Milwaukee M12

By Milwaukee · Angle Grinders · Power Tools

  • M12 FUEL brushless
  • Collet 1/4 in
  • Motor output 0.3 HP
  • Speed 0-24,500 RPM (retailer listings)
  • Weight about 1.2 lb

Lowest price seen
~$199.00 (approx.)
from $199.00 at Amazon

Prices are snapshots. Check the current price with the store.

Summary

A compact 12V cordless right-angle die grinder for service mechanics and metalworkers who want to ditch pneumatic hoses. Check the trigger and torque complaints from first-gen owners before buying — a second-gen model (3485-22) addresses them.

Strengths

  • Compact head fits tight spaces where pneumatic die grinders with hoses cannot reach.
  • Cordless format eliminates air compressors and hoses for mobile service work.
  • Kit bundles two batteries, a charger and a case.
  • M12 platform compatibility for users already invested in Milwaukee 12V.
  • 5-year tool warranty is strong for this tool class.

Weaknesses

  • No spindle lock — accessory changes require two wrenches and manually arresting the spindle.
  • First-gen paddle trigger draws owner criticism for poor control under load.
  • One owner reports the tool shutting off on its own with a fully charged battery.
  • No independent instrumented test of the exact first-gen 2485-22 exists.
  • Bare tool (2485-20) is discontinued on Milwaukee’s site; remaining kit stock may be closeout.

Verified specifications

Model2485-22 (kit with two CP2.0 batteries) or 2485-20 (bare tool).
PlatformMilwaukee M12 12V REDLITHIUM battery system.
MotorPOWERSTATE brushless, 0.3 HP output.
Collet1/4 in.
No-load speed4 preset modes — 10,000 / 15,000 / 20,000 / 24,500 RPM.
Max accessory size2" cut-off wheels, 3" sanding accessories.
Switchpaddle-style variable speed trigger.
LED work lightsingle.
Dimensions~4.5 in head length; ~1.7 lb with CP2.0 battery.
Warranty5-year tool, 2-year battery.
In the box (kit)die grinder, two CP2.0 batteries, charger, carrying case, two wrenches.
Full research notes and sources

Trigger, torque and owner feedback

Owner feedback on the first generation is mixed. One Reddit user reports the 2485-20 “shuts off on its own with fully charged M12 battery” — cause undetermined, could be electrical connection, battery, or tool fault. Another states the variable-speed trigger “is a joke. You can’t hold it at a constant load… designed with all rpm and no torque. The gen 2 are better.” A third thread discusses kit value and battery options. No pattern of motor failure, collet failure, or battery-interface failure was found in available sources.

Pricing and running costs

The first-gen 2485-22 kit was listed at $299.41 (on sale from $319) at Acme Tools at time of search. A first-gen 2485-80 reconditioned bare tool was $119.99 at Acme Tools. A Reddit thread from December 2023 discusses kit pricing around $164-199 with high-output batteries. The second-gen 3485-22 kit is $349 MSRP and the 3485-20 bare is $219 MSPTR per manufacturer and retailer sources.

Recurring costs: M12 batteries (CP2.0 or XC5.0), 1/4" shank accessories (cut-off wheels, grinding points, sanding discs), and replacement collets/wrenches as needed. No subscription or platform lock-in beyond the M12 battery system.

Is it worth it?

At $200 or less for a first-gen kit on sale, it is strong value for M12 platform users needing a compact cordless die grinder, accepting the first-gen trigger and torque limitations. The 5-year warranty and kit contents add value. At $200-299, it is fair value only if the buyer specifically needs the 24,500 RPM max speed or already owns M12 batteries. The second-gen 3485-22 at $349 offers better torque, ergonomics, and spindle lock for $50-150 more. For new buyers investing in the platform, the second-gen is the more refined tool.

Which model this is

A second-generation model (3485-22 / 3485-20) was released in 2025. It increases power to 0.4 HP, reduces max speed to 20,000 RPM, adds a single-wrench spindle lock, dual LED worklights, and a 2-finger trigger with safety switch. Pro Tool Reviews scored the second-gen 9.6/10, praising its performance and design improvements. This review does not directly validate the first-gen 2485-22.

The first-gen 2485-20 bare tool is now marked “no longer available” on Milwaukee’s site. The 2485-22 kit may still be sold through some retailers as remaining stock. The Amazon listing for this tool is ASIN B0FHH943FJ. Do not merge first-gen 2485 and second-gen 3485 evidence.

Sources

Manufacturer:

Independent reviews:

Owner reports:

Retailers:

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