The Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-inch Dual Trigger Angle Grinder offers a unique take on safety features. Your safety manager might be excited, but is it something else that gets in your way? And do you have to sacrifice performance to get it?
I took a closer look at the design, and Iโll share what Iโve learned about how the design might actually make it easier to use than other grinders you may be accustomed to. Itโs not for everyone, though, so dive in and letโs see if it works for you.
Curious which angle grinders we prefer? Check out our best angle grinder recommendations!
Whatโs Different About the Milwaukee M18 Fuel 6-inch Dual Trigger Angle Grinder?
If youโre familiar with Milwaukeeโs 3672 angle grinder, youโll notice the performance stats are the same for the 3676. Itโs still a 4-mode variable speed model with a top speed that ranges from 3000 to 9000 RPM and uses 4 1/2 to 6-inch wheels. Compared to corded models, itโs a replacement for 13-amp grinders.
Where the 3676 takes a turn from its predecessor is on the side handle. Most notably, it has a second trigger that has to be pressed at the same time as the paddle switch to operate.
This is a safety move that requires you to have two hands on the tool while youโre actively using it. In addition to ensuring control, it also acts as a second dead-man switch in case your hand leaves the side handle while still pressing the paddle switch.
Milwaukee thought ahead, and there are paddle triggers on both sides of the handle. Whether youโre right or left-handed, you should be able to find multiple grip locations that work for you.
In order to have the additional trigger function, Milwaukee had to permanently install the side handle. That makes sense, considering you need an electrical connection to make the extra trigger work.
However, that doesnโt mean youโre stuck with just one handle position. The product team designed it to be able to rotate. Better yet, it locks into 15 different positions across the top from left to right, so you can dial in a more customized grip than a standard two or three-position handle. Thatโs a nice bonus.
Milwaukee M18 Fuel Dual Trigger Angle Grinder Additional Highlights
Offering the full suite of safety features Milwaukee currently has for their angle grinders, AutoStop kickback control is on board. If thatโs a new feature to you, it detects when the wheel binds up and stops the motor quickly before the tool can rotate around too far and cause serious injury.
As we expect from a premium grinder, Milwaukeeโs RapidStop electronic brake is also enabled on this model. Stopping most wheels in less than two seconds, it reduces the risk of damage to your workpiece when you set the tool down or injury if the wheel comes into contact with you.
- One-Key Enabled: Track and manage the tool using Milwaukeeโs One-Key system
- Tool-Free Guard: Quickly adjust the guard to optimize your working angle
- Tether-Ready: No need to make modifications when youโre working at height
- Controlled Start: Accelerates smoothly to avoid startup jerking
Should You Buy It?
Milwaukeeโs M18 Fuel Dual Trigger Angle Grinders are for Pros who want high performance with top safety features. Itโs a great fit for nearly any handheld cutting and grinding tasks that the 6-inch class is suitable for.
On the other hand, if youโre used to extended-use applications, like surface grinding, where you can give your hands a break with a lock-on switch, this isnโt the grinder for you.
Itโs also understandably more expensive than models that skip the advanced safety features, so thereโs your budget to consider. Still, the premium for this upgrade is small compared to the cost of an injury to a crew member. Food for thought.
Ready to get your hands on one? The bare tool is $429 and includes a Type 27 guard, a Type 1 clip-on guard, and a spanner wrench. Acme Tools also has a bundle that includes the grinder and a 5.0Ah battery for $598.
Iโve primarily been talking about the 6-inch model, but thereโs also the M18 Fuel 2986 if youโre after a 4/12 โ 5-inch grinder. Itโs lighter and a little more compact, but has the same safety features as the larger 3676. Itโs $379 as a bare tool.
What do you think? Is the dual trigger design helpful, or would you prefer a more traditional setup? Let us know in the comments below!
Specifications
- Model: Milwaukee 3676
- Motor: PowerState brushless
- Wheel Sizes: 4 1/2 โ 6 inches
- Speed: 3000 โย 9000 RPM
- Tigger: Dual trigger paddle switch
- Bare Weight: 6.6 lbs
- Length: 15 in
- Warranty: 5 years
