Milwaukee 2737B-20 M18 FUEL 18V Cordless Barrel Grip Jig Saw – Bare Tool Review

When we first unboxed the Milwaukee 2737B-20 M18 FUEL jig saw, we knew we were holding something special. This isn’t your typical cordless jig saw – it’s a meticulously engineered cutting machine that delivers professional-grade results without the hassle of cords. After extensive hands-on testing across various materials and cutting scenarios, we’re excited to share what makes this tool a game-changer for both professionals and serious DIYers.

Our First Impressions and Build Quality

The barrel grip design immediately felt natural in our hands. Unlike top-handle jig saws, this configuration provides exceptional control and visibility of the cutting line – something we truly appreciated when making intricate cuts. The tool feels remarkably balanced, with a solid construction that screams Milwaukee quality. The rubberized grip areas provide excellent traction even when our hands got sweaty during extended use.

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Power Performance That Exceeds Expectations

The FUEL designation isn’t just marketing speak – we experienced the difference immediately. During our testing, this jig saw powered through 2-inch hardwood like butter. The brushless motor technology delivers consistent power throughout the battery charge, something we verified by monitoring cutting speed over extended use. We were genuinely impressed by how the tool maintained its cutting performance even as the battery indicator dropped.

The variable speed trigger (0-3,500 SPM) gives you precise control for different materials. We found ourselves using lower speeds for delicate plywood cuts and ramping up to full speed when cutting through dense hardwoods and even light-gauge metal.

Key Features That Set This Jig Saw Apart

REDLINK PLUS Intelligence System

Milwaukee’s REDLINK PLUS technology isn’t just a fancy feature – it genuinely protects your investment. During our stress tests, the tool never overheated or bogged down, even during aggressive cutting sessions. The system communicates between the tool, battery, and charger to optimize performance and prevent damage.

Tool-Free Blade Change System

We changed blades dozens of times during testing, and the tool-free mechanism worked flawlessly every time. No fumbling with Allen wrenches or dealing with awkward set screws – just a simple lever that securely locks and releases blades in seconds. This feature alone saves valuable time on job sites.

Adjustable Shoe and Bevel Capacity

The metal shoe adjusts quickly for bevel cuts up to 45 degrees in both directions. We tested various bevel angles on different materials, and the shoe remained rock-solid throughout. The adjustment mechanism is both precise and durable – exactly what you need for professional-quality angled cuts.

LED Lighting System

The integrated LED work light proved more useful than we initially expected. When cutting in dimly lit spaces or when our body cast shadows over the work area, the bright LED illuminated the cutting line perfectly. It’s one of those features you don’t think you need until you have it.

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Real-World Performance Testing Results

Cutting Through Hardwood

We tested the Milwaukee 2737B-20 on oak, maple, and walnut boards of varying thicknesses. The jig saw glided through 1-inch oak with minimal effort, producing clean cuts with minimal tear-out on the bottom side. Even on 2-inch maple, the tool never struggled or stalled – it simply powered through at a steady, controlled pace.

Plywood and Sheet Goods

Cutting plywood can be challenging due to splintering, but we achieved excellent results using the appropriate blade. The variable speed control allowed us to dial in the perfect cutting speed to minimize chip-out. The clear sightlines provided by the barrel grip design made it easy to follow layout lines precisely.

Metal Cutting Capabilities

With the right metal-cutting blade installed, we successfully cut through aluminum flashing, steel studs, and various metal brackets. The power delivery remained consistent, and the tool never felt overwhelmed by the denser material. This versatility makes it genuinely useful for HVAC work, electrical installations, and general metal fabrication tasks.

Ergonomics and User Comfort During Extended Use

We deliberately used this jig saw for several hours straight to assess user fatigue. The barrel grip design significantly reduces wrist strain compared to top-handle models we’ve used in the past. The weight distribution feels perfect – not too front-heavy, which can cause arm fatigue, and not too handle-heavy, which affects control.

The trigger feels responsive without being overly sensitive. We could easily modulate speed for precision work, and full-speed operation required just the right amount of trigger pressure. The lock-on button proved invaluable during long, straight cuts, allowing us to maintain consistent speed without constant trigger pressure.

What We Love About This Tool

After thorough testing, several features stand out as exceptional:

The cutting power genuinely rivals corded jig saws we’ve used. There’s no “cordless compromise” here – this tool delivers professional performance in a battery-powered package.

Blade visibility is outstanding. The barrel grip design positions your eye directly over the cutting line, making precision work significantly easier than with traditional jig saw designs.

The dust blower keeps the cutting line clear without requiring constant manual clearing. This seemingly small feature makes a noticeable difference in cutting accuracy.

Battery compatibility with the entire M18 system means if you already own Milwaukee M18 batteries, you’re ready to go. We tested with both 5.0Ah and 9.0Ah batteries, and both performed excellently (runtime was obviously longer with the high-capacity pack).

Considerations Before You Buy

This is a bare tool listing, meaning no battery or charger is included. If you’re not already invested in the Milwaukee M18 ecosystem, factor in the additional cost of at least one battery and charger. We recommend starting with at least a 5.0Ah battery for adequate runtime.

The barrel grip design, while excellent for control and visibility, may require an adjustment period if you’ve only used top-handle jig saws. We adapted quickly, but it’s worth noting if you’re switching styles.

While not particularly heavy, this is a professional-grade tool with more heft than budget models. The extra weight comes from robust components that ensure longevity and performance.

Customer Reviews Analysis: What Other Users Are Saying

Milwaukee M18 FUEL 18V Cordless Barrel Grip Jig Saw Bare Tool has garnered substantial feedback from real-world users, and their experiences largely align with our testing results.

Professional contractors consistently praise the power output, with many noting it matches or exceeds their previous corded models. Several electricians specifically mentioned the tool’s value for cutting metal studs and conduit, validating our metal-cutting test results.

Woodworkers appreciate the precision and control, particularly when making curved cuts in hardwood and creating intricate scroll work. Multiple reviewers mentioned achieving professional-quality results on furniture projects and cabinetry work.

The most common praise centers on three areas: cutting power, battery life, and the superior visibility provided by the barrel grip design. Users report that a 5.0Ah battery provides approximately 45-60 minutes of moderate use, which matches our experience.

Some users initially found the barrel grip awkward if they were accustomed to top-handle models, but most reported adapting within the first project. A few reviewers wished for an included