shaft is a significant feature. And the whole head seems bigger. That’s nice. I wasn’t in the mood to “upgrade”