What Battery Does the Milwaukee 2848-20 Use?
The Milwaukee 2848-20 M18 FUEL 5″ Random Orbital Sander runs on the Milwaukee M18 18V battery platform. Any Milwaukee M18 REDLITHIUM battery will power this tool, from compact 1.5Ah packs to high-output 6.0Ah batteries.
About the Milwaukee 2848-20
The Milwaukee 2848-20 is a cordless random orbital sander featuring a POWERSTATE brushless motor delivering up to 12,000 OPM with variable speed control. It uses standard 5″ hook-and-loop sanding discs and includes an integrated dust collection port. The low-profile design and ergonomic grip pad reduce fatigue during extended sanding sessions, making it ideal for finish carpentry, cabinet work, and surface preparation.
Compatible Batteries
| Battery Model | Capacity | Weight | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 48-11-1815 | 1.5Ah | 0.75 lb | Quick touch-up sanding |
| 48-11-1820 | 2.0Ah | 0.81 lb | Light sanding tasks |
| 48-11-1830 | 3.0Ah | 1.06 lb | Balanced weight and runtime |
| 48-11-1840 | 4.0Ah | 1.25 lb | Extended sanding sessions |
| 48-11-1850 | 5.0Ah | 1.5 lb | Full-day sanding work |
| 48-11-1860 | 6.0Ah | 1.56 lb | Maximum runtime for large projects |
Recommended Battery
For the 2848-20, the 48-11-1850 (5.0Ah) is the ideal choice. Sanders run for extended periods compared to most power tools, so battery capacity directly translates to how much surface area you can cover per charge. A 5.0Ah pack provides hours of sanding time while keeping the tool manageable in weight.
Minimum Battery
The 48-11-1820 (2.0Ah) compact battery works well with the 2848-20 for quick sanding between coats or minor touch-ups. Sanders are moderate-demand tools, so even compact batteries deliver useful runtime — just not enough for sanding an entire deck or large project.
Battery Compatibility Notes
- All M18 REDLITHIUM batteries are backwards and forwards compatible with every M18 tool
- Sanders are moderate-demand tools — compact batteries perform better here than with high-draw tools like grinders or saws
- M18 batteries are NOT compatible with M12 tools or older V18 tools
- Variable speed settings affect battery life — lower speeds for fine finishing extend runtime significantly