Milwaukee Cordless Polisher 2438-20 review versatile tool for polishing and sanding

Description

Compact Cordless Polisher: A Game-Changer for DIY and Professional Use

I recently got my hands on the Milwaukee 2438-20 Cordless Polisher and put it through its paces. This compact, 3-inch tool quickly became a staple in my workshop. Whether you’re a professional detailer or a weekend DIY enthusiast, this product is designed to offer convenience and performance. However, there are a few quirks worth discussing.

Design and Build Quality

The build quality of this cordless polisher is impressive. It feels sturdy, even though it only weighs 1.6 pounds. The non-slip, soft-grip handle makes it comfortable to hold for extended periods, while its compact size (just 5-1/8 inches in length) allows for precision work in tight spaces.

What really stood out to me was the tool-free accessory change feature. I didn’t have to fumble with wrenches or special tools; swapping out the various pads was as simple as it gets. The product includes a 3-inch polishing backing pad, a 2-inch sanding backing pad, a wool pad, a yellow foam pad, and a white foam pad. This broad range of accessories made it adaptable for various tasks, from polishing car headlights to sanding down small furniture pieces.

Performance and Versatility

Performance-wise, this bare tool punches above its weight. It features a variable speed trigger, allowing me to control the rotation speed in both polishing and sanding modes. For polishing, it goes up to 2800 RPM, and for sanding, it maxes out at 8300 RPM. The versatility of switching between these two modes made it a one-stop solution for multiple projects.

While using it, I found that the 12V Li-Ion compatibility was a double-edged sword. On one hand, the M12 REDLITHIUM battery system is known for its reliability and long life. On the other hand, the fact that the battery is not included could be a dealbreaker for someone starting from scratch. If you already own other Milwaukee cordless tools, this might not be an issue.

Key Benefits

• Ergonomic Design: Lightweight and compact for maneuvering in tight spaces.
• Versatile Speed Settings: Adjustable for both polishing and sanding.
• Tool-Free Pad Changes: Quick and hassle-free accessory swaps.

Less Favorable Aspects

• No Battery Included: You’ll need to purchase the battery separately if you don’t already own one.
• Limited Pad Size: The 3-inch and 2-inch pads are great for small jobs but might not suffice for larger surfaces.
• Cordless Power Limitations: While convenient, cordless tools sometimes lack the consistent power of corded versions during heavy-duty tasks.

Product Competitors

Compared to its market rivals, the Milwaukee 2438-20 holds its own quite well. For instance, the DeWalt DCM848B has a slightly larger 5-inch pad option, which makes it better for larger surfaces. However, it is bulkier and less convenient for detailed work.

On the other hand, the Makita XOP02Z cordless polisher offers similar variable speed settings but comes at a higher price point. Additionally, it doesn’t feature the same tool-free accessory change, which I found to be a huge time saver with Milwaukee’s model.

What sets this tool apart is its lightweight design and ease of use, particularly for detailed tasks. However, for someone looking to handle larger projects, a competitor with a bigger pad size might be a better choice.

Price Performance

When evaluating the price-to-quality ratio, this polisher offers good value for its features. While the initial cost might seem a bit high considering the battery isn’t included, its durability and versatility make it a worthwhile investment. It’s especially cost-effective for those already owning Milwaukee batteries.

For someone like me, who occasionally dabbles in car detailing and DIY furniture restoration, it’s a solid addition to the toolkit. However, if you’re a professional needing heavy-duty performance daily, it might be worth considering higher-capacity cordless tools or even corded alternatives.

This cordless polisher delivers on its promises with a few caveats. It excels at small, detailed tasks and provides the convenience of a portable, easy-to-use tool. However, the absence of a battery and its small pad size limit its utility for larger projects.

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