Milwaukee 2485-20 Grinder Review
Our verdict
The Milwaukee 2485-20 is a compact 12V cordless die grinder that delivers 24500 RPM at just 1.6 lbs, making it one of the lightest cordless options in this batch. At $429.95 it commands the highest price here, which is only justified for buyers committed to the Milwaukee M12 battery platform.
Check price on AmazonBest for
Milwaukee M12 battery platform users who need a lightweight, compact cordless die grinder with a trusted brand name and service network
Skip if
You are not already in the Milwaukee M12 ecosystem, or the $429.95 price is a barrier compared to the $140 DEWALT DCG426B offering comparable cordless performance
- Power Source Battery Powered
- Voltage 12 Volts
- Speed 24500 RPM
- Weight 1.6 Pounds
- Dimensions 4.4 x 2 x 8.7 inches
- Priced 403% above the category median ($85.49 across 39 tracked models)
Our scorecard
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Owner rating4.6/5
4.6 average across 319 owner ratings
-
Popularity3.2/5
319 owner reviews, more than most models here
The overall score is owner satisfaction weighted by how many reviews back it, so a high rating from few reviews counts for less. The bars below show where this model stands against the other power tools and workshop machinery we track in this category on price, popularity and size. Context, not marks against it, and our read of the data, not a lab test.
Overview
The Milwaukee 2485-20 operates on a 12V platform and spins at 24500 RPM in a body measuring 4.4 x 2 x 8.7 inches and weighing 1.6 lbs. That combination of compact dimensions and low weight makes it particularly well suited for work in confined spaces where a heavier 20V tool would be harder to maneuver.
At $429.95, this is the most expensive tool in the batch by a considerable margin. The 319-review count at 4.6 stars reflects solid owner satisfaction but is much smaller than the DEWALT DCG426B's 2,636 reviews, which limits direct comparison confidence. No units were purchased last month per the available data.
Buyers evaluating the 2485-20 should weigh the Milwaukee M12 ecosystem benefits against the higher price. If Milwaukee M12 batteries are already on hand, the per-tool premium is partially offset. For buyers starting from scratch, the total battery-and-tool investment is substantially higher than most competing cordless options.
Pros
- 1.6 lbs is among the lightest cordless die grinders in this batch
- 4.4 x 2 x 8.7-inch compact body excels in tight-access grinding applications
- 24500 RPM is sufficient for standard die grinding tasks
- Milwaukee brand provides strong service and parts network
Cons
- $429.95 is the highest price in this batch, far above comparable cordless options
- 12V platform provides less power headroom than 18V or 20V cordless competitors
- No units recorded as bought last month, suggesting softer current demand
Specifications
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
|---|---|
| Voltage | 12 Volts |
| Speed | 24500 RPM |
| Weight | 1.6 Pounds |
| Dimensions | 4.4 x 2 x 8.7 inches |
Performance notes
Power source: 12V battery powered. Speed: 24500 RPM. Weight: 1.6 lbs. Dimensions: 4.4 x 2 x 8.7 inches. The 12V motor keeps the tool compact and light, which is its primary advantage. Speed at 24500 RPM is just slightly below most 20V cordless competitors. The narrow 2-inch width fits into tight clearances that wider tools cannot reach.
What buyers say
Owners consistently praise the Milwaukee 2485-20 for its compact size, ease of use in confined spaces, and the quality associated with the Milwaukee brand. The main recurring concern in reviews is the high tool-only price relative to competing cordless die grinders with higher voltage platforms.
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Frequently asked questions
Does the Milwaukee 2485-20 come with a battery or charger?
The listing is for the tool only. A Milwaukee M12 battery and charger are sold separately. If you already own M12 tools, your existing batteries will be compatible.
How does the Milwaukee 2485-20 compare to the DEWALT DCG426B at half the price?
The DCG426B costs $140 versus $429.95 for the 2485-20, runs on 20V versus 12V, and has 2,636 reviews at 4.8 stars versus 319 at 4.6 stars. The 2485-20 is lighter at 1.6 lbs versus 3 lbs and smaller. The best choice depends on which battery platform you already own.
Is the Milwaukee 2485-20 worth it for occasional DIY use?
At $429.95 tool-only, it is a hard value case for occasional use unless you already have M12 batteries. Contact hello@toolgalaxy.com if you want help comparing options for your specific use case.